MSc Wireless and Microwave Communication Engineering Full Time

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Cardiff University

Program Overview

This MSc provides a focused one-year full-time immersion into advanced wireless and microwave communication engineering, combining deep technical modules (RF design, CAD, millimetre-wave systems) with a major research/dissertation component. It is ideal for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in electrical, electronic or communication engineering (or a closely related numerate discipline) and who want to specialise in RF/microwave hardware, wireless subsystems or communications systems design.

Curriculum Structure
Year 1 (full-time taught & project):
In the autumn and spring semesters students take taught modules such as Software Tools and Simulation (ENT672), RF Circuits Design and CAD (ENT691), HF and RF Engineering (ENT782), Advanced Communication Systems (ENT706), Microwave and Millimetre-Wave Integrated Circuit Design and Technology (ENT870) and Micro- and Nano-engineering (ENT871), giving them exposure to simulation, CAD tools, high-frequency circuit design, communications systems and device/nano-engineering.
Then they undertake the Dissertation (Electronic) (ENT615) which counts for 60 credits, where they apply engineering principles in a major individual research project, often utilising the university’s labs and possibly industrial partnerships.

Focus areas:
Wireless & microwave subsystem design; radio frequency (RF) and millimetre-wave circuits; communication systems engineering; advanced CAD, measurement and characterisation; micro/nano-device engineering; optoelectronics and high-frequency fabrication and test.
Learning outcomes:
Graduates will develop the ability to design, simulate and characterise RF and microwave communication subsystems; to use industry-standard CAD tools and measurement/test facilities; to apply their skills to wireless and millimetre-wave applications (including mobile communications, medical microwave applications); and to carry out independent engineering research or development work in a specialist area.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council, meeting the requirements for Further Learning for Chartered Engineer status (assuming an appropriate BEng/BSc accredited undergraduate degree).
Reputation (employability rankings):
Cardiff University’s School of Engineering is research-led and highly ranked in UK research assessments (for example the REF), and the programme explicitly mentions strong links to industry—graduates have obtained employment in companies such as Infineon, Huawei, Cambridge Silicon Radio, Vodafone and International Rectifier.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the MSc in Wireless and Microwave Communication Engineering at Cardiff University engage in a programme that combines advanced theoretical study with extensive lab-based and project-driven learning. They are immersed in the School of Engineering’s research-led teaching environment and gain access to specialist instrumentation and studios that mirror industry settings. Learners begin with modules covering software and simulation tools, RF/microwave CAD and fabrication, and then transition to a major individual research or design project, where they apply design-through-test workflows familiar to the wireless/microwave industry. This approach ensures that students develop not only deep technical understanding but also hands-on competence in instrumentation, measurement and communication system design.

They collaborate with academics who are active researchers in the high‐frequency domain, work in teams and individually on real device, circuit and subsystem problems, and make use of the university’s high-frequency characterisation and fabrication facilities to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The result is a learning journey that readies them for careers in wireless communications, RF/microwave systems, semiconductors or further research.

Key experiential components include:

Specialist software and simulation tools: Students use advanced CAD, simulation and measurement software as part of modules such as “Software Tools and Simulation”, “Microwave and Millimetre-Wave Integrated Circuit Design and Technology” and “RF Circuits Design and CAD”.
Hands-on fabrication, measurement and test labs: The programme offers lab-based experience in characterising devices and subsystems in the frequency-domain, and supports work in the university’s cutting-edge facilities such as the Centre for High Frequency Engineering which features on-wafer characterisation up to 110 GHz.
Individual research/dissertation project: In the summer term of the full-time year, each student undertakes a major project (60 credits) and selects a topic—often drawn from current research or industrial challenges—under supervision.
Industry-relevant research-led learning environment: Teaching is delivered by research-active staff in one of the UK’s leading units for wireless & microwave engineering; students benefit from an open culture between staff and postgraduate learners.
Library, computing & specialist infrastructure support: Students have access to the university’s Engineering & Physics-dedicated library (e.g., the Trevithick Library) and computer labs equipped with specialist software packages for engineering, simulation and design.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Cardiff University MSc in Wireless and Microwave Communication Engineering (Full-Time) are highly eligible for roles such as RF/Microwave Design Engineer, Wireless Systems Engineer, Communications Test & Validation Engineer, and High-Frequency Device Engineer because of their specialist technical training and the hands-on project opportunities. They emerge ready to work within the booming wireless, 5G/6G, IoT and microwave-electronics sectors:

University services: Cardiff’s School of Engineering assigns each student a personal tutor and project supervisor; additionally, students benefit from networks and facilities tied to the Electronics & Electrical Engineering subject group, enabling access to research labs and industry seminars.
Employment & salary: While exact salary figures aren’t given on the course page, the university notes that many MSc graduates enter high-value roles in industry with companies such as Infineon Technologies, Huawei, Cambridge Silicon Radio, Vodafone and International Rectifier.
University – industry partnerships: The programme emphasises that project topics are often proposed in collaboration with industry partners, giving students exposure to real-world RF/microwave design problems.
Long-term accreditation value: The MSc is professionally accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) as meeting the requirements for Further Learning toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status (for those with an appropriate undergraduate degree).
Graduation outcomes: Students complete a major individual research-oriented project/dissertation (60 credits in the one-year version) built around advanced modules such as RF Circuits Design & CAD, Microwave & Millimetre-Wave Integrated Circuit Design, HF & RF Engineering, Advanced Communication Systems.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, a student could progress to a PhD in Wireless Communications, Microwave Engineering or Millimetre-Wave Device Physics, leveraging Cardiff’s strong research base in high-frequency electronics. Alternatively, they could pursue advanced professional certifications or part-time doctoral study while working in industry, positioning themselves for senior specialist or leadership roles in RF/microwave engineering.