University of Liverpool

Microelectronic Systems

University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom

Course overview

On this well-established MSc programme, you will develop advanced knowledge and skills in key aspects of microelectronic systems. The course content is updated annually to maintain industry relevance and to reflect the latest developments in the industry. We cover the following 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. Part-time study is in cooperation with the students’ employers.

Please contact the Programme Director before applying. Please note: We regularly review and develop our postgraduate programmes. This MSc is also available with the alternative titleElectronic Engineering and the Internet of Things MSc (Eng)for entry September 2026, 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 BEn

Key highlights

  • Accredited by the IET for Chartered Engineer Further Learning
  • Core modules in IC design, digital system design and embedded systems
  • Course content updated annually to reflect latest industry developments
  • Optional modules in image processing, communications networks and parallel programming
  • Explore electrical plasma and its uses in microelectronics
  • Option to graduate with Electronic Engineering and the Internet of Things title

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:2 — 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.

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • E. Allison Peers Masters Scholarship in Iberian and Latin American Studies

    The scholarship provides £5,000 towards fees, plus a £5,000 stipend, for students undertaking a Hispanic topic in any master's programme in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film at the University of Liverpool.

    Up to £5,000
  • Health, Cultures and Societies Bursary

    The successful candidate will receive a one-off fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Hodgson Law Scholarship

  • Liverpool Excellence Scholarship for Postgraduates

    If you're an international student, you could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £7,000.

    Up to £7,000
  • Liverpool Law School Hong Kong Scholarships

    Two scholarships worth £1,000 each.

    Up to £1,000
  • Liverpool Law School LLM Bursaries

    Two bursaries worth £500 each for Home students. Two bursaries wroth £1,000 each for international students.

  • MA in Chinese-English Translating and Interpreting Scholarships

    Students awarded this scholarship will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Management School MBA Excellence Scholarship

    50% tuition fee discounts are available.

    Up to 50% of fees
  • Manuel Irujo Scholarship in Basque Studies

    The scholarship provides approximately £5,000.

  • MusicFutures Scholarship for International Intellectual Property Law LLM

    Up to five scholarships are available, each worth £12,500 in the form of a tuition fee discount.

    Up to £12,500
  • Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies

    Up to two awards are available in each academic year, with each award worth £4,000.

    Up to £4,000
  • Scholarships for MA Political Science and International Relations

    The Department of Politics is pleased to announce two £5,000 scholarships for students wishing to pursue the MA in Political Science and International Relations.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Master's in Public Administration and Policy

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Education

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Film Studies

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in History

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Translation

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000
  • University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master's Programmes

  • University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship

    £5,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.

    Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Microelectronics engineer
  • IC design engineer
  • Embedded systems engineer
  • Digital hardware design engineer
  • FPGA engineer
  • Semiconductor engineer

Cost of study

UK/Home: Full-time place, per year - £14,000; Part-time: £7,000 | International: Full-time place, per year - £34,000; Part-time: £17,000

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Liverpool, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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