Satellite Communications Engineering MSc – 2023 entry
Key information
Start date: September 2023
- Study mode and duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 5 years
Why choose this course
Satellites give us an unprecedented perspective of our planet, aid navigation and provide global communications.
At Surrey, we’re internationally renowned for our work in satellite communications, broadcasting, terrestrial mobile networks and the internet: Essential components of modern communication and information.
Our MSc is taught by academics and researchers with extensive theoretical expertise and practical knowledge – so you’ll get a learning experience that really is out of this world.
What you will study
Satellite communications enable wireless communication in regions where mobile networking may not be possible. Our course will give you an in-depth understanding of the engineering aspects of these important technologies.
With useful links to major satellite manufacturers, operators and service providers, we’re the proud home of the world’s largest academic research group specialising in 5G and 6G communications.
Our 5G/6G Innovation Centre was founded by major national and international players in the communications industry, including the UK’s leading mobile operators. Here, the focus is on the research and development of mobile communications and wireless technology capable of meeting the needs of the digital economy and the world of tomorrow. A key element of this work involves examining how satellites will integrate with future 5G/6G technology.
Please be aware: the course content and modules listed for this course are subject to change for the 2023/24 academic year, whilst we undertake a curriculum design review. Please contact the programme leader if you have any queries about the course.
Facilities, equipment and support
We host the Surrey Space Centre – a unique facility made up of academics and engineers from our own spin-out company, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.
Our Mission Control Centre was designed and developed by students to support international CubeSat operations as part of the GENSO network, and also supports the development of our own educational satellites.
Our teaching laboratories provide hands-on experience of satellite design and construction using EyasSAT nano-satellite kits. They also house meteorological satellite receiving stations for the live reception of satellite weather images.
Elsewhere, our fully equipped RF Lab has a network analyser and signal and satellite link simulators. The Rohde and Schwartz Satellite Networking Laboratory includes DVBS2-RCS generation and measurement equipment, and roof-mounted antennas for communicating live with satellites. A security testbed also exists for satellite security evaluation.
We have a full range of software support for assignments and project work, including MATLAB, and you’ll be able to access system simulators already built in-house.
You can also make use of SatNEx, a European Network of Excellence in satellite communications, supported by the European Space Agency. This is a satellite platform that exists to link the 22 partners around Europe. It’s used for virtual meetings and allows you to participate in lectures and seminars presented by partners.
Our own spin-out company, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, is situated close by on Surrey Research Park and provides ready access to satellite production and industrial facilities. We also have strategic relationships with Airbus and several other major communications companies.
Research
Our current research concerns high throughput satellite design with advanced payload techniques. We’re also working on mega constellations of satellites and on satellites within 5G.
On the networking side, our work focuses on advanced internet over satellite and satellite security systems.
You’ll complete your project alongside our research teams in these areas and learn from tailored modules on these advanced techniques.
Professional recognition
MSc - Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
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.
Graduates of this course can be found in most of the world’s main satellite companies and form an active Surrey alumni group. Companies that have employed our graduates include:
- Airbus
- Eutelsat
- Inmarsat
- SES.
93 per cent of our electrical and electronic engineering postgraduate students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes survey 2022, HESA).
Research centres and groups
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 two and five 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
FOUR in total
A full-time student must choose:
TWO in Semester 1
TWO in Semester 2
A part-time student must complete study of four optional modules within 60 months.
Optional modules for Unstructured (3-5 years) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
Four optional modules in total
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 Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (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 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.
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).
International entry requirements by country
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 your experience exceeds the typical requirements for entry to the programme, 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. If you can demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for specific modules through your previous learning, it may be possible to exempt you from those modules, and for you to 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.
In some cases, prior knowledge and skills may allow applicants to join the start of a course without meeting the formal entry requirements.
Please see our code transfer and recognition of prior learning guide (PDF) and recognition of prior learning and prior credit web page for further information. Please email Admissions (admissions@surrey.ac.uk) with any queries.
Fees per year
Start date: September 2023
Full-time - 1 year
- UK
- £10,900
- Overseas
- £24,400
Part-time - 5 years
- UK
- £1,200
- Overseas
- £2,700
Please note:
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2023-24 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 2023-24 academic year
- Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements.
Payment schedule
- Students in receipt of a tuition fee loan: Will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule
- International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a tuition fee loan: Are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.
- If you are sponsored: You will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.
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.
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Course | Status |
|---|---|
Satellite Communications Engineering MSc Full-time, 12 months, September 2023 | Applications open Closing date: Monday 3 July 2023 |
Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready. | |
Satellite Communications Engineering MSc Part-time, 60 months, September 2023 | Applications open Closing date: Monday 3 July 2023 |
Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready. | |
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 Charter, Statutes, Ordinances, Policies, 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 our offer terms and conditions and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/2023 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: the offer terms and conditions and registration terms and conditions which you will be asked to agree to may be different from those detailed in the examples. 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 be available at the start of each academic year and 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 our full disclaimer.
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.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH