MSc Analogue and Digital Integrated Circuit Design

This MSc programme is designed to transform you into a future leader in microelectronics through a deeply practical, hands-on curriculum that bridges advanced semiconductor theory with professional chip design practice. You will have unparalleled access to world-class facilities within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, including our state-of-the-art Silicon Fabrication Laboratory and specialised IC design suites equipped with industry-standard electronic design automation (EDA) tools. Your learning is powered by the same software used by leading semiconductor companies and culminates in a substantial project where you will design, simulate, and test your own integrated circuits, preparing you for a career at the forefront of microelectronics innovation.

Here’s how you will gain advanced, hands-on experience:

• Industry-Standard EDA Software: You will gain expert proficiency in professional-grade tools including Cadence Virtuoso for custom IC design, Synopsys tools for digital design synthesis, and ANSYS for circuit simulation and electromagnetic analysis.

• The MSc Design Project: The cornerstone of the programme is a major individual project where you will undertake the complete design flow of an integrated circuit, from specification and simulation to layout and verification, applying your learning to a complex, real-world problem.

• IC Design Suites: You will work in our dedicated computer labs running the full suite of Cadence and Synopsys EDA tools, used for designing complex analogue, digital, and mixed-signal integrated circuits.

• Silicon Fabrication Laboratory: You will have access to our cleanroom facilities for device characterization and to understand the practical realities of the semiconductor manufacturing process.

• Test and Measurement Laboratory: You will use high-frequency oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and probe stations to test and characterize integrated circuits and semiconductor devices.

• Simulation and Modelling: You will use advanced software for simulating circuit performance, power integrity, signal integrity, and thermal management at the chip level.

• Industry Collaboration: The programme maintains strong links with global semiconductor companies, providing opportunities for real-world project briefs and invaluable industry insight.

• Research-Led Learning: Your practical work is directly informed by the pioneering research conducted within the department's Centre for Bio-Inspired Technology and other leading research groups, giving you exposure to cutting-edge advancements in microelectronics.

Graduates of Imperial’s MSc Analogue and Digital Integrated Circuit Design often progress into advanced roles such as analogue or digital IC designers, mixed-signal systems engineers, embedded systems architects, or specialists in low-power and RF circuit design. Many go on to contribute to cutting-edge industries or pursue PhD-level research, with the degree fully accredited for chartership progression. 100% of electrical and electronic engineering graduates at Imperial are employed or in further study within 15 months, with a high proportion entering highly skilled roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Here’s how Imperial makes this programme both academically rigorous and professionally meaningful:

• University Services to Boost Employability

  • Individual Research Project + Mentorship: At the heart of the course is a research-driven project tailored to your interests, supported by an academic mentor—great for building your portfolio and gaining publication-level experience.

  • Lectures & Practical Labs with Industry Relevance: A strong emphasis on real-world features—low power circuits, embedded systems, mixed-signal design—with tutorial and lab sessions enhancing practical readiness.

• Employment Stats & Salary Figures

  • Near-perfect employability: According to Discover Uni, 100% of Imperial’s electrical and electronic engineering graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, with nearly 97% in highly skilled jobs.

  • While there's no course-specific salary data, broader computing and engineering masters at Imperial command median salaries ranging from £65,000 at 15 months to £78,500 at five years.

• University–Industry Partnerships

  • Research Integration: The course is delivered by Imperial’s Circuits and Systems research group, at the forefront of analogue/digital VLSI design, RF systems, low-power electronics, and advanced mixed-signal technology.

  • Engagement with Industry: You gain exposure through guest lectures and networking opportunities with leading tech companies—like Google, Microsoft, IBM—building valuable professional connections.

• Long-Term Accreditation Value

  • This MSc is IET-accredited on behalf of the Engineering Council and fulfills the 'Further Learning' requirement for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status—provided you already hold a CEng-accredited BEng or BSc degree.

• Graduation Outcomes

  • You’ll graduate with deep technical fluency across analogue, digital, and mixed-signal IC design, applying skills through both theory and a hands-on research project. If you’re eyeing specialist roles in semiconductor design, RF circuitry, or aiming for doctoral study, this programme equips you with credibility and network strength.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, you’ll be academically qualified toward CEng registration and ready for elite industry roles. If you're keen on research, many graduates continue with PhD studies—often within Imperial or leading global institutions—allowing you to develop deeper technical expertise or contribute to emerging innovations in IC design.