Electronics & Photonics Manufacturing MSc

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Glasgow

Program Overview

This MSc gives students a unique blend of advanced manufacturing techniques and electronics/photonic device engineering, ideal for those aiming to design and build next-generation products from micro/nano scale up to full industrial systems. It’s well suited to candidates with a background in engineering, physical sciences or mathematics who are comfortable with electronics and mathematics, and who want to move into manufacturing, photonics or high-tech production roles.

Curriculum structure:
In the first term students engage with core units like Fundamentals of Manufacturing and CAD and Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing. They learn how manufacturing systems are modelled, the basics of computer-aided design (CAD) and the theoretical foundations of modern manufacturing methods.
During the middle of the year the programme introduces units such as Advanced Manufacture (covering micro- and nano-manufacturing, composites, layered manufacturing) and an Integrated Systems Design Project M where students work in interdisciplinary teams to apply manufacturing and electronics design in a realistic context dealing with technical, environmental and financial considerations.
In the final phase students undertake a major individual MSc Project (worth 60 credits) which may be conducted in collaboration with industry or academia; optional modules (such as Nanofabrication, VLSI Design, Microwave and Millimetre Wave Circuit Design, Quantum Materials) allow personal specialisation in areas aligned with photonics or electronics manufacturing.

Focus areas: manufacturing of electronics & photonic devices; nanofabrication and microforming processes; integration of material technologies with modern manufacturing systems; team and individual design projects; optional specialist modules in quantum/ultrasonics/communications.
Learning outcomes: graduates will be able to design, model and implement manufacturing processes for electronic and photonic systems; apply advanced CAD, micro/nano fabrication, material characterisation and systems integration; work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and handle non-technical issues such as business, legal and environmental aspects of manufacturing.
Professional alignment (accreditation): While the programme website does not explicitly list a professional engineering accreditation body for this MSc, it is delivered by the School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow which holds high research standing and industry links.
Reputation (employability rankings): The School of Engineering at Glasgow is ranked 1st in Scotland for Electronic & Electrical Engineering (Complete University Guide 2025) and was in the UK top 10 for the proportion of staff judged “world-leading” in the REF 2014. Graduates are employed in manufacturing companies including Apple Inc., Bosch GmbH, Dyson Ltd, Rolls‑Royce Holdings plc and others.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From day one, this programme is built to give you more than theory: you’ll gain practical, applied experience working with actual manufacturing and fabrication tools, collaborating with peers on real projects, and engaging directly with the kinds of techniques and challenges faced by industry. Facilities such as the renowned James Watt Nanofabrication Centre (with its 1 350 m² clean-room and over £32 M of fabrication tools) are used for nanoscale manufacturing options.

You will move from instructor-led lectures and labs into team-based projects and a major individual project, bridging the gap between academic learning and industrial application.

Here’s how that plays out in practice:

You’ll engage in an interdisciplinary team design project, specifically aimed at mirroring industrial manufacturing assignments including technical challenges and non-technical factors like legal, environmental and financial considerations.
You’ll complete a significant individual MSc project (60 credits) where you can work in collaboration with industry partners or academic researchers in fields such as electronics & nanoscale engineering, power/energy, aerospace, or biomedical engineering.
Laboratory work and advanced manufacturing modules ensure you gain hands-on experience in micro-/nano-manufacturing, layered manufacturing, CAD, and advanced design.
The option to work in the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre means access to state-of-the-art clean‐room fabrication tools and processes — a strong differentiator in this field.

Key features you’ll experience:

Team-based design projects that simulate real industrial manufacturing environments (including non-technical issues)
Major individual research or industrial project in electronics or photonics manufacturing
Laboratory and fabrication work in clean-room environments (especially for nanoscale/micro-manufacturing options)
Modules covering advanced manufacturing, CAD, integrated systems, micro/nano technology, and optional specialist topics (eg. VLSI design, quantum electronic devices)
Access to facilities such as the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre (1350 m² cleanroom) for those selecting the nanofabrication/micro-manufacturing pathway
Opportunities to collaborate with industry or spin-out companies via project options, enhancing your employability in global manufacturing & electronics sectors

Why this programme stands out

The School of Engineering at Glasgow is ranked 1st in Scotland for Electronic & Electrical Engineering.
The programme explicitly links advanced manufacturing, nanotechnology, electronics design and materials technologies — a combination that aligns well with emerging industry needs.
Graduates of the School have gone on to work for global engineering and manufacturing companies like Apple, Bosch, Dyson, Jaguar Land Rover, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Glasgow’s Electronics & Photonics Manufacturing MSc are well-prepared for impactful careers across advanced technology sectors. With expertise in both electronics and photonics integration, they are highly valued by employers driving innovation in communications, renewable energy, medical devices, and manufacturing automation. Typical roles include: Process Engineer, Photonics Design Engineer, Electronics Development Engineer, and Manufacturing Systems Analyst.

Students benefit from the University’s strong industry engagement and career support services:

Dedicated Careers Service: Provides tailored one-to-one guidance, CV reviews, and access to employer-led workshops and networking events.
Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with leading organisations such as STMicroelectronics, Leonardo, Thales, and the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics offer valuable insights and potential research opportunities.
Graduate Employability: The University of Glasgow ranks among the top 10 in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2025).
Salary Prospects: Engineering graduates from Glasgow earn an average starting salary of around £32,000–£35,000, depending on sector and role.
Professional Recognition: The degree supports pathways toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, ensuring long-term professional credibility and recognition worldwide.
Outstanding Outcomes: Many graduates progress to roles in high-growth fields such as semiconductors, photonics manufacturing, and optical communications, contributing to global innovation and sustainability initiatives.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates seeking to advance their expertise may pursue PhD research in areas such as photonic systems, nanoelectronics, or quantum technologies. The University of Glasgow’s research-intensive environment offers opportunities to join world-leading groups at the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre or the School of Physics and Astronomy, paving the way for careers in academia, research leadership, or advanced technological innovation.