Nanotechnology MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Gain the foundational knowledge required to enhance your understanding of nanotechnology research and applications, with this one-year MSc. You’ll gain both theoretical grounding and practical experience in advanced laboratory techniques, equipping you with the skills for innovative roles in industries from microelectronics to healthcare.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£20,500
£10,250
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£39,800
£19,900
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 04 Apr 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

If you are intending to apply for a time-limited visa to complete your UCL studies (e.g., Student visa, Skilled worker visa, PBS dependant visa etc.) you may be required to obtain ATAS clearance. This will be confirmed to you if you obtain an offer of a place. Please note that ATAS processing times can take up to six months, so we recommend you consider these timelines when submitting your application to UCL.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


Nanotechnology is revolutionising industries from microelectronics to healthcare. On this Master’s, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of essential topics for nanotechnology roles, across physics, electrical and electronic engineering, and biology. 

The course covers crucial laboratory skills, including planning, building devices, analysis, and results comparison. Recognising nanotechnology’s unique ethical and social implications, the programme includes a module on integrating these considerations into developments from the outset.

What's more, you'll learn the basics of quantum physics and device physics and provide insights into the most up-to-date developments in the field, including areas like nanoscale processing, and advanced nanoelectronic and nanophotonic technologies, among others.

Working within the UCL Faculty of Engineering, you'll learn from world-leading researchers and industry experts, gaining practical experience in advanced nanotechnology techniques. 

This programme will equip you with the skills needed to excel in innovative roles across diverse industries, such as the semi-conductor industry, microelectronics, and healthcare, as well as provide a solid foundation for those who wish to pursue PhD studies.

Who this course is for

This programme is ideal for you if you are a graduate of the physical sciences or relevant engineering disciplines and wish to develop specialised skills in nanotechnology. 

Whether you're aiming to pursue a career in research, industry, or academia, this course will provide you with the advanced knowledge and practical experience needed to excel in this rapidly evolving field.

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities:

  • Study at the prestigious London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN), a leading multidisciplinary enterprise at the forefront of science and technology.
  • Benefit from the combined expertise and resources of two of the world's leading institutions in nanotechnology: UCL and Imperial College London.
  • Gain advanced training in nanotechnology, bridging the gap between physical and biomedical sciences.
  • Access excellent new facilities, including a £14 million research building equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
  • Utilise a £1 million teaching facility within UCL Electronic & Electrical Engineering, designed to enhance your learning experience.
  • Study in the world's best city for university students (QS Best Student Cities 2024). UCL’s Bloomsbury campus is in the heart of a London district famous for its cultural and educational institutions.

The foundation of your career

Graduates have secured positions at companies such as EDF Energy, Intel, Standard Bank PLC and DN Capital, or pursued PhDs at prestigious universities, including the University of Oxford, University of Bath, and University of Glasgow.

This programme challenged me to take initiative, both in my academic studies and in shaping the direction of my Master’s journey at UCL.

Headshot of alumni student Luisa Schrempf

Luisa Schrempf

MSc Nanotechnology

Employability

This MSc provides a comprehensive understanding of nanotechnology's technological and scientific foundations, covering nanostructure fabrication, novel nanoelectronic technologies, quantum information, molecular biophysics, and applications in life sciences and healthcare.

You will gain versatile skills applicable to various industries, including microelectronics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and materials science. 

Networking

You’ll have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build professional contacts as part of your Master’s.

  • Benefit from UCL's prime location in the heart of London.
  • Whether you're advancing your career or transitioning from industry, tap into our extensive industry connections, offering unique opportunities such as site visits and placements.
  • Apply theory to practice with access to guest lectures and invited seminars.
  • Gain valuable career insights from our world-renowned academic team, who share their own industry experience with students.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, lab classes, tutorials and seminars.

You will be assessed through coursework, laboratory notebooks, case studies, written examinations, a dissertation, and written and oral presentations.

The exact number of contact hours and composition varies throughout the term depending on the module choices of the student.

Full-time students can expect a weekly schedule of approximately 12 to 16 contact hours, with a similar amount of time dedicated to independent learning.

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) is offered. The diploma consists of six core modules (75 credits) and three optional modules (45 credits).

Modules

The taught component of the programme consists of 6 compulsory modules (mostly in Term 1) plus a selection of 3 optional modules from a pool of 9 (mostly in Term 2). You will also undertake an individual research project (mostly in Term 3), in which you write a dissertation.

The taught component of the programme consists of 6 compulsory modules (mostly in Term 1) plus a selection of 3 optional modules from a pool of 9 (mostly in Term 2). You will also undertake an individual research project (mostly in Term 3), in which you write a dissertation.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Nanotechnology. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Nanotechnology.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Where you'll study

Two students working at desk opposite each other in room filled with computer equipment and wires

UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering’s facilities feature a variety of test equipment, including soldering stations, microscopes, and reflow ovens. Workstations offer test software, oscilloscopes, waveform generators, and digital multimeters. We provide 3D printers and a benchtop laser cutter for rapid prototyping of mechatronic designs. Our PCB Facility, staffed by experts, produces PCBs like RF, multilayer, and flexible circuits, using CNC machines, electroplating, laser ablation, and etching equipment. The department includes a computer lab and CPU/GPU servers. Research labs feature cleanrooms, nanoscale labs, quantum measurement labs, an anechoic chamber, and photonic and optical communication labs, supporting final-year projects and advanced research.

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Study at UCL Faculty of Engineering Sciences

At UCL Engineering, our graduates turn discoveries into solutions - improving medical treatments, housing, transportation, the products, processes and students we produce change the world. Join us at this virtual event to hear more about our Faculty and where a UCL Engineering degree could take you. You'll learn about our huge range of programmes, our research, industry connections and careers support, with a chance for Q&A.

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Where can a UCL Engineering degree take you - Alumni Perspectives

Where can a UCL Engineering degree take you? Join us for a panel and Q&A event with UCL Engineering alumni. You'll learn what you can expect from postgraduate study at UCL Engineering and get application advice from previous students! This is an opportunity for all applicants to hear personal experiences of studying with us, but may be most relevant to those applying from the USA, Latin and South America.

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Where can a UCL Engineering degree take you - Alumni Perspectives

Where can a UCL Engineering degree take you? Join us for a panel and Q&A event with UCL Engineering alumni. You'll learn what you can expect from postgraduate study at UCL Engineering and get application advice from previous students! This is an opportunity for all applicants to hear personal experiences of studying with us, but may be most relevant to those applying from the USA, Latin and South America.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £20,500 £10,250
Tuition fees (2025/26) £39,800 £19,900

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

There is no fee deposit required for PG Dip and PG Cert applicants.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students are expected to have their own computer/laptop to carry out independent study and any programming assignments.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) also awards competitive scholarships for postgraduate study, for details visit www.theiet.org.

Please visit the UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering Scholarships website for more information on funding.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Nanotechnology at graduate level
  • why you want to study Nanotechnology at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme
  • how you envisage your career path after the MSc.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.