Course Overview
The Master's Degree Course in Communications Engineering is designed to train highly skilled professionals capable of applying and developing technological innovation within companies and research laboratories in both the public and private sectors.
In particular, the program focuses on educational objectives in the field of information and communication technologies, which increasingly define today's "information society," making a significant contribution to the innovation of sectors such as work, production, media, transportation, security, health, and the environment.
The program is delivered in English.
The Master's Degree Course in Communications Engineering integrates knowledge in the fields of Electronic and Computer Engineering acquired in first-level degree programs with a specific understanding of the systemic and technological aspects related to the design, integration, management, and optimization of various components of interconnected, complex and continuously evolving systems (such as those related to smart cities, Industry 4.0, cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things, and homeland security). The goal is to identify innovative engineering solutions while ensuring reliability, efficiency, resource optimization, and sustainability.
Educational Plan
The curriculum is structured into two tracks:
- Communication Networks and Services
- Communication Technologies and Systems
It is designed to train professionals capable of meeting the needs not only of the relevant industrial sectors but also of interdisciplinary fields such as aerospace, bioengineering, defense, healthcare, and smart cities.
To achieve this, the Master's Degree Course in Communications Engineering offers an educational framework covering four key areas:
- Digital Signal Processing and Biometrics
- Wireless/Wired Communication Systems and IoT
- Protocols, Architectures, and Programming for Distributed Systems
- Microwaves, Antennas, and RF Electronics
Together, these areas ensure that students acquire both fundamental and applied knowledge necessary for the design, implementation, and operation of Communications devices, systems, and services.
This leads to the definition of two study paths that place great emphasis on core disciplines (Communications and Electromagnetic Fields). In particular, given the presence of leading national and international companies operating in the wireless communications sector, the educational program dedicates significant space to developing expertise in the design of wireless systems, devices, and antennas.
Additionally, considering current market trends, special attention is given to knowledge related to telematics and multimedia services, as well as advanced disciplines focusing on emerging paradigms such as 5G/6G systems, the Internet of Things, Network Intelligence and Softwarization, Forensic Biometrics, and Computer Vision.
With the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence across all disciplines, many courses include recent Machine Learning techniques applied to networks and Communications systems.
The Master’s Degree Course in Communications Engineering also aims to strengthen students' technical and scientific preparation in core Information Engineering disciplines, with particular emphasis on computer science and electronics. For this reason, the study plan includes:
- 15 CFU in related and supplementary computer science courses (Communication Networks and Services curriculum)
- 18 CFU in related and supplementary electronics courses (12 CFU in the Communications Technologies and Systems curriculum and 6 CFU in the Communication Networks and Services curriculum)
Additionally, several elective courses allow students to personalize their study path.
All courses are taught in English to provide students with an international academic experience, as required by the global job market. In this regard, students are strongly encouraged to participate in international learning experiences, such as those offered by the Erasmus and Erasmus+ Traineeship programs.
To ensure a connection with the professional world, the study plan includes:
- A curricular internship of 9 CFU
- 3 CFU in “Other Skills”, typically assigned to external lecturers from the industry
- At least one company, organization, or research center visit per year
The 18-CFU thesis, if requested by the student, can be carried out at companies or research institutions in Italy or abroad, under the supervision of both a university advisor and an external supervisor from the host organization.
Laboratories and Industry Relations
The Master’s Degree Course dedicates a significant portion of the coursework to practical and laboratory experiences, especially in courses with a strong design-oriented component. This approach allows students to reinforce their theoretical knowledge through hands-on activities and laboratory sessions.
The Master’s Degree Program maintains strong connections with industry through research and development projCFU, involving students in internships, thesis work, and research collaborations.
Career Opportunities and Employment Sectors
A graduate in Communications Engineering has access to a wide range of career opportunities, thanks to the growing demand for experts in communication technologies. Below is an overview of the main career paths and employment sectors:
Communications Engineering
- Communications Network Designer:
Plans and designs network infrastructures, both fixed (fiber optics) and mobile (LTE, 5G, etc.). - RF (Radio Frequency) Engineer:
Designs and optimizes transmission and reception systems using radio waves (e.g., antennas, cellular networks). - IoT (Internet of Things) Developer:
Works on connected devices and systems, designing solutions for smart homes, industrial automation, and smart cities. - Software Engineer:
Develops applications and systems for managing networks and communication devices.
Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity Specialist:
Works on protecting networks and sensitive data from cyberattacks. - Network Security Analyst:
Identifies vulnerabilities in communication systems and develops mitigation strategies.
Management and Consulting
- ICT Project Manager:
Coordinates projCFU for the implementation of new communication technologies in companies and institutions. - Communications Consultant:
Provides strategic support to businesses for digital transformation and network infrastructure optimization.
Research and Development
- Communications Researcher:
Conducts research on emerging technologies (5G/6G, satellite communications, optical networks, etc.) in universities, research centers, or companies. - Communication Algorithm Developer:
Designs algorithms to optimize signal transmission and processing.
Emerging Sectors
- Artificial Intelligence Applied to Networks:
Implements AI models to optimize Communications networks and enhance service quality. - Cloud Engineer:
Designs and manages cloud infrastructures for real-time data transfer and processing. - Communications for Automotive:
Works on connected vehicles, V2X (vehicle-to-everything) networks, and autonomous driving. - Communications for Smart Cities:
Develops integrated solutions for lighting, public transportation, and other connected urban infrastructures.
Industrial Sector
- Communications Companies:
(e.g., TIM, Vodafone, Wind Tre, Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia) – involved in the design and management of mobile and fixed networks. - IT and Cloud Companies:
(e.g., Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft) – focused on cloud services and global networks. - Aerospace and Defense:
(e.g., Leonardo, Thales Alenia Space) – specializing in satellite communications and radar systems. - Tech Startups:
Driving innovation in areas such as IoT, AI, and green Communications.
International Careers
The acquired skills open opportunities in global markets, particularly in:
- 5G/6G mobile networks.
- Satellite communications.
- Network technology standardization (e.g., 3GPP, IEEE).
Freelancing
A Communications engineer can work independently, offering consulting services in:
- Design and certification of telecommunication systems.
- Optimization of corporate networks.
- Training and technical support.
Employment Statistics
ALMA LAUREA confirms an excellent employment rate for graduates of the Master’s Degree in Communications Engineering at the University of Catania.
