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.
Graduates with expertise in communications engineering are highly sought after in industry. On this MSc, you’ll combine theory and practice to discover the existing and emerging technologies driving rapid advances in cyber security and communications engineering.
We’ll 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, you’ll receive a grounding in advanced signal processing techniques and learn how to use industry standard software.
We’ll 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, you’ll undertake a research project in a real-world engineering environment as part of an extended placement opportunity. While on placement, you’ll 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.
This MSc is for graduates with a good degree in an electrical/electronic or engineering related subject.
This course is pending accreditation by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
You’ll study eight compulsory modules in year one and choose 15 credits of optional modules. Your optional module choice could take the form of two 7.5-credit modules or one 15-credit module.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
ELEC499 MSc Industrial Project and ELEC498 MSc Placement Experience are completed across the duration of year two.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MSC INDUSTRIAL PROJECT (ELEC499) | 60 |
| MSC PLACEMENT EXPERIENCE (ELEC498) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The first year of the programme is taught through a mixture of formal lectures, tutorials, practical laboratory sessions, guided reading, student-centred learning and project work. Many of the modules require you to develop your skills through independent learning.
In your second year, you’ll undertake an industrial project in a real-world environment.
Modules in the first year of the course are assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework. a combination of examinations and coursework. The examinations take place at the end of each semester and typically take the form of an in-person written assignment, usually to be completed in a couple of hours. You’ll be assigned coursework across the length of each semester. This typically takes the form of marked laboratory reports, assignments, essays, class tests and presentations.
The second year of the course is assessed through a portfolio of evidence from your industrial placement and a major project undertaken in your placement setting.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
If you are interested in studying this programme without the year in industry placement, it is available as a standard MSc (Eng). Completing this programme without the year in industry usually takes one year when completing full-time.
View Cyber Security and Communications Engineering MSc (Eng)
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
This course is delivered by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, which is home to well-equipped modern laboratories for undertaking practical work. The department features a number of strong research groups and has excellent links with the electronics industry. All lecturers are actively engaged in research and most have international reputations, ensuring students are given the most up-to-date and commercially-relevant education.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
All of the resources that I have been able to access from the University have been the greatest treasures for me. This includes the literature and software available from the libraries and Department, as well as the career guide from the Careers and Employability service.
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Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Whether you’re 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, you’ll be able to demonstrate the expertise needed for a variety of roles with engineering companies of all sizes.
The University of Liverpool is one of the most targeted universities by top employers, according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research. This means our graduates are in demand for employment and sought after by top employers worldwide.
Qualifying with a Cyber Security and Communications Engineering MSc degree from Liverpool will equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to explore a vast range of opportunities across the globe, in leading companies at the forefront of technology. Upon graduating, you will be ready to pursue a career involving:
• Design and development of communication networks
• Maintenance and upgrading of existing telecommunications infrastructure
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Wireless communications and networking
• Cyber security.
Some of our graduates have gone on to work for companies such as:
• Huawei
• EE
• Imagination Technologies.
The analytical, communication and IT skills you develop will also prepare you for a variety of non-engineering positions, as well as potential PhD study.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £13,300
Year in industry fee - £2,700
Full-time place, per year - £29,900
Year in industry fee - £6,000
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a related subject, such as Electrical Engineering and Electronics. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 17 February 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions