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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. The program is coordinated by the Communication Systems division at LiU and students will have access to a world-class research environment. LiU is located close to the Mjärdevi Science Park of Linköping and hosts many high-tech companies in the information technology and communications industry, including Ericsson and Saab.

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.

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).

The program is also offered as a commissioned education to companies, organizations, and authorities. At present, four of our students attend the program under a commissioned education contract.


Read an interview with one of our alumni

Admission/How to apply

  • Please follow this link.

Curriculum

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 Electives
Advanced C++ programming
Microwave engineering
Cryptology
Antenna theory
Radio electronics
(Additional electives)
In the above table, all courses except the project course, are worth 6 ECTS. For details on the electives in the fall of year 2, please see the study handbook (link below).

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.

Information for students admitted earlier years

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.

Contact

For specific questions about the Communication Systems master program curriculum, please contact Prof. Erik G. Larsson. Any questions that relate to admissions or residence permits should be directed to the LiU Admissions office, not to the program director.

Sidansvarig: Erik G. Larsson
Senast uppdaterad: 2013 05 20   06:37