Master Program in Communication Systems
The international master program in Communication Systems is a 2-year (120 ECTS) education leading to the degree of Master of Science. The program is taught entirely in English and carries no tuition charges. The program is coordinated by the Communication Systems division at LiU and students will have access to a world-class research infrastructure.
This master program is highly competitive and aimed at the top students only. To enter the program, candidates need a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent from an internationally well-renowned university. Candidates need a strong background in mathematics (in particular: linear algebra, signals and systems, Fourier methods, and probability theory). Candidates must be proficient in written and oral English. Knowledge of computer programming (Matlab and/or C++ or similar) is required for most master thesis and project work.
Admission/How to apply
Admission for the fall of 2009 has closed. Information on admission for the fall of 2010 will appear on this webpage during this fall.Information for students admitted 2009
Course start is August 26th. There will be two information days for new Master students on August 24th and 25th, respectively. Invitations to the information days will be sent out separately. Attendance at the information days is mandatory.- Presentation during August 25 information day (PDF file)
Curriculum for students admitted 2009
The program offers a range of courses with a solid theoretical nucleus in communication theory, and prepares the students for a continued career as engineers working in industry or as Ph.D. students. A project course is also offered where the students will learn working in teams, project management, and where students get opportunity to apply their knowledge in practice.
During the first year, all courses are compulsory. During the fall of the second year, the students can choose from a number of elective courses from the general area of electrical and computer engineering, mathematics and physics. Most courses in the program are given by the Communication Systems, Information Coding, and Automatic Control divisions of the EE (ISY) department at LiU.
The first 3 semesters consists of coursework and the final (4th) semester is dedicated to the master thesis project. The thesis project can be carried out either in the university, at a company, or abroad (the academic requirements are the same).
| Autumn, Year 1 | Spring, Year 1 | Autumn, Year 2 | Spring, Year 2 | ||||
| HT1 | HT2 | VT1 | VT2 | HT1 | HT2 | VT1 | VT2 |
| Signal Theory | Digital Signal Processing | Digital Communication, Continuation Course | Radio Communication | Communication Systems, CDIO project course (12 ECTS) | M.Sc. Thesis | ||
| Information Networks |
Internet- working |
Data Compression | Image and Audio Coding | Error Correcting Codes | |||
| Digital Communication | Wireless Systems | Elective
Advanced C++ programming Microwave engineering Cryptology Antenna theory Radio electronics |
|||||
| (Additional electives) | |||||||
In addition to the courses in the table above, during the first semester (first year) students will also be required to take a 3 ECTS course on Introduction to Advanced Academic Studies. The aim of this course is to prepare the students for advanced academic studies and also to let the students learn the academic culture in general.
Here is a link to the study handbook.
Frequently asked questions
-
Q: Linköping University
offers two other master programs related to communications
(Communication Electronics, and Wireless Networks and Electronics
in Norrköping Campus). What is the relation between Communication Systems and these two programs?
A: The programs have different focus, as illustrated by this figure. The Communication Systems program focuses on fundamental principles for communications and systems engineering. The Communication Electronics program focuses on hardware for communications devices. The Wireless Networks and Electronics program focuses on wireless networks and RF electronics systems. -
Q: How many recommendation letters do I need to submit with the application?
A: It is appropriate to enclose 2-3 recommendation letters. -
Q: Do I need to submit a personal letter of motivation?
A: Yes, a one-page personal letter is appropriate. -
Q: Do I need submit certificates of work experience?
A: Yes, if the experience is relevant. -
Q: Do I need submit my CV?
A: Yes, a brief CV must be enclosed. -
Q: Do I need submit the documents in original language and translated to English?
A: Yes, both. -
Q: What are the costs associated with participation in the program courses?
A: There is no tuition charge for students admitted 2009. However, students will need to pay their living costs (apartment, food, travel, etc). Also, students should buy personal copies of the required textbooks for the courses that they take.
Contact
For specific questions about the Communication Systems master program, please contact Prof. Erik G. Larsson . Any questions that relate to admissions or residence permits should be directed to LiU Admissions office, not to the program director.Note
- There are PDF files here. You may need Adobe Reader.


