Electronics & Avionics
Wireless and Optical Communications MSc
University College LondonA one-year MSc covering wireless, optical and photonic communication systems, including radar, RF technologies, antennas and broadband networks.
Study Level
Master's Degree
Study Mode
On Campus
Duration
1 calendar year full-time
Programme Overview
UCL's Wireless and Optical Communications MSc provides advanced training in the technologies used to build modern wireless, optical and photonic communication systems.
Students develop expertise in the physical layer of wireless and optical communications, covering technologies from device fabrication and component characteristics through to complete communication-system architecture and design.
The programme includes study in communications-system modelling, wireless communication principles, broadband technologies and laboratory-based communication engineering.
Optional topics include antennas and propagation, radar systems, optical transmission and networks, photonic subsystems, RF circuits and devices, mobile communications, Internet of Things and machine learning.
Students also complete a substantial supervised research project and dissertation, providing practical experience in solving advanced communications-engineering problems.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally hold at least an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an equivalent overseas qualification.
Suitable academic backgrounds include electronic engineering, electrical engineering, physics, computer science, communications engineering or another closely related technical discipline.
Applicants should have sufficient mathematical and technical preparation for advanced study in wireless, optical and communication systems.
The application requires two references and a personal statement explaining the applicant's motivation, academic preparation and intended career direction.
Admission is competitive and meeting the minimum academic requirement does not guarantee an offer.
English-Language Requirements
UCL English Language Level 1 is required.
IELTS Academic:
6.5 overall
Minimum 6.0 in each component
TOEFL taken from 21 January 2026:
4.5 overall
Minimum 4.0 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
TOEFL taken before 21 January 2026:
92 overall
Minimum 24 in Reading
Minimum 24 in Writing
Minimum 20 in Speaking
Minimum 20 in Listening
Equivalent UCL-approved English-language qualifications may also be accepted.
Applicants should confirm current test validity and exemption requirements before applying.
Career Outcomes
Scholarship Information
UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering offers and signposts several postgraduate funding opportunities. Institution of Engineering and Technology Scholarships and Awards The IET offers competitive scholarships and awards supporting postgraduate engineering study and research. UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering Scholarships The department provides information about postgraduate scholarships and funding opportunities available to eligible students. UCL Scholarships and Funding Additional university-wide scholarships may be available depending on nationality, academic merit, financial circumstances and programme eligibility. External Scholarships Eligible students may also apply for funding through organisations such as the Royal Academy of Engineering, British Council and Commonwealth scholarship schemes. Scholarship availability, eligibility and deadlines vary by award and admission cycle.