Bristol and the surrounding area host a thriving and world-renowned semiconductor design industry. The groups involved in microelectronics research at the University of Bristol have collaborative links with multinational companies in the microelectronics industry. These organisations have identified a shortage of graduates with the necessary qualifications and professional skills to work in the sector, so this programme has been designed to address this need.
A range of taught subjects covers core topics such as digital and analogue application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design, digital signal processor (DSP) and field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based computing, integrated sensors and actuators, and embedded computing systems. The curriculum is periodically updated to reflect important emerging disciplines, including electronics for the Internet of Things (IoT), biomedical applications, and quantum photonics.
The programme offers you the opportunity to learn from experts in microelectronics. You will be able to attend technical events and gain access to influential international institutes, connecting directly with experts from the microelectronics industry and academia. After completing your degree, you may choose to enter industry directly or continue your studies towards a PhD. We aim to provide you with a range of contemporary design skills to complement your theoretical knowledge. Lectures are accompanied by laboratory exercises using state-of-the-art industrial electronic design automation (EDA) software, giving you valuable experience in a professional environment.
The programme consists of taught units and a final Capstone project. You will have the opportunity to study areas that prepare you for modern engineering practice and support your development as an independent, confident professional engineer; and be introduced to the fundamental skills necessary to carry out your Capstone project.
The Capstone project involves researching, planning, and implementing a major piece of work relating to microelectronics systems design. The projects are wide-ranging and often multidisciplinary. They may be scientific and involve the study of certain phenomena, technology - or product-orientated with a design emphasis, or focused on systems and management topics. The thesis is normally submitted by the end of August.
The programme structure is continually reviewed in consultation with the National Microelectronics Institute and our industrial advisory board to ensure it remains at the the forefront of the semiconductor industry. It is therefore subject to periodic updates to reflect important emerging disciplines and to enhance the programme overall.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content of our MSc in Advanced Microelectronic Systems Engineering.
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in an Engineering, Science or Technology discipline.
Your degree must also include scores of 53% or an international equivalent in each of the following four modules: Analogue Electronics, Digital Electronics, Programming and Signals and Systems. If you have not studied any Signals and Systems or Programming modules, a module in Digital Signal Processing (DSP), Microprocessors and Embedded Systems, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), or Computer Architecture will be considered in place of this.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade overall is lower than our entry requirements, or you are only able to meet two of the module requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional qualifications. If you have the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae/résumé) when you apply, showing:
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels .
Apply via our online application system. For further information, please see the guidance for how to apply on our webpages.
Overseas applicants: 12 August 2027. Home applicants: 9 September 2027.
Please note that due to high demand, some programmes may close earlier than advertised. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment. Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from September 2026 until all places are filled.