MSc Advanced Microelectronic Systems Engineering

Bristol and the surrounding area host a thriving and world-renowned semiconductor design industry. The groups involved in microelectronics research at the University of Bristol have collaborative links with multinational companies in the microelectronics industry. These organisations have identified a shortfall in graduates with the necessary qualifications and professional skills to work in the sector, so this programme has been designed to meet this need.

A range of taught subjects covers core topics, such as digital and analogue application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design, digital signal processor (DSP) and field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based computing, integrated sensors and actuators, radio-frequency and mixed-signal design. Changes are made periodically to reflect important emerging disciplines, such as electronics for the Internet of Things (IoT), biomedical applications and quantum photonics applications.

The programme offers you the opportunity to learn from microelectronics, nanoelectronics and computer science experts. You could move on to start working straight after your degree or continue your studies on a PhD. We aim to provide you with a range of contemporary design skills to supplement theoretical knowledge. Lectures are accompanied by lab exercises in state-of-the-art industrial electronic design automation (EDA) software to give you valuable experience in a professional environment.

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, or a related discipline in engineering or the physical sciences. Your degree must include scores of 60% or international equivalent in each of the following four modules: Signals and Systems, Analogue Electronics, Digital Electronics, and Programming. If you have not studied any Signals and Systems or Programming modules, a module in Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Microprocessors and Embedded Systems, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), or Computer Architecture will be considered in place of this. Unfortunately, applicants with an engineering background in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Materials Science will not be considered suitable for this programme.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

• evidence of significant, relevant work experience;
• a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.