On this well-established MSc programme, you will develop advanced knowledge and skills in key aspects of telecommunications and wireless systems. The course content is updated every year to maintain industry relevance and to reflect the latest developments in the industry.
Teh first year of this MSc follows the same structure as the one year MSc programme. You will study core (compulsory) topics during the MSc: embedded computer systems, digital system design, IC design, microprocessor systems, research skills and project management.
The course content also covers digital design techniques, you will be introduced to materials used in microelectronics, and develop an understanding of designing advanced embedded computer systems – along with a module that will help you to develop the practical skills to develop your final project in semester three.
You’ll be able to develop your specialism through optional modules, where you can learn the fundamentals of image processing, the principles of communications networks, the theoretical and practical aspects of parallel programming for multi-core architectures, and an introduction to electrical plasma and how it can be used in microelectronics.
In Year two you will undertake an industrial project and placement (either in the UK or overseas), typically 30 weeks from September to next June. During the placement year you will spend time working in a relevant company suitable for the MSc. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical engineering experience which will boost your CV, build networks and develop confidence in a working environment. Many placement students continue their relationship with the placement provider by undertaking relevant projects and may ultimately return to work for the company when they graduate.
Please note: We regularly review and develop our postgraduate programmes. This MSc is also available with the alternative title Electronic Engineering and the Internet of Things with a Year in Industry MSc (Eng) for entry September 2025, and gives students the option to graduate with either of these two MSc titles.
This course is aimed at graduates who already have a good general level of knowledge and understanding in electronics or closely related subjects with advanced knowledge (at level M) and capabilities in the specific areas of microelectronic systems.
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
IET are one of the world’s leading professional societies for engineers and technicians and their accreditation covers a whole range of subjects including electrical, electronic, manufacturing, mechanical, systems and software engineering, as well as bioengineering, nanotechnology and renewable energy. It’s recognised globally as an indicator of quality through the Washington and Sydney accords, which are governed by the International Engineering Alliance (IEA).
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
In your first semester, you will develop your practical programming and coding skills by creating software for engineering applications, and an introduction to the “Internet of Things”.
Modules that will cover Semesters one and two will cover digital design techniques, introduce you to materials used in microelectronics, and give you an understanding of designing advanced embedded computer systems – along with a module that will help you to develop the practical skills to develop your final project in semester three.
Semester two
Your second semester will introduce you to ARM Cortex M Microprocessors. You’ll learn about the general functionality, learn to interface a peripheral to the AHB-Lite bus using microprocessors, and use RTX to implement a multi-threaded application.
You will continue to develop your knowledge of materials, and digital design skills while building the knowledge you’ll need for your research project – moving into project planning and literature searching.
You’ll also have the choice to learn about the principles of communications networks, their components and protocols; develop an in-depth understanding of EMC, the scope of EMC, standards, typical EMC problems and solutions; and get an extensive overview of information theory and coding.
Students must take 15 optional credits. Modules may be selected from this list subject to the requirement that at least 7.5 credits are completed in Semester one.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In Year two you will undertake an industrial project and placement.
The University of Liverpool has a dedicated team to help students find a suitable placement. Preparation for the placement is provided by the University’s Careers and Employability Services (CES) who assist students in finding a placement, help students produce a professional CV and prepare students for placement interviews. Placements can be near or far in the UK or overseas.
The University has very good links with industry; companies (such as ARM Plc) have offered our MSc students competitive placements. Although industry placements are not guaranteed, the University offers students opportunities and support throughout the process to ensure that the chance for a student to find a placement is high.
If you are unable to secure a suitable placement by the end of April during Year one, you will be transferred onto the one-year MSc to undertake the MSc project over the summer and graduate after one year.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MSC PLACEMENT EXPERIENCE (ELEC498) | 60 |
| MSC INDUSTRIAL PROJECT (ELEC499) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You will learn by attending lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials and doing your own research on a specific topic. You are expected to complete all the set coursework and exercises as it is an important part of your learning. You will have the opportunity to have hands-on training during your industrial placement.
You will be assessed through various methods including final exams, quizzes, exercises, laboratory reports, presentations, oral examinations and a report writing.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
If you are interested in studying this programme without the year in industry placement, it is available as a standard MSc (Eng). Completing this programme without the year in industry usually takes one year when completing full-time.
View Microelectronic Systems MSc (Eng)
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
The Department of Electrical Engineering & Electronics has world-class specialist facilities including top industry standard laboratories, which puts us at the forefront of research in this fast-moving discipline and our postgraduate body is one of the largest in the University, encompassing world-class fundamental and applied research. We offer an exciting, theoretical and practical range of degree programmes which address all of the major subject areas underpinning the new IT-based modern economy.
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This MSc degree programme is the basis for a career in a profession that offers an extremely wide choice of employment opportunities in Engineering, R&D, Project Management, Finance and many more.
Undertaking the placement year will strengthen your career options by, undertaking the project work in an industrial setting, applying theory learnt in the classroom to real-world practice, developing communications and interpersonal skills, and building networks and knowledge which will be invaluable throughout your career.
Graduates of this programme will be qualified across a broad range of subjects related to the electrical engineering and electronic engineering profession. They take up postgraduate training positions in design, development, research, manufacturing and consultancy with leading engineering companies, in order to pursue professional qualifications. Others join smaller engineering companies to pursue professional qualifications while establishing themselves in engineering positions. Some graduates move into non-engineering positions where their analytical, communications and IT skills as well as technical background are much sought-after.
The main career opportunities for graduates from this programme are:
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £13,300
Year in industry fee - £2,700
Full-time place, per year - £29,900
Year in industry fee - £6,000
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a relevant subject, for example Mathematics, Engineering or Physical Sciences. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 60 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit overall and no band below B2 Pass |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
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Dr Paul Bryant
Last updated 17 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions