MSc in Analogue and Digital Integrated Circuit Design

The MSc in Analogue and Digital Integrated Circuit design aims to provide designers with an in-depth knowledge of analogue and mixed signal circuits, and also familiarity with both the practical issues of device-level design and the system-level performance requirements.

 A key feature of this course is its balanced approach to both analogue and digital IC design, and its in-depth treatment of high frequency and low-power analogue circuits. Issues related to design for test and CAD algorithms and design automation will also be covered.  Robust design methods which allow relaxation of performance requirements, yield enhancement and exploitation of state-of-the-art process technology are also covered.

During the Autumn (October-December) and Spring (January-April) terms you will take four compulsory core modules that cover: Analogue Integrated Circuits and Systems, Full-Custom Integrated Circuit Design, VHDL and Logic Synthesis, and Analogue Signal Processing.  You will also take between four and five additional modules which you can choose from a list of ten.  The modules include coursework and laboratory work.  You will take eight or nine written exams, on the modules you have studied, in January and May/June.

You will also undertake an individual research project which will occupy three months part-time (January to March) and four months full-time (June to September). The research work is normally carried out within the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department and supervised by staff from relevant areas, principally from the Circuits and Systems Research Group. Projects supervised my members of other Research Groups and other Departments are often assigned. Industrial placement work may also be accepted to satisfy the Research component. Project assignment is subject to the approval of the Course Director. Your project will be assessed by a dissertation and oral presentation. Your report will be read and marked by two academic staff, and vetted by the external examiner.

The course is a full-time one year course, which runs from October-September.  The course is notavailable are a part-time course, or as a distance learning or on-line learning course.

Students who successfully complete the course are awarded a Master's of Science (MSc).

Careers planning and opportunties

The Imperial College Careers Advisory Service provides guidance on your career options, advertises vacancies for graduate jobs, and will check cvs and covering letters.  They have an information room with details of hundreds of possible career pathways.  They provide a guide to careers in Asia.  The Careers Advisory Service runs a programme of talks for MSc students of this Department which includes what to do at the end of your MSc, how to succeed at interview, and assessment centres.

About 25% of students from the MSc course will go on to study a PhD either at Imperial College, or another university.  Others take up careers in electrical engineering; particularly in the R&D for companies such as Rolls Royce, Schulmberger and Codian.  The majority return to their home country and find employment there.