Embedded Systems Engineering MSc (Eng)

Course 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. Embedded systems are everywhere – and the demand for specialists in this field is only going to continue to grow.

Our Embedded Systems Engineering MSc course centres around practical work in the area of electronics design and applications alongside applications-led modules which will give you a strong digital technology backup.

You may study applications as diverse as medical electronics and e-health, and 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.

The School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering here at Leeds is an exciting and stimulating environment. It’s home to specialist teaching facilities and a wealth of leading researchers working on real-world issues and contributing to global change. This means you'll be learning the most up-to-date practices, equipping you with the technical skill set and holistic knowledge you’ll need to pursue a career in this field.

Why study at Leeds:

• This Masters degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
• Our globally-renowned research conducted right here in on campus feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in, for example, the ultrasonic embedded systems research led by Professor Steve Freear, where they are currently developing ultrasound systems for better imaging and cancer treatment.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in relevant topics like medical electronics and e-health, data communications and network security and FPGA design.
• Tailor the course to suit your specific interests with a selection of optional modules to choose from, including wireless communications, digital signal processing, control systems design and high-speed internet architecture.
• Build industry experience and conduct your own individual project which focuses on a real-world topic of your choice, giving you the chance to make your own contribution to science and develop professional skills in research and critical thinking.
• Access specialist and research-grade facilities including high-quality test and measurement equipment.
• Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team made up of researchers and academics who specialise in areas such as digital signal processing and efficient embedded systems design.
• Enjoy small groups that are used to support the teaching, giving you access to regular feedback and help with solving problems you may have with a particular topic directly from the academic staff.
• Enhance your career prospects and become part of our successful alumni who have secured jobs in organisations such as BT and Jacobs.
• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our student society ShockSoc where you can meet more of your peers, attend high-quality technical visits, enjoy social events and get the chance to put theory into practice by participating in our own Robot Fighting League (RFL). Watch our RFL video to find out more.

Accreditation

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council.

This Masters degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning to Masters Level for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)*.

*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

Course details

The Masters programme is built around a set of core modules that will develop your knowledge and skills in areas such as digital signal processing and embedded microprocessor systems.

A substantial element of practical work will help build your confidence with software and digital hardware implementations using microcontrollers, FPGA, DSP devices and general system-on-chip methodology. Specialist modules provide an opportunity to study topics such as medical electronics and e-health, data communications and network security, or the principles of digital wireless communications.

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Embedded Systems Engineering MSc (Eng) in the course catalogue

Compulsory modules

Modern Industry Practice – 15 credits

This module will engage you in developing a detailed understanding of the global engineering industry and support you with your career plans.

Data Communications and Network Security – 15 credits

This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of data communications networks and their use in a range of applications and consider the need for network security and appropriate security measures.

FPGA Design for System-on-Chip – 15 credits

This module will provide you with an understanding of the design principles of modern FPGA systems using Hardware Description Languages and contemporary, industry-standard design tools.

Embedded Microprocessor System Design – 15 credits

Explore the options for advanced embedded system implementation and study the operation of System-on-Chip development systems. The module provides you with an opportunity to develop skills in the use of contemporary design tools which support the optimization of embedded processor architectures.

Medical Electronics and E-Health – 15 credits

In this module, you will gain a knowledge and understanding of how electronics technology is used in medical applications and healthcare, and to consider a range of possible future developments in this field.

Programming – 15 credits

You will develop a competence in computer programming, using both Matlab and the C programming language.

MSc Individual Project – 60 credits

The focal point of the degree course is your individual project. Working on a project is incredibly satisfying, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned to a piece of research focusing on a real-world problem, and it can be used to explore and develop your specific interests.

Your supervisor will help you to select a project that is right for you, in an area of your choice. This may give you the chance to work as an integral part of one of our active research institutes, focusing on a specialist topic that motivates you and using the appropriate research methods. The project will equip you with the independent research and critical thinking skills that you'll draw on throughout your future career.

Recent projects have included: Agricultural Monitoring System, Wearable ECG Monitor, Sonic imager and Internet-of-Things Smart Home.

Optional modules

Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options.

Wireless Communications Systems Design – 15 credits

In this module, you will explore the principles which govern the physical layer of modern wireless communications systems, including the software tools needed to design and evaluate the systems and sub-systems which form a wireless communications system.

Digital Signal Processing for Communications – 15 credits

This module covers the fundamental principles of digital signal processing and provides you with the skills to apply DSP techniques to a broad range of signal processing problems.

High Speed Internet Architecture – 15 credits

The goal of this module is to provide a basis for understanding, appreciating, and performing practical research and development in networking with a special emphasis on Internet routers and switches. You will cover topics on the design, analysis and performance evaluation of a wide range of network architectures, switches and Internet routers. You will also learn the architectural evolution of routers and switches, analyse their performance and hardware cost and gain insights into their limitations.

Control Systems Design – 15 credits

Gain the knowledge and understanding of linear systems are developed to enable them to analytically investigate control systems and simulate them using computer tools. You will have the opportunity to design and evaluate PID and compensator-based controllers using several analytical techniques.

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, through lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars, examples classes, tutorials and project meetings.

Independent study is also important to the programme. You'll develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge while studying the modules taught modules and undertaking your project work.

Specialist facilities

Our School is an exciting and stimulating environment where you'll learn from leading researchers in specialist teaching facilities with high-quality test and measurement equipment. These include our Keysight Technologies Electronics Laboratory and Arm Embedded Systems Laboratory. During your final project, you'll be able to work in the NXP Electronics Project Laboratory.

Depending on your project topic, you may also get to work in our specialist research laboratories.

Programme team

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You'll be assessed using a range of techniques including mini-projects, case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests and coursework assignments.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (Hons) in electronic/electrical engineering, computing or a related subject. Applicants should have strong grades in relevant modules such as programming using C, C++, Java or a similar high-level language.

Due to the high demand for programmes in the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, incomplete applications may be rejected without full assessment.

International

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). 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

30 June 2025 – International applicants

12 September 2025 – UK applicants

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

If you're still 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

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: pgtelec@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,250 (Total)

International: £33,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

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 on our living costs and budgeting page.

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

Nowadays, every industry relies heavily on electronics, so there’s no doubt that embedded systems are the future. Every industry going forward will use these systems to function – and they’ll need qualified specialists to help. This is why graduates of this course are in demand for a whole range of exciting and rewarding careers in industry.

This course will equip you with skills and knowledge to design solutions for complex problems through carrying out extended engineering projects, considering a range of societal, user and commercial factors, and industry standards, and showing originality and creativity in the design process.

Embedded systems are ubiquitous in engineering and there's a wide and diverse range of industries open to you when you graduate, including: communications, automotive, transport, construction, industrial, automation, energy and environmental monitoring.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

Here’s an insight into some of the job positions and organisations previous graduates from this course have secured:

• Software & Controls Engineer, Intelligent Energy
• Edison Engineering Development Program Member, G E Aviation Systems Ltd
• Software Engineer, Continental AG
• R & D Embedded Engineer, Smart Buildings
• Embedded Systems Engineer, Practical Control
• Transformation Manufacturing and Process Engineer, Cooper B-Line
• Embedded Software Development Eng, Metric Group Ltd
• Design Engineer, Intel
• Electronics Project Leader, Labman Automation
• Electronics Engineer, Practical Control
• Lead Hardware Engineer, Instrumentel
• Embedded Software Developer, Drasis Software Solutions
• Graduate Network Engineer, BT
• EC&I Engineer, Jacobs

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

Find out more about career support.