About this course
Study on this Masters programme in Embedded Systems and IC Design at Liverpool John Moores University.
- Study at one the UK's leading Engineering Departments
- Benefit from the internationally-acclaimed research of LJMU's Electrical and Electronic Engineering Research Centre
- Postgraduates of this course highly sought after by major UK and international employers
- This programme is available as a standard full-time Masters one-year programme (180 credits) or as an extended full-time Masters 20 month programme (240 credits)
- On both versions in semesters one and two you will study full-time at LJMU completing the taught modules
- If you are on the one-year programme, you will complete your Dissertation over the summer
- If you are on the programme, you will undertake the Group Design Project and your Dissertation in the second year
Industrial organisations across all sectors have identified a gap in the market and the need for Engineers with good leadership and interpersonal skills in addition to their technical abilities.
This MSc degree programme provides excellent progression from electronic engineering undergraduate courses. You can also complete the course as part of your career development and to specialise in the Embedded Systems, Nano Electronics and IC Design fields.
Students who choose the 20 month MSc route will undertake a Group Design Project & Dissertation.
The Group Design Project aims to apply engineering, technology and scientific knowledge to a real-world design problem. Detailed ideas will be explored and developed through design, experimentation, computer modelling and/or manufacture.
Why should I choose the 20 month route?
The Group Design Project will encompass the wider aspects of social, economic, political, legislative, environmental, cultural, ethical and sustainability issues required in the modern environment.
- This route is designed for international students who wish to apply their knowledge to professional practice in the UK
- Industrial organisations across all sectors have identified a gap in the market for Engineers with good leadership and interpersonal skills in addition to their technical abilities
- This route will equip you with the transferrable project management skills needed to excel in your chosen career
- You will work in groups and meet regularly with an academic supervisor and any internal or external stakeholders in order to develop an effective team-working ethic
- As an alternative to the group project on the two-year programme an industrial placement is a possibility in year two
- You will need to apply directly to companies offering placements — the offer of a placement will be subject to a successful interview with the employer. Although the University will provide support and guidance to find an appropriate placement they are not guaranteed
- Please note that you cannot apply for the sandwich route before coming to LJMU — further information about applying to placement opportunities will be given during semester two of year one
- You will present your work through regular meetings with your supervisor as well as submitting progress reports and oral presentations. In this way you will have the chance to hone your communicative skills and leave University ready for the workplace
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Ecosystems and ecosystem services
15 credits
15 credits
Ecological Assessment
15 credits
15 credits
Dissertation
60 credits
60 credits
Applied Research Design
15 credits
15 credits
Introduction to Sustainability and Adaptation
15 credits
15 credits
Sustainability and Adaptation Concepts in Practice
15 credits
15 credits
Restoration Ecology
15 credits
15 credits
Optional modules
Introduction to the Politics and Economics of the Environment
15 credits
15 credits
Food Production and Consumption
15 credits
15 credits
Cities and Communities
15 credits
15 credits
Sustainable Materials in the Built Environment
15 credits
15 credits
Work-based Project
15 credits
15 credits
Sustainable Food Production: Techniques and Practices
15 credits
15 credits
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Teaching methods
You will be taught via lectures, tutorials, seminars, activity-based learning, group discussions, panel sessions, inverted classroom learning etc.
Applied learning
You will undertake an industrial placement during the second year of study. Interviews will take place with our industry partners to secure these placements.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
The Department of Electrical Engineering is in the Byrom Street complex of LJMU's City Campus. In addition to specialist engineering facilities, Byrom Street has high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The Avril Robarts Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Course tutors
Gerard started working as a Principal Lecturer in the Electronic & Electrical Engineering Division, School of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, in Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) from Sep. 2021. Gerard is the Programme Leader for the suite of Electronic & Electrical Engineering MSc degrees Electrical Power And Control Engineering, Embedded Systems & IC Design and Wireless Communications, offered at LJMU.
Gerard pursued postdoctoral work at the Centre for Solid State Electronics Research, Arizona State University, USA, and the Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, USA. He then worked as a Senior Lecturer, Programme Leader in the Department of Computer Science and then the Department of Engineering at the University of Bolton. He moved to the University of Chester in 2014 to lead the development of the new Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Degrees
1992, University of Exeter, United Kingdom, Ph.D. in Theoretical Semiconductor Physics
1988, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, MA(Oxon) Physics
Certifications
2013, The Higher Education Academy, Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
This programme serves the growing and demanding needs of this hi-tech and very specialised industry at home and abroad. Backed by the experience of an internationally recognised research group in integrated circuit design, it is so satisfying to know that postgraduates from this programme are supporting and developing industry worldwide, becoming future leaders in their respective organisations.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Tuition fees and funding
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
Normally a good degree (2ii equivalent) in a subject appropriate to or compatible with Ecology such as physical geography, environmental science, biology or related topic areas.
Alternative qualifications considered
Graduates: Normally entrants to the programme will have at least a second-class degree in a subject appropriate to or compatible with Ecology such as physical geography, environmental science, biology or related topic areas. Students may be admitted with advanced standing through the recognition of credit or the accreditation of experiential or certificated learning within 5 years of the start of study according to the LJMU Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning (RP(E)L) policy, document 188 (www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/academic-quality-and-regulations/academic-framework). RP(E)L will be considered in accordance with University regulations.
Non-graduates: For applicants not in possession of a good honours degree, the programme leader will take into account relevant professional qualifications and experience. Any participant who does not have a first degree must satisfy the programme team of their ability to study at Master's level (e.g. presentation of a strong portfolio to demonstrate appropriate equivalent skills). For these applicants, individual assessments of their suitability for post graduate level study will be arranged and conducted by the programme team. The team may require evidence to be submitted as part of the assessment process e.g. a portfolio of written and other work; papers presented at conferences, publications; reports and research proposals.
International requirements
Other international requirements
Normally a good degree (2ii equivalent) in a subject appropriate to or compatible with Ecology such as physical geography, environmental science, biology or related topic areas preferred alongside a recognised English language qualification (IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6 in each category) or Pearson score of 58-64 within 2 years prior to the programme start date (minimum score of 51 in each component for UKVI Purposes).
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Your university life
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.