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The Integrated Photonic and Electronic Systems MRes, taught at the University of Cambridge and at the UCL Centre for Doctoral Training in Integrated Photonic and Electronic Systems, aims to train students to PhD level in the skills needed to produce new integrated photonic systems for applications ranging from information display to ultra-fast communications and industrial materials processing.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2019
Modes and duration
Application dates
Tuition fees (2019/20)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website.
Entry requirements
Normally 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.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Standard
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
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.
Select your country:
About this degree
The programme offers a wide range of specialised modules, including electronics and biotechnology. Students gain a foundation training in the scientific basis of photonics and systems, and develop a good understanding of the industry. They are able to design an individual bespoke programme to reflect their prior experience and future interests.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
Students take two compulsory research projects (90 credits), one transferable skills module (15 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and two elective modules (30 credits).
- Project Report 1 at either UCL or Cambridge
- Project Report 2 at either UCL, Cambridge or in industry
- Transferable Business Skills
Optional modules
Students choose three optional modules from the following:
- Biosensors
- Advanced Photonic Devices
- Photonic Systems
- Broadband Technologies and Components
- Management of Technology
- Strategic Management
- Telecommunication Business Environment
Elective modules
Students choose a further two elective modules from the list below:
- Electronic Sensors and Instrumentation
- Display Technology
- Analogue Integrated Circuits
- Robust and Nonlinear Systems and Control
- Digital Filters and Spectrum Estimation
- Image Processing and Image Coding
- Computer Vision and Robotics
- Materials and Processes for Microsystems
- Solid State Devices and Chemical/Biological Sensors
- Advanced Communications and Coding
- Sensors for Network Services and Design
- Optical Transmission and Networks
- Nanotechnology and Healthcare
- RF Circuits and Sub-systems
- Physics and Optics of Nano-Structure
- Broadband Communications Lab
- Analogue CMOS IC Design Applications
- Embedded systems for the Internet of Things
- Flexible Electronics
- Optical Fibre Communication
Dissertation/report
All students undertake two research projects. An independent research project (45 credits) and an industry-focused project (45 credits).
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, projects, seminars, and laboratory work. Student performance is assessed through unseen written examination and coursework (written assignments and design work).
Funding
A number of competitive EPSRC studentships are normally available for candidates liable to pay fees at the UK/EU rate.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology also awards competitive scholarships for postgraduate study; for further details please visit www.theiet.org
Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below.
Brown Family Bursary
- Note:
- Now closed for 2019/20
- Value:
- £15,000 (1 year)
- Eligibility:
- UK
- Criteria:
- Based on both academic merit and financial need
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
Dramatic progress has been made in the past few years in the field of photonic technologies. These advances have set the scene for a major change in commercialisation activity where photonics and electronics will converge in a wide range of information, sensing, display, and personal healthcare systems. Importantly, photonics will become a fundamental underpinning technology for a much greater range of companies outside the conventional photonics arena, who will in turn require those skilled in photonic systems to have a much greater degree of interdisciplinary training, and indeed be expert in certain fields outside photonics.
Employability
Our students are highly employable and have the opportunity to gain industry experience during their MRes year in large aerospace companies like Qioptiq, and technology and communications companies such as Toshiba through industry placements. Several smaller spin-out companies from both UCL and Cambridge also offer projects. The CDT organises industry day events which provide an excellent opportunity to network with senior technologists and managers interested in recruiting photonics engineers. Recent roles our graduates have undertaken include a fiber laser development engineer, a patent attorney, a computational phycicist, a development scientist, a control and test engineer and postdoctoral researchers.
Why study this degree at UCL?
The University of Cambridge and UCL have recently established an exciting Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Integrated Photonic and Electronic Systems, leveraging their current strong collaborations in research and innovation.
The CDT provides doctoral training using expertise drawn from a range of disciplines, and collaborates closely with a wide range of UK industries, using innovative teaching and learning techniques.
The centre aims to create graduates with the skills and confidence able to drive future technology research, development and exploitation, as photonics becomes fully embedded in electronics-based systems applications ranging from communications to sensing, industrial manufacture and biomedicine.
Department: Electronic & Electrical Engineering
What our students and staff say
"Through UCL I’ve benefited from access to an internationally leading research community and from interaction with exceptional students."
Dr Tony Kenyon
PhD training in EEE EngD in Molecular Modelling and Materials, Science CDT in Photonics Systems Development, Nanotechnology MSc, and Wireless and Optical Communications MSc
Reader in Photonic Materials
Application and next steps
Applications
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.
Who can apply?
This MRes is ideal for students from a range of backgrounds including engineering and physics, who wish to continue their research to PhD level. It is designed as a foundation year in a four-year programme, and the outcome of the first year will determine progression to the PhD degree.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 26 July 2019
We accept applications from October for the following academic year, and students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places.
We expect competition for places and funding to be highly competitive and all potential applicants should submit the pre-application screening form, available at: www.photonicsystems.org/join/preapplyform. Please note that this does not constitute a formal application. Following initial consideration of your pre-application, and interview, successful candidates will be invited to make a formal application to the University of Cambridge or UCL using the standard application form.
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
Students normally have a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelors degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
Contact information
- Electronic Engineering
- mscenquiries@ee.ucl.ac.uk
- +44 (0)20 7679 7300
Page last modified on 20 May 2019 by UCL Student Recruitment Marketing