Micro Electronics and Nano Technologies MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert

About the course

This course provides an in-depth understanding and practical experience in the fields of micro electronics and nano technology. It is ideal if you are looking for an interesting and exciting career within the electronics industry.

The course takes place within the Emerging Technologies Research Centre (EMTERC)| a vibrant research community, which actively collaborates with academia and industry at national and international level. The course team consists of well-established researchers in the field of nano materials, power electronics, biosensors, energy and health, ensuring the course is relevant to industry. Teaching and research facilities are outstanding, including a newly-refurbished clean room and state-of-the-art measurement and characterisation facilities.

There are two routes to achieving the course. To follow the taught route, you must complete all eight modules in the first two semesters and a dissertation in the third semester. Alternatively, the research route requires completion of four core modules in the first semester and a substantial research project in the second and third semesters.

Completion of the course will provide you with an extensive skill set and numerous employment opportunities within industry and academia.

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Key facts

UKPASS course code: H61171

Duration: One year full-time (with optional one year placement available), three years part-time

Institution code: September

Entry and admission criteria

You should have the equivalent of a British Honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a relevant subject.

We are happy to consider equivalent qualifications from anywhere in the world.

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent when you start the course is essential. English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning|, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

If you have no formal academic qualifications but do have extensive industry experience we will consider your application on an individual basis.

If you feel you would like to talk to us about your qualifications before submitting an application please do not hesitate to call or email using the contact details below.

Teaching and assessment

The course enhances your employability by placing emphasis on active learning, using innovative assessment methods and incorporating problem-based learning into teaching strategies. Teaching is normally through formal lectures, tutorials, experiments and workshops. Assessment is usually through a combination of coursework, reports, oral presentations, unseen exams, MSc thesis and viva voce. It will also involve an element of reflection and critical appraisal.

Course modules

The course consists of four core modules (first semester) and four specialised modules (second semester).

First semester (core modules)

• Physics of Semiconductor Devices provides a solid foundation for a career in the micro electronics industry. It will introduce the properties of semi-conducting materials and how these are modified to produce functional devices.
• Physical and Electrical Measurements – Knowledge of different material and device evaluation techniques is essential for modern micro electronic engineers. This module provides in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience of various measurement techniques employed to analyse electronic materials and devices.
• Computer Aided Design – Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) is an important tool in the design of new semiconductor devices and technologies. Through a series of practical studies you obtain extensive experience of analysing state-of-the-art device structures using industry-standard TCAD tools (Synopsys).
• Research Methods helps you to gain the necessary tools to conduct your own research within the area of micro and nano-electronics and to successfully complete your research project.

Second semester (specialised modules)

• Fabrication Technologies introduces state-of-the-art fabrication principles and technology used in the micro electronics industry and highlights the impact of nano scale devices on the main silicon fabrication techniques.
• Nano Materials and Nano Electronics gives an introduction to nano materials, the synthesis of metal and semiconductor nano particles, nano wires and carbon nano tubes and their application in the emerging field of nano electronics.
• Printable Electronics covers materials (both organic and inorganic) used in printable electronics. You will study properties, fabrication methods and applications of printable electronic devices such as LEDs and TFTs while learning and practising current and emerging electronic printing methods.
• Biological Sensors helps you learn about basic biological, electronic and optical properties of the materials used in biological sensors. You will have an opportunity to practise some basic techniques used in their evaluation.

Third semester

• Dissertation/Research Project – You will work on a project chosen by you and agreed with your project supervisor. You will be introduced to cutting-edge research in micro and nano electronics. Studies will involve a literature search/review, development of research methodologies, analysis of results and the presentation of findings. The dissertation will be assessed through the quality of the research report, whereas the research project will be assessed by a written report and a viva voce.

Academic expertise

The course has achieved accreditation by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) to CEng level for the full five year period.

The Emerging Technologies Research Centre’s| activities are mainly in the areas of micro and nano-electronics. These range from fundamental materials research (fabricating novel materials, understanding basic physical mechanisms), to investigating device applications in power electronics, plastic electronics, healthcare, renewable energy sources, emerging memory devices and display technologies.

Industry links and professional accreditation

IET Snippet

Graduate careers

EMTERC graduates hold key engineering positions in multinational companies such as Intel, International Rectifier, Cypress, IXYS, Silvaco and Cadence, while others work for universities in the UK, Germany and Japan.

Fees and funding

Annual Tuition Fees for Higher Education Courses from 1st September 2013 to 31st August 2014.

Full-time UK/EU Postgraduate Courses Standard Fees £4,200 Postgraduate Placement Year Fee £650 Students Equivalent or Lower Qualification Status* £5,000 Overseas
Postgraduate Courses Standard Fees £12,200 Postgraduate Placement Year Fee £750 Part-time (where available) Part-time fees are charged on a credit basis, you will need to complete 180 credits over the course of an MSc programme. 15 Credits £350 Students Equivalent or Lower Qualification Status* 15 Credits
£420 Continuation Fee** £150

For more information please take a look at our Funding| section.

* ELQ Student definition - If you are a Home or EU status student and you already have a qualification at or above the level of the programme you wish to study from any country you will be considered as an Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) student. In 2008 the UK Government decided to stop funding universities for student in this situation and therefore the following fees will apply £5,000. Students from outside the EU are not affected by the policy.

** A fee that is charged on a periodic basis where PG or Research students need to extend their registration to complete the course.

Scholarships

Are you a DMU Alumni? Receive up to £2000 off your Tuition Fees*

As part of the University’s on-going commitment to enhance the personal and career development of graduates, we are pleased to announce that from this September the University will be introducing The Faculty of Technology Alumni Scholarship| which will allow graduates to receive up to £2000 off tuition fees* for Postgraduate study.