Course Overview
Our Communication Systems and Electronics degrees combine in-depth knowledge of communications theory and applications together with the necessary electronic engineering content for you to understand the design and implementation of modern communication systems.
You will start your degree studying Software Development and the Fundamentals of Communication before focusing on subjects such as Analogue and Digital Communications and Instrumentation and Control in your second year. You complete a final year project in your third year alongside core and optional courses including Integrated Circuits and Artificial Intelligence.
Students on our four-year MEng degree programme gain additional industry experience with placements during the final year. Your degree will also be accredited by the Institute of Engineering and Technology and fulfils part of the requirement for CEng.
Related Courses
Modules
Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to compliment their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied. For a full list contact the Computing and Communications (School of) department.
Year 1
- Electronic Information Systems Design
- Probability
- Statistics
- Algebra, Graphs and Elementary Complex Numbers
- Determinants, Vectors and Further Complex Numbers
- Calculus
- Software Development
- Digital Systems
Year 2
- Databases
- Computer Networks
- Software Design
- Professional Issues and Research Methods
- Analogue and Digital Communication Systems
- Digital Signal Processing
Year 3
- Integrated Circuit Engineering
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Final Year Project
- Advanced Internet and Mobile Applications
- Advanced Communication Systems
- Advanced Digital Signal Processing
Year 4
- Industrial Experience Year
Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three modules of study which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects, a higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.
For further information about the department, staff and courses please visit the Computing and Communications (School of) department website.
Entry Criteria
A-level: AAB incliding Mathematics
General Studies: Accepted as one of the best 3 grades if 4 A-levels are presented
Key skills: Not included in offer
Scottish Highers: ABBBB including Mathematics at HL
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 35 pts overall with 16 from best three HL courses, inc. Maths at higher level
IELTS: 6.0
BTEC: DDD/DDM including Distinctions in Maths modules
HNC/HND: Distinctions and merits in all relevant units
Mature students: Applications welcomed: special consideration for relevant industrial experience
Direct entry to second year: Appropriate qualifications include a good Higher National Diploma or Certificate in relevant subjects, or a Higher Diploma from polytechnics in Hong Kong and Singapore. Candidates with other qualifications of comparable standing should write to enquire.
Careers
Communications technology is a growth industry and your degree will enable you to take advantage of a wide range of opportunities, in both the public and private sectors and some major companies in telecommunications, such as Nokia and NEC. Your understanding of the fundamental principles of communication will add versatility and the ability to adapt as this fast moving industry evolves.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Studying
Teaching and Learning Methods
At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments which include the traditional lectures, tutorials, interactive workshops, laboratory and practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based delivery.
The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using various methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, exercises, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include basic and in-depth questions, essays and data analysis. Students are supervised in the production of final year project reports and dissertations, while students in laboratory classes are supported by demonstrators. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university's online module catalogue.
In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.
Assessment Methods
We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.
As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.
Funding
Lancaster University has committed £2.7m in scholarships and bursaries to help with your fees and living costs. Our financial support depends on your circumstances and how well you do in your A-levels (or equivalent academic qualifications) before starting study with us.
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. For students starting their study with us in 2014, over 600 each year will be entitled to bursaries and/or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. For UK students entering in 2014 we will have the following financial support available:
- An Academic Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year of study to any student from the UK entering with A*, A*, A or equivalent academic qualifications
- An Access Scholarship of £1,000 per year for all UK students from households with an income of less than £42,600 who achieve grades of A*, A, A or the equivalent academic qualifications
- A Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 per annum for all students from England with a household income of more than £25,000 but less than £42,600
- As part of the National Scholarship Programme, a £1,000 Bursary, a £1,000 Fee Waiver and a £1,000 Accommodation Discount in the first year of study, for students from England with a household income of less than £25,000. Plus a Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 in subsequent years.
*All of the financial awards above are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access July 2013.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page
View details of our current Undergraduate fees.
