MScEng Microelectronic Systems with a Year in Industry

The MScEng Microelectronic Systems with a Year in Industry is designed to give students deep technical knowledge and strong hands-on experience. In the first year, students work directly with digital system design, microprocessor programming, integrated circuit design, embedded systems, and low-power electronic architectures. Teaching combines lectures with laboratory sessions, where students design circuits, build hardware, write firmware, and use simulation tools to model complex electronic systems.

In the second year, students complete a 30-week industrial placement, taking on a real engineering role inside a company. During this placement, students contribute to live microelectronics or embedded-systems projects, apply their technical skills to industry challenges, and build professional experience that greatly enhances employability.

The University of Liverpool supports this practical learning with advanced laboratories, expert academic staff, and a strong research environment in microelectronics. Students have access to industry-level facilities, tools, software, and technical support throughout the programme.

Experiential learning is supported through:

• Specialist laboratories within the Electrical Engineering & Electronics Building equipped with circuit-testing tools, oscilloscopes, prototyping benches, microprocessor development kits and electronics workstations

• Practical training in integrated circuit design and digital system design through modules that include simulation, design exercises and laboratory-based assessments

• Embedded-systems programming using microprocessor platforms such as ARM-based boards, with hands-on work in interfacing, peripheral configuration and real-time control

• Modules covering Internet of Things architecture, allowing students to build and test connected embedded devices

• Optional specialist modules including image processing, multi-core programming, communications networks, electromagnetic compatibility and advanced plasma engineering topics

• A supervised industrial placement experience in the second year, combined with a major industrial project, where students solve a real engineering problem for their host company

• Support from the university’s Careers & Employability team for securing the placement, preparing applications and building professional skills

• Research-connected teaching influenced by active groups in microelectronics, semiconductors, plasma technology and embedded systems

• Access to modern facilities such as advanced prototyping labs, electronics design spaces and the Digital Innovation Facility, which supports simulation, testing and innovative hardware development

• Full access to university library resources, technical databases and research institutes supporting microelectronics and electrical engineering

Graduate Outcomes (Summary):
Graduates from this MSc typically enter advanced engineering roles within semiconductor technology, embedded systems, and electronics R&D. The integrated year in industry gives students strong technical grounding and real workplace experience, helping them stand out in a competitive technology sector.

Typical Careers Include:

• Microelectronics Engineer

• Embedded Systems Engineer

• Semiconductor Design Engineer

• Hardware Development Engineer

How the University Supports Employment:

• Career & Employability Service: Provides specialised support for engineering students, including one-to-one coaching, CV and application reviews, technical interview preparation, employer events, and networking sessions.

• Year in Industry Support: A dedicated placement team helps students secure 40–54-week placements in electronics, semiconductor, telecommunications, and embedded-systems companies.

• Strong Industry Connections: The university maintains partnerships across the microelectronics and digital-systems sector, giving students access to placement opportunities, employer networking, and real-world project collaboration.

• Employer Recognition: The University of Liverpool is consistently ranked among the most-targeted UK institutions by graduate employers, strengthening students’ visibility in the job market.

• Accreditation Value: The programme is structured to support progression toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status once accreditation requirements and professional experience are met.

• Graduate Success: Alumni often secure roles in chip design, integrated circuit testing, FPGA development, embedded software engineering, and hardware product innovation.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates may continue to a PhD in Microelectronics, Semiconductor Engineering, Embedded Systems, or Digital Electronics, at Liverpool or other research-intensive universities. Many also progress into industrial research posts, innovation labs, or R&D fellowships. Over time, graduates can pursue Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration to enhance their long-term professional standing in the engineering sector.