Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Microelectronics Systems Design (MSc)
About this course
Our MSc Microelectronics Systems Design degree is a cutting-edge course, allowing you to choose from a wide range of modules based on digital integrated circuit design and analogue integrated circuit design.
Our Microelectronics Systems Design degree examines aspects of system integration and discrete device properties. It is also an excellent platform for further research in the Nano or Electronic and Software Systems groups.
We’ve led many of the most important advances in electronics and microelectronics over the past 30 years. This course will give you the highly sought-after skills for research or work in the industry.
You’ll gain key skills relating to digital and analogue integrated circuit design and electronic systems engineering. There will also be opportunities to engage in specialised activities around the production of system on chip design on both integrated circuit and advanced FPGA (field-programmable gate array) platforms.
Through this course you’ll learn how to:
- specify and design complex and highly integrated microelectronic systems
- model and simulate the behaviour of parts of microelectronics systems elements and complete circuits
- evaluate a device design using advanced simulation and modelling tools
- find, understand and explain literature related to specialised areas of microelectronics systems
- formulate a research project involving an advanced microelectronics system using appropriate the latest techniques, technologies and tools
Employability is a strong focus throughout this course:
- you'll have close links with all the major UK Design companies who recruit many of our graduates
- we have an ECS dedicated careers hub affiliated with over 100 renowned companies such as; IBM, Arm, Microsoft Research, Imagination Technologies, Nvidia, Samsung and Google
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Your course leader for this Microelectronics MSc is Professor Koushik Maharatna. Their recent research interests have a focus in biomedical and health informatics, biomedical circuits and systems, and engineering in medicine and biology.
Accreditations
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
Learn more about this subject area
Electrical and electronic engineering
Discover the components and systems that bring electronic devices to life, and learn how electricity is generated, distributed and used at scale. Southampton is the best place in the UK to develop your skills in this field.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
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Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in electrical engineering or electronic engineering.
You must also have a good 2:1 (65%) score in the following:
- 1 advanced maths module, such as: advanced mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematical analysis, engineering mathematics, mathematics for electrical and electronic engineers or pure mathematics
- 1 advanced physics module
- 1 circuit module, such as circuit design or circuit analysis
- 2 relevant electronics modules, such as electronics design, embedded system design, digital electronics or semiconductor devices
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
Information for students who have studied in China
This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution.
View acceptable grades from Chinese universities.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score: 6.5
- reading: 6.0
- writing: 6.0
- speaking: 6.0
- listening: 6.0
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email:
Tel:+44(0)
Course structure
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, usually from September to the following September.
In semesters 1 and 2 you'll study the taught part of your course. This also includes the first part of the ELEC3221, including its formative assessment.
This part of the course is made up of some modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. You’ll also begin preparing for your research project.
You'll also have exams which usually take place in January and May/June.
Over the summer, you’ll work independently on a research project lasting 14 weeks, which will include a 15,000-word dissertation you'll be assessed on. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
Digital IC and Systems Design
This module aims to provide a coherent introduction to digital VLSI design in CMOS, and to give students a broad understanding of the main principles required for system-on-chip design. Advanced techniques such as timing analysis and asynchronous design will be covered.
Digital System Design
The following topics will be covered:
- How SystemVerilog is interpreted for simulation and synthesis
- How to use EDA tools to configure FPGAs
- The principles of functional verification of digital systems
- The principles of Built-In Self-Test and scan-based testing
MSc Project and Dissertation
Your research project will enable you to explore in depth some aspect of your specialist subject area. You will be allocated a project supervisor with whom you will meet and agree a project brief and plan. These must be submitted to, and agreed by, the project coordinator.
Research Methods and Project Preparation
The Module will prepare students for the summer Research Project and research based coursework exercises. It will give students a grounding in the research methods and techniques necessary in order for planning and successful execution and completion of the project.
VLSI Design Project
Design hierarchical modules using a layout editor. Demonstrate project management and time management skills including working to deadlines and planning your work beyond the next deadline. Communicate your work accurately and concisely through written reports and presentations.
VLSI Systems Design
This modules provides an understanding of the design and layout of digital VLSI circuits and systems through laboratories and design exercises making use of appropriate CAD tools.
You must also choose from the following modules:
Advanced Wireless Communications Networks and Systems
This module is taught in Semester 2. It is particularly aimed at equipping our MSc Mobile Communications and Smart Networking, and MEng Electronic Engineering with Wireless Communication students with advanced communication theory and technologies, vital for the design of future wireless communication systems.
Analogue and Mixed Signal CMOS Design
The key aim of this module is to provide the background and the methods for the understanding of the operation of basic analogue CMOS cells, and how to design common functions. The emphasis is placed on design of analogue functions specifically as part of a larger digital system.
Cryptography
This module covers the mathematics, techniques, and applications of modern cryptography. We will look at the history of code making and code breaking, and draw lessons for the future from the mistakes and successes of the past. We will also give a gentle introduction to the mathematical ideas that underlie modern cryptography.
Digital Systems Synthesis
Describe the design of complex digital systems using a (SystemVerilog and SystemC based) behavioural synthesis approach. Provide understanding of the algorithms which underpin behavioural synthesis including scheduling, allocation and binding. Gain experience of using a commercial behavioural synthesis tool.
Embedded Processors
This module gives a broad introduction to application-specific processor system design and illustrates the use of such processors in the broader context of complex digital systems. A significant portion of the module assessment is coursework where students will design and implement a simple processor.
Medical Electrical and Electronic Technologies
This module aims to provide an in-depth understanding, appropriate to an engineer, of medical technologies for clinical applications and an understanding of the electrical hazards to human health.
Quantum Devices and Technology
The aim of this module is to provide an overview of advancement of quantum devices and technology in line with the development of nanoelectronics and nanotechnology. Students will gain knowledge of basic quantum mechanics and how the quantum mechanics are applied to quantum devices.
Secure Hardware and Embedded Devices
This course covers security and trust of hardware and embedded devices, with a particular focus on the emerging security challenges facing the internet of things technology. It includes the following topics: vulnerabilities in current digital system design, secure hardware design, secure embedded systems, and trusted computing.
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
What to read before you start
This course requires some pre-reading before you start. If you’re unable to find the recommended books, you can use similar books instead. Most of the books listed below will be used as course texts.
Programming is not explicitly taught as part of this MSc. You'll be expected to be able to program in C for some units and for the project. There are many suitable books available, for example, Buchanan, W., C for Electronic Engineering, Prentice Hall, 1995.
You should be familiar with:
- functions (arguments, return, scope, recursion).
- dynamic memory allocation.
- structures (declaration, definition, pointers, arrays).
- header files and modular programming.
Further reading:
- Digital Design - Zwolinski, M., Digital Design with VHDL, Addison Wesley Longman, 2000, ISBN -2 [Shops]. You should read and understand chapters 1 to 7.
- Circuit Theory - Sedra, A.S. and Smith K.C., Microelectronic Circuits 3rd Edition. Read: Chapters 1, 2, 10.9-11 and 11.
- Signal Processing - Proakis J. G. and Manolakis D., Digital Signal Processing: Principles, Algorithms and Applications, 3rd ed., Prentice Hall, 1996.
- Digital Communications - Sklar, B., Digital Communications: Fundamentals and Applications (2nd Ed.), Prentice Hall PTR, 2001. Read: Chapters 1-4, 6, 7, 12.
- Wireless Communications - Rappaport, T. S., Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice (2nd Ed.), Prentice Hall PTR, 2002. Read: Chapters 1-5.
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- a dissertation
- essays
- group essays
- individual and group projects
- written exams
Dissertation
You will be required to carry out an individual final project which will be assessed by a 15,000-word written dissertation.
Academic Support
We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Commercial awareness
- Self-management
- Confidence
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- Networking
- Adaptability
- Problem solving
- Resilience
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
- Manufacturing,
- Scientific and Technical,
- Water and Waste Management,
- Education,
- Public Administration,
- Defence,
- Finance.
Careers directly related to this course:
- Communications engineer
- Artificial intelligence specialist
- Embedded device engineer
- Electronic engineer
- Product design engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Systems engineer
See more
Wider career opportunities:
- Technical project manager
- Academic researcher
- Data scientist
- University lecturer
- Technology analyst
- Patent attorney
- Business transformation manager
See more
Example job titles of Southampton MSc Microelectronics Systems Design graduates*:
- Digital design engineer
- Chip design engineer
- Digital electronics engineer
- Hardware engineer
- Research engineer
- Verification engineer
See more
Job prospects for MSc Microelectronics Systems Design graduates
£50k
Average professional salary
92%
In a skilled profession or further study
95%
Graduate employment rate
Source
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Read more
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
More about careers support
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £33,900.
Check fees for other versions of this course.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
- accommodation costs
- living costs
- budgeting advice
- fees, charges and expenses regulations
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Commonwealth Scholarship
There are 20 Electronics and Computer Science scholarships of £3,000 each available for 10 undergraduate and 10 postgraduate new international students from Commonwealth countries.
Find out more about the Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Commonwealth Scholarship, including eligibility, and how to apply.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email:
Tel:+44(0)
Related courses
Microelectronics Systems Design (MSc) is a course in the Electrical and electronic engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:
- MSc Electrical Power Systems
- MSc Electronic Engineering
- MSc Internet of Things
- MSc Micro and Nanotechnology
- MSc Mobile Communications and Smart Networking
- MSc Optical Engineering
- MSc Systems, Control and Signal Processing
Program Outline
Careers:
Graduates from our microelectronics master’s are sought after by commercial enterprises and universities worldwide. We have close links with all the major UK Design companies who recruit many of our graduates. This degree also has a dedicated careers hub which is affiliated with over 100 renowned companies such as: IBM Arm Microsoft Research Imagination Technologies Nvidia Samsung Google
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Entry Requirements:
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in electrical engineering or electronic engineering. You must also have an upper 2:1 score in the following: 1 advanced maths module, such as: advanced mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematical analysis, engineering mathematics, mathematics for electrical and electronic engineers or pure mathematics 1 advanced physics module 1 circuit module, such as circuit design or circuit analysis You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum: IELTS score requirements overall score 5 reading 0 writing 0 speaking 0 listening 0