Mobile and High Speed Telecommunication Networks - 2012 entry

Course content

To qualify for a master’s degree, you must pass modules amounting to 180 credits. This comprises six taught modules (20 credits each) plus your dissertation (50 credits) and a module on research and study methods (10 credits).

For the taught part of your course, you will take three modules in Semester 1 (September to December) and three more in Semester 2 (January to May). This makes up two-thirds of your studies. Part-time students normally take four modules in their first year and two in their second year.

Semester 1

In Semester 1 you take two compulsory modules and one optional module.

• Digital Mobile Communications (compulsory) introduces the principles and techniques of 2G mobile communications with particular emphasis on GSM networks. It covers infrastructure, protocols, multiplexing technologies, signalling, call set-up, data structures, system design and environmental considerations.
• Network Principles (compulsory) introduces the principles and practice of computer networking, with an emphasis on data communications and local area network technologies and design.
• Digital Communications covers the principles and techniques of digital communications with particular emphasis on its applications in mobile and wireless networks.
• Object-Oriented Programming covers the principles of programming and object orientation, giving you the opportunity to applying these using an object oriented programming language.

Semester 2

In Semester 2 you take two compulsory modules and one optional module.

• High Speed Mobile Communications (compulsory) examines the technology behind the third generation of mobile communication systems which offer services such as mobile internet and video in addition to voice and message/data communications.
• Multiservice Networks (compulsory) covers the principles of multiservice network design and technology, illustrating these with case studies including state-of-the-art practice.
• Optical and Broadband Networks describes the operational principles of optical fibre communication systems and examines how optical networks are used to provide the next generation broadband infrastructure.
• Programming Mobile Devices covers the current and emerging mobile technologies, giving you experience of developing software applications for mobile devices using appropriate programming languages and tools.
• Computer and Network Security covers the technological and human issues involved in securing and assessing the security level of modern networked computer systems, as well as looking at digital forensics.

As courses are reviewed regularly, the list of taught modules you choose from may vary from the list here.

 You also take:

• Research and Study Methods covers the research skills, planning and management techniques and guidance on analysis and technical presentation that you will need for your dissertation. This is taken in Semester 1.
• MSc Dissertation is an individual research and development project that allows you to study a topic of your choice in depth, guided by your supervisor. The work may be undertaken in close co-operation with a research, industrial or commercial organisation. You start your dissertation in Semester 2, continuing over the summer period.

Part-time students normally take these modules in their second year.

Faculty

Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment

Department

Department of Computing and Communication Technologies

Course length

Full-time: 1 year (12 months)
Part-time: 2 years

Teaching location

Wheatley Campus

Start date

September 2012

UKPASS code

P008076

Entry requirements

You should normally hold a first degree equivalent to at least a British lower second-class bachelor’s degree in telecommunications, electronics or a computing-related discipline. If you have relevant professional experience this can also be considered.

Scholarships and funding

For general sources of financial support, see:

• funding for students from the UK and EU
• funding for students from outside the EU

Why Oxford is a great place to study Mobile and High Speed Telecommunication Networks

Oxford has an international reputation as one of the world’s leading academic cities. The environment makes it a great place to enhance your technical skills as well as providing an opportunity to enjoy the lively social and sporting life in this student-oriented city. 

Oxford also lies close to the heart of the UK’s high-tech business community in the Thames Valley. We have excellent and extensive links with companies operating in the computing and communications fields which has led to the establishment of world-leading research activities that subsequently feed into our taught programmes and provide opportunities for student project work.

How Brookes supports postgraduate students

Supporting your learning

From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.

Personal support services

We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.

Departmental research highlights

The Department of Computing and Communication Technologies is home to world-leading and award-winning research. Our focus is on user-inspired original research with real-world applications. We have a vibrant and growing research community, with active research staff in subjects spanning computing and communications. Staff and students collaborate on projects supported by the EPSRC, the EU, the DTI, and several major UK companies.  

Research excellence

85% of the department's research has been internationally recognised, with 15% world-leading.