Evidence of successful study at Level 4 in Electrical Engineering or similar.

Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered - relevant work experience and attainment of skills, which demonstrate an ability to study at this level. (This may include an interview)

Students with non-standard qualifications may also be asked to complete a controlled entry assessment on a relevant subject as part of the selection process.

Students undertaking work experience or professional activity may be required to undertake a satisfactory DBS check. Criminal records should be positively disclosed upon application, in order for applicant suitability to be assessed.

Literacy skills can be evidenced with a Level 2 qualification in English (GCSE grade 4/C or above), or completion of a controlled entry assessment.

This is not a module, it is a short course that is worth 20 academic credits at Level 5. However, it can be completed as a non-assessed, non-accredited course.

Indicative Course Content

The above course outcomes are fixed but the course content can be adjusted to meet your needs and specialisms.

• Introduction and history of fibre optic communication

• Telecommunication standards and concepts of transmission

• Optical fibre types and applications

• Overview of modulation schemes

• Lasers as optical transmitters

• Discrete optical modulators for enhanced transmission

• Presentations

• Bit error rate

• Direct detect optical receivers

• Advanced photonic coherent transmitter structures

• Digital signal processing for coherent transmission

• Optical amplifiers

• Optical add/drop multiplexers

• Estimate link budgets

• Photonic integrated circuits

Year 1 Modules

• Photonics Systems

At University Centre South Devon, we’re committed to helping you succeed – academically, professionally and personally. Whether you’re studying full-time or part-time, you’ll benefit from supportive teaching, flexible study options, dedicated academic and wellbeing support, and access to funding to help with the cost of living. Below you’ll find essential information about how our university-level courses are delivered, assessed and supported, so you can feel confident in your next steps.

Financial support and bursaries

Funding is available to help you with living costs during your studies via Student Finance England. We are committed to supporting our students with a number of bursary packages, which you will receive if you meet particular criteria, and does not need to be repaid. Bursaries are awarded in addition to any funding received from Student Finance England.

When studied part-time, the duration of the course depends on the speed at which you wish to progress through it. This is called the ‘intensity of study’. For example, studying half-time would be equivalent to 50 per cent intensity of study and would typically extend the length of the course from two to three years. As part-time study will mean attendance of some modules that are on the full-time timetable, it may mean that you will be required to attend modules timetabled over three days of the week. You may be able to change the intensity of study during your course. Not all intensities of study are available for all programmes.

Teaching

Our dedicated teaching teams will support with your application of theoretical and practical knowledge and will be invaluable to your development. Their passion and enthusiasm is exceptional, with dedicated support and tutorial time available so that you can make the most of your studies.

Teaching staff

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.

Assessment

We recognise feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. We adopt a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support your continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.

Academic support

A key feature of our university level programmes is the exceptional support we provide for students. We are passionate about providing dedicated and bespoke support services to help you make the most of your time here and to maximise your potential. We have an experienced team who offer a range of services, and regular 1:1 contact time with your personal tutor guarantees your professional and personal development. We can provide help with study skills, written English, academic writing, research skills, critical thinking, and revision. We hold the principles of equality and opportunity for all in the highest regard. That’s why our degrees are designed to be accessible for anyone, regardless of your personal circumstances. We endeavour to make reasonable adjustments and remove any barriers to your learning. We also offer more flexible timetables than other institutions to minimise the impact studying has on your personal life and responsibilities.

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations where applicable. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the Research Centre, and our course specific environments.

International students with UK settled status

Qualification and Language Requirements:

• International Qualifications: If you hold qualifications from outside the UK, these must be officially translated and verified through ECCTIS.
• English Language Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of proficiency by achieving an IELTS score of 6.8 or above.

Course Related Costs Included

• Equipment to support practical sessions related to your programme of learning, <Compulsory visits related to your programme of learning

• Annual £10 printing allowance

• Access to e-books and e-journals relating to your programme of study

Course Related Costs Not Included

• Additional printing over the initial allowance

• Optional overseas and UK based field trips

• The cost of books you may wish to purchase

• An annual parking fee or bus pass for travel to University Centre South Devon