MSc. Mobile Telecommunication Engineering. Introducing a New Flexible Route to a Postgraduate Qualification in Mobile Telecommunications

Transcription

1 MSc Mobile Telecommunication Engineering Middlesex University Global Delivery All tutorials are delivered via our Live Virtual Classroom Cutting Edge Technologies Incorporating the latest 3G & 4G technologies Blended Learning Blending commercial, strategic & engineering disciplines International Qualifications International qualification from leading UK university Industry Experts All tutorials led by experts who work within the industry Most training programmes within the mobile industry are disjointed and offer no formal qualifications. Furthermore, many academic courses struggle to incorporate the real commercial challenges that face the telecoms industry today. To address these issues mpirical, global leaders in the delivery of telecommunications training, have developed an exciting opportunity to continue your professional development and gain an internationally recognized master s degree. Blending cutting edge technology training, real world experience and rigorous academic research, mpirical and Middlesex University bring you the world s first truly comprehensive MSc in Mobile Telecommunication Engineering. Introducing a New Flexible Route to a Postgraduate Qualification in Mobile Telecommunications

2 A new flexible route to an MSc The business models and technological development of mobile service providers are changing faster than virtually any other sector. This presents huge challenges for the service provider, equipment and handset vendors, and aligned support organizations. To manage this change, and implement the business and technology successfully, requires profound specialist knowledge, flexible thinking, subtle management, practical expertise and the ability to work within a diverse group. mpirical and Middlesex University have developed a focused program of study, providing you with the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised professional qualification meeting the exacting needs of this fast moving, challenging and exciting sector. Cutting edge and relevant By combining mpirical s unparalleled expertise with the academic rigour of a Middlesex University higher degree, you can feel confident that you will be working within a challenging yet supportive environment. Led by industry experts who still work at the cutting edge of the telecommunications industry, the course combines detailed current technical information with commercial and strategic thinking to ensure you can operate at the higher echelons in this arena. However, the programme remains flexible, giving you the opportunity to focus on specific aspects relevant to your specialist interests or place of work. A programme that fits your life All lectures, coursework, class discussions and group presentations etc, are delivered via our learning management system, enabling you to join the course no matter where you live. Unlike other online courses, all lectures are delivered live with true collaboration between you and your lecturers. We even record the lectures so you can attend again, should you wish. Rigorous and challenging You would expect a Master s degree to be demanding - and you would be right. The academic standards required from this online degree are as high as an oncampus equivalent. This is no soft option! From the moment the programme starts, you are in constant communication with your classmates. You get regular feedback and grading from your lecturers, not to mention ongoing support. So, whilst the programme will feel rigorous and challenging, it never feels like a solo effort. New directions, new opportunities The MSc in Mobile Telecommunication Engineering is not for everyone; it demands concentration, commitment and sheer hard work. However, we believe that for those that take up the challenge, it will revitalise your career opportunities, recast your understanding of the workplace and reveal opportunities you never imagined. In essence, it is an experience that will change your life. Key benefits Cutting Edge Technologies - the programme covers the complete range of operational technologies; GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE & LTE Advanced. Online Global Delivery - receive the very best education wherever you are in the world via our unique learning management system. Blended Learning - to ensure students graduate with the right knowledge and understanding, the programme carefully blends technical detail with commercial and current strategic thinking. International Qualification - gain an international qualification with the power to open doors throughout the world. Collaborative learning We expect you to learn as much from your fellow students as from your lecturers. Furthermore, we pick our students to ensure this is the case. Like you, they are experienced professionals, with a thorough understanding of their profession, industry sector and markets mpirical limited -- msc@mpirical.com

3 Foundation Engineering Year 1 Commercial & Strategic Radio Network Engineering PGCert (60 credits) Year 2 Core Network Engineering Dissertation PGDip (120 credits) MSc (180 credits) The Programme The MSc in Mobile Telecommunication Engineering is comprised of four taught phases followed by a post graduate project or dissertation. The four study phases; Foundation Engineering, Commercial & Strategy, Radio Network Engineering and Core Network Engineering are delivered over a series of live online lectures enabling students to challenge and to be challenged! Each study phase also comprises of a number of activities, exercises, assessments and presentations etc, which all go to form the Portfolio of Submission. Throughout this period, students will remain in constant communication with their lecturers and fellow students through an interactive web 2.0 learning environment. who wish to leave with an intermediate qualification. Those submitting a successful portfolio after completing the first two study phases (60 credits) will be awarded a PGCert. Those completing all four study phases (120 credits) will be awarded the PGDip. Students being awarded an MSc will be required to study all four study phases (120 credits) plus submit a dissertation (60 credits). To discuss the specific qualifications in more detail, please contact us at: msc@mpirical.com. The dissertation or post graduate research project enables the student to focus their attention on a specific area of interest in order to carry out a detailed investigation. The exact nature of the project will be agreed through discussion with a lecturer. Even though it is anticipated that the majority of students will complete the entire MSc, the program of study has been developed to provide those students -- mpirical limited -- msc@mpirical.com

4 Foundation Engineering This phase provides the foundations of the program of study. It explains the architectural and operational elements comprising the technologies that lie on the 3GPP s roadmap; GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+, LTE and LTE Advanced. The phase not only explains the key procedures but also provides an opportunity to critically analyse real operational networks. The phase charts the current 2G and 3G networks before turning its focus towards 4G technologies, LTE, and LTE Advanced. Key topics Technology Roadmap technical and commercial implications detailed review of the technologies 3GPP Releases strategic appreciation of how these technologies are brought to market Network Architecture fundamental building blocks of a mobile network technical explanation of the UE, GERAN, UTRAN, E-UTRAN and Core detailed analysis of the interfaces and protocols Initial Procedures methodologies for attaching to the network detailed analysis of real network signalling scenarios network security procedures mobility management Circuit Switched Operation GSM call setup for mobile originated and terminated procedures UMTS call setup for mobile originated and terminated procedures SMS delivery and management Sigtran and Soft Switching migrating the network to an IP centric architecture introduction of Sigtran and Soft Switches upgrading the transport network with MPLS and Carrier Ethernet Packet Switched Operation strategic importance of packet switching explanation of PDP contexts and session management EPS bearers, TFTs and QoS Policy and charging control Mobility and Interworking mobility within GSM and UMTS mobility in LTE interworking between technologies analysis of real network traces Wireless Wi-Fi and WiMAX NFC, Bluetooth and PAN concepts insight - extensive knowledge of 2G, 3G and 4G system architecture and operation. skills - ability to understand and discuss in depth critical network issues. Commercial & Strategic For any engineer wishing to progress within the industry, a comprehensive understanding of the commercial and strategic aspects of how a company operates is essential. This phase gives students the opportunity to extend their knowledge to include strategy, finance, marketing and legal / regulatory issues. The phase culminates with students presenting a detailed collaborative report based on spectrum valuation. Key topics Finance understanding telecoms financial jargon; ARPU, EBITDA, margins Free Cash Flow and Return on Investment economics of telecoms companies how telecoms companies create shareholder value Strategy strategic business planning market maturity, industry consolidation and increased competition spectrum licensing opportunities and consequences 4 -- mpirical limited -- msc@mpirical.com

5 MVNOs, convergence and new service development Porter s 5 Forces techniques to explore competitor positioning and industry structure generation and evaluation of strategic options. Marketing essential concepts of marketing in the telecoms sector segmentation and the adjustment of the marketing mix forecasting techniques examination of real network data Legal and Regulatory impact on business models practices and methodologies employed by regulatory bodies spectrum auction analysis of recent cases from around the world insight - how key financial and commercial practice relate to creating value. skills - the ability to read, interpret and discuss key commercial terms and processes with confidence. Radio Network Engineering The Radio Network Engineering study phase focuses on the three different air interfaces in operation today - TDMA, CDMA and OFDMA. The GERAN, UTRAN and E-UTRAN are explored in terms of their mode of operation and network protocols. The evolutionary technologies of EDGE, Evolved EDGE, HSPA and HSPA+ are also critically analysed in terms of their technical characteristics and operational capabilities. The study phase includes the use of cell planning, drive test and emulation software to enhance understanding. procedures and protocols EGPRS resource allocation and operation GSM and GPRS mobility network entry and dedicated mode procedures UMTS Air Interface air interface structure and channels physical interface and channels radio resource control and UMTS operational procedures power control idle mode and connected mode interworking 3G RAN protocols and UTRAN operation HSPA & HSPA+ LTE Air Interface E-UTRA interface and states LTE protocols including E-UTRA PDCP, RLC and MAC OFDMA and SC-FDMA principles and concepts E-UTRA physical layer and procedures LTE Mobility and Interworking 4G RAN Protocols and E-UTRAN operation MIMO Cell Planning & RAN Optimization key planning considerations planning for capacity and coverage dimensioning based on market forecasting interworking with other radio access technologies self optimizing networks white space and cognitive radio insight - the impact of the radio and radio access on network operation and performance. skills - confidently analyse radio and radio access protocols and operation within a commercial cellular network. Key topics GSM & GPRS Air Interface GSM air interface physical layer GPRS frame and multi-frame structures 2G RAN Protocols GSM signalling procedures and protocols GPRS signalling and resource allocation -- mpirical limited -- msc@mpirical.com

6 Core Network Engineering The final study phase focuses on the Core Network and the delivery of services through an IMS. Migration towards an independent IP based architecture is critically explored along with detailed explanation of the underlying transport technologies. Network convergence is also dealt with during this phase along with service delivery, control and management. Key topics IP for Next Generation Networks IP Basics routing using OSPF and BGP IP Transport Networks and MPLS IP in Next Generation Networks IP RAN concepts Sigtran operation and architecture SCTP and user adaptation layers signalling gateways and IP signalling points Soft Switching MSC Server and Media Gateway function and positioning pooling concepts, drivers and advantages circuit switched operation and calls based on soft switching H.248 and MEGACO Packet Switched Operation GPRS core network operation in 2G and 3G networks core and aggregation planning for HSPA network intelligence and mobile gateway functionality Flattening the network for LTE LTE EPS bearer management policy control and packet management deep packet inspection Service Delivery through an IMS IMS concepts and architecture signalling and service establishment based on SIP interworking with legacy services and networks insight - the drivers, needs and advantage of deploying IP technologies in modern core network architecture. skills - effective planning of core network deployments to meet the next generation of service requirements. Portfolio Submission After completing the four study phases, students will submit a portfolio for assessment. This will comprise of the various elements of course work undertaken throughout the program, along with additional documentation outlining how the information gained in the course has been applied to the working environment. The portfolio is comprised of the following types of course work: Individual Assessments - using trace and log files, you will be asked searching questions regarding the operation of network elements and functions. You will be expected to formulate suggested solutions and extend the discussion to the next stage of analysis. Engineering Journal - your engineering journal will be based on a web-log containing entries which will be a reflective account of your research and work. This is intended to be an informal approach to learning, however it must be capable of withstanding technical and academic scrutiny. Research Assignments - each topic will be related to your current studies. The topic may either be selected from a predefined list or, if you have a specific interest in a relevant subtopic, this may also be considered. Technical Forums - these pick up on topics currently being studied and encourage you to research further into the subject. As the forum threads are peer reviewed, this style of learning encourages a rigorous approach to research as comments and ideas are open for all to see and comment upon. Presentations - some topics may involve a number of students collaborating on a topic. In order to assess the research, a presentation by the group to their peers and tutors will be acceptable. Dissertation Students who successfully complete 120 credit points after the portfolio submission stage may either be awarded with a PGDip or continue their study by completing a post graduate project and be awarded the MSc. The project provides the opportunity to undertake a 6 -- mpirical limited -- msc@mpirical.com

7 Global Delivery Cutting Edge Technologies International Qualifications 24/7 Access Blended Learning Industry Experts piece of work, allowing you to integrate and develop further understanding of program material by carrying out a substantial piece of research. You will be supervised by both a member of Middlesex University and the mpirical faculty. Comprehensive Support Each phase is comprised of 10 tutorials which are delivered live online using mpirical s virtual classroom technology. Featuring two way audio and video plus a host of interactive options, students are able to receive the highest quality of teaching and support from anywhere in the world. Students also receive comprehensive full colour course material prior to commencing each phase in addition to gaining access to mpirical s learning management system - the Learning Zone. This portal enables students to interact with teaching staff and fellow students through the use of dedicated online forums in addition to undertaking tests of understanding, ing tutors, delivering group presentations and submitting portfolios of evidence. Furthermore, all tutorials are recorded enabling students to maximize their understanding of the material covered. Entry Requirements As this is a postgraduate degree, entrants for the MSc are expected to hold at a minimum, a second-class degree (UK), or equivalent overseas qualification in a Science or Engineering subject. Candidates with other degrees and relevant work experience will also be considered and are encouraged to apply as are those with degree equivalent professional accreditation. International students whose first language is not English or who have not been taught in English must achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 575 (paper based) / 233 (computer based). For further information on entry requirements or to discuss your specific situation, please do not hesitate to contact us - msc@mpirical.com. -- mpirical limited -- msc@mpirical.com

8 Enrolment & Fees Application mpirical have a wealth of experience in delivering training, advice and consultancy to the telecoms sector. Their knowledge and expertise covers all aspects of fixed and mobile telecoms networks extending from the handset and radio environment through the access network to the core and key revenue generating services. Their highly qualified team have an unparalleled ability to focus on complex network issues and develop fast and effective solutions. This may be through the provision of comprehensive training programmes delivered using a combination of online and instructor led classes or through a consultancy role where mpirical subject matter experts integrate into a specific organization. Middlesex University Middlesex University is a large London university, with two further campuses overseas, in Dubai and Mauritius. Their history in higher education dates from 1878 and in 1992 were granted the royal charter making them a university. They have invested heavily in their campuses over the last few years and are now building state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable new facilities at their flagship Hendon campus. They are a pioneer in university services for business - turning their expertise and teaching into practical advantage for organisations seeking to stay at the cutting edge. With over 34,000 students studying on Middlesex courses worldwide, they are one of the largest providers of British university education to international students. Candidates who wish to study on the MSc in Mobile Telecommunications Engineering should complete an application form and send it to our admissions office. These can be supplied on request by ing mpirical at: msc@mpirical.com. Offer of Admission Once we have received your application form along with the required documentation, our admissions office will make an assessment and issue an offer of admission. Once you have received your offer of admission you will need to review the letter carefully. It will outline the programme, the start date, tuition fees and key information about induction. The offer letter will also include information on any academic conditions or documentation conditions which you may need to satisfy before registration. To accept our offer of admission you need to sign your offer letter and return it to the admissions office within the deadline provided. Fees Tuition fees must be paid prior to enrolment. Payments can be made via bank transfer, cheque, debit or credit card. The fees are: UK/EU Students - 6,700 Overseas Students - 11,900 Payment Plan To give you maximum flexibility we operate a payment plan to spread the cost of your tuition at no additional cost. The first instalment being paid prior to your enrolment. The second instalment is made prior to the commencement of the second year of study. For more information, contact: -- mpirical limited -- msc@mpirical.com