MSc (Eng) Electronic Engineering and the Internet of Things

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Liverpool

Program Overview

This one-year (full-time) MSc (Eng) programme equips you with advanced knowledge in electronic engineering, while delving deeply into the design and deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) systems. It's well suited for graduates with a background in electronics, engineering, or physical sciences, who want to build cutting-edge, connected systems.

Curriculum Structure

Year (12-month academic)
In the core academic phase, you’ll begin by strengthening your programming and software development skills through modules like Engineering Programming (ELEC 431), alongside a foundational study of IoT architecture and applications (ELEC 423). You’ll also cover digital system design (ELEC 473) and integrated circuit (IC) design (ELEC 472), building solid expertise in both the theoretical and practical aspects of electronics.

As the programme progresses, you tackle advanced low-power computer architecture (ELEC 470) and microprocessor systems (ELEC 422), learning to work with ARM Cortex-M microprocessors, integrate peripherals, and build real-time systems using RTX. Simultaneously, you deepen your understanding of materials used in microelectronics and prepare for your final research-led master’s project.

Final Project
In the third semester, your master’s project (ELEC 460) is where you really bring everything together: you'll plan, research, and execute a substantial engineering problem, applying design, simulation, and analysis skills to a topic of your choice. This gives you a simulated professional engineering experience and a chance to showcase your technical and problem-solving talents.

Focus Areas

Embedded and low-power systems, IoT architecture and communications, microprocessor design, IC design, digital system design, and hands-on project work informed by cutting-edge research.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, you will be able to design and analyze both analogue and digital electronic systems, write firmware for embedded platforms, understand and architect IoT systems, apply microelectronics tools, and independently carry out a research-driven engineering project.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This MSc is pending accreditation by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), fulfilling the “Further Learning” requirement toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status—assuming your undergraduate degree is already accredited.

Reputation (Employability / Rankings)

The University of Liverpool is highly respected for its research-connected teaching and strong employer links, meaning graduates are attractive to leading companies. In the broader field of computing and engineering, Liverpool consistently performs well in global and UK rankings, and its graduates are actively targeted by major recruiters.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc (Eng) Electronic Engineering and the Internet of Things at the University of Liverpool gives you a highly practical learning experience from day one. Throughout the programme, you’ll work directly with embedded systems, microprocessors, digital circuits, and IoT architectures using real hardware, simulation tools, and dedicated engineering laboratories. Laboratory sessions, programming workshops, and design exercises are embedded across your modules to help you apply concepts immediately.

In your final semester, you complete a major 60-credit project, where you design, investigate, or develop a system or solution related to electronics or IoT. This project mirrors real industry or research environments, and you’ll be supported by academic supervisors and technical staff.

Transitioning into the bullet points, here’s a clear breakdown of the hands-on learning you’ll experience:

Core Modules with Practical Application
- Embedded computer systems and microprocessor systems with extensive lab-based programming and hardware testing.
- IC design and digital system design using specialist software, circuit simulators, and development boards.
- IoT architecture and applications where you design and implement connected systems, sensors, and embedded networks.
- Research Skills & Project Management training that prepares you for technical research and your MSc project.
Optional Specialist Pathways
- Image processing for engineering and vision applications.
- Parallel and multi-core programming for advanced processor architectures.
- Communications engineering: networks, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), information theory, and coding.
- Plasma engineering for microelectronics and semiconductor processes.
Final MSc Project
- A substantial design or research project in Semester 3.
- You will plan, develop, analyse, and present a solution or investigation that reflects professional engineering practice.
- Deliverables include a dissertation-style report and potential presentation or demonstration.
Teaching & Assessment Methods
- Learning delivered through lectures, tutorials, practical labs, and project supervision.
- Assessment via lab reports, technical assignments, quizzes, examinations, and your final project.

Facilities & Resources Supporting Your Learning

Liverpool provides high-calibre engineering infrastructure to support your practical training and project work:

Digital Innovation Facility (DIF)
A purpose-built £12.7 million centre designed for emerging digital and engineering technologies. It includes:
- A Mixed Reality Lab for advanced VR-based design and immersive simulations.
- An Extreme Environment Lab for testing systems in challenging or simulated harsh conditions.
- An Immersive Lab focused on sensory technology development, supporting IoT, robotics, and next-generation user interfaces.
Electrical Engineering & Electronics Building
- Specialist teaching laboratories equipped with oscilloscopes, microcontroller development kits, PCB tools, signal generators, and electronics workbenches.
- Digital design and embedded systems labs with FPGA boards, hardware development environments, and simulation software.
- 3D printing and rapid prototyping facilities to support hardware development for IoT and electronics projects.
- A VR suite and multiple computer labs with engineering-specific tools.
- Dedicated technical support teams and lab technicians available throughout your studies.
Research Laboratories
- Semiconductor fabrication and microelectronics process laboratories.
- Plasma engineering facilities used for research in microelectronics manufacturing.
- RF engineering laboratories for work on communication systems.
- Bio-nano engineering and multi-disciplinary electronics workshops used for prototype development.
Academic & Professional Support
- Access to an advanced engineering research environment through the University’s digital engineering and autonomous systems initiatives.
- Career support through one-to-one guidance, skills development, and employer engagement.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MSc emerge with advanced skills in embedded systems, digital design, microelectronics, and IoT technologies — all highly sought after in modern engineering. This strong technical foundation allows students to progress into a range of professional roles across high-tech industries. Typical career paths include IoT Systems Engineer, Embedded Systems Developer, Electronics Design Engineer, and R&D Engineer.

Key university support and outcomes that shape your career success:

University Services That Help You Embrace Employment
- The University’s Careers & Employability Service offers personalised career guidance, help with CVs, interview preparation, and one-to-one coaching.
- The on-campus Career Studio provides drop-in support from trained student Career Coaches for job applications, networking, and internship preparation.
- Access to the Handshake careers platform allows students to discover internships, graduate roles, employer networking events, and industry insights.
- Engineering students can participate in tailored employability workshops and career events aligned with science and engineering sectors.
Employment Stats & Salary Insights
- University of Liverpool postgraduate students benefit from strong employability outcomes, with many progressing into engineering, research, project leadership, and technology-driven roles.
- Liverpool graduates generally experience a measurable annual salary uplift compared to non-graduates, reflecting the institution’s strong industry reputation.
University–Industry Partnerships
- The Department of Electrical Engineering & Electronics maintains active relationships with engineering and tech employers.
- Companies such as ARM Plc have previously offered opportunities to students on IoT and electronics pathways.
- The curriculum is frequently updated in consultation with industry to ensure alignment with cutting-edge technologies in IoT, embedded design, microprocessors, and integrated circuit design.
Long-Term Accreditation Value
- The MSc holds pending accreditation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) as “Further Learning” toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status — an important professional milestone in engineering careers.
Graduate Outcomes
- Graduates progress into roles in electronics design, microelectronics, applied research, systems engineering, and technical consultancy.
- Many move into advanced technology firms, start-ups, engineering consultancies, or research institutions, supported by the university’s strong employer engagement.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this MSc, students may continue through:

PhD research in IoT, embedded systems, microelectronics, robotics, communications, or digital systems.
Progression toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) recognition through the IET once accreditation is finalised.
Additional specialist postgraduate study in areas such as data science, AI-integrated embedded systems, robotics, or advanced telecommunications engineering.