RF and Microwave Engineering MSc – 2022 entry

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. 

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. 

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 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. 

Important: In light of the Covid-19 pandemic the University has revised its courses to incorporate the ‘Hybrid Learning Experience’ in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information. The University has changed the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes. Further information on the general principles of hybrid learning can be found at: Hybrid learning experience | University of Surrey.

We have updated key module information regarding the pattern of assessment and overall student workload to inform student module choices. We are currently working on bringing remaining published information up to date to reflect current practice in time for the start of the academic year 2022/23 This means that some information within the programme and module catalogue will be subject to change. Current students are invited to contact their Programme Leader or Academic Hive with any questions relating to the information available.

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:

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 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.