Engineering - Electronic & Computer Engineering

MEng in Electronic and Computer Engineering
Introduction
With 30 taught modules to select from, the programme is highly flexible and allows participants to design their Masters programme to match their chosen career specialisation.

Students may opt for the General Masters programme, offering maximum flexibility of module choice, or take the option of specialising in one of the following Majors:

• Major in the Internet of Things (IoT): Specialise in Connected Embedded Systems, Network Programming, Real-time Digital Signal Processing, Data Analysis and Machine Learning

• Major in Image Processing & Analysis (IPA): Specialise in advanced Computer Vision systems, Digital Signal Processing, Machine Learning and Deep Learning

• Major in Future Network Technologies (FNT): Specialise in advanced Radio and Optical Technologies, and the network architectures they support, including next-generation Access, Edge and Data Centre networks

• Major in Advanced Data Networks (ADN): Specialise in next-generation Wireless Networking, Sensor Networks, Internet protocols and architectures, network engineering and performance analysis and network simulation methods

• Major in Nanotechnology (Nano): Specialise in Nanoelectronics Devices - physics and engineering, Photonics Devices and Systems, Semiconductor Manufacturing practices, methodologies, and technologies

• Major in Semiconductor & Plasma Technology (SPT): Specialise in Industrial Plasma applications, Solid-State Electronics, Semiconductor Nanoelectronics manufacturing

Along with four core Majors modules and a major-specific masters project, students choose four complementary modules. This allows additional skillsets to be developed to enhance, or diversify, their chosen Major speciality. See Programme section below for links to module options.

An alternative Masters Qualifier entry path is available for EU-status students who do not meet the Masters programme entry requirements. Note: Non-EU students, who require a visa to study in Ireland, cannot take the Masters Qualifier.

About This Course
Students take a total of eight taught modules plus a year-long masters project. Taught modules are taken in Semester 1 (Sept-Dec) and Semester 2 (Jan-Apr). The masters project runs from October to August of the following calendar year, so students beginning their programme in September can complete in a total of 12 months.

Students may opt to begin their programme in January (Semester 2), in which case they start their project the following October, completing the programme in a total of 18 months.

Part-time students have the flexibility of taking the programme over multiple years (up to a maximum of four years).

Note: The part-time study option is available to EU-status students only. Non-EU students who require a visa to study in Ireland must take the programme on a full-time basis.

The Masters Project
The masters project is a 12-month, 30-credit module that allows students to put theoretical knowledge of engineering to use in a practical project related to their major topic. Students will develop skills in planning and managing their engineering project, researching leading-edge methods and technologies, designing and implementing an engineering solution, and documenting and presenting outcomes of their key findings at a professional standard. Each student works individually with an academic member of staff acting as their project supervisor.

Module and Major Choices
The MEng in Electronic and Computer Engineering programme structure and module choices may be viewed at http://ece.eeng.dcu.ie/postgraduate/postgraduate-module-selection/

An introduction to each Major topic is available at http://ece.eeng.dcu.ie/postgraduate/meng-electronic-and-computer-engineering/

Please note that module and major offerings are renewed on a regular basis. Available modules are confirmed in advance of each academic year, in April/May.

Key Programme Objectives
• To obtain a systematic understanding of the theory, concepts and methods at the forefront of knowledge pertaining to selected topics chosen from a wide set within Electronic and Computer Engineering

• To form a critical awareness of the present-day state-of-the-art and current developments and research at the forefront of a range of selected specialised areas in Electronic and Computer Engineering together with a knowledge and understanding of specialised Electronic and Computer Engineering practice, methods and techniques

• To develop the ability to identify, formulate, analyse and solve engineering problems and to integrate knowledge, handle complexity and formulate judgements related to Electronic and Computer Engineering problems

• To develop the skills to design components, systems or processes to meet specific needs and the knowledge and understanding of analysis and design processes and techniques and the ability to apply them in unfamiliar situations

• To allow a more intensive exposure to modern, industry-relevant technologies through specialised Majors topics.

Postgraduate Module Selection 2023/24
Our taught MEng in Electronic & Computer Engineering (MECE) programme is highly flexible, allowing participants to customise their programme based on preferred specialisation areas and to choose from an offering of a wide range of modules. Students may tailor their selection of modules to best align with, or to expand, their existing skill set. To meet the overall Masters programme requirements, complete eight taught modules (of which four or more must be Level 9 modules) plus a Masters project.

Choose between the General Masters, with maximum flexibility of module choice, or six Majors options in specialised areas. To meet the requirements for a Major, complete the four core major modules listed below, plus any four other 7.5 credit taught modules, plus the specific Major Project. Recommended options for each major are listed below, however, students are free to tailor their optional module choices. The General Masters Project is taken if choosing the Masters without a Major option.

Qualifier students choose from the same set of modules, but do not take a project module until they have transferred onto the MEng programme.

Nanotechnology & Photonics Major (NTP) – Core Modules / Level / Credits / Semester
EE559: Nanoelectronics Technology 9 7.5 1
EE518: Photonic Applications and Technologies * 9 7.5 2
EE506: Photonic Devices 9 7.5 1
EE508: Device Manufacturing 9 7.5 2
EE581: Masters Project – Nano Tech. Major 9 30 Year Long

* Note: EE518 replaces PS508A as core module on NTP in 2023/24. Continuing students, who have previously completed PS508A, do not need to take EE518 to complete the requirements for this major. Students taking NTP in 2023/24 may take PS508A as an option.

Future Network Technologies (FNT) Major – Core Modules/ Level/ Credits/ Semester
EE506: Photonic Devices 9 7.5 1
EE518: Photonic Applications and Technologies 9 7.5 2
EE519: Wireless Communications in Fading Channels 9 7.5 2
EE521: Future Network Architectures 9 7.5 2
EE583: Masters Project – FNT Major 9 30 Year Long

Internet of Things (IoT) Major – Core Modules/ Level / Credits/ Semester
EE514: Data Analysis and Machine Learning 9 7.5 1
EE515: Real-Time Digital Signal Processing (DSP) 9 7.5 1
EE513: Connected Embedded Systems 9 7.5 2
EE562: Network Stack Implementation 9 7.5 2
EE580: Masters Project – IoT Major 9 30 Year Long

Image Processing & Analysis (IPA) Major – Core Modules / Level / Credits / Semester
EE514: Data Analysis and Machine Learning 9 7.5 1
EE515: Real-Time Digital Signal Processing (DSP) 9 7.5 1
EE507: Entrepreneurship for Engineers 9 7.5 2
EE544: Computer Vision 9 7.5 2
EE595: Masters Project – IPA Major 9 30 Year Long

Advanced Data Networks (ADN) Major – Core Modules / Level / Credits / Semester
EE500: Network Performance 9 7.5 1
EE521: Future Network Architectures * 9 7.5 2
EE517: Network Analysis and Dimensioning 9 7.5 2
EE562: Network Stack Implementation 9 7.5 2
EE596: Masters Project – Networks Major 9 30 Year Long

* Note: EE521 replaces EE509 as core module on ADN in 2023/24. Continuing students, who have previously completed EE509, do not need to take EE521 to complete the requirements for this major.

Semiconductor & Plasma Technology (SPT) Major – Core Modules / Level / Credits / Semester
PS508A: Fundamentals of Industrial Plasmas 9 7.5 1
EE559: Nanoelectronics Technology 9 7.5 1
PS510A: Plasma Applications 9 7.5 2
EE508: Device Manufacturing 9 7.5 2
EE582: Masters Project – SPT Major 9 30 Year Long

General Masters Modules / Majors Optional Module Choices / Level / Credits / Semester
EE402: OOP with Embedded Systems 8 7.5 1
EE452: Wireless/Mobile Communications 8 7.5 1
EE453: Image Processing & Analysis (Plus) 8 7.5 1
EE463: Solid State Electronics & Semiconductor Devices 8 7.5 1
EE488: Mathematical Techniques and Problem Solving 8 7.5 1
EE500: Network Performance 9 7.5 1
EE506: Photonic Devices 9 7.5 1
EE514: Data Analysis and Machine Learning 9 7.5 1
EE515: Real-Time Digital Signal Processing (DSP) 9 7.5 1
EE516I: Blockchain Scalability 9 7.5 1
EE535: Energy System Decarbonisation 9 7.5 1
EE559: Nanoelectronics Technology 9 7.5 1
PS508A: Fundamentals of Industrial Plasmas 9 7.5 1
EE417: Web Application Development 8 7.5 2
EE445: Bioelectronics 8 7.5 2
EE454: Optical Communications System Design 8 7.5 2
EE459: Mechatronic System Simulation & Control 8 7.5 2
EE470: Introduction in Engineering Management 8 7.5 2
EE497: 3D Interface Technologies 8 7.5 2
EE5001: Security for IoT and Edge Networks 9 7.5 2
EE507: Entrepreneurship for Engineers 9 7.5 2
EE508: Device Manufacturing 9 7.5 2
EE513: Connected Embedded Systems 9 7.5 2
EE517: Network Analysis and Dimensioning 9 7.5 2
EE518: Photonic Applications and Technologies 9 7.5 2
EE519: Wireless Communications in Fading Channels 9 7.5 2
EE521: Future Network Architectures 9 7.5 2
EE544: Computer Vision 9 7.5 2
EE562: Network Stack Implementation 9 7.5 2
PS510A: Plasma Applications 9 7.5 2

EE592: General Masters Project 9 30 Year Long

For Recommended Optional Modules for Majors please view the course webpage - link above.

Requirements
• A Primary Honours degree, Level 8 with an award of H2.2 or higher in Electronic/Electrical/Computer Engineering, Applied Physics, Computer Sciences or other Engineering Disciplines
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or:

For January 2024 Intake Full Time & Part Time:

Closing date for NON-EU applicants is 1st December 2023.
Closing date for EU applicants is 1st December 2023.
For September 2024 Intake Full Time & Part Time:

Closing date for NON-EU applicants is 1st July 2024.
Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2024.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.

Please note if you are a non EU student and require a study visa, you are not eligible to apply for part-time programmes as study visas are only granted for full-time programmes.

1 year full-time
January
September

2 years part-time.
January
September

There are two intakes on to the programme per academic year (September and January). Full-time students beginning in September may complete the programme in 12 months. Full-time students beginning their studies in January may complete in 18 months. Flexible study options are also provided for part-time students.

Next Intake: January/September 2024

Careers
Since its inception over 30 years ago, graduates from this programme have been in high demand in the engineering and computing industry and research sectors. The masters project greatly improves the graduate's employment potential and, alongside specialized engineering skills, the fundamental knowledge gained from our taught modules is widely applicable to many other disciplines.

Opportunities will arise in Irish and International high-tech industry roles, including:
• Research and Development Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Production Engineer
• Sales Engineer
• Management Engineer
• Software Engineer

Previous graduates have been employed across the technology sectors, including Google, Apple, Intel, Oracle, IBM, Amazon, Accenture, Analog Devices, Maxim, Boston Scientific.