MSc Electronics Engineering with Extended Professional Practice

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Hertfordshire

Program Overview

The MSc Electronics Engineering with Extended Professional Practice at the University of Hertfordshire offers a two‑year sandwich route that combines taught modules in advanced electronics engineering with a full industrial placement experience. It is ideally suited for graduates in electronic, computer or electrical engineering who wish to advance their skills in smart embedded systems, hardware‑software integration and industry‑facing engineering roles.

Curriculum structure
Year 1
In the first year the student will engage with core modules such as Advanced Reconfigurable Systems Design, Mobile Communication Systems, Radio Frequency and Microwave Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Applications and Digital Signal Processing and Applications. These modules equip the student with foundational knowledge in modern electronics engineering‑ domains including high‑frequency design, embedded platforms, DSP/FPGA technologies and intelligent system applications.
Year 2
During the second year the student embarks on the professional practice placement (the “Extended Professional Practice” component) working in a relevant engineering environment for around 30 weeks, followed by the MSc Individual Project (Electronics) where they apply what they have learned through simulation, prototyping or case study research in electronics engineering.

Focus areas: embedded intelligent systems, microprocessor/DSP/FPGA integration, mobile & RF/microwave engineering, industrial placement experience, hardware‑software co‑design, IoT‑enabled electronics.
Learning outcomes: On completion the student will be able to (1) analyse and synthesise complex problems in electronics engineering spanning hardware and software integration, (2) design and implement advanced electronic systems using embedded and high‑frequency technologies for smart applications, (3) apply their skills in a real‑world industrial environment through the professional placement and (4) manage and deliver a major engineering project demonstrating professional competence and transferable skills.
Professional alignment (accreditation): While the course description does not explicitly list Chartered Engineer (CEng) accreditation for this particular “Extended Professional Practice” route, the programme builds industry‑relevant professional practice skills via the placement.
Reputation (employability rankings): The School reports a 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 on this programme will gain hands‑on, real‑world engineering experience by working in advanced labs, applying both hardware and software tools, and completing a substantial placement in industry. The courses are delivered in the state‑of‑the‑art “Spectra” building on the Hatfield campus, which houses modelling & simulation labs, automotive/electric‑vehicle workshops, wind tunnels, controls‑testing suites and collaborative zones.
During the second year, students take part in a placement (professional practice) in a relevant industrial environment and afterwards return to campus to complete their MSc individual project:

Students will benefit from:

Access to industrial‑standard software and hardware environments (microprocessor/DSP/FPGA development, embedded systems, smart‑systems design) within dedicated labs.
Hands‑on modules covering Smart Embedded Systems Engineering, Mixed Mode & VLSI Technologies, Radio Frequency & Microwave Engineering, Digital Signal Processing & Applications.
A full‑time industry placement of at least ~30 weeks in the first two semesters of the second year, after which the student returns for the MSc Individual Project.
Group‑based and individual work including simulation, experimentation, case studies and design‑oriented project work.
Use of the Spectra building’s facilities – modelling, simulation and research labs, electric‑vehicle workshop, automotive workshop, wind‑tunnel, controls testing suite – together with collaborative social and meeting spaces.

Why Choose This Programme

This MSc enables students to develop deep knowledge in electronics engineering, particularly in embedded intelligent systems, hardware‑software integration, IoT, VLSI and wireless communications. With over 25 years of experience in electronic engineering teaching, the University’s School combines strong academic foundations with high industry relevance.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this programme will be well‑equipped to step into roles such as Electronics Engineer, Embedded Systems Designer, or Smart‑Systems Integration Specialist, thanks to their in‑depth hardware/software integration skills plus industrial placement experience. Their blend of academic rigour and professional practice sets them up for both technical and leadership career tracks.

They benefit from:

University services: UH’s Careers & Employment Service actively supports students in securing their placement during the second year of the “Extended Professional Practice” pathway.
Employment stats & salary figures: The course page states that graduates work as Electronics Engineers and Systems Engineers for organisations including MBDA, Centrica, ABB and Leonardo. While specific salary numbers aren’t published, early‑career electronics engineers in the UK often earn in the range of £30,000‑£40,000+, depending on employer and location.
University–industry partnerships: The programme highlights strong employer links with companies such as Imagination Technologies, Samsung and BAE, which support students through guest lectures, employer engagement and careers events.
Long‑term accreditation value: The “Extended Professional Practice” route gives students hands‑on full‑time placement (minimum 30 weeks) which enhances their practical readiness and professional profile.
Graduation outcomes: On completion, students will have developed the knowledge, intellectual and practical skills to analyse and synthesise engineering/manufacturing problems, design and apply embedded intelligent systems, and enter sectors such as wireless communications, IoT, automotive and aerospace.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, students could progress to doctoral research (e.g., a PhD in Electronics Engineering, Embedded Systems or Smart Systems Engineering) or pursue specialist postgraduate certificates/diplomas in areas such as VLSI system design, Internet of Things, or AI‑embedded systems. They may also opt to build on their work placement experience and apply for professional qualifications or certifications in advanced electronic design, FPGA/ASIC development or systems integration.