Masters in Computer Engineering

Find postgraduate programs in COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Computer Engineering

A masters in computer engineering is a postgraduate course with a vocational focus. Upon completion of the masters program students should be well prepared to work in the computer industry, having studied both the theory and practical side of this ever-expanding field.

Most universities offer several learning options. If you apply to take the course full-time, you will complete the qualification in a year. Alternatively, some people choose the part-time option, which will usually take two years.

Some provision is made for the inevitable disparity between the previous experience levels of each student however, the course will be aimed at encouraging each student to develop their existing talents, providing them with the knowledge they need to compete in this fast-paced and evolving industry.

Reasons to study an MSc Computer Engineering

Students often choose to study an MSc Computer Engineering because it offers a high level of practical content. The course focuses on both sides of the industry, meaning students should graduate with a comprehensive understanding of both hardware and software, ideally positioned to work on the most cutting-edge and innovative of technologies, smartphones, computer-generated film effects and even tertiary industries like vehicle manufacture.

In the more interactive modules, students will gain the ability to target a gap in the market – then design, program and produce a gadget from scratch for mass production.

If you wish to continue your studies even further, this course is the ideal springboard to progress to a doctorate. A PhD in computer science will be a viable option upon graduating from the masters, allowing you to pursue more detailed research projects. Also, it’s not too shabby on the salary side.

Computer engineering masters lowdown

Postgraduate courses in this field will often include a placement within the industry, with on-the-job training almost certainly form one of the modules. As well as this, there will also be more standardised learning, consisting of the usual lectures and tutorials.

Most postgraduate computer engineering courses at UK universities have several compulsory units; these are likely to include an introduction to the subject and a final project. The thesis will be undertaken with guidance from a postgraduate supervisor who will have relevant experience and be able to monitor your progress.

Aside from this, students are given a choice of at further unit options, from which they can choose two or three to specialise in. Modules are usually created to be independent of one another, with very little crossover in the syllabi, which means students can choose a bespoke learning path to benefit their potential career or professional development.

Popular study modules include:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Modules in AI provide a theoretical understanding of the maths and models involved in developing advanced AI solutions. Studying this module will also train students to work with computer models to solve complex tasks, collect, clean and analyse data and more. With a working knowledge of the way AI models are created and perform, a graduate MSc in Computer Engineering with a specialism in AI will explore cutting-edge computing technologies to develop and interpret advanced tech.

Digital design: The modules in postgraduate computer engineering programs are designed to enhance their application in the world of industry. Students will usually look at digital design, including the creation of 3D imagery as used in film production, web design and the manipulation of digital images. There will be a chance to study embedded systems – these are the small programs that work within larger technical structures. The course should also cover digital processors, which are used at the core of an embedded system. These tiny components are an essential feature in most of the smart devices we use today. A comprehensive understanding of these is vital for reducing the end product in size and cost, not to mention improving the unit’s functionality and accuracy.

Gaming: Most masters in computer engineering programs will offer a module on the extremely popular area of gaming, including the creation of interactive environments online. This will incorporate a more detailed exploration of 3D rendering and virtual reality platforms.

Natural language processing: Another optional unit may be focused on natural language processing, which examine technologies that use speech and how an audience receives these. Students will be taught how to transfer text to speech, considering its practical use in various computerised voice recognition services.

Image analysis: Another popular area of study in computer engineering is image analysis. This looks at how a computer interprets a small visual stimulus and is becoming as important as how it processes far larger amounts of data. Presently, a computer is not able to match the nuances and capabilities of a human eye, but nevertheless, this is a growing area of interest for app designers, medical professionals and retailers alike.

Software workshops: As part of the course, many institutions will run software workshops for students with less computing experience. Here, students will be introduced to the key aspects of the MSc in computer engineering before going on to select specialist modules in the latter semesters.

Computer engineering masters courses

There are plenty of interesting masters options available at prestigious universities for students wanting to study computer engineering.

In the UK, the University of Glasgow’s Computer Systems Engineering MSc consists of four core modules:

VLSI Design M
Integrated Systems Design Project M
Software Engineering (M)
MSc Project

Aside from these compulsory courses, students can choose from 16 optional modules, like Cybersecurity or Internet Technology, to dip their toes into something they might like to pursue in the future.

In Denmark, Aarhus University has an MSc in Computer Engineering with 11 different specialisms, covering a whole host of subjects that are in line with a modern world, including:

AI & Computer Vision
Biomedical Engineering
Chip Design
Communications & Networks
Cyber-Physical Systems
Cybersecurity
Electronics & Photonics
Healthcare Technology
Renewable Energy Systems
Robotics & Drone Technology
Software Engineering

Computer engineering masters eligibility

To be considered for an MSc Computer Engineering at a UK university, you will need a relevant first degree, usually with a grade of 2.2 or above. If you are coming from abroad and your first degree is not from an English-speaking university, you will often need to take an English test or produce an English language certificate.

Computer engineering graduate case study

Computer engineering student case study Postgraduate programs in computer engineering are exciting and interesting, as well as useful for future career development. One student who graduated from Liverpool Hope University said of his course, “At this level you are testing not only your technical ability, but your ability to be critical, analyse current academic research, and handle research design and investigation.”

Funding your computer engineering course

Aside from self-financing, MSc Computer Engineering funding can come from specific scholarships, for example the Windsor Fellowship and the Spärck AI scholarship. These can be paid for by research councils whose work includes computer science, or a charitable trust with links to the technological world.

Also, many universities have fostered links with industry, so on request, they can provide students with details of potential employers who may be willing to fund their course. If you accept this kind of financial aid, there will often be conditions applied. Your benefactor may wish to make use of your newly acquired skills after you have finished the course, but they will rarely expect to be repaid.

Plus, if you have been accepted onto a masters degree in computer engineering, you are eligible to apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £2,000 – find out more.

Computer engineering salaries

Computer engineering salaries vary greatly depending on the employee’s level of experience. As a general rule, graduates can expect to go into their first post at between £28,000 and £35,000 per year. However, this can rise closer to £60,000 for more senior positions and for managers, earnings of £85,000 are normal.

According to Heriot-Watt University, the average salary of a computer engineer is around £69,888, but with other specialisms (for example data science), it could spike to £84,000.

Bear in mind that computer engineering salaries, like those of any other profession, will be affected by your location. City jobs tend to pay well, whilst more rural companies will have less to offer in terms of remuneration.

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