M.Eng. in Telecommunications Engineering

Course details

This programme is at the highest European Masters degree level. It offers advanced-level courses in the theory, analysis, design, modelling and manufacturing of telecommunications systems. You can decide when to join and how to study (remote, part time and full time options available). Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate exit awards are also available.

Areas covered include Optical Communications Systems, Data Network Protocols, Broadband Networks, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Wireless and Mobile Communications, Internetwork Security, and Digital Signal Processing.

Aims and Objectives:

• This programme is designed to enhance your knowledge, understanding and skills in Telecommunications Engineering.

Programme Structure:

This programme may be completed in one-year full-time or over an extended period of up to four years on a part-time basis. There are two intakes in any academic year, in September and in February. Due to the scheduling of project related activities, those full time students who join in February will be given 18 months to complete the programme (8 taught modules & project).

Part-time students are advised to take two modules per semester. This can be done in a number of ways:

• The timetable has been designed to ensure attendance at DCU with minimum disruption to your work. If an employee has some flexibility, it should be possible to take two modules by attending DCU for one full day or two half-days per week.
• It may be more appropriate for you to use the 'hybrid' study approach - take one module at DCU, and a second using web-based distance-learning.

Remote Access/Web-based Distance-learning

All of the modules are supported by web-based distance-learning. It is possible to study all taught elements of an M.Eng. degree via the web, as well as some of the Masters project. The project does, however, require some attendance at DCU. Students must attend campus for all examinations.

It is also possible to take one or more modules for continuing professional development purposes without obtaining a qualification. This programme is called Individual Postgraduate Modules - Electronics [IPME]

Access/Qualifier Pathways

For students who do not meet the normal Masters entry requirements, the School offers a Masters Qualifier (MEQ) pathway to provide up-skilling or re-skilling opportunities culminating, for successful students, in a Masters award.

Why DCU:

• With more than 20 modules available there is great scope to tailor the programme to your needs and interests in the largest and longest-running programme of its type in the country.
• Flexible study options: combine full-time/part-time, on-campus/remote, a choice of two starting times each year.
• There are reduced fees as the course is funded by the HEA Skills Conversion Programme.
• The course is continually kept up to date to reflect changing trends in industry and research.
• Acquire knowledge and skills that are in high demand in industry.
• Work on your Masters project in some of the top research labs in the country.

International Students

Non-EU students are normally only recruited onto the Masters Programme (not onto the Qualifier). Entry is on the basis of meeting or exceeding the recognised equivalent of the stated entry requirements and meeting the DCU English language requirements. For applicants who have not fully met the DCU English language requirements, the Masters programme accepts students who have completed the Pre-Masters International Foundation Programme (IFP). Students who have completed the IFP are guaranteed a place on their target programme in DCU.

Career Prospects:

Opportunities will arise in Irish and International high-tech industries, including:

• Research and Development Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Production Engineer
• Sales Engineer
• Management Engineer
• Software Engineer

Graduates have been employed by companies including Google, IBM and Oracle. The skills you learn, however, are fundamental and can also be applied to many other disciplines. In addition your project will also greatly improve your employment potential.

Entry Requirements:

The following general requirements apply:

• An honours degree in Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Sciences or other Engineering disciplines is a normal requirement for direct entry onto the Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma/M.Eng programmes, however:
• There are two entry routes for both the Graduate Certificate/Diploma:
  - A basic primary degree in a relevant disciple
  or
  - A related Diploma plus a minimum of three years relevant experience. Applicants applying via this route will also be required to attend an interview as part of the application process.
• Non-EU applicants are assessed under the same criteria as specified above and their qualifications are also checked for equivalence using the NARIC system (UK National Academic Recognition Information Center).
• Existing students have the performance-related options of transferring between programmes, such as moving from the Graduate Diploma to the Masters. For more information please see the page regardingProgramme Transfer.
• For those taking a single module a recommendation from the module coordinator is required.