Broadband and Mobile Communications Networks MSc
My programme lasts one-year but I am enjoying the experience so much, I wish it was two.
I chose Kent because it was the best fit for me. I am very interested in 3G and 2G networks and the MSc in Broadband and Mobile Communications covers this area.
I also wanted to combine my studies with a good social life and was attracted to Kent as it is ‘the garden of England’ – postgraduate study is quite intense so I thought living in such a beautiful place, with lots of friendly people would give me a chance to relax. Also, Canterbury is just an hour from London.
I am very happy. We have learnt about the history of mobile networks, current networks and what is likely to happen in the future.
The course is well-designed; in your first two terms the modules you study give you the knowledge you need to decide on the subject of your research project.
I submitted a project proposal, a poster and a literature review and fortunately received good marks. I have now begun my project and have regular meetings with my supervisor, where he makes sure I am on the right track and if I need help points me in the right direction. My supervisors have told me that I am the first student to do a project on this particular circuit, so if I am successful it will be a great thing; I know it will be difficult but it is also exciting to try and build something from nothing. For my practical work, I have access to the Antenna laboratory, which is a state-of-the-art lab containing the SPGA circuit I am working on and also an anechoic chamber where I can conduct simulations on the circuit.
They are very supportive. One of the reasons I chose Kent was the detailed responses the professors gave to questions I emailed them when I was researching courses. Once here, that level of engagement has continued. On a personal level, I am from Syria and the current situation has led to some practical difficulties for me, but my supervisor has been very helpful and made sure that I am able to concentrate on my studies.
We are a close group; during revision time we worked together and that was great. When the exams were over we went out for a meal to celebrate and now that we are all working on our projects it is good to have that supportive network.
In addition to the excellent laboratory facilities, the library is also well-stocked for our subject. The School has a subscription to an online database for engineers, where all the latest journal articles are placed. Access to this is essential for all of the students as we need the most up-to-date information for our projects, but without the School subscription it would be very expensive for us.
I would like to continue my studies by doing a PhD. However, I need to decide whether it would be better to get some practical work experience before I do a PhD. Ultimately, I will return to Syria and, when peace prevails, hopefully be a part of establishing fourth generation communication networks there.
If you choose Kent you will have made a very good decision! For postgraduate study it is important to look at the course first and make sure it is exactly what you want. My programme lasts one-year but I am enjoying the experience so much, I wish it was two!
