Master's in Wireless Communications Engineering

An exciting opportunity get cutting-edge knowledge in wireless communications both at physical and network layers. As a Master’s degree holder, you can design, implement and develop 5G and beyond 5G systems, enabling hardware and applications.
University of Oulu is the home for 6G research and innovation.

Wireless Communications Engineering, Master's Programme in Electronics and Communications Engineering

Degree title

Master of Science (Technology)

Study places

60

Duration of studies

2 years

Scope

120 credits

Teaching method

On campus

Next application period

8-22 January 2025

Programme profile

Top reasons to study Wireless Communications Engineering

  • Become an expert in wireless communications by learning state-of-the-art technologies.
  • Programme is ranked top 29th in Telecommunication Engineering in Shanghai Ranking´s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023.
  • Teaching is based on state-of-the-art research that is leading in 6G wireless communications technology.
  • Close connection to world-renowned technology hub in Oulu with lots of job opportunities, even in 6G research.
  • Widen your expertise with complementary computer engineering techniques, such as AI and machine learning.

Welcome to study at the home for 6G innovation

The Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC) at the University of Oulu runs EUR-ACE accredited Wireless Communications Engineering programme in tight collaboration with the  6G Flagship  –  the vigorous research and co-creation programme for 5G adoption and 6G innovation. As 5G enters its deployment phase, 6G Flagship supports global industry in the finalization of the 5G standard especially through joint projects, trials and demonstrations.

At the same time, 6G Flagship experts are already working on essential technology components and solutions needed for the 2030 wireless era and seeking for major scientific breakthroughs in the interrelated domains of wireless connectivity, device and circuit technologies, distributed intelligent computing, and novel applications and services. Verticals such as Industry 4.0, Health, Energy and Autonomous Driving gain special attention in the flagship programme.

“The skills gained in the programme give you a solid academic knowledge base and capability to design future wireless communications networks at the system level.”

Joining our world-class research and study environment will give you connections and opportunities which help you in your career.

Centre for Wireless Communications offers paid summer internships and Master's thesis topics for WCE students who have shown excellent performance during their first year of studies. Furthermore, CWC and the 6G Flagship continuously recruit new doctoral students.

You are a great fit for our programme if

  • The ideal applicant holds a bachelor’s degree in communications engineering, electronics & electrical engineering, or computer engineering.
  • They are passionate about cutting-edge technologies and have a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and programming.
  • With a keen interest in research, they aspire to contribute to the 2030 wireless era. Their technical skills include proficiency in digital signal processing, radio engineering, and communication networks.
  • They are adaptable, proactive learners with excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Ultimately, they envision becoming a leader in the field, driving advancements in wireless communications.

Focus on Radio Access Networks or RF Engineering

The two-year programme has two specialisation options:

  • Radio Access and Networks, and
  • RF Engineering.

Students can select either the Radio Access and Networks (WCE-RAN) or Radio Frequency Engineering (WCE-RF) study option. In addition to the student’s preference, the field of their Bachelor's or equivalent studies and the possible interview are taken into account when the study option is confirmed.

There are no entrance-exams or pre-determined quotas of study places for WCE-RAN and WCE-RF study options. It is important to notice that mandatory courses of one specialization option can be taken as elective courses in other option, if a student wishes to broaden their expertise into the area of other study option.

Radio Access and Networks

Studies in Radio Access and Networks concentrate on designing and applying radio access technologies both at physical layer and at network layer for 5G, IoT, and future mobile system generations.

RF Engineering

Studies in RF Engineering focus on essential radio system components and provides knowledge on the design of integrated RF and DSP circuits for mobile handsets, base stations, 5G devices, IoT applications, and smart and energy efficient sensors.

Core skills and competence

The programme will equip you with core knowledge and skills on the latest methods, tools and technologies related to:

  • Steerable intelligent antennas for 5G MIMO and SDMA systems
  • Communication networks
  • Computer engineering
  • Electronics
  • 5G and 6G wireless communication systems
  • Information theory
  • Stochastical and digital signal processing
  • Radio channels, and
  • Radio engineering.

Programme structure and courses

For detailed information about courses and the programme structure, take a look at the study guide:
See study guide for Wireless Communications Engineering programme structure and courses

Occupational profiles of the graduates

  • Chief Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Development Engineer
  • Maintenance Engineer
  • Patent Engineer
  • Program Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Radio Network Designer
  • Research Engineer
  • RF Engineer
  • Sales Engineer
  • System Engineer
  • Test Engineer
  • University Teacher.

Join the vision for 2030 wireless era

The programme is built on 35 years of groundbreaking research and collaboration with global leaders, such as Nokia, and an ambitious 6G research vision for the 2030 wireless era.