MSc Computer Engineering

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Essex

Program Overview

The MSc Computer Engineering at Essex is a one-year full-time (or part-time) programme for students with engineering, computing or related technical backgrounds. It teaches both hardware and software design, embedded systems, logic design, and includes substantial laboratory and project work.

Curriculum Structure:
Students take compulsory modules such as Programming Embedded Systems, High Level Logic Design, and Professional Practice & Research Methodology. These give hands-on skills in embedded programming, circuit/FPGA logic design, plus preparation for independent research.

They also complete a Group Project to build teamwork and applied system design skills, and a MSc Project & Dissertation where they design, implement, test, and evaluate a computing system, integrating both hardware & software aspects.

Focus areas (in a string):
“Embedded Systems; Logic Design; Hardware-Software Trade-offs; Experimental Labs; Systems Implementation”

Learning outcomes (in a string):
“Ability to design and program embedded systems; implement digital logic circuits; manage hardware-software co-design; conduct research and engineering project work”

Professional alignment (accreditation):
Accredited by BCS (British Computer Society) and IET for purposes of Chartered IT Professional and Chartered Engineer registration.

Reputation (employability rankings):
University of Essex is ranked 6th in the UK for research power in Computer Science (REF 2021).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you're looking to push the boundaries of what's possible with technology, the MSc Computer Engineering at the University of Essex is designed to give you the deep, hands-on expertise you need. You'll be based in our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, where you'll move beyond the fundamentals to tackle advanced topics like artificial intelligence, big data, and Internet of Things technologies.

This programme is built around applying advanced concepts in a real-world context, and you'll have access to fantastic resources to make that happen:

Specialist Laboratories: You will have access to our suite of dedicated labs, including Robotics Lab with Baxter and Turtlebot robots, a Specialist Embedded Systems Lab with Oculus Rift and Arduino kits, and a Secure Cyber-physical Systems Lab for security research.
Industry-Standard Software & Tools: Get hands-on experience with a wide array of professional tools. Depending on your chosen modules, this includes software like Hadoop for big data processing, TensorFlow for machine learning, and NS-3 for network simulation.
Practical Project Work: The core of your experience is the MSc project, a substantial piece of individual research and development. This is where you'll apply all your skills to a complex problem, often drawing on the research strengths of our academics in areas like intelligent systems and robotics.
Research-Led Teaching & Institutes: You’ll be taught by experts from our research groups and institutes, such as the Institute for Analytics and Data Science (IADS) and the ESSEX Lab for experimental social sciences, providing opportunities to work on real, cutting-edge research challenges.
Extensive Computing Resources: You will benefit from the School's high-performance computing resources and have full access to the University's Library Services, including its vast collection of electronic journals, databases, and specialised computing literature.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Computer Engineering at the University of Essex are equipped to design, manage, and innovate across both hardware and software domains, leading to careers in embedded systems, network engineering, software development, and IT consultancy. Common career roles include Embedded Systems Engineer, Systems Architect, Software Developer, and IT Consultant, with alumni progressing to senior positions in industry and academia worldwide:

The Employability and Careers Centre at Essex provides tailored career guidance, employer engagement events, placement and internship support, and dedicated resources for engineering employment, helping students bridge to global companies and start-up ventures.
Graduate employment is strong, with 91% of postgraduates securing jobs or further study soon after graduation and average starting salaries for MSc Computer Engineering alumni ranging from about £27,000 to £45,000 early in their careers, rising higher as experience grows.
Essex collaborates closely with industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin, Google, Cisco, Apple, and major engineering consultancies, supporting students via real-world projects, research internships, EU-funded programs, and industrial placements.
The program carries British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation, supporting progress toward Chartered IT Professional status and confirming long-term international recognition for technical expertise.
Graduates display advanced skillsets in embedded systems, industry-grade programming, network and systems engineering, applied research, and technology innovation, readying them for impactful roles in engineering sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc, graduates may advance to PhD programmes in Computer Engineering, Embedded Systems, Software Engineering, or related research areas at Essex or other top universities. Additional paths include postdoctoral fellowships, interdisciplinary research, or advanced professional certifications in specialist engineering domains.