MSc (Eng) Microelectronic Systems

Students in this programme develop strong hands-on skills by working directly with microprocessors, embedded systems, integrated-circuit design tools, and modern digital/analogue electronics. Rather than studying concepts in isolation, they apply them through continuous laboratory work, problem-solving workshops, and practical design tasks. The programme’s research-connected teaching ensures that students engage with the same tools and approaches used in contemporary microelectronics and embedded-system engineering. Their final dissertation project allows them to design, model or prototype a microelectronic or embedded solution under academic supervision, sharpening their technical independence.

Here is a smooth transition into the specific experiential opportunities available:

• Laboratory work in circuit testing, embedded computing, digital-system design, signal processing and mixed-signal integration.

• Hands-on experience in integrated-circuit (IC) design, including circuit simulation, layout development and design testing.

• Embedded-systems training using ARM Cortex-M microprocessors, real-time programming, peripheral interfacing and microcontroller firmware development.

• Practical exposure to Internet of Things concepts through modules that involve building connected embedded devices, integrating sensors and working with communication protocols.

• Optional specialisation opportunities in areas such as image processing, multi-core programming, communications networks and plasma-systems engineering.

• Real-time operating system (RTOS) work where students design multi-threaded embedded applications and manage concurrent tasks on microprocessor platforms.

• A substantial dissertation project that requires students to plan and execute a technical investigation, applying research and engineering design skills to a focused problem.

• Multiple forms of assessment including lab reports, software code development, system simulations, presentations and analytical coursework.

• Learning supported by research-active academic staff, giving students exposure to current developments in microelectronics and embedded-system design.

• Access to specialised engineering laboratories, electronics testing equipment, dedicated teaching spaces and extensive library resources for technical research.

Graduates from this MSc progress into highly technical roles within the semiconductor industry, embedded systems development, and advanced electronics design. The programme equips students with strong analytical, design, and problem-solving skills that are directly aligned with industry demands.

Typical Careers Include:

• Microelectronics Engineer

• Semiconductor Design Engineer

• Embedded Systems Engineer

• Hardware Development Engineer

How the University Supports Employment:

• Career & Employability Service: Provides engineering-focused career coaching, CV and cover-letter support, mock interviews, and employer-led workshops that align with semiconductor and electronics recruitment.

• Practical, Industry-Oriented Coursework: Students gain hands-on experience through design projects and laboratory work grounded in current microelectronics and embedded-systems applications.

• Industry Connections: The university collaborates with organisations in electronics manufacturing, chip design, telecommunications, and embedded-technology development, strengthening graduate exposure to real engineering environments.

• Employer Recognition: Liverpool is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most-targeted universities by leading graduate employers, giving engineering students strong market visibility.

• Accreditation Route: The programme supports academic progression toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status when combined with the required professional experience.

• Graduate Success: Alumni often enter roles in integrated circuit design, FPGA and ASIC development, embedded hardware engineering, and electronics R&D.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates may continue into a PhD in Microelectronics, Semiconductor Engineering, Embedded Systems, Digital Electronics, or related fields, either at Liverpool or other top research institutions. Many also progress into industrial R&D roles, technology innovation teams, or begin accumulating the professional experience necessary for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration.