Skip to main content
Back to King's College London homepage
You are viewing a course in < Engineering
Postgraduate degree

Mobile Communications MSc

Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.

Key information

Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Apply

Our Mobile Communications MSc offers graduates the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of modern telecommunications systems, covering everything from mobile wireless networks to signal processing. The course is an ideal study pathway for graduates who wish to work in telecommunications or continue with further academic study. Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to fully meet the CEng registration educational requirements. Period of accreditation: 2025-2028

Key benefits

  • You will gain a thorough knowledge of the fundamental elements of today’s modern telecommunications systems.
  • Located in central London, giving you access to major libraries and leading scientific societies, including the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
  • Access to speakers of international repute through seminars and external lectures, enabling you to keep abreast of emerging knowledge in the telecommunications field.
  • Flexible study pathway that covers a broad range of telecommunication subject areas.
  • Research-focused teaching will allow you to explore a large range of specialist modules and carry out your own independent research project.
  • The Department of Engineering has a reputation for delivering research-led teaching and project supervision from leading experts in their field.

Mobile Communications MSc covers the latest aspects of personal and mobile wireless communication technology, communication networks, advanced digital communications theory and techniques and signal processing. There are opportunities to explore a range of optional modules allowing you the freedom to develop your study pathway to reflect your interests. You will complete the course in one year, studying September to September. You must take required and optional modules totalling 180 credits to complete the course, including 60 credits from an individual project.

Base campuses

The Quad - Strand campus
Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Waterloo campus exterior at night.
Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Course accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Awarding Institutions

kcl logo

King's College London and Affiliates

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

UK applicants

Standard requirements

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree

If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

Bachelors degree with 2.1 honours in electronics, electrical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics or physics.

We also welcome professional or occupational qualifications and consider them on an individual basis.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

English language requirements

English language band:
D

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.

Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application is being held.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement Yes

A personal statement is required. You must answer the following three questions on the application form:

  1. Why are you applying for this specific programme, and how does it fit with your future plans? (max 250 words)
  2. How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words)
  3. What are your future career plans and how will this programme contribute to them? (max 250 words)
Previous Academic Study Yes A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References Yes One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you.
Other Optional You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Teaching methods - what to expect

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

The course is taught at the King’s College London Strand and Waterloo Campuses. This puts you in the heart of London with access to all its academic resources and within easy reach of the social and entertainment attractions of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The Department of Engineering is based on the Strand Campus.

We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. 

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work, e.g., 150 hours work for a 15-credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module.

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Written/Practical Examinations
  • Written Reports
  • Code
  • Worksheets
  • Quizzes
  • Presentations
  • Examinations

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include written reports, code, worksheets, presentations, quizzes and examinations.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.

Required modules

You are required to take:

Individual Project (60 credits)
Wireless Networks (15 credits)
Mobile Communications (15 credits)
Digital Communications (15 credits)
Technology, Innovation and Management (15 credits)
Quantum Information, Computing and Algorithms (15 credits)

Optional modules

In addition, you are required to take 45 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing (15 credits)
Topics on Data & Signal Analysis (15 credits)
Machine Learning for Engineers Advanced (15 credits)
Random Variables & Stochastic Processes (15 credits)
Optical Communications (15 credits)
Communication Systems (15 credits)
Antennas and Propagation (15 credits)

Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing, Machine Learning for Engineers Advanced and Communications Systems are not available if you have previously studied in the Department of Engineering and have already taken this module at Level 6.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Our graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers in industry and commerce or have gone on to academic research and further study.

Destinations

Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

  • Software Engineer, Thomson Reuters
  • Senior Advisor, ViaSat Inc
  • Lead Data Engineer, Mobkoi
  • Quality Assurance Analyst, SMS Plc
  • Consulting System Engineer, World Wide Technology
  • PhD, Imperial

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £37,800 per year (2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

  • If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies 
  • Clothing for optional course related events and competitions 
  • Library fees and fines 
  • Personal photocopies
  • Printing course handouts 
  • Society membership fees
  • Stationery 
  • Graduation costs
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses

We encourage all students to obtain a laptop. A basic specification will suffice, but ideally the machine would meet the following specification: - Windows 10 or 11 - 2 x USB 3/3.1 slots - Intel i5 processor (or higher) - 8GB Memory (or higher) - 256GB SSD or M.2 storage (or higher) - Wi-Fi 6 also called Wi-Fi ax Or - MacOS Monterey (or newer) - A 2019 model (or newer) - 8GB memory (or higher) - 256GB SSD storage (or higher) If the laptop is USB-C only then you will need a USB A converter. There is a laptop loan scheme within the department that can be utilised if you do not have access to a laptop. Further information on the loan scheme will be shared prior to the start of the course.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Mobile Communications MSc covers the latest aspects of personal and mobile wireless communication technology, communication networks, advanced digital communications theory and techniques and signal processing. There are opportunities to explore a range of optional modules allowing you the freedom to develop your study pathway to reflect your interests. You will complete the course in one year, studying September to September. You must take required and optional modules totalling 180 credits to complete the course, including 60 credits from an individual project.

Base campuses

The Quad - Strand campus
Strand Campus

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Waterloo campus exterior at night.
Waterloo Campus

Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties

Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Course accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Awarding Institutions

kcl logo

King's College London and Affiliates

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

UK applicants

Standard requirements

A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree

If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

Bachelors degree with 2.1 honours in electronics, electrical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics or physics.

We also welcome professional or occupational qualifications and consider them on an individual basis.

International applicants

Equivalent International qualifications

English language requirements

English language band:
D

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Selection process

Applications must be made online using King’s Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.

Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King’s Apply if your application is being held.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement Yes

A personal statement is required. You must answer the following three questions on the application form:

  1. Why are you applying for this specific programme, and how does it fit with your future plans? (max 250 words)
  2. How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words)
  3. What are your future career plans and how will this programme contribute to them? (max 250 words)
Previous Academic Study Yes A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References Yes One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you.
Other Optional You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application.

Teaching methods - what to expect

We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

The course is taught at the King’s College London Strand and Waterloo Campuses. This puts you in the heart of London with access to all its academic resources and within easy reach of the social and entertainment attractions of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. The Department of Engineering is based on the Strand Campus.

We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. 

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work, e.g., 150 hours work for a 15-credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module.

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Written/Practical Examinations
  • Written Reports
  • Code
  • Worksheets
  • Quizzes
  • Presentations
  • Examinations

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include written reports, code, worksheets, presentations, quizzes and examinations.

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.

Required modules

You are required to take:

Individual Project (60 credits)
Wireless Networks (15 credits)
Mobile Communications (15 credits)
Digital Communications (15 credits)
Technology, Innovation and Management (15 credits)
Quantum Information, Computing and Algorithms (15 credits)

Optional modules

In addition, you are required to take 45 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include:

Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing (15 credits)
Topics on Data & Signal Analysis (15 credits)
Machine Learning for Engineers Advanced (15 credits)
Random Variables & Stochastic Processes (15 credits)
Optical Communications (15 credits)
Communication Systems (15 credits)
Antennas and Propagation (15 credits)

Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing, Machine Learning for Engineers Advanced and Communications Systems are not available if you have previously studied in the Department of Engineering and have already taken this module at Level 6.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Our graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers in industry and commerce or have gone on to academic research and further study.

Destinations

Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

  • Software Engineer, Thomson Reuters
  • Senior Advisor, ViaSat Inc
  • Lead Data Engineer, Mobkoi
  • Quality Assurance Analyst, SMS Plc
  • Consulting System Engineer, World Wide Technology
  • PhD, Imperial

Tuition Fees

UK:

Full time: £16,950 per year (2025/26)

International:

Full time: £37,800 per year (2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.

The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

  • If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 1 January and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
  • If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies 
  • Clothing for optional course related events and competitions 
  • Library fees and fines 
  • Personal photocopies
  • Printing course handouts 
  • Society membership fees
  • Stationery 
  • Graduation costs
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses

We encourage all students to obtain a laptop. A basic specification will suffice, but ideally the machine would meet the following specification: - Windows 10 or 11 - 2 x USB 3/3.1 slots - Intel i5 processor (or higher) - 8GB Memory (or higher) - 256GB SSD or M.2 storage (or higher) - Wi-Fi 6 also called Wi-Fi ax Or - MacOS Monterey (or newer) - A 2019 model (or newer) - 8GB memory (or higher) - 256GB SSD storage (or higher) If the laptop is USB-C only then you will need a USB A converter. There is a laptop loan scheme within the department that can be utilised if you do not have access to a laptop. Further information on the loan scheme will be shared prior to the start of the course.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

Application closing date guidance

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.

The final application deadlines for this programme are:

· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)

· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)

If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.

Key information

Course type:
Single honours
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Duration:
One year full-time, September to September
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Apply

Open days and events

Chat with current students and King's staff to find out about the courses we offer, life at King's and ask any questions you may have.

Explore more