University College London (UCL)
Telecommunications (IGDP) MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
5 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
This MSc program in Telecommunications is designed to give students a solid foundation in the key principles that underpin modern communication systems. It covers core topics like network architectures, signal processing, wireless technologies, and broadband systems. The course emphasizes practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, preparing students to understand and design telecommunications networks that are reliable, scalable, and efficient. It also explores emerging areas such as 5G, IoT, and cloud-based services, helping students stay updated with current industry trends and innovations.
The program encourages a hands-on approach through projects and laboratory work, enabling students to apply what they learn in real-world scenarios. It supports those who may want to specialize further or progress into research and development roles. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to choose electives that align with their career interests in areas like network security or data communication. Overall, this MSc aims to equip graduates with both the technical expertise and practical experience needed to succeed in the fast-paced telecommunications industry.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Masters Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students. You can search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or ethnic or religious background it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of formal lectures, laboratory and workshop sessions, seminars, tutorials and project work. All programme lecturers carry out leading research in the subjects they teach.
You'lll be assessed through unseen written examination, coursework, design exercises and the dissertation. The dissertation can be completed as part of your day-to-day work.
Students can expect 12 to 16 contact hours per week, including lectures, labs, tutorials, and workshops. An additional 12 to 16 hours each week should be dedicated to self-directed study, such as reviewing materials and completing coursework.
Modules
Flexible
You will undertake part-time modules and a project dissertation to the value of 180 credits (15 credits per course, 60 credits for dissertation). You will take 8 modules as the basis of your programme.
All modules are taught within one week of lectures (6 hours per day for 4 days). A week of self-study is allowed after the module teaching finishes and this is followed by a 3 to 4 hour discussion and tutorial session. Modules are assessed within 2 to 4 weeks of the tutorial session.
You'll then carry out a project dissertation comprises the equivalent of 18 to 20 weeks of supervised study.
Compulsory modules
- Research Project
Optional modules
- Strategy, Marketing and Product Management
- Finance and Business Environment
- Customer Service, Operations and Planning
- Organisational Design, People and Innovation Management
- Antennas and Propagation
- Optical Transmission and Networks
- Radar Systems
- Photonic Subsystems
- Introduction to Telecommunications Networks (ITN)
- Communications Systems Modelling
- Software for Network and Services Design
- Network and Services Management
- Telecommunications Business Environment
- Introduction to Internet Protocol Networks
- Mobile Communications Systems (MCS)
- Wireless Communications Principles (WCP)
- Broadband Technologies and Components
- Advanced Photonics Devices
- RF Circuits and Devices
- Internet of Things
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Telecommunications (IGDP).
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.
What this course will give you
- A postgraduate degree from a top-ranked university. UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the latest QS World University Rankings 2025), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide.
- Access state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, enhancing your practical skills and technical knowledge.
- Benefit from UCL's strong links with leading industry players, offering networking opportunities, site visits, and guest lectures.
- Gain a wide range of skills in telecommunications, network design, and modern communication technologies, preparing you for various career paths.
- Enhance your employability with a programme designed to meet the demands of today's dynamic telecommunications industry.
- Study and network with renowned academics and experts at UCL Electronic & Electrical Engineering, a Department ranked 5th in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
- Study in the world's best city for university students (QS Best Student Cities 2024). UCL’s Bloomsbury campus is in the heart of a London district famous for its cultural and educational institutions.
The foundation of your career
Students on this programme benefit from the department's deep industry connections. You'll gain invaluable insights and building a robust professional network through guest lectures, seminars, and industry interactions.
Employability
By the end of this MSc, you'll possess transferable skills essential for roles in telecommunications, network design, and data communication industries.
This programme, taught by UCL's telecommunications experts and industry specialists, prepares you for diverse opportunities in sectors such as tech firms, innovative startups, and research institutions.
Graduates are well-equipped to excel in a range of technology-driven environments. For example, graduates from this programme have gone on to roles in companies such as Network Access Associates Ltd and Aurobindo Ltd.
Networking
You’ll have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate and build professional contacts as part of your Master’s.
- Benefit from UCL's prime location in the heart of London, offering rich industry connections.
- Whether you're advancing your career or transitioning from industry, access unique opportunities through collaborations with world-leading industries.
- Participate in guest lectures and invited seminars from top professionals in the field.
- Engage in site visits and placements to gain hands-on experience.
- Learn from our world-renowned academic team who share their own industry experience with students.
Accreditation
Our MSc programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to fully comply with the CEng registration academic requirement.