MSc in Electronics

This programme is designed as a specialised extension to the study of Electronics at undergraduate level. The programme provides students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding and develop specialist expertise in a range of advanced electronics subjects including microelectronics, sensors, signal processing, hardware and software design, communications, and digital systems.

Applications for this course received after 30th June 2023 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.

MSc in Electronics is seeking to update its accreditation 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 comply with full CEng registration requirements.

An example of our research includes our work in the area of space technologies, where we are involved in a number of projects with the European Space Agency, the new UK Space Applications Catapult Centre, the European High Power Radio-Frequency Space Laboratory and companies such as Astrium, Thales and QinetiQ.

The MSc Electronics programme offers an advanced study pathway to develop graduate engineers with the relevant knowledge, skills and professional competencies necessary for employment in technical development, operational analysis, managerial and senior technical positions such as Chief Engineer, or as preparation for further research - particularly at doctoral level.

Course Structure

Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 or 3 years) basis. Taught modules are delivered over two semesters.

Full-time students follow taught modules in Semester 1 (Autumn) and Semester 2 (Spring) and they carry out an independent research project and write their MSc thesis (dissertation) in the summer.

Part-time students may take the course over a two or three year period and are required to take at least two modules per year.

An MSc is awarded to candidates who pass six taught modules (120 CATS points) and the individual research project (60 CATS points).

An “MSc with Professional Placement” is awarded to those students who meet these requirements and are able to secure a (minimum) 9-month placement in an appropriate industrial sector (to be approved by the school).

Two other exit qualifications exist: (i) A Postgraduate Diploma is awarded to students who will pass six modules (120 CATS points) and (ii) a Postgraduate Certificate is awarded to students who pass three modules (60 CATS points).

Students may enrol on a full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 or 3 years) basis. Taught modules are delivered over two semesters.

Full-time students follow taught modules in Semester 1 (Autumn) and Semester 2 (Spring) and they carry out an independent research project and write their MSc thesis (dissertation) in the summer.

Part-time students may take the course over a two or three year period and are required to take at least two modules per year.

An MSc is awarded to candidates who pass six taught modules (120 CATS points) and the individual research project (60 CATS points).

An “MSc with Professional Placement” is awarded to those students who meet these requirements and are able to secure a (minimum) 9-month placement in an appropriate industrial sector (to be approved by the school).

Two other exit qualifications exist: (i) A Postgraduate Diploma is awarded to students who will pass six modules (120 CATS points) and (ii) a Postgraduate Certificate is awarded to students who pass three modules (60 CATS points).

Course Details

The MSc consists of a practical project of a research nature (60 CATS) plus six modules (120 CATS). The PGDip consists of six modules (120 CATS). Modules normally run from September until June, with the project commencing in November and running until the following September.

In any given year further specialist topics may be available or some topics may not be offered.

Programme Modules This MSc programme in Electronics is designed to train the next generation of Electrical and Electronic Engineers who will have the necessary skills to occupy prestigious positions in the industry or research institutes and the academia. The curriculum involves the following taught modules (the first two modules are compulsory and you need to choose another four):

Note, we constantly review the syllabus to ensure we are up to date and industry relevant, therefore modules are subject to change and not all modules are guaranteed to be offered each year.

MEMS Devices and Technology: Microelectromechanical devices (MEMS devices) are increasingly common in a wide range of applications, e.g. environmental and biomedical sensing, automotive systems and portable electronics. This module will examine the structure and operation of a range of common MEMS devices including pressure sensors and accelerometers. The design of such devices will be explored, as will a range of sensing and actuation methods. The module will include fabrication technology for silicon-based MEMS including details of processes such as material deposition, etching, and wafer bonding.

Microelectronics Devices and Technology: This module offers a detailed discussion of the fabrication and internal electronics of modern silicon devices. Bipolar and MOS technologies are covered from first principles, such that students should be able to apply their learning to all silicon-based devices. You will be introduced to the realities of present-day scaling and the key parameters which control device performance.

Intelligent Systems and Control: Intelligent Systems and Control develops a robust understanding of the major academic topics which define control methods and intelligent algorithms in dynamic systems. Special focus is given on analysis and design methodologies for control systems alongside an introduction to artificial intelligence.

Wireless Communications: This module provides the concepts and techniques required for the generic design of modern wireless communication systems. Wireless communication systems are emerging as a primary enabling technology in the realisation of smarter connected devices in the future digital society. The module will focus on the fundamentals of wireless system design and include a study of progressive trends in communications and challenges posed by the next generation wireless systems.

Wireless Sensor Systems: This module gives an introduction to Wireless Sensor Networks, their capabilities, applications, the Internet of Things (IoT) concept, enabling technologies and standards. It includes collaborative sensing, aggregation of data, data analysis, communication protocols, MAC-layer, routing protocols, energy-aware operation, power management, time synchronization and synchronization protocols.

Control and Estimation Theory: You will learn how to design a stabilising model predictive controller (MPC), which is an advanced control methodology used in modern control applications (robotics, process industry, aerospace, automotive, etc). We will also give an introduction to probability and statistics and learn the basics of estimation theory, with special focus on the Kalman filter and nonlinear state estimation methodologies. The module includes lab sessions where the students acquire hands-on experience in the applications of control and estimation theory.

Digital Signal Processing: This module covers a number of key topics on digital signal processing and its applications. Particular topics include, but are not limited to, Fourier series, Fourier and Laplace transforms, Sampling, Analog and Digital filter design, Adaptive Filters and the celebrated Discrete and Fast Fourier Transforms.

Each student needs to carry out an individual MSc project under the supervision of an academic. We offer a very large number of project proposals every year. Some of our top students publish the results of their work in esteemed international peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Note that the above taught modules will be offered conditional on having an adequate number of enrolled students. If you would like further information, do not hesitate to contact the course director

Our graduates have found that earning a prestigious MSc qualification from the School, one of the UK's top engineering schools, has significantly enhanced their job opportunities and employment prospects. Graduates typically find employment in a wide range of fields including with semiconductor companies, electronic equipment manufacturers, design and service providers, software houses and in other electronic engineering-based industries.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.