Embedded systems are electronic systems specifically built for a particular task. The applications of these can be found in all sectors of the economy: consumer electronics, car industry, media and process industries and also banking and commerce.
The rapid growth of tools, techniques and application in this area has led to a significant skills shortage, particularly for engineers who have both hardware and software skills.
This course will equip you with the key skills required to design embedded systems. This includes hardware design and verification, real time computing, embedded processors, architectures and the extensive practical use of cutting-edge and industry-standard tools and methods.
You will be taken through the embedded system design process, from concept to implementation and testing.
View the 2019/20 programme specification document for this course
View the 2020/21 programme specification document for this course
Programme Structure
One year, full-time.
This MSc provides strong skills and knowledge in hardware design and software development backed with applications-led modules.
It has been designed to maximise student choice by allowing you to tailor the structure to suit your own interests. You can choose areas that reflect your personal interests and work on an individual project. You will also take a number of compulsory modules to ensure you are exposed to key topics in all areas.
To Apply
You can apply for the programme through the University of Southampton's online postgraduate application system. Visit our how to apply pages for more information. Please note that we belong to the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering (FPSE).
The deadline for new applications to this course is 31 July each year.
Key Facts
We have pioneered many of the most important advances in electronics and microelectronics over the past 30 years
We lead the UK for the volume and quality of Electrical and Electronic Engineering research (REF 2014)
97% of our Electrical and Electronic Engineering research outputs are rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2014)
The Guardian University Guide 2019 shows the University of Southampton second in the UK for Electronics and Electrical Engineering
We are ranked second equal for graduate prospects in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the Complete University Guide 2019
Southampton is ranked in the top 100 universities for Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the 2018 QS World Rankings, and top 10 in the UK
We are Europe’s top-ranked university for Telecommunication Engineering – ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2018
We have outstanding experimental research facilities, including our world-class high-voltage laboratory and our £110m interdisciplinary clean room