MSc Satellite Communications Engineering

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 is out of this world.

What You Will Study

Satellite communications enable wireless communication in regions where mobile networking may not be possible. This program 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 specializing fully meet, 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.

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.

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. You can study between two and six modules each year and the length taken to complete the MSc depends on how many modules you choose. 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 programs based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45, 75, or 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.

The structure of our programs follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each program. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:

Year 1 Full-time

• Digital Communications
• RF Systems and Circuit Design
• Satellite Communications Fundamentals
• Space Avionics
• Space Dynamics And Missions
• Space System Design
• Advanced Guidance, Navigation and Control
• Advanced Satellite Communication Techniques
• Antennas And Propagation
• Data & Internet Networking
• Launch Vehicles & Propulsion
• Network and Service Management and Control
• 60 Credit Standard Project

Unstructured (3-5 Years) Part-time

• Digital Communications
• RF Systems and Circuit Design
• Satellite Communications Fundamentals
• Space Avionics
• Space Dynamics And Missions
• Space System Design
• Advanced Guidance, Navigation and Control
• Advanced Satellite Communication Techniques
• Antennas And Propagation
• Data & Internet Networking
• Launch Vehicles & Propulsion
• Network and Service Management and Control
• 60 Credit Standard Project

Timetable

Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester.

New students will receive their personalized timetable in Welcome Week, and in subsequent semesters, two weeks 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.

We offer career information, advice, and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.

Graduates of this course can be found in most of the world’s main satellite companies in roles such as satellite global communications network engineer and satellite radio access engineer. Our graduates form an active Surrey alumni group and have been employed by companies such as:

• Airbus
• BT/EE
• Eutelsat
• Inmarsat
• OFCOM
• Satellite Applications Catapult
• SES
• Vodafone.

97 percent of our electrical and electronic engineering postgraduate taught students to go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2023, HESA).