Micro Electronics and Nano Technologies (MEANT)

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The course takes place within the Emerging Technologies Research Centre (EMTERC), 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 stateof- 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.

Career opportunities

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.

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 for 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.

Optional placement
We offer a great opportunity to boost your career prospects through an optional one year placement as part of your postgraduate studies. We have a dedicated Placement Unit which will help you obtain this. Once on your placement, you will be supported by your Visiting Tutor to ensure that you gain maximum benefit from the experience. Placements begin after the taught component of the course has been completed - usually around June - and last for one year. When you return from your work placement you will begin your dissertation.

Teaching/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.

You should have the equivalent of a British Honours degree (2:2 minimum) in electrical or electronic engineering, physics, chemistry or another relevant subject. If you don't have formal academic qualifications but have extensive industry experience you will be considered individually.Students whose first language is not English and/or have not been taught and examined solely in an English medium will generally need to provide evidence of their English language in the form of an IELTS or recognised equivalent examination The score required is typically IELTS 6.0 for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught courses within the Faculty of Technology. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.