Microelectronic and Communications Engineering MSc
1 Year Full-Time | September Start
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
International
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Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
You will gain expertise and experience in the areas of analogue and digital systems and circuit design using state-of-the-art software and processors. You will gain the in-depth knowledge and skills you need for analysing, modelling and optimising the performance of advanced microelectronic and communication systems. The course covers a broad range of topics including advanced embedded system technologies, digital design automation and silicon electronic design, as well as optical fibre communication systems and wireless communications.
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to fully meet the CEng registration educational requirements.
Level of Study
Postgraduate
Mode of Study
1 year Full Time
2 other options available
Department
Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2025
Fees
Fee Information
Web links are provided for further reading whilst online videos, where appropriate, are available for you to review taught material in your own time. Lecture material is enhanced with laboratory sessions which allow demonstration of theories and exploration of practical problems and limitations.
As a postgraduate student you will be expected to have a responsible and professional approach to learning, accessing the material and support provided and raising any problems with academic staff or your programme leader. You will have an opportunity to take an active role in the operation and content of the course via the departmental programme committee.
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The team include published authors and industry experts with research interests including analogue electronics, networking, professionalism in practice, teaching and learning in technology and project management.
The department of Physics and Electrical Engineering is a top-35 research department with 79% of our outputs ranked world-leading or internationally excellent according to the 2014 UK wide Research Excellence Framework. This places us in the top quartile for world-leading publications among UK universities in General Engineering.
Dr Hoa Le-Minh
Senior Lecturer
Milutin Jovanovic
Programme Leader
Dr Richard Binns
Principal Lecturer
Dr Wai Pan Ng
Reader of Optical Communications
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Technology to enhance learning in engineering is embedded throughout the programme. This takes the form of self-guided exercises, online tests with feedback, assessment feedback and videos and tutorials to support lectures. Self-development and employability are enhanced throughout the programme, especially with respect to communicating ideas in written and oral forms, the use of appropriate IT tools, personal time management, problem solving and independent learning skills.
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All the modules are industry or research informed, based upon academic staff industrial experience, consultancy or personal research interests. This allows the knowledge and skills that you will acquire to meet the need and practical application for real world scenarios.
The course is supported by a team of academics who are highly respected by research groups around the world and who make a significant contribution to the faculty and University vision for the future of research within the higher education sector.
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You will be encouraged to research information from professional publications, company literature, etc. to determine innovative and appropriate solutions to these scenarios, enabling you to demonstrate relevant industry practice.
You will also be attached to one of the departmental or faculty research groups for your final dissertation, exposed to and incorporated into a working team and environment. This provides the opportunity for both work-related learning experience and professional career development.
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The UK Government’s commitment to high-speed broadband means that demand for communications engineers is expected to outstrip supply. UK and international demand for microelectronic engineers remains strong, with salaries reflecting employers’ need to attract the best candidates.
Upon graduation, you will be well-equipped to apply for roles such as communications engineer, electronic/electrical engineer, operational researcher, software engineer and systems developer. You may also consider the wider engineering and information technology sectors, including energy, transport, electronics and telecommunications, defence and manufacturing and engineering management.
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Applicants should normally have:
A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in Physics, Engineering or a relevant subject. Other subject qualifications, equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
International qualifications:
If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English language requirements:
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
Students completing one third of the programme are eligible for a PG Cert, after two-thirds a PG Dip and on successful completion, students are awarded an MSc.
Full UK Fee: £11,000
Full International Fee: £20,950
Scholarships and Discounts
ADDITIONAL COSTS
There are no Additional Costs
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else
The following alternative study options are available for this course:
Sep, Jan start
Sep, Jan start
2 years Full Time (with Advanced Practice in the second year) / Sep, Jan start
More details Add to My CoursesOur Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.
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