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Photonic and Electronic Systems MRes

London, Bloomsbury

This is the programme information for 2026/27 entry

If you require details of the previous year's programme, Photonic and Electronic Systems MRes (2025/26), click here

UK students International students

Study mode

Full-time

UK tuition fees (2026/27)

£6,400

Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)

£41,800

Duration

1 calendar year

Programme starts

September 2026

Applications accepted

All applicants: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026

Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

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 course 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

Innovative photonic and electronic systems are fundamental to future communication, computing and digital technologies. This one-year MRes serves as the first step in a four-year (1+3) doctoral training programme designed for those who aspire to excel in the fields of photonics and electronics, as a researcher or industry professional.

Through a blend of specialist-taught modules and mini-research projects, the MRes offers a robust foundation in photonic systems and advanced research methods. The programme provides the essential skills and knowledge needed to progress to a PhD or pursue a career in high-tech industries.

UCL Electronic & Electrical Engineering is renowned for its pioneering research and industry connections. You will learn from world-leading academics and engage with brand new technology.

Upon completion, you will have a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of photonic and electronic systems and be equipped with the expertise to innovate in areas such as information systems, sensing, communications, manufacturing, security and healthcare.

When you successfully complete the one-year MRes, and meet the progression criteria*, you can choose to undertake a specialist three-year PhD as part of the 1+3 Centre for Doctoral Training programme in Photonic and Electronic Systems (PES CDT).

The CDT is run in conjunction with the University of Cambridge, which teaches approximately half of the taught options available for the MRes course. UCL's MRes cohort of students is taught alongside the cohort of Cambridge students. Taught modules are available at both UCL and Cambridge.

*Progression criteria: to progress from the MRes to PhD on this programme, students must pass the MRes in Photonic and Electronic Systems, and have at least 60% average in the taught modules at the first attempt, and at least 60% average in the mini-projects, at the first attempt.

Who this course is for

This programme is ideal for you if you have a background in science, engineering, or physics and aspire to advance your knowledge in photonic and electronic systems. It is designed for those who wish to gain a Master’s qualification as a foundation for further research at the PhD level.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities:

A postgraduate degree from a top-ranked university. UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the latest QS World University Rankings 2026), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded worldwide.
Study within the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Centre for Doctoral Training in Photonic and Electronic Systems (PES CDT), benefiting from academic excellence at UCL and the University of Cambridge.
Gain access to strong collaborations and innovative teaching and learning environments at two world-leading universities.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of photonics as a fundamental technology in electronics-based systems and applications within communications, sensing, manufacturing, and biomedicine.
Prepare for a career in the multidisciplinary field of photonic and electronic systems, equipped with the confidence and ability to drive future research, development, and exploitation in photonic technologies.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Graduates of this programme are ready to secure diverse roles such as optical systems developer, fibre laser engineer, technology analyst, and senior photonics engineer, showcasing the wide-ranging opportunities available in the field of photonic and electronic systems.

Graduates from our department have gone onto roles at Huawei, CISCO, Microsoft and more (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-22).

Employability

Through this programme, you'll gain advanced skills applicable to sectors such as information, sensing, communications, manufacturing, security, biomedicine and higher education.

Graduates are highly sought after in both industry and academia due to their comprehensive training in cutting-edge photonic technologies.

Networking

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

Benefit from the strong collaboration between UCL and the University of Cambridge, connecting you with a broad network of institutions and organisations.
Engage in industry-supervised research projects, gaining hands-on experience and insights.
Access guest lectures and seminars, learning from leading experts and professionals in the field. Past speakers have come from leading organisations such as Airbus, BT, Microsoft, Toshiba, European Space Agency, HUBER+SUHNER Polatis, Shimadzu and more.
Participate in the PES CDT Industry Day, showcasing your work and exploring future collaborations.
Take part in our UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE) Festival of Research, celebrating student achievements and discussing career opportunities.
Utilise industry facilities, tapping into cutting-edge resources provided by our partners.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, projects, seminars and laboratory work.

Your assessment for taught modules is through unseen written examination and coursework (assignments, presentations and design work).

Contact hours on this programme will vary from student to student according to their module and project selections.

Depending on the module choices during the first two terms, the expectation is for 2 to 20 hours of taught content and 15 to 38 hours of project work and self-directed study per week. This will then change to project work and self-directed studying only.

Modules

You will undertake modules to the value of 180 credits: 2 compulsory research projects (45 credits each), 1 transferable skills module (15 credits), 2 optional modules (15 credits each), 1 business module (15 credits) and 2 elective modules (15 credits each).

You also attend a non-credit bearing workshop in Responsible Research and Innovation and a series of seminars.

Taught modules

You may choose taught modules at UCL and/or University of Cambridge.

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 is subject to change.

Optional modules

Radio frequency circuits, devices and systems
Embedded system for the Internet of Things (IoT)
Photonic systems and subsystems
Optical fibre communication and transmission networks
Advanced photonic devices
Wireless communications
Electronic sensors and instrumentation
Management of Technology
Telecommunication business environment

Elective modules

Quantum and nanotechnology
Biosensors and Bioelectronics
Computer vision
Advanced information theory and coding
Physics and optics of nanostructures
Broadband technologies and components
Broadband communication lab
Applied machine learning systems
Software for network and services design
Internet of things (IoT)
Image coding and processing

Research projects

You will undertake 2 mini research projects: 1 part-time (45 credits) and 1 full-time (45 credits). 1 research project is based at UCL and 1 at University of Cambridge.

Compulsory modules

Transferrable Skills - Masters of Research in Photonics

MRes Photonics: Research Project - 2

MRes Photonics: Research Project - 1

Optional modules

Optical Transmission and Networks

Photonic Subsystems

Telecommunications Business Environment

Wireless Communications Principles (WCP)

Advanced Photonics Devices

RF Circuits and Devices

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.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students

Fee description	Full-time
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£6,400
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£41,800

Additional costs

Students may be required to travel between UCL and University of Cambridge to attend in-person classes, lectures, seminars and for project work. Travel costs will vary depending on an individual student's module and project selections and the frequency of travel required for in-person attendance. For an indication of travel costs, please visit the National Rail website.

Students are expected to have their own computer/laptop, in order to carry out independent study and programming assignments. Average laptop prices can range from £300-£1000. Chromebooks cannot be used at all.

For in-person teaching, 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 £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. 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

EPSRC funded studentships are available for UK students who meet residency requirements.

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

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Next steps

Candidates should submit a pre-application screening form before making a formal application to UCL. This allows us to assess a candidate's suitability for the programme and their eligibility for EPSRC funded studentships.

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

This course requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found on this Selecting your references page.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.