Wireless and Optical Communications MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Gain the critical skills to excel in the fast-paced and ever-changing landscape of wireless and optical communications with this one-year MSc. You'll acquire hands-on experience in addressing technical challenges across both radio and optical domains, preparing you for sought-after roles at the forefront of developments in the communications, ICT and technology sectors.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£20,500
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£39,800
Duration
1 calendar year
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 04 Apr 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


Wireless and optical communications are leading technological innovation.

Join us on this one-year MSc to deepen your understanding of the key technologies that drive the latest broadband communication systems.

You’ll gain expertise in the physical layer of wireless, optical, and photonic systems, and explore their applications in fields ranging from THz imaging to radar.

The programme covers everything from device fabrication and properties to system architecture and design. Our comprehensive curriculum will ensure you have a holistic understanding of how to engineer complete communication systems.

Who this course is for

This programme is ideal for you if you are a graduate in electronic engineering, physics, computer science, or a related discipline, and are eager to deepen your understanding of both wireless and optical communication systems.

Whether you're aiming to advance in your current career, pivot to a new role in telecommunications, or prepare for further research, this MSc will provide you with the comprehensive technical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel.

If you have a passion for tackling the complex challenges of modern communication networks and want to be at the forefront of innovations in this rapidly evolving field, this programme is designed to help you achieve your goals.

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities:

  • 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. 
  • Gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art facilities and the latest technology in wireless and optical communications.
  • Learn from world-renowned academics and researchers who are leaders in the field, ensuring you receive top-tier education and insights.
  • Enhance your career prospects with a degree that equips you with in-demand skills, preparing you for roles in various industries such as telecommunications, networking, and more.
  • Build a strong professional network through UCL's extensive industry connections, giving you opportunities to engage with experts and potential employers.
  • 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

Graduates leave this programme well-prepared for careers in engineering, consultancy, and system architecture. Many also choose to advance in academia, contributing to research and teaching in this dynamic field.

UCL Electrical and Electronics Engineering has global reputation and well-known for producing excellent engineers, in which personally, very helpful when I tried to find a job or to climb the corporate ladder.

UCL Portico building with welcome sign between columns.

Ilham Nandana

MSc Wireless and Optical Communications

Employability

On completion of this programme, you’ll be exceptionally well-prepared with skills in advanced optical communications, wireless technology and networking for the telecommunications, ICT and tech sectors. 

The comprehensive skillset you develop will be highly transferable, making you a valuable asset in sectors such as technology, data communications, and beyond. 

Networking

You’ll have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build professional contacts as part of your Master’s.

  • Benefit from being part of UCL Electronic & Electrical Engineering located in the heart of London.
  • Expand your knowledge and network with our deep industry connections at guest lectures and invited seminars.
  • Gain hands-on experience through industry site visits and potential placements.
  • Student joining this course will become a part of EEE’s diverse international community with successful students having joined from countries such as China, Thailand and Belgium. 
  • Gain valuable career insights from our renowned academic team who share real-world industry knowledge from their professional experiences. What's more, our extensive course provision also involves collaboration with world-leading industries.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) 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.

Teaching and learning

Your 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.

Assessment is via unseen written examination, coursework, design exercises and a dissertation.

The exact number of contact hours and composition varies throughout the term depending on the module choices of the student. Students can expect approximately 12 to 16 contact hours in a typical week across all activities (lectures, labs, tutorials, and workshops).

Students will generally need to devote a similar amount of time each week to self-directed study (for instance reviewing taught material and completing coursework).

Modules

All modules are taught in intensive 1-week 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.

The programme consists of 5 compulsory modules, 3 optional modules and a research dissertation.

The project and dissertation consists of 18 to 20 weeks of supervised study assessed by viva and written dissertation report.

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 Wireless and Optical Communications.

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.

Where you'll study

Two students working at desk opposite each other in room filled with computer equipment and wires

UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering’s facilities feature a variety of test equipment, including soldering stations, microscopes, and reflow ovens. Workstations offer test software, oscilloscopes, waveform generators, and digital multimeters. We provide 3D printers and a benchtop laser cutter for rapid prototyping of mechatronic designs. Our PCB Facility, staffed by experts, produces PCBs like RF, multilayer, and flexible circuits, using CNC machines, electroplating, laser ablation, and etching equipment. The department includes a computer lab and CPU/GPU servers. Research labs feature cleanrooms, nanoscale labs, quantum measurement labs, an anechoic chamber, and photonic and optical communication labs, supporting final-year projects and advanced research.

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Where can a UCL Engineering degree take you - Alumni Perspectives

Where can a UCL Engineering degree take you? Join us for a panel and Q&A event with UCL Engineering alumni. You'll learn what you can expect from postgraduate study at UCL Engineering and get application advice from previous students! This is an opportunity for all applicants to hear personal experiences of studying with us, but may be most relevant to those applying from the USA, Latin and South America.

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Where can a UCL Engineering degree take you - Alumni Perspectives

Where can a UCL Engineering degree take you? Join us for a panel and Q&A event with UCL Engineering alumni. You'll learn what you can expect from postgraduate study at UCL Engineering and get application advice from previous students! This is an opportunity for all applicants to hear personal experiences of studying with us, but may be most relevant to those applying from the USA, Latin and South America.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £20,500
Tuition fees (2025/26) £39,800

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students are expected to have their own computer/laptop to carry out independent study and any programming assignments.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) awards competitive scholarships for postgraduate study, for details visit www.theiet.org.

Please visit the UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering Scholarships website for more information on funding.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Wireless and Optical Communications at graduate level
  • why you want to study Wireless and Optical Communications at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
  • how you envisage your career path after the MSc

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.