Microelectronics Systems Design (MSc)

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Southampton

Program Overview

The MSc Microelectronics Systems Design at the University of Southampton offers an intensive one-year route into the world of integrated circuit and system design. It is ideal for engineering or physics graduates who want to deepen their expertise in both analogue and digital electronics while preparing for high-level careers in microchip and systems development.

Curriculum Structure

This one-year program combines theoretical foundations with extensive practical design experience using industry-standard tools and facilities.

Semester 1 – Core Design Principles
Students begin by mastering the essential concepts of modern microelectronics through modules such as Digital Integrated Circuit Design, Analogue and Mixed-Signal CMOS Design, and System-on-Chip Design Project. These studies build a strong grounding in circuit behaviour, simulation, and design integration across analogue and digital systems.

Semester 2 – Advanced Applications and Project Work
In the second semester, students take advanced options such as Embedded Processors, Secure Hardware Design, and Medical Electrical and Electronic Technologies. Alongside these, they work on a substantial individual research project that integrates both hardware and software design, culminating in a dissertation that showcases their ability to design and evaluate a complete microelectronic system.

Focus Areas

digital and analogue IC design; system-on-chip and FPGA technologies; embedded processors; secure and medical electronic systems.

Learning Outcomes

graduates will develop advanced skills in designing, simulating, and verifying integrated circuits and systems; apply engineering principles to solve real-world design challenges; and communicate technical concepts effectively to professional audiences.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), meeting the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Southampton is ranked among the top 100 globally for Electrical and Electronic Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Graduates benefit from the university’s strong ties with industry leaders such as Arm, IBM, Samsung, and Google, and from its world-renowned Zepler Institute for Photonics and Nanoelectronics — one of the UK’s top research centres for microelectronics innovation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Southampton, this programme doesn’t just transmit knowledge — it immerses students in practice. Learners gain hands-on experience in designing, simulating and integrating advanced microelectronic systems, with access to industry-grade tools and real research environments. You’ll work on digital and analogue integrated circuit design, system-on-chip (SoC) and FPGA platforms; engage in simulation and modelling; and carry out an individual project that demands independent practical work and technical rigour.

The school provides dedicated lab spaces: a design and prototyping suite with powerful PCs and interactive display, a PCB manufacturing area including pick-and-place machines and reflow ovens, a high-voltage testing area, and a maker-space with 3D-printing and laser-cutting.

Transitioning into specific experiential opportunities, here’s what you’ll benefit from:

Experiential‐learning features

Use of industry-standard EDA and simulation software (for example, digital IC design from schematic to layout using design-kits and modelling tools).
Practical laboratory and simulation work embedded in modules and the individual research project.
Access to a PCB manufacturing area and maker space, supporting team or individual work in hardware prototyping.
Opportunity to engage in design of integrated circuits, SoCs and FPGA platforms as part of advanced modules.
Work on an individual research project (major piece of work) that allows you to apply advanced techniques, tools and independent engineering.
Collaboration and group work via lab sessions and project benches—facilities support both individual and group design work.
Strong industry links: the department has a careers hub affiliated with many major companies (such as Arm, Nvidia, Samsung, Google) which improves employability and connects students to real-world design environments.
Excellent department-level facilities in the Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences — emphasising cutting-edge research infrastructure.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates are ready for roles such as Chip Design Engineer, Embedded Systems Architect, Microelectronics Systems Engineer or Research & Development Engineer:

The university’s dedicated careers-hub for the Faculty of Electronics & Computer Science connects students with over 100 companies including ARM, Nvidia, Samsung and Microsoft Research.
Around 50 % of graduates from this course were working 15 months after finishing, with about 10 % unemployed at that point.
The median salary 15 months out is about £26,000 for this MSc.
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) — offering strong professional recognition.
Graduates leave with cutting-edge skills in digital & analogue IC design, modelling & simulation, system-on-chip (SoC) integration and FPGA platforms.
The school boasts a rich history of industry collaboration in microelectronics including multi‐million-pound research partnerships and close links with semiconductor design firms.

Further Academic Progression:
Once the MSc is complete, students may choose to continue to a PhD in Microelectronics, Nanoelectronics or Systems Engineering, or specialise further with a research track (for example within the university’s Smart Electronic Materials & Systems research group). They could also transition into professional registration (e.g., Chartered Engineer status) leveraging their accredited MSc as a stepping stone.