Postgraduate ProsPectus - Aston University

School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc Telecommunications Technology
School of Engineering & Applied Science
MSc by Research in Mathematics of Complex Systems
Key facts
1 year full-time: six months of taught
modules on campus and a six month
individual project, possibly within industry.
This programme is also available via
distance learning within the UK or flexible
CPD study (this option usually takes 2-5
years: 2-3 years of taught modules delivered
through the University’s virtual learning
environment and a project of 1-2 years).
Start date: October
Intake: Up to 25 per year
Specific subject requirements
A first or good second class Honours
Degree from a UK academic organisation
in a relevant engineering field, science or
closely related discipline. Qualifications
from outside the UK or a combination of
qualifications and experience will also be
considered. International students whose
native language is not English will also
need to demonstrate English Language
ability (please see page 37 for details).
Key benefits
Prepares students for an
intellectually challenging career as
a qualified engineer
Provides students with a thorough
grounding in the principles and the
requisite specialist knowledge and
skills to develop, manage and adapt
current systems
Accredited by the Institution of
Engineering and Technology (IET)
An industrial advisory group reviews
the programme on a continual basis
Guest lectures presented by acknowledged
experts drawn from industry
Free student membership of the IET.
What are my career prospects?
The programme will be of interest
to students in technical careers
related to the design/development
of telecommunications systems,
or to those wishing to enter
telecommunications research. The
programme provides a means whereby
graduates from nontelecommunications
technical degrees can move
into this high demand area.
Programme overview
Aston’s long-established MSc in Telecommunications Technology
is designed to develop or update the wide range of technical
understanding, engineering “know-how” and professional skills
needed to contribute effectively to the design and development of
telecommunications systems. To ensure its continuing relevance the
programme is monitored by an industrial steering committee which
includes representatives from major employers.
Outline of programme
Module guide
Taught modules and examinations/assessments are completed during
six months, October to March. After successful completion students
may then progress to the six month individual research project during
April to October. The project is either undertaken in an industrial
laboratory or at the University, often with guidance and direction from
industrial partners.
Core modules:
Radio Systems and Personal Communications Networks
Internetworking
Information Theory and Coding and Traffic Theory
Software Engineering
Introductory Programming
Digital Transmission
Optical Communications
Mobile Data Networks
Realtime Communication Networks
Project Preparation
MSc Project.
Who is it taught by?
Programme Director
Dr. Xiaohong Peng
Dr. Peng teaches radio systems and mobile data networks in this MSc
programme. His research areas range from wireless and multimedia
communications and networks to sensor networks for healthcare
and wellbeing. He has led research projects in both theoretical
developments and practical system realisation through collaboration
with industry in telecommunications, data storage and mobile
communication networks. Dr Peng is a senior member of the Institute
of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (SMIEEE).
Application and contact
MSc Admissions Officer
T: +44 (0)121 204 3668
F: +44 (0)121 204 3676
E: seaspgtaught@aston.ac.uk
Programme overview
This programme is designed to train aspiring scientists and budding
IT professionals who wish to rely on numerical proficiency to further
their career goals. The programme consists of a training aspect of
taught components (4 modules, first 3 months) and a significant
interdisciplinary research project in complex systems (9 months).
Research topics are chosen by students from a list of topics ranging
from biology to finance and are supervised by academics from the
Non-linearity and Complexity Research Group (NCRG) at Aston.
Outline of programme
Module guide
This MSc integrates a taught component of four modules over three
months (50 credits) with a substantial individual research project
lasting nine months (130 credits).
Core modules:
Algorithms and Computational Mathematics (10 credits):
Linear algebra, optimisation and numerical analysis
Introduction to Methods of Statistical Physics (10 credits):
Statistical physics and its applications
Statistical Pattern Analysis and Probabilistic Modelling (15 credits):
Probabilistic models, Bayesian inference, decision theory & Monte
Carlo methods
Stochastic and Non-Linear Dynamical Systems (15 credits):
Dynamics of deterministic and random systems using ODEs,
applications in biology & finance
Research Project (130 credits): Research work in the general field of
complexity to be jointly chosen by the supervisor and student.
Who is it taught by?
Programme Director
Dr. Amit K Chattopadhyay
After obtaining a Ph.D. in theoretical physics (2001), Dr. Chattopadhyay
took up high profile research positions in Germany, UK, Italy and
India. He has authored and co-authored over 30 publications in
international peer reviewed journals and has been awarded the
Alexander von Humboldt fellowship and the Marie Curie Incoming
International Fellowship, the two highest research awards in Europe for
his researches in mathematical biology and statistical physics. He is
a co-author of a leading textbook in `Heat and Thermodynamics’ with
the same title.
Application and contact
Research Student Coordinator
T: +44 (0)121 204 3663 +44 (0)121 204 3500
F: +44 (0)121 204 3685
E: seasres@aston.ac.uk
Key facts
1 year full-time: three months of taught
modules and a nine month individual
project.
2 years part time.
Start date: October
Intake: Approximately 10 per year for
UK/EU students and 15 per year for
international students
Specific subject requirements
Applicants must achieve a minimum
of a 2:2 Honours Degree in a numerate
science from a UK University, or an
equivalent international qualification.
The Programme Director may conduct
an interview in person or by telephone.
International students whose native
language is not English will also need to
demonstrate English Language ability
(please see page 37 for details).
Key benefits
Unique training in theoretical
interdisciplinary research
Engagement with internationally
recognised scientists
Possibility to achieve (funded) PhD
as a follow-up programme
High demand for skilled individuals
in R&D sectors in industry and in IT.
What are my career prospects?
The programme has been designed to
meet the demand for mathematically
skilled experts in the modelling and
analysis of complex systems both in
the academic and industrial arena.
Graduates may be employed in a
broad range of positions: research
and development teams as a part of
a large company, in start-ups, or as
consultants. We expect a substantial
fraction of graduates from this
programme to join research teams in
high-tech engineering and IT sectors.
Previous evidence suggests that such
employment prospects are good.
Projects in collaboration with industrial
partners provide excellent opportunity to
forge links with industry that may result
in subsequent employment.
48 To find out more: Telephone: +44 (0)121 204 3400 | Email: engineering@aston.ac.uk | www.aston.ac.uk/eas
www.aston.ac.uk
49