M.Eng. in Electronic Systems

This programme is at the highest European Masters degree level. It offers advanced-level courses in the theory, analysis, design, modelling and manufacture of electronic systems. You have the option of specialising in one of three areas: Nano electronics and Photonics, Image Processing and Analysis or semiconductor manufacturing.

There are two intakes on to the programme and flexible study options are available.Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate exit awards are also available.

Aims and Objectives:

• To enhance your knowledge, understanding and skills in Electronic Systems.

Programme Structure:

This programme may be completed in one year, full-time or over an extended period of up to four years on a part-time basis. There are two intakes in any academic year, in September and in February. Due to the scheduling of project related activities, those full time students who join in February will be given 18 months to complete the programme (8 taught modules & project).

Part-time students are advised to take two modules per semester. This can be done in a number of ways:

• The timetable has been designed to ensure attendance at DCU with minimum disruption to your work. If an employee has some flexibility, it should be possible to take two modules by attending DCU for one full day or two half-days per week.
• It may be more appropriate for you to use the 'hybrid' study approach - take one module at DCU, and a second using web-based distance-learning.
• Take two modules using the web-based distance-learning mode.

The taught elements are conducted over two 12-week semesters with subsequent end-of-semester examinations. Masters students must also undertake a substantial project assignment over a 15-week period (usually during the summer), concluding with the submission of a dissertation. This leads to the qualification of Master of Engineering in Electronic Systems. It is also possible to exit with a Graduate Diploma (upon successful completion of eight level-9 modules) or a Graduate Certificate (upon successful completion of four level-9 modules).

Remote Access/Web-based Distance-learning

The majority of modules are supported by web-based distance-learning. The project does, however, require some attendance at DCU. Students must attend campus for all examinations. It is also possible to take one or more modules for continuing professional development purposes without obtaining a qualification. This programme is called Individual Postgraduate Modules - Electronics [IPME]

Access/Qualifier Pathways

For students who do not meet the normal Masters entry requirements, the School offers a Masters Qualifier(MEQ) pathway to provide up-skilling or re-skilling opportunities culminating, for successful students, in a Masters award.

Why DCU:

• With more than 20 modules available there is great scope to tailor the programme to your needs and interests in the largest and longest-running programme of its type in the country.
• Flexible study options: combine full-time/part-time, on-campus/remote, a choice of two starting times each year.
• There are reduced fees as the course is funded by the HEA Skills Conversion Programme. Please note that this funding is being phased out over a number of years.
• The course is continually kept up to date to reflect changing trends in industry and research.
• Acquire knowledge and skills that are in high demand in industry.
• Work on your Masters project in some of the top research labs in the country.

Fees Reduction

This programme is supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) under their Graduate Skills Conversion Programme, resulting in a reduced fee for European Union citizens. However, this funding is currently being phased out over a number of years.

International Students

Non-EU students are normally only recruited onto the Masters Programme (not onto the Qualifier programme which is only available to EU students). Entry is on the basis of meeting or exceeding the recognised equivalent of the stated entry requirements and meeting the DCU English language requirements. For applicants who have not fully met the DCU English language requirements, the Masters programme accepts students who have completed the Pre-Masters International Foundation Programme (IFP). Students who have completed the IFP are guaranteed a place on their target programme in DCU.

Opportunities will arise in Irish and International high-tech industries, including:

• Research and Development Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Production Engineer
• Sales Engineer
• Management Engineer
• Software Engineer

Graduates have been employed by companies including Google, Intel, Oracle, IBM and Boston Scientific.

The skills you learn, however, are fundamental and can also be applied to many other disciplines. In addition your project will also greatly improve your employment potential.

The following general requirements apply:

• An honours degree in Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Sciences or other Engineering disciplines is a normal requirement for direct entry onto the Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma/M.Eng programmes, however:
• There are two entry routes for both the Graduate Certificate/Diploma:
  - A basic primary degree in a relevant disciple
  or
  - A related Diploma plus a minimum of three years relevant experience. Applicants applying via this route will also be required to attend an interview as part of the application process.
• Non-EU applicants are assessed under the same criteria as specified above and their qualifications are also checked for equivalence using the NARIC system (UK National Academic Recognition Information Center).
• Existing students have the performance-related options of transferring between programmes, such as moving from the Graduate Diploma to the Masters. For more information please see the page regarding Programme Transfer.
• For those taking a single module a recommendation from the module coordinator is required.