Embedded Systems Engineering MSc (Eng)

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:

• Graduate with an MSc accredited by the IET from a university that ranks 8th in the UK for Electronic & Electrical Engineering, The Guardian League Table 2022.

• Learn the latest innovations in industry from our world-leading research conducted right here on campus that feeds directly into the course including 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 are at the forefront of their fields and 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 join our successful alumni who have secured jobs in organisations such as BT and Jacobs.

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.

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 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.

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. This is your chance to make your own contribution to science.

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

• Internet-of-Things Smart Home

Want to find out more about your modules?

Take a look at the Embedded Systems Engineering module descriptions for more detail on what you'll 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.

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

Modules

Year 1

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.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and your modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

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.

Entry requirements

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

A bachelor degree with a first class (hons) in mechatronics, physics, physical sciences or mathematics.

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. You could study a part-time online course starting in January, or a full-time course in summer. Find out more about online pre-sessionals.

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

How to apply

Application deadlines

We operate a staged admissions process for this course with selection deadlines throughout the year.

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

Apply

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

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

• UK: £12,750 (total)
• International: £28,000 (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 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.

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 five most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2022 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. Our wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability team — are on hand to offer 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, 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.

Find out more about career support.