Wireless and Microwave Communication Engineering (MRes)

Overview

This MRes course aims to provide you with an excellent platform for career development, whether that be within industry or academic research. You will be taught advanced level knowledge and skills that will allow you to succeed in the rapidly growing wireless and microwave communication industry, while also enhancing your research skills. You will develop expertise in new and evolving areas of microwave engineering including mobile communications and the medical applications of microwaves. You will improve your advanced computer-aided design, measurement and characterisation skills. You will also have the opportunity to complete an independent project as part of an intensive research stage, putting you in a strong position for a possible future in academic or industrial research. If you do not wish to undertake a research project, you can exit with a Postgraduate Certificate, thus maximising accessibility whether you are working in industry or higher education.

Course structure

The course is presented as a one-year full-time masters level programme, in two stages. In stage one, students follow one semester of taught modules from September to January, to the value of 60 credits, focusing on research skills. Stage two consists of independent research of eight months' duration, leading to the submission of a significant research project of 120 credits in the following September. The overall project structure is a single piece of work held over 8 months of the MRes programme. Part of the assessment output will be a publication-ready research paper, although submission/publication of this paper will not be a requirement.

Learning and assessment

A wide range of teaching styles are used to deliver the diverse material forming the curriculum of the programme. You will attend lectures and take part in lab and tutorial based study during the Autumn semester of stage one. You will develop ideas for your individual research project. At the beginning of stage one, you will be allocated a research tutor. Dissertation topics are normally chosen from a range of project titles proposed by academic and research staff, in areas of cutting-edge research interest. You will be encouraged to put forward your own project ideas where possible. You will receive training in the utilisation of laboratory resources throughout the project. The course is assessed through examinations, written coursework, and a final individual research dissertation.

Career prospects

Career prospects in this field are generally excellent, with graduating students following paths either into research or related industry. If you are interested in working in industry, many of our graduating MSc/MPhil/MRes students achieve excellent employment opportunities in organisations including Infineon, Huawei, Cambridge Silicon Radio, Vodafone and International Rectifier. In terms of research, Cardiff University has many electrical, electronic and microwave related research areas that require PhD students, and the MRes will provide you with an excellent platform if this is your chosen career path.

An upper second class honours degree in electrical or electronic engineering or a similar field from a good UK university or an equivalent international degree qualification. If you have a good 2:2 or equivalent, or relevant industrial experience, we will give your application individual consideration.