Recent advances in communication technologies have been unprecedented. The migration from analogue communication tools and techniques to digital communication systems has opened up a host of applications in business, entertainment and commerce. Modern sophisticated communication systems include analogue multiplexers, optical-fibre links, digital routers, digital signal processing, and large-scale user-application software tools. Successful integration of such systems has enabled the rapid expansion in internet, mobile communications, e-commerce, and home shopping. Communication engineers possessing up-to-date skills are among the most sought after engineering graduates in the industry. Your first year focuses on the basic principles and practices needed in electronic engineering, and on developing relevant analytical, design and organisational abilities. In year two you will explore in more depth the theories and techniques involved in product design and development, with particular emphasis on 'embedded' real-time microprocessor systems, programmable logic devices and power control. You will extend your knowledge of analogue electronics and mathematics with an introduction to the MATLAB package that is used in subsequent modules. In your final year the focus is on understanding more about the specialist technologies that are at the heart of today's advanced communication systems. Mobile communication concepts and computer networks, the design of high-speed analogue and digital electronics using integrated circuits, and radio frequency circuits and systems are all examined, along with key aspects of telecommunications, optical fibre transmission and digital signal processing. You will be studying both the traditional communications and the digital techniques, and the interaction between them. You will learn about digital fundamentals, computing concepts and the problem-solving tools. As well as an understanding of relevant business practices and social and ethical issues, you will develop practical skills in computer simulation, circuit construction and testing – benefitting from teaching staff with direct expertise of cutting-edge electrical and engineering technology.

Communication engineers with up-to-date skills are among the most sought-after engineering graduates in the industry. Maximising bandwidth, guaranteeing quality of service, supporting and dispatching multimedia data, and designing and implementing antennas are just a few of the skills that graduates from this course offer as key benefits to employers. Jobs are likely to be in the areas of equipment design, systems planning and design, service support and infrastructure management. Many of our graduates successfully move into management positions within a few years.