This MSc is studied at Bolton over a period of 12 months starting in September. It concerns the design and development of electronics for modern products, mindful of manufacturability and environmental concerns.  Design techniques, flows and methodologies are demonstrated by the use of industry standard computer aided design software. 

The MSc is in two parts:  taught modules and MSc project.  Seven modules are studied in the first two terms and the rest of the year is devoted to a major individual project in a chosen area of specialisation.  The MSc project provides the experience of undertaking a substantial piece of original research or innovative design which is ideal preparation for a career in development or research.

 

Relevance

Society today is heavily reliant on electronics.  Many applications are obvious to everyone, such those in the area of as consumer goods  (mobile phones, MP3 players, digital radio and TV, satellite navigation aids, etc.),  but many more go unnoticed as they are hidden from view.  A modern car, for example, includes hundreds of computer circuits;  in fact as much as half the cost of a vehicle is now due to the electronic systems.  Likewise, industry and commerce are heavily dependent on electronics  - to control the production lines, monitor quality and facilitate office sales, share dealing and financial systems.

Electronics design engineers are responsible for many of the developments that keep all this going.  At the same time, continuing technological innovations coupled with increasingly severe environmental legislation and high customer expectations has made the role of design engineer ever more interesting, if challenging.

Completing a postgraduate course is often a life-changing experience. Some of the benefits of this MSc course are:

• High demand for well-trained electronic design engineers
• Interesting and well-paid jobs worldwide
• Add academic and research potential to your career possibilities

 

Features

Some of the features of the MSc Advanced Electronics Design are:

• 12 month full time modular course
• Taught modules and a substantial investigative project
• Intensive exposure to electronic design automation (EDA) tools that are used in industry
• Well stocked library with extensive online resources
• Assessment is by coursework: written and practical assignments
• High proportion of course materials available online
• Small class sizes and personal approach

Syllabus

The MSc involves studying seven taught modules and completing a substantial project which is written up and submitted as a bound dissertation. The taught modules are covered in the first 8 months (two trimesters) and the third trimester is devoted entirely to the MSc Project.

The taught modules are:

• Design for Product Build
• Engineering Design
• Digital Signal Processing
• Project Management
• Microcontrollers
• Systems Design using FPGAs
• Signal Integrity and EMC

The MSc Project involves elements of investigation and research and provides the opportunity to combine knowledge and skills attained in earlier modules. Before choosing a project you will engage in detailed discussion with academic staff to make sure your project is relevant to your career interests. The project culminates in a written dissertation which is submitted as an official bound volume.

Examples of MSc projects|

 

Duration and Start Date

The course duration is twelve months, with a short breaks at Christmas, Easter and mid summer. The course starts in September and students complete the programme twelve months later.

 

Entry Requirements

The normal entry requirement is a first class or upper second honours degree in electronics or related subjects. Industrial experience in electronics design coupled with an HND may be sufficient.

Students holding overseas degrees are very welcome and the equivalent of their qualifications will be assessed.  Overseas applicants will need to demonstrate English language ability to the level of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

Postgraduate funding opportunities|

 

Studying at the University of Bolton

The University of Bolton is a caring community that is student-focused and welcoming. Small class sizes ensure students receive individual attention and a personal approach. The university has excellent industrial links. When you study at Bolton you will join an international community of students from 70 countries.

Bolton has an established Asian community, with many places of worship near to the university and ready access to Asian shops and restaurants. The cost of accommodation is reasonable and places are available in halls of residence. Manchester is only 20 minutes away by train and there are direct trains to the airport.

More details|

A distance learning version of this course is available (with more optional modules) under the name MSc Electronic Product Development.  For details, please refer to: www.ami.ac.uk|.

 

Comments from our students

Here are a few examples of feedback received from MSc students:

"The way you do design walkthroughs is perfect."

"Support from the tutors was very good and the library provided an excellent service."

"I have enjoyed my time studying with Bolton. It has been a professionally run course and provided me new skills and knowledge that hopefully will increase my potential to a future employer."

"An excellent modern course - delivered in a democratic fashion by educationalists with vision. Not only is the course enjoyable and interesting, but it does you no harm on the jobs front either."

 

How to Apply

For all general enquiries about courses at the University of Bolton, contact:
Student Recruitment and Admissions
Student Information Centre
University of Bolton
Deane Road, Bolton, BL3 5AB

Tel. +44 (0)1204 903903

Email enquiries@bolton.ac.uk| 

Project work in one of the electronics labs at Bolton