Embedded Systems (Signal Processing) MSc

About the Course

See course brochure

Have you ever wondered how complex digital systems, such as those in telecommunications, multimedia, transportation, aerospace etc, can perform so many impressive functionalities? The core devices within these complex systems are based on Embedded Systems that are designed and dedicated to perform specific operations.

The widespread use and deployment of embedded systems in a broad range of electronic and communication engineering systems has exhibited an unprecedented expansion in the last few years. The combination of Embedded Systems with Signal Processing and Multimedia Communications is a prime technology in the on-going evolution of modern high-tech electronic equipment and its application products. Due to tremendous growth in consumer electronics, industries related to wireless communications, signal/image processing, machine intelligence, and internet, are actively recruiting skilled engineers with an in-depth working knowledge of embedded systems to support their development of next generation advanced competitive technology.

This exciting new MSc (masters) course, developed with the support of industry, integrates academic study and the realisation of embedded systems with emphasis and applications on multimedia communications and signal processing. The course is offered on the campus of Brunel University in London, UK. As a student attending Brunel University London's Embedded Systems course, you will study the fundamentals of embedded systems combined with extensive practical and hands-on work on  embedded systems design, modelling and implementation. The course offers you the opportunity to explore embedded systems applications, namely, communications, multimedia, signal processing, and intelligent systems, through a set of carefully designed application-based modules that combine theory and application.

The course satisfies both the current and the future demands of advanced information technology industries internationally. Such research and development demands are met through the training and education of skilled engineers with advanced knowledge of embedded systems technology and its applications on multimedia communications and signal processing. Brunel University offers an exciting opportunity for study in this advanced technological area. Studying towards Brunel University London’s Embedded Systems degree will equip your career with the excellent international reputation of Brunel University London in engineering education.

Aims

The main aim of this course is to endow graduates with advanced knowledge and transferable skills in the design, modelling, implementation and evaluation of embedded systems for signal processing and multimedia communications, such that they can contribute effectively to the increasingly complex and rapidly evolving technologies that are prevalent in the industry or research.

Specific aims of this course are to:

• Provide advanced knowledge and skills relevant to the theory and best practise of modern embedded systems technology (including FPGA and DSP) and its applications on multimedia signal processing and communications.
• Develop transferable skills in design, modelling, implementation, and evaluation of embedded systems for signal processing and multimedia communications that are contributable in either industry or academic employment.
• Develop the ability of analysing complex technical problems, and the versatility to apply embedded systems technology across a range of engineering areas with emphasis on multimedia signal processing and communications.
• Develop innovation, creativity and independent learning ability required for continuing professional development, further research, and for acquiring new skills at a high level.

Enquiries

The Marketing and Recruitment Office
School of Engineering and Design
Brunel University
Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1895 265814
Email: sed-pg-admissions@brunel.ac.uk
Course director: Dr Nikolaos Boulgouris

Related Courses

• Embedded Systems (Multimedia Communications) MSc

Special Features

The distinctive feature of the MSc programme is the integration of advanced theories and modern applications of overlapping and core areas of electronic and computer engineering, namely, embedded systems, multimedia, communications, and signal processing, through the development of the skills necessary to implement them in hardware.

A successful team of academics who have international reputation for their research related to Embedded Systems, Multimedia Communications, and Signal Processing technologies, was brought together to create and deliver this programme. Some of these academics have on-going funded research projects, which will enrich the delivery of the new programme with new research findings and up-to-date technology in this field.

Accreditation

Course Content

The course equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to enter a demanding and competitive job market, and also provides graduates the necessary skills, abilities and confidence to embark on a doctoral programme.

The following modules will be taught:

Embedded Systems Hardware
Introduces and promotes the understanding of the utilisation and principles of reconfigurable computing.

Advanced Signal Processing (core for signal processing pathway)
Covers a broad range of the theory and applications of advanced digital signal processing (DSP) that is pervasive in some of the most useful communication and signal processing systems such as radar, mobile phones, medical signal processing etc.

Advanced Digital Communications (core for multimedia communications pathway)
Aims to teach students advanced topics in digital communication systems, such as multicarrier digital transmission and multiple access techniques, as well as associated case studies.

DSP for communications
This module focuses on the real-time implementation of key DSP algorithms used in modern electronic and communication systems.

Embedded Systems Engineering
This module aims to provide detailed knowledge of real-time computing for advanced embedded and control computer systems. The module will promote the understanding of the various engineering, scientific and economic tradeoffs necessary in the design of advanced embedded systems.

Advanced Multimedia Processing
Addresses advanced methods and algorithms in multimedia signal processing aimed at representing, indexing, compressing and delivering audiovisual streams over networked environments. In-depth coverage of Audio/speech processing, Image/video processing, and Multimedia data processing.

Embedded Intelligent Systems
Explores the goals and methods of Artificial Intelligence (AI) from its inception to the present day. The emphasis is on a how we can make the machine do intelligent signal processing, such as adaptive filtering, channel optimisation, data classification, and data mining.

Wireless Network and Multimedia Technologies
Introduces the students in the design and operation of wireless networks through concepts, terminologies and standards.

Project Management
To main aim of the module is to give students a comprehensive understanding and critical awareness of the latest advanced techniques and strategies for Project Management, including management tools, management and reporting methods and team building.

Dissertation project
The dissertation project is a stimulating and challenging part of the MSc programme. Dissertations may be carried out on any approved topic related to embedded systems technologies and their applications. Essentially the dissertation gives the student the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills taught in the programme to a topic of their own interest, of interest to a sponsoring or industrial organisation, or of research interest.

Typical Dissertations

Representative project/workshops are in the areas below (but not limited to these areas):

• Signal processing of biomedical signal, such as ECG, EEG
• Filtering of radio signals, low and high pass filtering
  
• Signal processing of medical imaging modalities
• Filter design, conversion from analogue to discrete filters
• Video surveillance and biometrics
• 3D conferencing
• Networking
• Image and radar avoidance systems for cars
• Embedded systems used in inter-car communication and avoidance systems
• Health monitoring/performance applications
• Assisted living applications
• Sports signal processing
• Multi-layer structure analysis from Terahertz data
  
• Fast sampling of ultra-wideband signals
  

Teaching and Learning

Knowledge and understanding in the areas indicated are acquired through a mix of lectures, workshops/labs, seminars, self-study, and individual and group project work. In lectures, key concepts and ideas are introduced, definitions are stated, techniques are explained, and immediate student queries discussed. Seminars provide the students with the opportunity to discuss at greater length issues arising from lectures. Workshops/labs sessions are used to foster practical engagement with the taught material.

Skills are assessed through final examinations, written assignments, laboratory/workshop exercise reports and oral presentations. Some skills are also assessed through the project and dissertation.

Assessment

Assessment will allow students to demonstrate their abilities in a range of styles relevant to professional Electrical and Electronics Engineers. These will include:

• Essays and reports – demonstration of depth and breadth of knowledge and written communication skills
• Laboratory/workshop exercise reports – ability to collect, analyse and interpret a range of evidence, including in the laboratory
• Group report – contribution as a team member to a collaborative challenge
• Formal examinations – ability to quickly formulate arguments and solve problems
• Dissertation – ability to plan, critically review, execute and communicate an advanced piece of research – EE5500, the Dissertation specification, requires students to undertake research relevant to their specific programme.

Careers

The programme fully prepares students for work in the technological industries that require knowledge and skills in the areas of embedded systems, multimedia, communications, signal processing, and intelligent systems. There are no limitations to the area in which such technologies can be applied; however, companies that develop electronic and communication products often offer jobs in the following areas:

• Design, modelling and development of embedded systems using high-level languages, such as VHDL and Handel-C.
• Matlab / Simulink prototyping and system level design tools
• DSP hardware/software and device drivers development
• Biomedical instrumentations
• Real-time embedded system design and mobile handset development
• Speech recognition and synthesis
• Image processing and recognition
• Security applications
• Audio and video processing systems
• Digital measuring equipments and instrumentations
• Wireless telecommunication and broadcast: WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), 802.11, Bluetooth, GSM, WiMAX, DVB applications
• Various fields such as Satellite Communications, RF Engineering, Real-Time Control Systems
• Automatic industrial inspection
• Control systems

The programme also prepares students to carry out related academic research. A number of students in various disciplines within the School have stayed on to carry out a PhD at Brunel University – on average, one student of high academic achievement per year is offered a PhD position.

Fees for 2013/14 entry

UK/EU students: £5,800 full-time

International students: £15,000 full-time

Read about funding opportunities available to postgraduate students

Fees quoted are per annum and are subject to an annual increase.

Entry Requirements

A UK first or second class honours degree or equivalent internationally recognised qualification usually in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or a related discipline. Other qualifications and relevant experience will be assessed on an individual basis.

English Language Requirements

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accept a range of other language courses. We also have a range of Pre-sessional English language courses, for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English.