Postgraduate Study in Electronic,
Electrical and Systems Engineering
Smart electronics, smart devices,
smart networks… smart people.
Dr Tim Collins
Electronic, Electrical and Computer Engineering
School of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering
2
MSc and MRes Programmes
Contents
Head of School Welcome
The University
3
MSc Programme Structure 5
MSc Communications Engineering and Networks
6
MSc Electrical Power Systems
7
MSc Electrical Transportation Systems and Infrastructure 8
MSc Electromagnetic Sensor Networks
9
4
Learn more
MSc Programmes
Mr David Pycock
Email: d.pycock@bham.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)121 414 4330 or 4292
MRes Programmes
Professor Mike Lancaster
Email: m.j.lancaster@bham.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)121 414 4317 or 4292
www.birmingham.ac.uk/eese
MSc in Electronic and Computer Engineering
10
MSc Embedded Systems
11
MSc RF and Microwave Engineering
12
MRes Electronic, Electrical and Computer Engineering
13
Module descriptions
14
Birmingham City
16
Further information
18
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MSc and MRes Programmes
Head of School Welcome
I am delighted that you are considering
postgraduate study at Birmingham.
Birmingham is a research-led university,
and postgraduate students are central
to our learning community. Our wide portfolio
of research makes Birmingham one of the
most popular universities for postgraduate
study in the UK, and we hope that you will
find this brochure of use when making your
decision on where to study.
All courses in the School are accredited by the
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET),
allowing you to take the next step towards
professional Chartered Engineer status. In
the recent Research Excellence Framework
(REF), the School performed well with 86%
of its research, and 100% of its impact, ranked
as world-leading or internationally excellent.
The School has one of the broadest portfolios
and most successful track records of industrial
contracts and collaborations in the country.
These collaborations provide students with real
working knowledge in the industries they want
to develop in and provide valuable experience
for future employment.
We value our postgraduate community and
constantly strive to develop and enhance the
services, facilities and opportunities available
to you. We offer a comprehensive range of
taught, research and combined programmes.
We are eager to receive applications from
highly motivated and well qualified graduates
and hope that you will find all of the information
you need.
Dr Peter Gardner
Head of the School of Electronic,
Electrical and Systems Engineering
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MSc and MRes Programmes
The University
Birmingham is a university rich in high calibre research,
with academic staff who are global experts in their field.
At Birmingham you will be studying with people whose
work advances the boundaries of knowledge.
The University of Birmingham is one of the top
100 universities worldwide. Our research leads
the field in many of the emerging disciplines
of the 21st century. We have a clear vision
for the future and a strong commitment
to interdisciplinary research that challenges
conventional thinking. Postgraduate students
are central to our learning community and
make a rich contribution to the academic
life and culture of our university.
Postgraduate activity plays a significant role
in the development of the University as we
increase our postgraduate taught student
body, as well as encouraging the best of
our postgraduate researchers to join us
on a permanent basis.
We would like to welcome you to Birmingham;
there is much we can do together.
The School
The School of Electronic, Electrical and Systems
Engineering was awarded full points in the last
Teaching Quality Assessment and all courses are
accredited by the Institution of Engineering and
Technology (IET), allowing you to take the next
steps towards professional Chartered Engineer
status. In the recent Research Excellence
Framework (REF), the School performed well
with 86% of its research ranked as world-leading
or internationally excellent. Our degree
programme will equip you for a wide range
of high profile careers in industry or research.
Patterns of study
The majority of students study our taught
Masters programme full-time. Our programmes
are also suitable for practising engineers who
wish to study part-time or take a single module
to earn Continuing Professional Development
(CPD) points. In most cases a module is
completed in three-day sessions allowing you
to complete one topic at a time. Following each
session of lectures there is an opportunity for
you to deepen your understanding through
private study and assignments.
Research Centres
The School conducts diverse research
split into 6 main areas:
n Electrical Power and Control Systems
n Wireless Communications and
Remote Sensing
n Emerging Device Technology
n Interactive Systems Engineering
n Railway Systems Engineering
n Space Environment and Radio Engineering
All our postgraduate taught programmes
are related to these areas and are taught
by our internationally recognised staff.
How to apply
Applications can be made online via the
individual course finder pages on our website.
MSc and MRes Programmes
MSc Programme Structure
We offer two patterns of MSc: a standard 12 month
programme and an 18 month programme which leads
to an MSc with Industrial Studies. The principal
components of these programmes of study are
described on the following pages.
Standard Degree Programmes
The standard degree programmes run from
September/October for 12 months. They
include a combination of taught modules as
well as an individual, research-based project.
Programme with Industrial Studies
These programmes start in September/
October and finish 18 months later. They are
the same as a standard MSc programme, with
the addition of a 6-month industrial placement,
arranged by the School from our extensive
network of industrial contacts. This takes place
during the summer, following the sessional
examinations. Selection for a placement
involves interviews with companies, which are
arranged by the School. To obtain a placement
students must pass the January examinations at
the first attempt and be selected by a company.
The placement provides an opportunity for
students to develop ideas for the individual
project, in topics related to the interests of the
host company. All other aspects of this degree
programme are as for the standard MSc
programme. An additional fee is payable
for these programmes and is due towards
the end of the Spring Term of the first year.
Entry Requirements
A good honours degree from a university
of high international standing in an area
such as Electronic Engineering, Physics or
Computing. If your first language is not English,
you will need to offer an acceptable English
language qualification. Visit: www.birmingham.
ac.uk/postgraduate/requirements-pgt/
international/index.aspx for a full list
of acceptable English language qualifications
for our degrees and the latest required grades.
Applications are carefully considered
on merit and there are particular requirements
for admission to some degree programmes.
Industrial experience will be taken into account
but a good academic record is a basic
requirement.
Overview Module
The first common component is an introduction
to topics from communications engineering,
requirements analysis and object-oriented
design and introduction to, and recap of,
C programming. For the communications
engineering programmes the second
component is an introduction to key issues
in the design of antennas, radio frequency
circuits and link budgets. For the computing
programmes the second component is an
introduction to object-oriented programming.
Core Modules
These modules cover the advanced specialist
topics required for your specific degree
programme. These technologies are at the
heart of many current developments in modern
electronic and electrical systems.
Cross-programme Optional Modules
These options specialise in topics relevant
to each degree programme and give you
freedom to gain knowledge outside the main
discipline that you have chosen to study.
The prior knowledge needed for each module
is specified in the student handbook to help
you make the most appropriate choice when
customising your study package.
Individual Project
This is an opportunity for you to develop
specialist knowledge. Some projects are
undertaken in collaboration with companies
and, in some cases, you may work on company
premises investigating issues of direct concern
to future product development. Typical projects
include the development of hardware for
automotive radar signal processing and the
detection of leaks in landfill sites, WAP access
systems, mobile radio for light aircraft, the
creation of 3D worlds for surgery simulation
and wearable computing.
Assessment and Awards
Assessment is by a combination
of written examination and coursework.
There is a strong emphasis on coursework
to deepen understanding. The pass mark is
50%. A merit is awarded to students with an
average of 60% or more and a distinction is
awarded to students with an average of 70%+
in both taught and project modules. There are
prizes for students who perform especially
well overall and for those who complete
exceptionally good individual projects.
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MSc and MRes Programmes
MSc Communications
Engineering and Networks
www.birmingham.ac.uk/comms-eng
Future developments in communication systems are
vital to the continued growth of the global economy;
reducing costs, improving quality and providing ever
more sophisticated services, whilst increasing both
spectral and energy efficiency.
Companies in both mature and rapidly
growing economies are keen to secure
staff with masters level specialist knowledge
of the underlying principles and advanced
applications of communication systems.
The MSc programme in Communications
Engineering and Networks equips you
for a rewarding career in this dynamic and
challenging field. It covers a wide range of
topics in communication engineering and
provides options from outside this specialism,
as indicated in the table of modules on this
page. As well as acquiring specialist technical
knowledge, you will develop generic skills such
as: interpreting requirements and specifications
to produce effective design solutions, making
decisions on the basis of incomplete
information, giving technical presentations
and working in a team. These are achieved
through a combination of group and individual
exercises. The programme is designed to cater
for students with good general mathematical
skills, which might be gained from an honours
degree in electronic engineering.
Compulsory Modules
Semester
Introductory Module for Communications
1
Principles of Communication Systems
1
Satellite, Cellular and Optical Fibre Communications
2
Computer and Communications Networks
2
Individual Project
3
Cross-programme Options (choose one)
Semester
Small Embedded Systems
2
Embedded Digital Signal Processing
2
‘I am currently working for
3com as a Technical Support
Engineer. Since I graduated
I have been working in
product development and
technical support for global
telecoms companies such
as Nortel and IBM. The MSc
was everything I was hoping
for in being both challenging
and interesting. It gave me an
edge over other candidates
at interview and helped open
doors to the large global
leaders in the telecoms
industry.’
Luisa Zuluaga-Gomez
MSc Communications Engineering
and Networks
MSc and MRes Programmes
MSc Electrical Power Systems
(also available as a 2 year programme MSc Electrical
Power Systems with Advanced Research)
www.birmingham.ac.uk/electrical-power-systems
The 3rd energy industry revolution is taking place where the key
is the development of electrical power systems in the contexts
of smart grids. Electrical power systems are playing a pivotal role
in the development of a sustainable energy supply, enabling
renewable energy generation. Globally there is a big shortage
of skilled engineers for designing, operating, controlling and
the economic analysis of future electricity networks – smart grids.
The MSc Electrical Power Systems will give
you the timely skills and specialist knowledge
required to significantly enhance your career
prospects in the electrical power industry.
This programme will develop your power
engineering skills through expert teaching
and extensive research work undertaken
in collaboration with power industry partners.
Some modules will be taught by leading
industry experts, offering exciting opportunities
to understand the real challenges that the
power industry is facing and will work with
you to develop and provide innovative
solutions. In addition, students working on
relevant MSc projects may have the opportunity
to work with leading industry experts directly.
This programme also aims to provide
graduates with the ability to critically
evaluate methodologies, analytical
procedures and research methods in:
n Control concepts and methods
n Advanced energy conversion systems
and power electronic applications
n Advanced power electronic technologies
for electrical power networks – HVDC
and FACTS
n Electrical power system engineering –
using state-of-the-art computational tools
and methods, and design of sustainable
electrical power systems and networks;
n Economic analysis of electrical power
systems and electricity markets.
Compulsory Modules
Introductory Module for Electrical Power Systems
Power Systems Economics
Intelligent Systems
Power System, Operation and Control
HVDC and FACTS
Individual Project
Optional Modules
Small Embedded Systems
Embedded Digital Signal Processing
Computer and Comms Networks
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MSc and MRes Programmes
MSc Electrical Transportation
Systems and Infrastructure
www.birmingham.ac.uk/electrical-transportation-systems
Delivered between the Universities of Birmingham and
Nottingham, this MSc programme will bring the benefits
of two world-class UK institutions into one programme.
This programme will develop your knowledge
and skills in practical electrical engineering
aspects of transportation systems, with
a particular focus on automotive and rail
vehicles, and on power system infrastructure.
Graduates of this programme will have a clear
understanding of what is needed to design,
build and operate these electrical transport
systems and will be in demand by organisations
world-wide in vehicle design, development
and manufacture, and in the infrastructure
to support electric transportation systems.
The course is provided jointly by the
University of Birmingham and the University
of Nottingham, and brings together expertise
from both institutions; enabling students
to access excellence from two researchintensive universities. Students will choose
whether to base their studies from Birmingham
or Nottingham: this choice will then inform the
supervision of the research project which takes
place during the summer period. The Autumn
term will be taught at Birmingham and the
Spring term, in Nottingham; the timetable
will give the flexibility needed for part-time
learning or for single modules to be studied
as Continuing Professional Development.
Birmingham Semester 1
Maths, Physics and Electrical Principles
Kinematics of Transportation
Railway Traction Systems
Energy Conversion Systems
Study Skills
Nottingham Semester 2
Advanced Power Conversion
Advanced AC Drives
Power Systems for Aerospace
Technologies for the Hydrogen Transport Economy
Advanced Electrical Machines
MSc and MRes Programmes
MSc Electromagnetic
Sensor Networks
www.birmingham.ac.uk/electro-sensor-networks
The University of Birmingham has been at the forefront
of radar development since its early inception in World War II.
It was here that the cavity magnetron was invented – the single
device which has allowed radar to evolve in its current role.
Later on magnetrons even found applications outside radar,
such as in microwave ovens.
Today, radar is used for a vast number
of applications, from automatic doors to radar
satellites for Earth observation and planetary
exploration. As electronic and microwave
components become increasingly available
at low costs, so does radar find new
applications in the ever growing aerospace,
transport, security and defence industries,
both in UK and worldwide.
Compulsory Modules
Semester
Introductory Module for Communications
1
Principles of Communication Systems
1
RF Sensors and Systems
2
Individual project
3
Cross-programme Options (choose one)
Semester
Satellite, Cellular and Optical Fibre Communications
2
RF and Microwave Engineering
2
This programme will equip you with knowledge
on both key radar subsystems and fundamental
aspects of radar systems development.
Individual topics cover antennas, radio
wave propagation, transmitter and receiver
structures, signals waveforms and digital
signals. Radar system aspects include radar
detection, optimal signal processing, target
coordinate and speed estimation techniques,
antennas arrays and synthetic aperture radar.
Electromagnetics, Antennas and Propagation
2
Radar modules are delivered by lecturers
at the internationally recognised Microwave
Integrated Systems Laboratory, which
is the radar research group within EESE and
one of the largest of its kind in the country.
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MSc and MRes Programmes
MSc Electronic and
Computer Engineering
www.birmingham.ac.uk/elec-comp-eng
Electronics is at the heart of a wide range of business
and entertainment systems. The integration of computing
and communications with interactive digital media is evident
in many modern innovations that are creating a revolution
in business and the life of individuals.
These systems are vital to the growth of the
global economy, reducing costs, improving
quality and providing ever more sophisticated
services. All aspects of business, from research
and development to production, marketing and
sales, benefit from rapid advances in such
technology.
Our social lives, entertainment and education
are also enhanced by continuing advances
in personal electronic systems, media
compression and seamless connectivity
using communications systems.
You have the widest possible range
of module choices in this degree programme.
The prerequisites for each module are
described in detail and the linkage between
modules is minimised so that students are
free to create a personalised study package.
Thus topics from embedded systems,
interactive digital media and some aspects
of communications engineering can
be combined in one degree programme.
This degree programme is designed to equip
you with the knowledge and skills you will need
to play a leading part in the future research,
development and application of these
technologies.
Compulsory Modules
Semester
Introductory Module for Computing
1
Advanced Digital Design
1
Individual Project
3
Cross-programme Options (choose one)
Semester
Small Embedded Systems
2
Embedded Digital Signal Processing
2
Computer and Communications Networks
2
Advanced Interactive 3D Environments for Virtual Reality and Serious Games
2
Automatic Spoken Language Processing
2
Image Analysis and Interpretation
2
MSc and MRes Programmes
MSc Embedded Systems
www.birmingham.ac.uk/embedded-systems
Embedded systems are central to the technological world
in which we live and can be found in traction controllers, power
generation and personal audio systems. These systems require
high performance embedded electronics to support their
operation and their design involves a system level integration
of specialised hardware and software.
You will learn about the theory and techniques
that provide ever more sophisticated services;
especially where aspects of digital electronics,
communications engineering, computing and
power systems meet. Graduates from this
programme can expect to find employment
in the electronics industry developing novel
solutions to provide new services, reduce
costs and ensure reliability.
Compulsory Modules
Semester
Introductory Module for Computing
1
Advanced Digital Design
1
Small Embedded Systems
2
Embedded Digital Signal Processing
2
Individual Project
3
Cross-programme Options (choose one)
Semester
Advanced Interactive 3D Environments for Virtual Reality and Serious Games
2
You will be helped to understand how
to interpret requirements and component
specifications, to produce functionally effective
and cost effective design solutions. You will
be shown how to make decisions on the basis
of incomplete information and to understand
strategies for evaluating designs through a
combination of group and individual exercises.
Computer and Communications Networks
2
Automatic Spoken Language Processing
2
Image Analysis and Interpretation
2
There is a wide range of topics from which
students may choose. The topics available
will enable you to understand how to design
and build sophisticated electronic control
systems, such as those found in mp3 players,
computer peripherals, light rail systems, energy
generation systems and digital networks.
‘After graduating I went straight into research by enrolling
on a PhD. Going into this I am learning to be critical about
my work, how to research papers in my field, and how to
manage my time more effectively. The best part of the MSc
was the practical labs where you could put what you learned
into practice. Also the large weighting of the coursework in the
examinable component was good, as the course really tested
your practical knowledge. In addition to this the support staff in
Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering were brilliant.’
Sukhjit Pooni
MSc Embedded Systems (2013)
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MSc and MRes Programmes
MSc RF and Microwave
Engineering
www.birmingham.ac.uk/rf-microwave-eng
In an increasingly overcrowded electromagnetic spectrum,
the efficient and reliable operation of wireless, mobile and
satellite communications systems, and of radar and remote
sensing systems, relies upon advanced components and
subsystems that exploit ongoing developments in technologies
such as microfabrication, nanotechnology and high frequency
semiconductor devices.
The programme provides the knowledge
and skills needed by innovative technology
companies, and a starting point for a career
in research in radio frequency, microwave
and millimetre wave engineering. You will study
modules that reinforce the fundamentals of
communications engineering and advanced
modules in digital communications and radio
frequency sensor systems. A module in
electromagnetics and antennas and a module
in radio frequency and microwave engineering
provide advanced knowledge in aspects of
component technologies. A further optional
module in either satellite, cellular and
optical fibre communications, computer and
communications networks or RF sensors
and systems will also be chosen, as indicated
in the module table on this page.
The programme is taught by staff who
are at the forefront of research in passive
and active microwave circuits, micromechanical
electromagnetic systems, antennas and
propagation studies.
You will learn how to design antennas and radio
frequency, microwave millimetric components
and subsystems. This will include acquiring
skills in the application of theoretical concepts
to practical aims and an appreciation of
fundamental and practical limits and possibilities.
Compulsory Modules
Semester
Introductory Module for Communications
1
Principles of Communication Systems
1
Electromagnetics, Antennas and Propagation
2
RF and Microwave Engineering
2
Individual Project
3
Cross-programme Options (choose one)
Semester
Satellite, Cellular and Optical Fibre Communications
2
Computer and Communications Networks
2
RF Sensors and Systems
2
MSc and MRes Programmes
MRes Electronic, Electrical
and Computer Engineering
www.birmingham.ac.uk/mres-eece
This is a one-year full-time postgraduate programme aimed
at high calibre students who wish to develop and apply
techniques appropriate for industrial or academic careers
at the cutting-edge of research and development.
This programme is designed to equip students
with the knowledge and skills needed to play
a leading role in the research and development
of systems and technologies that are vital to the
growth of the global economy, reducing costs,
improving quality, providing more sophisticated
services and improving social well-being.
The University of Birmingham is rich in high
calibre research, which academic staff who
are global experts in their field. When taking
a taught programme you will be taught by
people whose work advances the boundaries
of knowledge.
Compulsory Modules
Credits*
Semester
Individual Project
120
1
Option Modules (select to a total of 60 credits)
Credits*
Semester
Digital Communications
20 or 30
1
Advanced Digital Design
20 or 30
1
Multimodal Interaction
20 or 30
1
Medical Information Systems
10
1
Intelligent Systems
10
1
Diffusion and Deployment of Technology
10
1
Electrical Energy Conversion Systems
10
1
Antennas and Electromagnetics
10 or 20
2
Small Embedded Systems
20
2
The MRes course consists of 180 credits;
60 of these credits are from taught modules
and the remaining 120 are provided by
a comprehensive project. The list shows
the modules available, and the student is
expected to choose appropriate modules to
make up 60 credits. The modules chosen are
usually aligned with the topic of the project.
Computer and Communications Networks
10 or 20
2
User Models and Models of Human Performance
20
2
Digital Signal Processing
20
2
Satellite and Cellular Radio Systems
10 or 20
2
Optical Communications
10 or 20
2
Radiowave Propagation
10 or 20
2
RF Sensors and Systems
10 or 20
2
The School website has a large section on
research, and prospective students are invited
to look at this to identify topics for project.
Although this website shows many research
topics, projects are not limited to these areas.
RF and Microwave Engineering
10 or 20
2
Advanced Interact. 3D Design for Virtual Env. and 3D Serious Games
20
2
Learn more:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/eese-research
Entry Requirements
At least a II(i) honours degree in a relevant
subject. If your first language is not English,
you will need to offer an acceptable English
language qualification.
Visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/
requirements-pgt/international/index.aspx
for a full list of acceptable English language
qualifications for our degrees and the latest
required grades.
* Note: When there are two entries to the credits then either can be chosen.
The lower credit value usually indicates that the module assignment is not completed.
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MSc and MRes Programmes
Module descriptions
The modules described below form part of each
programme of study*. Some modules involve group work.
You will also take an individual project, which is a further
major component of each programme of study.
Introductory modules
The two introductory modules share an
introduction to topics in communications
engineering, computing and requirements
analysis. Students study two of these topics
plus either a foundation in object-oriented
programming or a foundation in
communications engineering.
Part I
Introduction to Communications
n Shannon’s theory of communication
n Signal analysis
n Electromagnetics, Antennas
and Propagation
Introduction to Requirements Analysis
and Design
n Use case analysis
n Scenario descriptions
n System specification
n Object-oriented design concepts:
classes, inheritance and assembly
Communications Foundation
n Transmitters, receivers and link budgets
n Wireless systems and frequency choice
n Fundamentals of antennas and beamformers
n Radio frequency and microwave circuit
fundamentals
Introduction to and a recap of C Programming
n Basic syntax
n Functions, passing arguments
by value and by reference
n Pre-compiled libraries
n Structured datatypes and pointers
n Program flow control
Core Modules
Digital Communications
n Statistical signal processing
n Coding for communications systems
n Communication system performance analysis
n Synthesis of communication systems
to specified performance criteria
Part II
Computing Foundation
n Data types and variables including
strings and arrays
n Assignment and initialisation
n Operators and flow control
n Objects and classes
n Inheritance, polymorphism and aggregation
n Threads, thread states and synchronisation
n GUIs and Windows CE device
programming
Advanced Digital Design
n Design of combinatorial and
sequential circuits
n Hierarchical top-down design in VHDL
n VHDL design for specified target systems
n FPGA circuit placement and routing
n VHDL and FPGA limitations
Multimodal Interaction
n Principles of cognition in speech and vision
Satellite, Mobile and Optical Communications
n Concepts of satellite and mobile
communications
n Orbits, multiplexing, modulation
and coding
n Propagation, multi-path equalisation,
fading and diversity
n Principles of optical communications
and systems
Computer and Communications Networks
n Introduction to networks, network
topologies, multiplexing and switching
protocols and network management
n Wireless networks, QoS, VOIP
and network security
related to the development of algorithms
n Relationship between human activity
* Excluding Electrical Power Systems,
Electrical Power Systems with Advanced
Research and Electrical Transportation
Systems and Infrastructure
Cross-programme Modules
Radio Frequency and Microwave Engineering
n Transmission line technologies
n Passive component design: filters
and couplers
n Active component design: amplifiers,
oscillators, mixers and control devices
n High frequency circuit simulation
and multimodal interfaces
n Design and application of algorithms
for image interpretation and spoken
language processing
n Design and implementation
of multimodal interfaces
Electromagnetics, Antennas and Propagation
n Differential, integral and vector calculus
n Wave equations
n Engineering Electromagnetics
n Radiation and antennas
n Radiowave and propagation
MSc and MRes Programmes
Radio Frequency Sensors and Systems
n Physical principles of EM sensors
n Sensor parameters and performance
n Mathematical description and
modelling sensors
n Sensor operation within a network
Small Embedded Systems
n Programming and debugging
embedded microcontroller systems
n Error resilient, fault tolerant and
fail-safe strategies
n Microcontroller bus interfaces
Digital Signal Processing
n Programming in C and assembly
code and debugging DSP systems
n Strategies for efficient computation
and optimisation
n Device drivers and I/O control
n Selecting a DSP for an application
n DMA mechanisms
n Real-time operation
User Models and Models of Human
Performance
n Personalisation techniques
for adaptive systems
n Learner modelling
n User modelling and cognition
for interactive systems design
n Advanced modelling techniques
and cognitive architectures
Advanced Interactive 3D Design for Virtual
Environments and Serious Games
n Real-time visualisation and Interactive
3D and serious games – human factor
issues, with case studies
n Designing for 13D and Serious games
n Selecting AI strategies, including agent-based
systems for visualisation and virtual reality
Additional Modules for MRes programme only
Medical Information Systems
n Medical data coding and classification and
the Electronic medical record
n Medical decision support systems
n Methods, design and evaluation of
healthcare information systems
n Technical, legal, regulatory and social issues
concerned with security and confidentiality.
Intelligent Systems
n Linear and non-linear neural networks
n Learning to control systems with
neural networks
n Fuzzy logic systems and fuzzy control
n Applications of intelligent control
Diffusion and Development of Technology
n Socio-technical systems
n Managing the deployment of technology
n Models and theories of technology
acceptance
n Risk-based design and quality function
deployment
Electrical Energy Conversion Systems
n Passive and active converters
n PWM control of inverters
n AC and DC motor control
n Grid interfacting circuits
Factfile
The School is a Tier 1 partner with Analog
Devices. This is in recognition of the DSP
teaching programmes provided in the
School and puts the School and University
amongst a handful of the top universities
around the world. Tier 1 partners include,
amongst others:
n MIT and Georgia Technical
University, USA
n Shanghai Jao Tong University, China
n Victoria University and Melbourne
University, Australia
n The University of Auckland,
New Zealand
n The University of Toronto, Canada
n Aalborg University, Denmark
n CPE Lyon-Villeurbanne, France
n The Indian Institute of Technology,
Mumbai, India
n Moscow Institute of Electronic
Technics, Russia
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MSc and MRes Programmes
Birmingham City
Birmingham has been transformed into a city for young
professionals and is one of Europe’s most exciting destinations.
It is more than somewhere to study; it is somewhere to build
a successful career.
Birmingham is a modern, fascinating city.
Famous for its historical industrial past it is
now a centre of arts and culture, commerce
and entertainment, with a vibrant and diverse
community. Birmingham is home to the largest
financial services and creative sectors outside
London. The thriving business community offers
you a wealth of opportunities when you join the
job market, and around 40% of Birmingham
graduates choose to make their home here
after leaving university.
For more information on student life in
Birmingham, visit: www.visitbirmingham.com/
what-to-do/for-students where real Birmingham
students will give you their opinions on
everything from nightlife to culture and
relaxation. View photos, read blogs watch
films and sign up for their newsletter.
Modern city
Around £9 billion has already been ploughed
into the city centre over the past 20 years and
Birmingham continues to attract significant
investment. The landscape of the area has
changed significantly and more areas of the city
are regularly being regenerated and transformed.
Birmingham is home to one of Europe’s
largest shopping centres; the award-winning
Bullring, with over 160 shops, restaurants and
bars, including the iconic Selfridges building.
It is also home to the Mailbox, a unique
development that brings together designer
fashion and lifestyle shops, luxury apartments,
hotels and an array of restaurants and café
bars. The Mailbox is also home to BBC
Midlands’ television and radio. The city has
also invested in a brand new central New Street
station, serving over 140,000 passengers a day.
Birmingham has excellent transport links to other
parts of the UK, is a half an hour taxi ride to
Birmingham International Airport and is only
90 minutes away from London via train.
Shopping, entertainment and culture
in Birmingham
Although Birmingham is facing the future,
it is still proud to showcase its past. The city
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Factfile: The city of Birmingham
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Victoria Square
was the hub of the industrial revolution and
areas such as the historic Jewellery Quarter
keep traditions alive. The canals are now
fringed with bars and restaurants, and
many visitors are excited by the city’s
bustling nightlife.
There are more than 500 restaurants offering
a vast range of international cuisine. After
enjoying a meal, you could go for drinks or
watch some of the best comedians on the
circuit at the Glee Club. If you prefer live
music, Birmingham has a number of leading
venues for bands and local talent, including
the National Indoor Arena and the NEC.
Birmingham is also home to one of the UK’s
finest concert halls, Symphony Hall, where
the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
is based, and Birmingham Hippodrome, where
the Birmingham Royal Ballet is based. The
city centre also has three other theatres and
a number of cinemas, including the 30-screen
'Vue' at Star City, which shows the latest Asian
and mainstream films under one roof.
Selfridges, Bullring
In 2013 the new Library of Birmingham
opened in Centenary Square. The library is
31,000 square metres, making it one of the
A £96 billion regional economy makes
the city a major engine of UK growth
outside of London
Birmingham is the ‘youngest’ city
in Europe, with under 25s accounting
for nearly 40% of its population
Birmingham is home to some of the
largest clinical trials clusters in the UK
– helping to transform world-class
cancer research into improved
patient survival
The Forensic Science Service
pioneered the use of large scale DNA
profiling and set up the world’s first
DNA database from their laboratories
in Birmingham
Birmingham have over 8,000 acres
of parks and open space, making it one
of the greenest cities in the UK
Sustainability: 80% of Birmingham’s
new buildings are regarded as
‘Excellent’ by the environmental
measurement rating BREEAM
Air, road and rail connections
provide access to 400 million people
across Europe
Information courtesy of Marketing Birmingham.
largest public libraries in the world. Connected
with Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The REP)
there are always events and shows happening.
Visit www.libraryofbirmingham.com for more
information.
Sporting city
Birmingham is home to Premier League
football clubs Aston Villa and Birmingham City
and in recent years it has staged more sporting
championships than any other UK city. The
Warwickshire County Cricket ground, close
to the University in Edgbaston, regularly hosts
test matches and international tournaments
including the Cricket World Cup. The city also
boasts many golf courses, including The Belfry,
which has hosted the Ryder Cup four times.
Welcoming city
There is something for everyone in Birmingham
and you will get a warm welcome in one of
the most culturally diverse cities in Britain.
People from all over the world live, work and
play here as part of a citywide community
which has been harmonious and tolerant over
many years. Our long record of industry and
innovation contributes to the exciting and
dynamic atmosphere of our historic city.
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Further information
Accommodation
The University has a large amount of
accommodation although most of our
research students prefer to make their own
arrangements for accommodation. First-year
international postgraduate students who are
new to Birmingham are guaranteed a place
in University accommodation, subject to
certain conditions. For more information
visit: www.has.bham.ac.uk/studentaccom
Sporting facilities
Birmingham offers some of the best sports
facilities in the country, supported by
professional coaching and imaginative
programmes that give you a vast choice
of sporting opportunities to suit your taste
and ability. For more information visit
www.sport.bham.ac.uk
The Guild of Students
As the first purpose-built students’ union in
the country, Birmingham’s Guild of Students
is the hub of University life. Its mission ‘to
enhance the student experience’ is achieved
through a wide range of activities, services,
societies and social events. With cafes,
restaurants, nightclubs, shopping outlets,
support and welfare services, the Guild
provides representation, help and a variety
of social activities for students. For more
information visit www.guildofstudents.com
Factfile
We are members of the Microsoft
MSDNAA scheme providing students
with copies of the latest developer
software and operating systems,
at minimal cost.
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www.birmingham.ac.uk
Edgbaston, Birmingham,
B15 2TT, United Kingdom
www.birmingham.ac.uk
This leaflet was written several months in advance of the start of the
academic year. It is intended to provide prospective students with a
general picture of the programmes and courses offered by the School.
Please note that not all programmes or all courses are offered every
year. Also, because our research is constantly exploring new areas
and directions of study some courses may be dropped and new
ones offered in their place.
10750 © University of Birmingham 2015. Printed on a recycled grade paper containing 100% post-consumer waste.
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