Programme Specifications

Wireless Communications and Radio Frequency Systems Engineering


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Physics:



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Master of Science

5 : Programme title
Wireless Communications and Radio Frequency Systems Engineering

6 : UCAS code
F936

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Physics:

Engineering



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Physics:

October 2019



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Physics:

The course aims to provide students with a broad and in-depth knowledge of major elements in radio spectrum engineering. The radio spectrum is used by systems integral to national infrastructure including mobile communications, radar, navigation and sensor systems. Substantial growth is anticipated in its applications in fields such as transport, health, security, precision farming and utilities.

Specific educational aims of the programme are to:

- provide advanced knowledge and develop skills in the field of the radio spectrum

- provide knowledge and develop the understanding of students in wireless communication networks, signal processing and radio-wave propagation and sensing

- develop theoretical and practical skills to address complex problems in radio applications

- develop discipline-related professional and research skills

- encourage students to analyse results critically and to interpret findings in terms of current knowledge

- develop skills of students to investigate a discipline-related topic in an individual project

- encourage effective communication of discipline-related topics through oral and written report



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Physics:

Upon successful completion of the scheme students should be able to:

- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the radio spectrum and its utilisation

- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of electromagnetism and its application to radio-wave propagation and sensing

- address complex problems in radio and its applications, supported by computer-aided packages

- plan, design and implement a discipline-related individual project

- critically analyse and interpret results in terms of current knowledge and communicate findings orally and in written reports



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Physics:

A1 Radio spectrum and utilisation of allocated spectrum

A2 Wireless communications networks and signal processing

A3 Principles of electromagnetism and its application to radio-wave propagation and sensing

A4 Application of computer-aided packages in solving complex problems in signal processing and antennas

A5 Planning, designing and implementing a discipline-related extended individual project and interpretation of results in terms of current knowledge.

Learning and Teaching:

Lectures, Workshops, Project

Assessment Strategies and Methods:

Examinations, Workshop Exercises, Examples, Technical Reports, Formal Reports, Oral Presentation



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Physics:

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

B1 advanced knowledge and understanding of: radio spectrum resources, wireless communication, signal processing, radio-wave propagation, microwave devices, antennas

B2 the ability to solve complex examples in radio spectrum related topics

B3 the application of computer-aided packages to address complex problems in radio spectrum related topics

B4 an understanding of refereed literature and current knowledge on topics in the discipline of the radio spectrum

B5 the interpretation of results in a discipline-related task and their discussion in terms of current knowledge

Learning and Teaching:

Lectures, Workshops, Project

Assessment Strategies and Methods:

Examinations, Workshop Exercises, Examples, Technical and Formal Written Reports, Oral Presentation

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

C1 an ability to use computer-aided packages to radio spectrum related topics

C2 competency in solving examples and workshop exercises on electromagnetism and its applications to radio propagation and sensing

C3 the ability to report on advanced practical workshop tasks in written reports

C4 an understanding of professional responsibilities in the discipline

C5 the presentation of a discipline-related project in oral and written accounts, with results, interpretation and conclusions

Learning and Teaching:

Workshops, Project

Assessment Strategies and Methods:

Workshop Exercises, Technical and Formal Written Reports, Oral Presentation



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Physics:

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

D1 the use and application of computer-packages

D2 adaptability and resilience in solving complex problems

D3 research skills and ability to design and implement work packages to solve problems

D4 competency in interpreting and discussing results in terms of current knowledge

D5 the ability to present and defend work orally and in formal written accounts

Learning and Teaching:

Workshops, Project

Assessment Strategies and Methods:

Workshop Exercises, Technical and Formal Written Reports, Oral Presentation



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



MSC Wireless Communications and Radio Frequency Systems Engineering [F936]

Academic Year: 2024/2025 scheme - available from 2024/2025

Duration (studying Full-Time): 1 years

Part 1 Rules

Year 1 Core (140 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
PHM2220

Advanced Wireless Networks - 5G and Beyond

PHM2420

Electromagnetic Theory and Microwave Devices

Semester 2
PHM2820

Antennas and Wave Propagation

PHM7220

Professional and Research Skills

Semester 3
PHM5560

MSc Project

Year 1 Options

Choose 40 credits. Other Computer Science or Graduate School modules can be taken subject to pre-requisites, timetable and approval by both departments and the Degree Scheme Co-ordinator.

Semester 1
ABM2820

Quality Engineering and Management

ABM2920

Project Management Tools and Techniques

CSM0120

Programming for Scientists

Semester 2
ABM3420

Leading and Managing Project

ABM5220

International Strategy and Operations


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.