An MSc-level conversion programme for those with first degrees in numerate disciplines (e.g. Maths, Physics, others with some mathematics to pre-university level should enquire). The programme targets producing engineers with knowledge and skills required for designing the integrated circuits which lie at the core of the vast array of consumer electronics of today’s world. The demand for people to fill such roles is extremely high, in companies (small and large) covering the range of electronics and ICT products, and integrated circuit design companies that supply them. Integrated circuits have been powering the information revolution for over 50 years. Continuous innovation has resulted in greater processing power, memory and new devices. This, together with ever reducing manufacturing costs and reliability, has enabled the mass production of integrated circuits for consumer products that are more powerful han the supercomputers of the 1980s. While the fabrication technology advances, there is an increasing need for innovative design which can harness the power of these circuits, while taking into account constraints such as requirements for energy efficiency.

The programme targets producing engineers with the knowledge and skills required for working in the communications industry on programmable hardware, in particular. There is a high demand for people to fill such roles in communications and test & measure equipment vendors, and in many smaller companies developing devices for the internet of things. Kent has an excellent record for postgraduate employment: over 94% of our postgraduate students who graduated in 2013 found a job or further study opportunity within six months. We have developed our programmes with a number of industrial organisations, which means that successful students are in a strong position to build a long-term career in this important discipline. You develop the skills and capabilities that employers are looking for, including problem solving, independent thought, report-writing, time management, leadership skills, team-working and good communication. Building on Kent’s success as the region’s leading institution for student employability, we offer many opportunities for you to gain worthwhile experience and develop the specific skills and aptitudes that employers value.