Academic Regulations 2004/5
School of Electronics & Computer Science

Master of Science Courses in the School of Electronics & Computer Science

  • MSc Microelectronics System Design
  • MSc Radio Frequency Communications Systems
  • MSc Instrumentation and Transducers
  • MSc Optical Fibre Communications

Programme Structure

Each MSc programme has a number of compulsory and optional units. Most of these units are shared with the School's MEng programme in Electronics. The units can be studied independently as part of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It is also possible to study units if you are registered at another University on a recognised MSc programme. Having studied a number of units as part of CPD, you may retrospectively register for one of the streams within this MSc programme, subject to the progression rules below.

If you are employed at an appropriate level within a related industry, you may register for the MSc as a part-time student. In this case, you are expected to have the full support of your employer. If you register for part-time study, you may take up to 5 years to complete the programme. Because of timetabling constraints and because the course content may vary slightly from year to year, as a part-time student you may choose a different combination of units from the normal full-time pattern.

You must choose from the units described in Appendix 1; units may be single or double weighted. Each successfully completed unit is equivalent to 10 credit points (CP); double units are equivalent to 20 CP. You will be expected to have completed a total equivalent to 120 CP; the dissertation is equivalent to a further 60 CP. The programme includes both level H and level M courses.

The following is the normal pattern of study for a full-time student completing the programme within 12 calendar months.

Semester 1 Research Methods (double unit) and 4 other units, including those specified as compulsory for the MSc programme.
Semester 2 3 double units including those specified as compulsory for the MSc programme.

Following the successful completion of the formal taught part of the programme, you will undertake an individual project lasting about 3 months which is assessed by a dissertation.

Examinations are held at the end of Semester 1 (January) and at the end of Semester 2 (May). The progression rules for MSc courses in the Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics apply to all ECS MSc courses with the following exceptions:
  • If you fail to reach the required standard in examinations and coursework by a small margin, you may be required - at the discretion of the examiners - to undertake remedial work during June and July to bring you up to the standard required for dissertation.

  • All students register for the MSc but a student may choose to exit with a Diploma or Certificate.
The table below shows the overall structure and exit points:

Examinations
Dissertation
Exit Points
Semester 1: Oct-Jan
end-Jan
Semester 2: Feb-May
end-May
PG Certificate (60 CP)
OR
PG Diploma (120 CP)
Project: June-Sept
end-Oct
MSc (180 CP)