The University of Southampton

MSc Micro and Nanotechnology (1 year full-time)

MSc Micro and Nanotechnology is a one year masters degree with a focus on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectronics. You will develop knowledge and understanding of the microtechnology and nanotechnology aspects of electronic engineering and their application in micro and nanoscale devices. Specialist options also support study for the biomedical and bionanotechnology industries.

Introducing your degree

Through this degree you will learn the scientific and engineering principles underpinning a range of micro and nanoscale technologies with options to specialise in areas such as microelectromechanical systems, nanoelectronics, biodevices, or optoelectronics.

Overview

This programme outlines the micro and nanotechnology aspects of electronic engineering, with a focus on microelectromechanical systems and nanoelectronics. These technologies, for example, underpin research and development of miniaturised sensors, including the motion and position sensors in mobile phones, and of nanoscale logic and memory devices for next-generation consumer electronics and future quantum devices. The programme also addresses microfluidic technology, enabling miniaturised biodevices for point-of-care diagnostic applications, and covers the fundamentals of photonic circuits and devices.

The modules which comprise this masters degree involve state-of-the-art design, fabrication and characterisation methodologies, using industry-standard tools and our state-of-the-art cleanroom complex.

Southampton is recognised to be internationally leading in these technologies, and specialist modules are taught by staff involved in leading edge research. You can be confident of being exposed to the most up to date thinking, current research problems, and state of the art techniques, technologies and tools.

View the programme specification for this course for 2020/21 entrants

View the programme specification addendum for this course for 2020/21 entrants

View the programme specification for this course for 2021/22 entrants

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Programme Structure

One year, full-time.

This programme consists of eight taught modules - four compulsory and four optional - plus an individual research project. In the compulsory semester 2 module Project Preparation you will undertake appropriate preparatory study for the research project, and you will also examine ethical and legal issues around professional practice.

You can choose four modules (two options in semester 1 and two options in semester 2) from a range of topics covering advanced and specialised aspects of microtechnology and nanotechnology, allowing you to tailor the structure to suit your own interests.

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 Engineering and Physical Sciences.

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

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements

Honours Degree:

A UK bachelor’s degree with a minimum (2:1) degree (or equivalent) in Electronic Engineering or a closely related subject, and a 2:1 in the required modules*.

See international equivalent entry requirements. This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.

*The required modules are:  maths, physics, electronic engineering modules (semiconductor devices, electronic circuit design).

English Language Requirements:

All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency: Band C, IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.

International Qualifications:

We welcome applications from international students. For information on applying, visit the International Office website

"Our normal entry requirement is an upper second-class honours degree or higher (or equivalent) in electronic engineering, or in a closely related discipline, with a wide range of electronic engineering modules such as semiconductor devices and electronic circuit design, as well as physics and mathematics."

Selection process:

All individuals are selected and treated on their relative merits and abilities in line with the University's Equal Opportunities Policy. Disabled applicants will be treated according to the same procedures as any other applicant with the added involvement of the Disability Office to assess their needs. The programme may require adaptation for students with disabilities (eg hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility difficulties, dyslexia), particularly the practical laboratory sessions, and we will attempt to accommodate students wherever possible.

Career Opportunities

This programme provides an excellent platform for a career in academia or industry sectors such as:

  • Electronics and semiconductors
  • Telecommunications
  • Photonics
  • Materials and packaging
  • Biotechnology
  • Motor vehicle and aerospace industries

Graduates from our MSc programmes are employed worldwide in leading companies at the forefront of technology. As well as for larger multinationals, many students also go on to work for small to medium enterprises, including start-ups. ECS runs a dedicated careers hub which is affiliated with over 100 companies including IBM, Arm, Microsoft Research, Imagination Technologies, Nvidia, Samsung and Google to name a few. Visit our careers hub for more information.

 

Through an extensive blend of networks, mentors, societies and our on-campus startup incubator, we also support aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build their professional enterprise skills. Discover more about enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Fees & funding

Tuition fees

Fees for postgraduate taught courses vary across the University. All fees are listed for UK, EU and international full-time and part-time students alphabetically by course name.

View the full list of course fees

Funding

Scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships or grants may be available to support you through your course. Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or your country of origin. These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.

Explore funding opportunities

Costs associated with this course

Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each programme of study.

There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the University:

TypeDescription
Approved CalculatorsCandidates may use calculators in the examination room only as specified by the University and as permitted by the rubric of individual examination papers. The University approved models are Casio FX-570 and Casio FX-85GT Plus. These may be purchased from any source and no longer need to carry the University logo.
StationeryYou will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc). Any specialist stationery items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile.
TextbooksWhere a module specifies core texts these should generally be available on the reserve list in the library. However due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source.

Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module.
Printing and Photocopying CostsIn the majority of cases, coursework such as essays; projects; dissertations is likely to be submitted on line. However, there are some items where it is not possible to submit on line and students will be asked to provide a printed copy. A list of the University printing costs can be found here: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/isolutions/students/printing-for-students.page.

In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.

Location

Highfield Campus

Highfield is our main campus and the heart of the University. Set in beautiful green surroundings, it’s easily accessible from the city centre. University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ.

Find out more

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