MSc (Eng) Electronic Engineering and the Internet of Things with a Year in Industry

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Liverpool

Program Overview

This two-year MSc (Eng) programme builds your technical expertise in advanced electronic engineering while focusing specifically on Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It’s ideal for students with a background in electronics or related engineering fields, who are eager to gain both academic knowledge and meaningful industry experience.

Curriculum Structure

Year One (Academic)
In your first year, you’ll develop a strong foundation in embedded computer systems, digital system design, integrated circuits, microprocessor systems, IoT architecture & applications, and gain research skills plus project management techniques. You’ll also study ARM Cortex-M microprocessors in depth — learning to interface peripherals, use real-time operating systems like RTX, and write multi-threaded applications. On top of that, you can choose optional modules in areas such as communication networks, EMC (electromagnetic compatibility), information theory & coding, image processing, or parallel programming.

Year Two (Industry Placement + Project)
In the second year, you will undertake an industrial placement of around 30 weeks in a relevant company, applying your academic learning in a real-world engineering environment. Alongside this, you’ll complete a major industrial project where you define the scope, develop solutions, and deliver outcomes with support from the university’s career services.

Focus Areas

Advanced embedded systems, IoT architecture and applications, digital system design, microprocessors, IC design, communications, parallel programming, and hands-on industrial experience.

Learning Outcomes

You will learn to design both analogue and digital systems; become proficient in embedded programming; apply IoT principles, from architecture to deployment; manage research and projects effectively; and gain real-world engineering experience through your placement.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This MSc (Eng) is aligned with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) standards, with the aim of fulfilling the “Further Learning” requirements toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, assuming you already hold a relevant BEng or BSc degree.

Reputation (Employability / Rankings)

The University of Liverpool is renowned for its strong industry links and research-oriented teaching, which bolsters postgraduate employability. In broader subject-area rankings (such as for Computer Science / Engineering), it is well-regarded globally and demonstrates solid graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

When you join the MSc (Eng) Electronic Engineering & the Internet of Things with a Year in Industry at the University of Liverpool, you step into a programme built around hands-on engineering practice. Your first year immerses you in embedded systems, microprocessor systems, IC design, digital system design, and IoT architecture — all delivered through structured lab sessions, technical workshops, simulations, and project-based learning. These activities help you build strong practical skills in designing and implementing electronic and IoT systems.

In the second year, you complete a 30-week industrial placement, where you work within an engineering company and deliver a substantial industry-based project. This placement is supported by the University’s Careers and Employability Service, which guides you through preparation, applications, interviews, and ongoing support.

Transitioning into the bullet points, here’s how experiential learning is embedded throughout the programme:

Industrial Placement + Industrial Project
- A 30-week placement during Year 2 within a relevant engineering or technology company.
- A 60-credit industrial project where you apply your embedded systems and IoT knowledge to real-world tasks.
- Full employability support, including CV preparation, interview training, and placement assistance.
Core Modules with Applied Learning
- Embedded computer systems and microprocessor systems, supported by hands-on labs.
- IC design and digital system design using specialist software and simulation tools.
- IoT architecture and applications, including practical design of connected systems and networks.
- A Research Skills & Project Management module designed to prepare you for technical research and industry environments.
Optional Technical Focus Areas
- Multi-core and parallel programming for multi-processor architectures.
- Communications networks, EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility), information theory, and coding.
- Image processing for vision and signal applications.
- Plasma engineering applied to microelectronics manufacturing.
Assessment Methods
- Lab reports, quizzes, design portfolios, presentations, and technical examinations.
- A substantial industry-facing project report and potential presentations in Year 2.

Facilities & Resources Supporting Your Learning

Liverpool provides access to advanced engineering environments that directly support this MSc:

Digital Innovation Facility (DIF)
A £12.7 million centre for emerging technologies, featuring an Immersive Lab, Mixed Reality Lab, VR environments, and Extreme Environment testing spaces — giving students access to tools for smart systems, automation, sensors, and simulation.
Electrical Engineering & Electronics Building
- Specialist teaching labs for embedded systems, digital design, circuit analysis, and communications engineering.
- Research laboratories equipped with oscilloscopes, signal generators, FPGA boards, microcontroller workstations, and rapid prototyping tools like 3D printers.
- A VR suite and multiple computer rooms with engineering software.
- Technical support teams and laboratory technicians available throughout your studies.
Specialist Research Laboratories
- Semiconductor fabrication and processing labs.
- Plasma engineering facilities for microelectronics development.
- RF (Radio Frequency) engineering labs.
- Bio-nano engineering labs and dedicated electronics workshops for prototyping.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc (Eng) Electronic Engineering and the Internet of Things with a Year in Industry enter the job market with strong practical experience, specialised IoT expertise, and a solid engineering foundation. Many students build relationships during their placement year and often return to work for the same company after graduation. Typical roles include IoT Systems Engineer, Embedded Systems Developer, Electronics Design Engineer, and Research & Development Engineer.

University services and outcomes that support your career:

Employability Support
- The University’s Careers & Employability Service offers personalised guidance, CV and interview support, career planning sessions, and access to employer events throughout and after your studies.
- The on-campus Career Studio provides drop-in coaching from trained Career Coaches to help with applications, job searches, and interview preparation.
- Students have access to Handshake, the university’s career platform for internships, industry events, and graduate roles.
- Science and Engineering students benefit from a dedicated Placements Bootcamp, designed to prepare you for interviews, assessment centres, and year-in-industry opportunities.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures
- University of Liverpool graduates, on average, experience a significant annual wage uplift compared to non-graduates.
- Engineering postgraduates generally secure roles across R&D, project management, electronics design, and advanced technology sectors.
University–Industry Partnerships
- The Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics has strong links with companies such as ARM Plc, which has previously offered placements to students on this pathway.
- The program is regularly updated in consultation with industry to ensure relevance in embedded systems, microelectronics, and IoT innovation.
Long-Term Accreditation Value
- The MSc has pending accreditation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for “Further Learning” toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status — a major long-term professional advantage in engineering careers.
Graduate Outcomes
- The university reports that electronic engineering postgraduates progress into diverse fields including engineering design, applied research, software-hardware integration, project engineering, and advanced technology development.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this MSc, students can continue their academic journey through:

A PhD in areas such as Internet of Things, embedded systems, microelectronics, robotics, or communications engineering.
Progression toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status through the IET once accreditation is finalized.
Additional postgraduate specialisations, including data science, telecommunications engineering, AI-driven systems, or robotics, depending on career goals.