MSc Embedded Systems

The demand for embedded system engineers in all areas of engineering is flourishing, as embedded systems find yet more applications in everyday life. All electronic and software products are now embedded systems, with everyday examples including digital cameras, media players, ATM machines and robotic surveillance tools. These applications require a high level of skill in hardware and software engineering and an understanding of the practical realities of real systems. They also require knowledge in specialist subjects including Digital Signal Processing (DSP), communications, mechatronics and requirements engineering.

This course will equip you with the key skills required to work with embedded systems, including real-time operating systems and microcontrollers. It will also develop your knowledge and practical experience of media processors, and give you the opportunity to study specialised option modules.

Many companies need engineers with good software and hardware skills, and demand continues to increase as electronics, communications, and media (including television, radio and still image) systems have converged. Despite this growing demand, there is a shortage of good embedded system engineers, as most UK undergraduate courses currently do not produce such people.

Course content

Core modules

Embedded System Design • Individual Project • Integrated Digital System Design • Real-Time Environments

Option modules, choose three from

DSP and Communication Processor Design • DSP Design and Applications • Embedded Media Processing • Multirate Signal Processing • SoC and FPGA Design Project • Video and Image Processing

We are comprehensively equipped with a wide range of computeraided design (CAD) facilities and hardware development laboratories. These include a network of powerful workstations for designing and simulating electronic systems and integrated circuits, and unique software for the design and analysis of DSP systems. We also have a network laboratory for the design and evaluation of computer network architectures, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) laboratory for the latest chip creation technology, and an Embedded Systems laboratory for the development of systems using microcontrollers, digital signal processors and general-purpose microprocessors. These facilities are for the exclusive use of students and staff, providing resources that are among the best in the country.

You will develop your key transferable skills through a variety of teaching methods, including presentations, technical discussions, project work and formal reports, as well as group and one-to-one tutorials and lectures. Engineering problem-solving skills are enhanced through the use of software for all aspects of design, documentation and testing of hardware.

Length of course

One-year, full-time or two to three years, part-time, block mode

Location

Central London (Cavendish)

Fee band

Fee band 1, see fees spreadsheet

Associated careers

Graduates will typically find employment in the broadcasting, multimedia, internet, science, instrumentation, robotics, surveillance, medical and communications industries.

Entry requirements

You should have qualifications equivalent to a good Honours degree from a British university in computer engineering, computer science with a knowledge of computer hardware, or in electronic engineering with some programming experience. Relevant work experience will be taken into account. If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

University of Westminster