MSc (Eng) Cyber Security and Communications Engineering with a Year in Industry

University of Liverpool

Course overview

Place yourself at the forefront of modern communications engineering on this MSc. We'll combine theory and practice as we immerse you in all aspects of digital and wireless communications, cyber security, key programming languages and advanced signal processing techniques.

Introduction

Graduates with expertise in communications engineering are highly sought after in industry. On this MSc, youll combine theory and practice to discover the existing and emerging technologies driving rapid advances in cyber security and communications engineering.

Well introduce you to the components of communication networks, examine the fundamentals of radio frequency engineering, and show you how to design and develop digital and wireless communication systems.

Gaining knowledge of the programming languages C++ and MATLAB, youll receive a grounding in advanced signal processing techniques and learn how to use industry standard software.

Well explore the principles, components and protocols of communication networks and analyse the mechanisms, models and characteristics of radio signal transmission in wireless systems. An introduction to information theory will additionally familiarise you with source coding techniques.

Further opportunities to specialise are available through optional modules. These cover mobile communications and security, microelectronics, electromagnetics, antennas, image processing and advanced systems.

In year two, youll undertake a research project in a real-world engineering environment as part of an extended placement opportunity. While on placement, youll develop transferable skills and gain insights into the operations, products, practices and culture of the placement provider.

Please note: We constantly review and develop our postgraduate programmes. This MSc is also available with the alternative title Telecommunications and Wireless Systems with a Year in Industry MSc for entry September 2025, and gives students the option to graduate with either of these two MSc titles.

Who is this course for?

This MSc is for graduates with a good degree in an electrical/electronic or engineering related subject.

What you'll learn

• Advanced signal processing techniques
• Principles, protocols and components of communications networks, including network security
• How to design and code software for engineering applications using the programming languages C++ and MATLAB
• Research and project management skills
• Mechanisms, models and characteristics of radio signal transmission in wireless systems
• How to design and simulate a wireless communication system using industrial standard software
• The fundamentals of radio frequency engineering
• Source coding techniques
• Principles, protocols and security mechanisms of mobile communications networks
• High frequency electromagnetics and circuit design techniques.

Careers and employability

Whether youre looking to secure a position in cyber security, communications engineering or wireless networking engineering, and whether you want to focus on design, development, research, manufacturing, maintenance or consultancy, youll be able to demonstrate the expertise needed for a variety of roles with engineering companies of all sizes.