Developer Info

At a glance

• Study at one the UK’s leading Engineering Schools
• The School of Engineering is highly rated in The Times Good University Guide ranked 16th for Engineering in 2012
• 90% of engineering research rated as international to world leading in 2008 Research Assessment Exercise
• Programme informed by internationally-acclaimed research in LJMU’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering Research Centre
• Close industry links
• Postgraduates of this course highly sought after by major UK and international employers
  

Course overview

If you wish to specialise in the design, fabrication and testing of microelectronic devices this course will equip you with the management skills you need to progress to senior professional positions in this field.

The programme offers a direct progression route for LJMU graduates of the BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering as well as other relevant programmes in electrical engineering offered by this and other universities.

You will develop a range of transferable skills and attributes which will enable you to undertake responsible roles in the field, develop a questioning and critical attitude, use both analytical and experimental methods for the solution of practical problems, and develop the ability of self-learning.  Modules on this MSc include simulation and analysis; VLSI design; advanced signal processing; microelectronic system design and IC devices, fabrication and testing.  Students also undertake an individual project giving the opportunity to focus on their particular area of interest.

The programme is underpinned by research in the Microelectronics Research Group led by Professor J. Zhang. Research activity is centred on the development of new materials and quality assessment for the CMOS industry. The Group has made important contributions in the field of semiconductor reliability characterisation, control and prediction. Issues addressed include interface state generation, oxide degradation and wear out. It has been successful in attracting further EPSRC funding to investigate the use of new high-k materials in IC fabrication.

Further related and again internationally recognised research is carried out by LJMU’s Electrical Electronic Engineering Research Centre, again under the leadership of Professor J Zhang alongside Professor E. Levi. This Centre conducts world-leading research in three areas: microelectronic devices and reliability, electric machines and drives and control systems.

Why study this course at LJMU?

The University focus is in providing post graduates, research, consultancy and training which meet the needs of business and industry to improve competiveness. Key reasons to study Engineering and Maritime at LJMU include:

• One of the UKs leading Engineering Schools, it offers modern post graduate courses designed to develop academic and practical skills. It offers a supportive environment in which to study and encourages and supports extra curricula activities such as Formula Student.
• The School has an impressive record in knowledge transfer to business with two Business Leader of Tomorrow awards in the last 5-years.
• In the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), the School was awarded grade 5 in the General Engineering and grades 3a in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
• In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise 90% of the research was rated international to world leading excellence in Electrical Electronic Engineering and General Engineering.
• The School has two international centres of research excellence in Electrical Electronic Engineering Centre, and Marine Offshore and Logistics Research centre and over 50 post-graduate research students.
• The Liverpool Maritime Academy is an international centre of excellence in maritime education and professional training and education. Its advanced marine simulation facilities offered by its Lairdside Maritime Centre are amongst the best in the world.

Introduction to the School

Liverpool John Moores University was founded in 1823 in Liverpool, one of the UK’s most significant commercial port cities. Liverpool has long been associated with engineering and maritime industries and the University has played a leading role in the development of these sectors.  

The School of Engineering, Technology and Maritime Operations at Liverpool John Moores University offers a vibrant and exciting environment in which to study. In choosing to study with us you enter into a partnership with teachers who will help you work towards becoming the very best in your discipline. The achievements of our successful Formula Student team for example demonstrate the all round capability of our students. This is why our post graduates are highly sought after by employers and many occupy senior positions within major UK and international companies. We want to help you reach your potential which is why we develop both the technical and managerial skills that will help you succeed in your chosen career.

Furthermore, the School of Engineering, Technology and Maritime Operations is highly rated for Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in the Times Good University Guide. It delivers world class application oriented research to the engineering and maritime sectors. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise 90% of research was rated international to world leading excellence 2-4* in General Engineering, and Electrical Electronic Engineering.

Staff research interests

The School of Engineering, Technology and Maritime Operations has an excellent record of high quality application oriented research and knowledge transfer to business. The University has been engaged in maritime research for over two decades, for example much of the development work in Electronic Charts was undertaken here in Liverpool.

The School is home to internationally recognised research groups Electrical Electronic Engineering Research Centre (Prof J Zhang, Prof E. Levi), the Liverpool Logistics Offshore and Marine Research Institute (Prof J. Wang), Materials and Structures Research Group (Prof J Ren, Prof I Jones) and GERI (Prof Burton).

The Materials and Structures Group undertakes application oriented research in advanced manufacturing, materials and design. GERI specialises in precision measurement and precision machining.

The Electrical and Electronic Engineering Research Centre conducts world leading research in three areas: microelectronic devices and reliability, electric machines and drives and control systems.

The Liverpool LOgistics, Offshore and Marine (LOOM) Research Institute has established a worldwide reputation the development of management information and decision support systems within the marine, offshore and logistics sectors.

How will I be assessed?

Students’ knowledge and understanding will usually be assessed via a combination of examinations and coursework. Certain subjects may be assessed by other means, such as through a portfolio of work, for example. In addition, there is the MSc. project. This allows students to work independently and contributes substantially to the final award.

Other related courses

MSc Power and Control Engineering,

MSc Telecommunications Engineering.

Entry requirements

An honours degree in a relevant engineering subject with a minimum 2.2 classification or a professional qualification of equivalent standing together with such relevant professional experience as deemed appropriate by the School. 

Non-UK applicants will be expected to have demonstrated competence in English language equivalent to a minimum of IELTS 6.0.  Applicants who have studied and successfully achieved a UK degree within 24 months of the start of the MSc are exempt from this requirement.

Will I be interviewed?

Fees information

Please contact the Faculty of Technology and Environment for up to date information regarding fees. The Faculty can be contacted by email at taeadmissions@ljmu.ac.uk or telephone 0151 231 2777.

Financial support

Securing funding is one of the main hurdles you may have to face when considering Postgraduate study. However there is help available and you may be able to apply for funding from the sources below.

Loans

This will normally be from a bank. The most popular of these is a Professional and Career Development Loan (PCDL). These loans are from £300 to £10,000 in value and can be used to cover up to 80% of your course fees. Further Information from www.direct.gov.uk and look for PCDL

Charities and Trusts

Trusts and charities can offer assistance to some students. Eligibility for these trusts and charities vary enormously. Your local library will have a section of books and directories of grant making trusts.

Research Councils

Research councils may provide support for recognised postgraduate courses. Their websites offers useful information regarding the support and funding opportunities on offer. Competition for this type of funding can be very strong. For more information about Research Councils visit: www.rcuk.ac.uk

Statutory funding

You need to be aware that most PG courses do not attract statutory funding. The ones that do attract statutory support (grants and/or loans) that we offer at LJMU are:

• PGCE courses , for more information please vist www.directgov.co.uk and www.tda.gov.uk
• MA social work for which an NHS bursary is payable to some students. For more information please visit www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk
• PG dip in Architecture

Advice and support at LJMU

LJMU offers a Postgraduate bursary of £500 to students who go from an undergraduate course to study a taught PG course. For further information and eligibility see http://www.ljmu.ac.uk/feesandfunding/117585.htm

LJMU employs a team of staff that are experts in fees and funding who can offer advice based upon your personal circumstances. You can contact them on 0151 904 6056/6057, or email studentadvice@ljmu.ac.uk for guidance and support.

How to apply

Please apply via the online application form

LJMU's Admissions policy is in line with the University's Equal Opportunities Policy and applications are welcome from all candidates who fulfil the entry criteria. The university has a commitment to equality of opportunity and welcomes application from everyone regardless of age, disability, race or sex. The University is committed to widening participation and therefore will actively consider applicants who do not have a relevant degree but who are able to provide satisfactory evidence of their knowledge in the area. All applicants will be considered by the Recruitment and Selection Panel, if shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend for an interview.

International students

LJMU offers an extensive support system through its international office and study centre. An equivalence to the normal entry requirements is needed for entry. Students must also demonstrate a proficiency in communicating through English, for example with an IELTS tests or equivalent. Please note that because of UK visa restrictions, International students are only permitted to study on a full-time basis. Please contact LJMU’s International Team by visiting www.ljmu.ac.uk/international for more information and advice.

Further information

Please contact the Faculty of Technology and Environment on:

tel: 0151 231 2777
fax: 0151 231 2879
email: taeadmissions@ljmu.ac.uk

If you have any queries relating to LJMU or university life in general please contact:

Course Enquiries
Tel: +44(0)151 231 5090
Email: courses@ljmu.ac.uk
Web: www.ljmu.ac.uk

Employment and careers

Our postgraduates are highly sought after by employers and many occupy senior positions within major UK and international companies. We want to help you reach your potential which is why we develop both your technical and managerial skills as this will help you succeed in your chosen career. Graduates from this programme have secured managerial and/or design engineer employment within organizations involved in VLSI design, industrial electronics, consumer electronics and IT organizations.

As a postgraduate student you will be able to take full advantage of the extensive range of advice and guidance available in our World of Work Careers Centre, including our Ready for Work training courses, which cover everything from interview skills to preparing for assessment centre tests.

LJMU also has a dedicated Centre for Entrepreneurship, offering business advice and start-up funding, to students and graduates interested in setting up their own companies or working freelance.

Our World of Work Programme – endorsed by FTSE 100 companies and leading business organisations – offers you the chance to get an additional certificate proving to potential employers that you have the skills and experience they are looking for. No other university in the UK or internationally, offers students the chance to develop these skills and organisations backing the scheme include the Confederation of British Industry, United Utilities, Sony, Siemens, Peugeot Citroen and Marks and Spencer.

LJMU offers a superb environment for postgraduate study and top level research.

Whether you are studying on a taught master's course or embarking on a research degree, LJMU offers you a supportive, flexible academic environment, well-structured programmes and round-the-clock access to extensive resources.

Our research environment is rated as 'world-leading' in a majority of our subjects and all of our postgraduate programmes are taught by academics actively involved in research or consultancy projects with business and industry.

It is this combination of academic expertise and 'real world' experience that ensures LJMU's courses have real currency with potential employers and why over 95% of our postgraduates are in work or further study six months after they graduate (HESA 2010).

We believe this expertise – coupled with world-class academic standards – 75% of LJMU's research is rated as internationally important – puts us in a league of our own.

To find out more about our postgraduate courses and research opportunities plus the range of facilities and support we offer, click on the links opposite.

Why Liverpool?

Liverpool is a fantastic student city, bursting with opportunities and lots of things to do: a legendary music scene that's bigger than just the Beatles, a city centre bursting with clubs, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes. Plus award-winning shopping facilities, museums, galleries and theatres, not to mention two Premier League football clubs, golf courses, beautiful parks and outstanding countryside a few miles up the motorway.

The city recently won Trip Advisor’s Best Nightlife Destination Award 2011, beating Manchester, London, Glasgow and Brighton. The city has also achieved Purple Flag accreditation, commending Liverpool as a safe place to enjoy a night out.

Liverpool is also a city that is very supportive of all the students who live, work and study in its universities. With such a warm and hospitable culture – Liverpool is the perfect 24-hour student city.