12 monthsProgramme duration
18 Aug, 2027Application Deadline
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Engineering - Electrical and Electronic
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Master's
Study Mode
On Campus
Course summary
How do you fit increasingly powerful electronics into smaller, faster and more efficient systems? And what does it take to design the integrated circuits that sit at the heart of modern technology?
If you want to develop specialist expertise in digital and analogue integrated circuit design, MSc Microelectronics Systems Design is for you.
At Southampton, you’ll explore the engineering behind complex and highly integrated electronic systems. Develop your understanding of digital and analogue circuit design, electronic systems engineering, system integration and discrete device properties.
You’ll learn how to specify and design microelectronic systems, model the behaviour of components and complete circuits, and evaluate designs using advanced simulation and modelling tools. You’ll also explore system-on-chip design using integrated circuits and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) platforms.
This is electronics you’ll put into practice. Laboratory work, design exercises and individual and group projects will challenge you to apply engineering principles using contemporary computer-aided design tools.
Your learning is closely connected to Southampton’s research in electronics and microelectronics. The course provides a strong platform for further research within areas including nanoelectronics and electronic and software systems, while your final project gives you the opportunity to investigate a specialist question in depth.
You’ll also benefit from Southampton’s connections with major UK electronic design companies, helping you understand where your specialist skills can take you after graduation.
Find your place where circuits, systems and computing meet, and develop the technical depth to help design the electronics behind what comes next.
Key features of this course
**Design highly integrated electronic systems.** Build expertise in digital integrated circuit design, electronic systems and very-large-scale integration (VLSI), developing the skills to tackle increasingly complex hardware.
**Take systems from design to implementation.** Explore system-on-chip design and work with integrated circuit and FPGA platforms, connecting theoretical principles with practical engineering.
**Model before you build.** Develop experience using advanced simulation and modelling tools to predict circuit behaviour, assess designs and investigate how different parts of a microelectronic system interact.
**Get hands-on with VLSI design.** Use computer-aided design tools in laboratory and design exercises to develop, lay out and evaluate digital VLSI circuits and systems.
**Shape your specialist direction.** Optional modules can take you into areas including embedded processors, hardware accelerators, secure hardware and embedded devices, cryptography, quantum devices and medical electronic technologies.
**Take on your own research challenge.** Complete a 14-week independent research project, working with a supervisor to investigate an advanced microelectronics topic before bringing your findings together in a 15,000-word dissertation.
Your future career
Modern electronics needs engineers who can understand the whole system – from individual devices and circuits to complex integrated hardware.
You’ll graduate with specialist knowledge of microelectronics systems design alongside skills in research, critical thinking, commercial awareness, communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Careers directly related to the course can include electronic engineer, embedded device engineer, systems engineer, product design engineer, communications engineer and manufacturing engineer.
Southampton graduates from this MSc have progressed into roles including digital design engineer, chip design engineer, digital electronics engineer, hardware engineer, research engineer and verification engineer.
The programme can also prepare you for further academic research in microelectronics, electronics and related technologies.
Whether you move into chip design, embedded systems, electronic engineering or research, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to model complex systems, challenge designs and turn electronic concepts into working technology.
Student support
You’ll be assigned a personal tutor during your studies and will also have access to a senior tutor.
Learning combines lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, laboratory work, individual and group projects and independent study.
During your final research project, you’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor to discuss your progress and develop your work.
Further information
This is a 1-year, full-time MSc based at Highfield Campus.
The first 2 semesters focus on taught core and optional modules alongside preparation for your research project. Over the summer, you’ll complete a 14-week independent project and 15,000-word dissertation.
Core study includes Digital IC and Systems Design, Digital System Design, VLSI Design Project, VLSI Systems Design, Research Methods and Project Preparation, and the MSc Project and Dissertation.
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Programming is not explicitly taught as part of the MSc, and you’ll be expected to have programming experience in C for some parts of the programme and your project.
Applicants normally need a 2:1 degree in electrical or electronic engineering, including appropriate prior study in advanced mathematics, physics, circuits and electronics.
How do you fit increasingly powerful electronics into smaller, faster and more efficient systems? And what does it take to design the integrated circuits that sit at the heart of modern technology?
If you want to develop specialist expertise in digital and analogue integrated circuit design, MSc Microelectronics Systems Design is for you.
At Southampton, you’ll explore the engineering behind complex and highly integrated electronic systems. Develop your understanding of digital and analogue circuit design, electronic systems engineering, system integration and discrete device properties.
You’ll learn how to specify and design microelectronic systems, model the behaviour of components and complete circuits, and evaluate designs using advanced simulation and modelling tools. You’ll also explore system-on-chip design using integrated circuits and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) platforms.
This is electronics you’ll put into practice. Laboratory work, design exercises and individual and group projects will challenge you to apply engineering principles using contemporary computer-aided design tools.
Your learning is closely connected to Southampton’s research in electronics and microelectronics. The course provides a strong platform for further research within areas including nanoelectronics and electronic and software systems, while your final project gives you the opportunity to investigate a specialist question in depth.
You’ll also benefit from Southampton’s connections with major UK electronic design companies, helping you understand where your specialist skills can take you after graduation.
Find your place where circuits, systems and computing meet, and develop the technical depth to help design the electronics behind what comes next.
Key features of this course
**Design highly integrated electronic systems.** Build expertise in digital integrated circuit design, electronic systems and very-large-scale integration (VLSI), developing the skills to tackle increasingly complex hardware.
**Take systems from design to implementation.** Explore system-on-chip design and work with integrated circuit and FPGA platforms, connecting theoretical principles with practical engineering.
**Model before you build.** Develop experience using advanced simulation and modelling tools to predict circuit behaviour, assess designs and investigate how different parts of a microelectronic system interact.
**Get hands-on with VLSI design.** Use computer-aided design tools in laboratory and design exercises to develop, lay out and evaluate digital VLSI circuits and systems.
**Shape your specialist direction.** Optional modules can take you into areas including embedded processors, hardware accelerators, secure hardware and embedded devices, cryptography, quantum devices and medical electronic technologies.
**Take on your own research challenge.** Complete a 14-week independent research project, working with a supervisor to investigate an advanced microelectronics topic before bringing your findings together in a 15,000-word dissertation.
Your future career
Modern electronics needs engineers who can understand the whole system – from individual devices and circuits to complex integrated hardware.
You’ll graduate with specialist knowledge of microelectronics systems design alongside skills in research, critical thinking, commercial awareness, communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Careers directly related to the course can include electronic engineer, embedded device engineer, systems engineer, product design engineer, communications engineer and manufacturing engineer.
Southampton graduates from this MSc have progressed into roles including digital design engineer, chip design engineer, digital electronics engineer, hardware engineer, research engineer and verification engineer.
The programme can also prepare you for further academic research in microelectronics, electronics and related technologies.
Whether you move into chip design, embedded systems, electronic engineering or research, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to model complex systems, challenge designs and turn electronic concepts into working technology.
Student support
You’ll be assigned a personal tutor during your studies and will also have access to a senior tutor.
Learning combines lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, laboratory work, individual and group projects and independent study.
During your final research project, you’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor to discuss your progress and develop your work.
Further information
This is a 1-year, full-time MSc based at Highfield Campus.
The first 2 semesters focus on taught core and optional modules alongside preparation for your research project. Over the summer, you’ll complete a 14-week independent project and 15,000-word dissertation.
Core study includes Digital IC and Systems Design, Digital System Design, VLSI Design Project, VLSI Systems Design, Research Methods and Project Preparation, and the MSc Project and Dissertation.
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Programming is not explicitly taught as part of the MSc, and you’ll be expected to have programming experience in C for some parts of the programme and your project.
Applicants normally need a 2:1 degree in electrical or electronic engineering, including appropriate prior study in advanced mathematics, physics, circuits and electronics.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Engineering - Electrical and Electronic
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Master's
Study Mode
On Campus
Course summary
How do you fit increasingly powerful electronics into smaller, faster and more efficient systems? And what does it take to design the integrated circuits that sit at the heart of modern technology?
If you want to develop specialist expertise in digital and analogue integrated circuit design, MSc Microelectronics Systems Design is for you.
At Southampton, you’ll explore the engineering behind complex and highly integrated electronic systems. Develop your understanding of digital and analogue circuit design, electronic systems engineering, system integration and discrete device properties.
You’ll learn how to specify and design microelectronic systems, model the behaviour of components and complete circuits, and evaluate designs using advanced simulation and modelling tools. You’ll also explore system-on-chip design using integrated circuits and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) platforms.
This is electronics you’ll put into practice. Laboratory work, design exercises and individual and group projects will challenge you to apply engineering principles using contemporary computer-aided design tools.
Your learning is closely connected to Southampton’s research in electronics and microelectronics. The course provides a strong platform for further research within areas including nanoelectronics and electronic and software systems, while your final project gives you the opportunity to investigate a specialist question in depth.
You’ll also benefit from Southampton’s connections with major UK electronic design companies, helping you understand where your specialist skills can take you after graduation.
Find your place where circuits, systems and computing meet, and develop the technical depth to help design the electronics behind what comes next.
Key features of this course
**Design highly integrated electronic systems.** Build expertise in digital integrated circuit design, electronic systems and very-large-scale integration (VLSI), developing the skills to tackle increasingly complex hardware.
**Take systems from design to implementation.** Explore system-on-chip design and work with integrated circuit and FPGA platforms, connecting theoretical principles with practical engineering.
**Model before you build.** Develop experience using advanced simulation and modelling tools to predict circuit behaviour, assess designs and investigate how different parts of a microelectronic system interact.
**Get hands-on with VLSI design.** Use computer-aided design tools in laboratory and design exercises to develop, lay out and evaluate digital VLSI circuits and systems.
**Shape your specialist direction.** Optional modules can take you into areas including embedded processors, hardware accelerators, secure hardware and embedded devices, cryptography, quantum devices and medical electronic technologies.
**Take on your own research challenge.** Complete a 14-week independent research project, working with a supervisor to investigate an advanced microelectronics topic before bringing your findings together in a 15,000-word dissertation.
Your future career
Modern electronics needs engineers who can understand the whole system – from individual devices and circuits to complex integrated hardware.
You’ll graduate with specialist knowledge of microelectronics systems design alongside skills in research, critical thinking, commercial awareness, communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Careers directly related to the course can include electronic engineer, embedded device engineer, systems engineer, product design engineer, communications engineer and manufacturing engineer.
Southampton graduates from this MSc have progressed into roles including digital design engineer, chip design engineer, digital electronics engineer, hardware engineer, research engineer and verification engineer.
The programme can also prepare you for further academic research in microelectronics, electronics and related technologies.
Whether you move into chip design, embedded systems, electronic engineering or research, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to model complex systems, challenge designs and turn electronic concepts into working technology.
Student support
You’ll be assigned a personal tutor during your studies and will also have access to a senior tutor.
Learning combines lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, laboratory work, individual and group projects and independent study.
During your final research project, you’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor to discuss your progress and develop your work.
Further information
This is a 1-year, full-time MSc based at Highfield Campus.
The first 2 semesters focus on taught core and optional modules alongside preparation for your research project. Over the summer, you’ll complete a 14-week independent project and 15,000-word dissertation.
Core study includes Digital IC and Systems Design, Digital System Design, VLSI Design Project, VLSI Systems Design, Research Methods and Project Preparation, and the MSc Project and Dissertation.
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Programming is not explicitly taught as part of the MSc, and you’ll be expected to have programming experience in C for some parts of the programme and your project.
Applicants normally need a 2:1 degree in electrical or electronic engineering, including appropriate prior study in advanced mathematics, physics, circuits and electronics.
How do you fit increasingly powerful electronics into smaller, faster and more efficient systems? And what does it take to design the integrated circuits that sit at the heart of modern technology?
If you want to develop specialist expertise in digital and analogue integrated circuit design, MSc Microelectronics Systems Design is for you.
At Southampton, you’ll explore the engineering behind complex and highly integrated electronic systems. Develop your understanding of digital and analogue circuit design, electronic systems engineering, system integration and discrete device properties.
You’ll learn how to specify and design microelectronic systems, model the behaviour of components and complete circuits, and evaluate designs using advanced simulation and modelling tools. You’ll also explore system-on-chip design using integrated circuits and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) platforms.
This is electronics you’ll put into practice. Laboratory work, design exercises and individual and group projects will challenge you to apply engineering principles using contemporary computer-aided design tools.
Your learning is closely connected to Southampton’s research in electronics and microelectronics. The course provides a strong platform for further research within areas including nanoelectronics and electronic and software systems, while your final project gives you the opportunity to investigate a specialist question in depth.
You’ll also benefit from Southampton’s connections with major UK electronic design companies, helping you understand where your specialist skills can take you after graduation.
Find your place where circuits, systems and computing meet, and develop the technical depth to help design the electronics behind what comes next.
Key features of this course
**Design highly integrated electronic systems.** Build expertise in digital integrated circuit design, electronic systems and very-large-scale integration (VLSI), developing the skills to tackle increasingly complex hardware.
**Take systems from design to implementation.** Explore system-on-chip design and work with integrated circuit and FPGA platforms, connecting theoretical principles with practical engineering.
**Model before you build.** Develop experience using advanced simulation and modelling tools to predict circuit behaviour, assess designs and investigate how different parts of a microelectronic system interact.
**Get hands-on with VLSI design.** Use computer-aided design tools in laboratory and design exercises to develop, lay out and evaluate digital VLSI circuits and systems.
**Shape your specialist direction.** Optional modules can take you into areas including embedded processors, hardware accelerators, secure hardware and embedded devices, cryptography, quantum devices and medical electronic technologies.
**Take on your own research challenge.** Complete a 14-week independent research project, working with a supervisor to investigate an advanced microelectronics topic before bringing your findings together in a 15,000-word dissertation.
Your future career
Modern electronics needs engineers who can understand the whole system – from individual devices and circuits to complex integrated hardware.
You’ll graduate with specialist knowledge of microelectronics systems design alongside skills in research, critical thinking, commercial awareness, communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Careers directly related to the course can include electronic engineer, embedded device engineer, systems engineer, product design engineer, communications engineer and manufacturing engineer.
Southampton graduates from this MSc have progressed into roles including digital design engineer, chip design engineer, digital electronics engineer, hardware engineer, research engineer and verification engineer.
The programme can also prepare you for further academic research in microelectronics, electronics and related technologies.
Whether you move into chip design, embedded systems, electronic engineering or research, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to model complex systems, challenge designs and turn electronic concepts into working technology.
Student support
You’ll be assigned a personal tutor during your studies and will also have access to a senior tutor.
Learning combines lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, laboratory work, individual and group projects and independent study.
During your final research project, you’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor to discuss your progress and develop your work.
Further information
This is a 1-year, full-time MSc based at Highfield Campus.
The first 2 semesters focus on taught core and optional modules alongside preparation for your research project. Over the summer, you’ll complete a 14-week independent project and 15,000-word dissertation.
Core study includes Digital IC and Systems Design, Digital System Design, VLSI Design Project, VLSI Systems Design, Research Methods and Project Preparation, and the MSc Project and Dissertation.
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Programming is not explicitly taught as part of the MSc, and you’ll be expected to have programming experience in C for some parts of the programme and your project.
Applicants normally need a 2:1 degree in electrical or electronic engineering, including appropriate prior study in advanced mathematics, physics, circuits and electronics.
Admission Requirements
120+
176+
6.5+
92+
67+
3.2+
You'll need a 2.1 degree in electrical or electronic engineering. You must also meet the module requirements, please see the website for further details.
18 Aug 2027
1 Year
Sep
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