RF and Microwave Engineering MSc – 2022 entry
Key information
Start date: October 2022
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 5 years
Why choose this course
Radio frequency (RF) and microwave engineering makes many aspects of our day-to-day lives possible, from mobile phones and wi-fi, through to radios and radar systems.
Here at Surrey, we’re one of the few institutions with the expertise and facilities to give you hands-on experience of RF and microwave devices. Your teaching will be supported and informed by pioneering research in wireless communications, space technology, and advanced gigahertz and terahertz microwave technologies. This course places particular emphasis on the use of RF and microwave communications in 5G and beyond, as well as across industries in the space and defence sector.
We also have a formal link with the UK's measurement facility, the National Physical Laboratory, and this partnership creates the type of cutting-edge RF and microwave research seen in the video below.
What you will study
There’s high demand for skilled RF and microwave engineers in the communications, space, aerospace and automotive industries, among others.
On our course, you’ll learn about a range of modern theories and practical design techniques, giving you the essential knowledge and skills you need to become an RF engineer.
You’ll experience RF systems and circuits across the frequency spectrum, ranging from RF identification, working at a few megahertz, through to mmWave frequencies at tens of gigahertz, which are relevant to satellite communications and advanced 5G radio.
You’ll explore theoretical concepts in lectures, then apply your knowledge in practical laboratory sessions, where you’ll gain direct experience of industry-standard computer-aided design software.
Academic support
We’ll provide you with academic support throughout your modules and during your project. You’ll be assigned a personal tutor, who you can discuss both academic and general course issues with. When you move into the project phase of the MSc, you’ll also be assigned a project supervisor, who you'll typically meet with weekly, to discuss the progress of your project.
Our individual taught modules also feature strong academic support, usually through a tutorial programme. All the RF and microwave modules have tutorial sheets to support the lectures. It’s also worth noting that several of our modules give you opportunities to engage in interactive learning through computer-aided design and practical laboratories.
Although completing the tutorials is not part of your formal assessment, these will enable you to receive individual feedback on your progress in the modules.
Research
Our Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has three pioneering research centres conducting RF and microwave work. These are:
- Advanced Technology Institute (owner of the n3m Laboratories)
- Institute for Communication Systems (home of the 5G/6G Innovation Centre)
- Surrey Space Centre (founder of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd).
All your teaching and project supervision will be provided by one of these research centres.
Professional recognition
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Accredited 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.
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University. Our graduates have lifetime access to Surrey Pathfinder, our online portal for appointment and events bookings, jobs, placements and interactive development tools.
Highly skilled RF engineers are extremely sought after in the industry. As a successful graduate of this course, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to pursue a rewarding career.
Former students of this course have gone on to roles at companies such as:
- Ericsson
- Qinetiq
- Telefonica.
Schools and departments
Academic year structure
If you’re studying this course full-time, you’ll study eight modules across the year – four in each semester. During the first semester, you’ll also apply for and agree on a project with an academic supervisor and begin initial work on the project, before working on it full-time after the end of the second semester. From that point, you’ll have approximately two and a half months to complete the work and write up your dissertation.
You can also study this MSC part-time, taking between 2 and 5 years. The length depends on how many modules you study each year. You can study between two and six modules each year. We recommend part-time students work on their project in their final year of study when all eight modules have either been completed or are near completion.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Optional modules for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
A full-time student must choose:
THREE in Semester 1
THREE in Semester 2
Optional modules for Unstructured (3-5 years) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
A part-time student must choose SIX out of eight available optional modules.
Timetable
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday - Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from the Academic Hive. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in either Communication Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information and Communication Technologies, Physics or Telecommunication Engineering, or a recognised equivalent international qualification. We'll also consider relevant work experience if you don't meet these requirements.
International entry requirements by country
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Credit transfer
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If this applies to you, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience, or to join the start of a course without the formal entry requirements. This means that you may be exempt from certain elements of study in the course for which you have applied and be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. Please email Admissions (admissions@surrey.ac.uk) with any queries.
Fees
Start date: October 2022
Full-time - 1 year
UK £10,900
Overseas £23,100
Part-time - 5 years
UK £1,200*
Overseas £2,500*
Please note:
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2022-23 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually.
- If you are on an unstructured self-paced part-time course, the fee shown is per 15 credits for the 2022-23 academic year. The fee payable in subsequent years will be reviewed annually.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this course:
- Books/stationery/admin: Costs may be incurred associated with the purchase of writing paper and associated stationery.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
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Admission information
Our postgraduate admissions policy* provides the basis for admissions practice across the University and gives a framework for how we encourage, consider applications and admit students. You can also read our postgraduate applicant guidance.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations, and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View an example of our offer terms and conditions and our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read more.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases, the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the academic year 2022/23. These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach during 2022/23.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH