(Full time) 2020 start
Embedded Systems Engineering MSc (Eng)

Overview
The huge growth of processing power, now available in small power-efficient packages, has fuelled the digital revolution, which has touched all sectors of the economy. This practically orientated, advanced course in the area of electronics design and applications provides a strong digital technology core backed with applications-led modules.
You will study applications as diverse as medical and electronics, e-health, intelligent building design, automotive electronics, retail and commerce to prepare you for a range of careers in industry, where the skills you gain will be in high demand. A substantial element of practical work will give you confidence with software and digital hardware implementations using microcontrollers, FPGA, DSP devices and general system-on-chip methodology.
You will be taught by experts informed by their own world-leading research, and you’ll have access to world-class facilities to prepare for a career in a fast-changing industry.
School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Our School is an exciting and stimulating environment where you’ll learn from leading researchers in specialist facilities . These include our Keysight Technologies wireless communications lab, as well as labs for embedded systems, power electronics and drives, ultrasound and bioelectronics.
There is also a Terahertz photonics lab, class 100 semiconductor cleanroom, traffic generators and analysers, FPGA development tools, sensor network test beds. We have facilities for electron-beam lithography and ceramic circuit fabrication, and a III-V semiconductor molecular beam epitaxy facility.
Accreditation
The MSc is 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 comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students. For this course, these are the quality standards set by the IET.
Course content
The programme is built around a set of core modules that will develop your knowledge and skills areas such as digital signal processing, embedded microprocessor systems and how electronics and communications technology could be used in healthcare. You will also take a core lab-based module to give you experience of different circuits, systems, equipment and tools.
Optional modules will give you the chance to develop specialist knowledge. If you don’t have any experience of C programming, you’ll take Programming – otherwise, you can choose to take either this module of Software Development. Then you’ll choose one additional module specialising either in data communications and network security or the principles of digital wireless communications.
To build your understanding of the global electronics industry, you’ll also complete a dissertation. This could take the form of a business, manufacturing or outsourcing plan, a proposal for research funding or an essay on a specific aspect of the industry.
Over the summer months, you’ll work on your research project. This may give you the chance to work as an integral part of one of our active research institutes, focusing on a specialist topic of your choice and using the appropriate research methods.
Want to find out more about your modules?
Take a look at the Embedded Systems Engineering module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Modern Industry Practice 15 credits
- Digital Signal Processing for Communications 15 credits
- Mini Projects and Laboratory 15 credits
- FPGA Design for System-on-Chip 15 credits
- Digital Media Engineering 15 credits
- Embedded Microprocessor System Design 15 credits
- Medical Electronics and E-Health 15 credits
- MSc Individual Project 60 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Data Communications and Network Security 15 credits
- Programming 15 credits
Learning and teaching
Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines. You will have regular contact with them through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings.
Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.
Assessment
You will be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams. Optional modules may also use alternative assessment methods.
Applying, fees and funding
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in electronic/electrical engineering, physics, computing or a related subject.
Applicants with a high 2:2 (hons) may be considered if they can demonstrate specific competence in programming using C, C++, Java or a similar high-level language.
All applicants will need to have GCSE English Language at grade C or above, or an appropriate English language qualification.
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
Application deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences will only consider applications made before the dates below, subject to places being available:
31 July 2020 – International applicants
10 September 2020 – UK/EU applicants
This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Postgraduate Admissions Policy 2020
Fees
- UK/EU: £11,000 (total)
- International: £24,000 (total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Career opportunities
Embedded systems are ubiquitous in engineering and graduates are likely to find employment in a wide and diverse range of industries including: communications, automotive, transport, construction, industrial, automation, energy and environmental monitoring.
Careers support
You will have access to the wide range of engineering and computing careers resources held by our Employability team in our dedicated Employability Suite. You will have the chance to attend industry presentations book appointments with qualified careers consultants and take part in employability workshops. Our annual STEM Careers Fairs provide further opportunities to explore your career options with some of the UK’s leading employers.
The University's Careers Centre also provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Projects
The research project is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. It allows you to apply what you have learned to a piece of research focusing on a real-world problem, and it can be used to explore and develop your specific interests.
A proportion of projects are formally linked to industry, and may include spending time at the collaborator’s site over the summer.