MSc Electronics Engineering (18-month route)

18 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Hertfordshire

Program Overview

The MSc Electronics Engineering (18‑month route) at the University of Hertfordshire gives students an extended timeframe to deepen their technical expertise in the design and integration of advanced hardware‑software systems, smart embedded devices and high‑frequency electronics. It is ideally suited for graduates in electronic, electrical, or computer engineering who wish to build a career in embedded systems, IoT, communications, smart electronics design and leadership roles with a strong practical focus.

Curriculum structure
Year 1 (Semesters A & B)
In the first year the student engages with core modules such as Advanced Reconfigurable Systems Design, Mobile Communication Systems, Radio Frequency and Microwave Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Applications, Digital Signal Processing and Applications, Embedded Control Systems, Embedded Systems and IoT, and Mixed Mode and VLSI Technologies. These modules equip the student with foundational knowledge in modern electronics engineering — covering high‑frequency design, embedded platforms, DSP/FPGA technologies, intelligent systems and hardware/software integration.
Year 2 (Semester C – Project Phase)
During the second year the emphasis shifts to the major individual project phase — students apply research methods, simulation, prototyping or case‑study work to a specialist topic of their choice in electronics engineering. This extended phase allows students to showcase design leadership, experimental or simulation work, and tangible engineering outcomes, preparing them for industry or further research.

Focus areas: embedded intelligent systems, microprocessor/DSP/FPGA technologies, smart electronics, IoT applications, RF & microwave design, digital signal processing, hardware/software co‑design, project‑based engineering work.
Learning outcomes: Graduates will be able to (1) analyse and synthesise complex electronics engineering problems spanning hardware and software integration, (2) design and implement advanced electronic systems using embedded, DSP/FPGA and high‑frequency technologies, (3) carry out a significant independent engineering project demonstrating research and professional competence, and (4) demonstrate transferable skills in research methods, simulation/experimental work and project delivery.
Professional alignment (accreditation): The programme specification states that the MSc Electronics Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and meets UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK SPEC) for further learning toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Reputation (employability rankings): The School responsible for this course highlights strong student experience: the faculty was ranked 7th in the UK for Engineering & Technology in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students who enrol in this 18‑month route will layer strong theoretical learning with advanced practical and design work, allowing for deeper exploration of electronics engineering concepts and a more extended project period. They will learn in the University’s new “Spectra” building on the Hatfield campus, which offers modelling & simulation labs, an automotive / EV workshop, a wind tunnel, a controls‑testing suite and collaborative learning zones.
Over the course of three semesters (two semesters of taught modules followed by an extended individual project semester), students apply their learning to real‑world‑inspired challenges and advanced system design:

Students will benefit from:

Use of industrial‑standard simulation and modelling software in dedicated electronics engineering labs.
Hands‑on work with microprocessor/DSP/FPGA technology, embedded systems, hardware‑software integration and smart systems design.
An extended individual project semester following taught modules, giving students extra time to engage in research, experimentation, design and synthesis of a complex electronics problem.
Modules and case‑studies that blend theory, simulation and lab work—covering subjects like Smart Embedded Systems Engineering and Mixed‑Mode & VLSI Technologies.
Access to collaborative workshops, social spaces and meeting rooms in Spectra, supporting teamwork, innovation and peer interaction.

Why Choose This Programme

This programme gives students broad and deep expertise in modern electronics engineering, particularly in areas of embedded intelligent systems, IoT, VLSI, and wireless communications. With more than 25 years’ experience in electronics engineering teaching at the University and a strong international reputation, students are working within a school that blends academic rigour with industry relevance. The 18‑month format gives extra time for a deeper individual project and more thoughtful integration of learning into real‑world design.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this programme will be well‑positioned for roles such as Electronics Engineer, Embedded Systems Designer, or Smart Systems Integration Specialist, thanks to the extended duration and deeper project work afforded by the 18‑month format. They’ll emerge with enhanced technical breadth and practical skills tailored to rising technologies such as IoT, VLSI, DSP and FPGA design.

They benefit from:

University services: The School of Physics, Engineering & Computer Science offers state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities in the “Spectra” building (including simulation labs, EV workshop, wind tunnel, controls testing suite) and an Academic Support Hub dedicated to preparing students for employment.
Employment stats & salary figures: The programme page highlights that graduates work as Electronics Engineers and Systems Engineers for firms such as MBDA, Centrica, ABB and Leonardo. While exact salary figures are not published on the site, early‑career electronics engineers in the UK often earn in the region of £30,000‑£40,000+, though this varies by employer, location and experience.
University–industry partnerships: The programme emphasises strong industry links, including employers like Imagination Technologies, Samsung and BAE who engage with students through careers fairs and guest lectures.
Long‑term accreditation value: According to the programme specification, the MSc (18‑month route) variant is offered in both 12‑month and 18‑month patterns; although the 18‑month route provides extended time for project work, the accreditation status (by Institution of Engineering and Technology, IET) applies for the “Full time, Semester A” option and meets “Further Learning” for Chartered Engineer (CEng) progression.
Graduation outcomes: On completion, students will have the knowledge, intellectual and practical skills to analyse and synthesise engineering/manufacturing problems, design and apply embedded intelligent systems, and enter industries such as wireless communications, smart electronic systems, the automotive sector and aerospace.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, students could progress to doctoral research (for example a PhD in Electronics Engineering, Embedded Systems, Smart Systems Engineering or related fields). Alternatively, they could pursue specialist postgraduate certificates/diplomas in areas such as VLSI system design, IoT & smart systems, artificial intelligence embedded design, or FPGA/ASIC development. They may also choose to gain industry experience and work toward professional qualifications (e.g., Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, membership of the IET or other engineering professional bodies).