:format(webp)/799x0:4001x3202/prod01/channel_5/courses/media/maynooth/content-assets/course-images/Branded20Jumper.jpg)
MENGSC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DESIGN
- Qualification
- Master Of Engineering Science Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHJ70
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 27 August 2027
Overview
The MEngSc in Integrated Circuit Design with Industry is the only dedicated Masters of it’s kind in Ireland offering a comprehensive suite of industry standard IC design tools and AI modules in conjunction with an opportunity to apply for a paid internship.
Our MEngSc programme combines a focus on fundamentals of circuit design with the application of those skills in practical assignments. The course is guided by our industry partners and has industry-informed insights throughout the programme. Company talks and visits, group projects focusing on real-life design challenges and an opportunity for industry placement enable our students to apply the latest insights they learn in class. Our MEngSc will unlock new and exciting career opportunities for you.
A well-rounded integrated circuit design skillset is highly valued by employers in Ireland and globally. The programmes within the Department of Electronic Engineering provide a problem based learning approach to students. This helps students to hone some of the soft skills highly valued by industry, including: productive teamwork, concise communication (written, oral, visual) and resilience. As such, graduates from Maynooth University can leverage their degree to launch themselves into an IC design career with industry.
Course structure
This is an intensive and fast-paced full-time programme spread over 15 months. The first 9 months (September to May) cover a range of taught modules spread over two semesters, enhanced by an array of project based learning modules, industry talks. The learning programme combines weekly on-campus classes with independent student learning and intensive group projects. The following six months (June to December) are dedicated to applied industry learning – a full-time placement undertaken by students who have secured an internship with a partner company or an industry relevant project in the Department of Electronic Engineering. It enables you to put in practice the skills you learned and enhance your future employability.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers after your Masters
Today, leading worldwide chip design companies all have significant operations in Ireland and the microelectronics sector employs more than 20,000 people. Ireland is home to three of the top four leaders in electronic design automation (EDA) systems used in the chip design industry: Synopsys, Cadence, and Siemens Mentor Graphics. Other important players in processor IP such as ARM, have operations in Galway. 15 of the world's top 30 semiconductor supply chain companies have operations in Ireland.
In 2023, The European Union passed the EU Chips Act with the goal of doubling semiconductor production within Europe by 2030 and an aim to encourage upskilling of the workforce in the industry.
A well-rounded integrated circuit design skillset is highly valued by employers in Ireland and globally. The programmes within the Department of Electronic Engineering provide a problem based learning approach to students. This helps students to hone some of the soft skills highly valued by industry, including: productive teamwork, concise communication (written, oral, visual) and resilience. As such, graduates from Maynooth University can leverage their degree to launch themselves into an IC design career with industry.
Various elements of our MEngSc programme are designed to empower you in achieving your IC design career goals. The taught modules you will take are focused on four core competencies Analog- and Digital- IC Design, IC Verification and Fundamentals of AI&ML. The importance of these taught modules are universally recognised in the semiconductor industry. This offers you a solid grounding in the theory and help you to decide your own personal career priorities. The capstone project offers a further opportunity to enhance your employability, by providing the opportunity to work directly with industry experts.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a Second-Class Honours, Grade 1 (2:1) in a cognate discipline such as electronic engineering, physics or a closely related discipline.
Applicants should have completed two/three of the below modules as part of their qualification;
- Semiconductors
- Analog Integrated Circuits
- Digital Integrated Circuits
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Verilog
- VHDL / Hardware Description Language
- Digital Systems
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements then you may be eligible to apply under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Please click here for further information.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here.
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you prepare any documents listed below. You may be required to submit documents in two stages. You will be required to upload and submit the following documents with your application:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
You will be required to upload the following documents after you submit your application:
- Personal Statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)
If English is not your first language, you may be required to upload evidence of English language proficiency. For information please click here.