Frequently Asked Questions

Studying for a taught MSc course in the Department of Electronic Engineering

Are the courses practical or theoretical?

All of our taught MSc programmes contain a mixture of theoretical content, taught through lectures and workshops, supported by practical work, often done in laboratories. These practical components not only allow you to put theory into practice but also provide hands-on experience of industry-standard tools. In addition, all our taught postgraduate programmes teach you a range of transferable skills (team work, project management, risk management etc) through our Professional Development Framework to prepare you for your future career.

I am not an Electronic Engineer. Is the MSc Engineering Management suitable for me?

Yes, the MSc Engineering Management is suitable for students from all engineering disciplines. Every year we have students from a range of engineering backgrounds, such as civil, architectural, mining, aeronautical and mechanical engineering. In our programme we use some electronic engineering examples to illustrate how concepts are applied in reality, but the programme is quite generic to all engineering. We find the richness of different types of engineering backgrounds helps everyone understand the management concepts and how they are applied in different situations.

How are the modules assessed?

Our modules are assessed through a mixture of written reports, closed-book examinations and presentations. For more details about the structure of each course visit our taught MSc degree pages.

Opportunities upon completion of your taught MSc degree

What kind of work will I be qualified for after graduation?

All our taught MSc programmes provide you with an academic qualification that evidences your practical skills and theoretical understanding of modern electronics. In addition, we provide you with a wide range of transferable skills that enhance your employability and make you attractive candidates for prospective employers. As a result, our graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of industries and sectors from communications engineering and consumer electronics to computing, medical electronics, finance and education.

Our professional development framework is designed to help you develop the skills most valued by industry.

There is more information on what previous students have done on the Taught MSc pages and in our profiles of taught MSc graduates.

What opportunities are available to carry on to PhD study?

We have PhD opportunities available in all of our research groups (Communication Technologies, Intelligent Systems & Nanoscience and Engineering Education & Management). If you want to do a PhD then being in the Department is a great opportunity to talk to staff and research students and find out about all the research taking place. This puts you in a good position to apply for PhD projects or develop your own project in one of the research areas.

Every year, some of our taught MSc students choose to stay at York for PhD study. We also have some students who choose to do a PhD at another institution, either in the UK or overseas.

Are there opportunities for industrial placements or internships?

In the past we have been successful in negotiating 3 month internships with a range of companies including ARM, CB Electronics, Oxford Digital, and Meridian Audio. Many other companies also offer placements or short term internships for recently qualified MSc students and we have industrial partners visit the Department to talk to our students about these opportunities. We can support you by helping you identify appropriate internships and by helping you to develop and enhance your CV and application.

Living in York

What’s it like living in York?

York is regularly voted as one of the best places to live in the UK with plenty to see and do for everyone: the famously soaring Gothic Minster, the winding medieval streets, a diverse range of shops, galleries, clubs, cafés, museums, music groups and sports clubs.

Beyond the city of York lies some of Britain's most impressive and attractive countryside with a great many places of natural beauty and historic interest. The Pennines, Dales, Wolds and the North York Moors, the seaside towns of Whitby, Scarborough and Robin Hood's Bay, and the cities of Leeds and Bradford are all within an hour's drive and can be reached by public transport.

York is one of Britain’s best-connected cities. Halfway between London and Edinburgh on the East Coast mainline, on intercity trains you can reach London King's Cross in less than two hours and Edinburgh in two and a half hours. By Eurostar from London St Pancras, Paris is just over six hours away.

For those travelling from overseas, Manchester Airport is two hours away and Heathrow Airport just three and a half. Ferries from Hull and flights from nearby Leeds Bradford Airport provide easy access to mainland Europe.

For more information visit: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/student-life/

What is the cost of campus accommodation?

The University owns and manages a range of accommodation on or close to campus. You can see the different prices on the Accommodation service pages.

These cover all utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet connection) and contents insurance. Each room is fully furnished and located within a college which include a laundrette, study rooms, shared kitchen facilities and social spaces for catching up with friends.

Is it difficult to understand the British accent?

Accents and dialects vary dramatically across Britain. Thankfully the accent used by locals of York is quite subtle and is a lot easier to understand then some of the other accents in the UK!

Can I have a part time job whilst studying in the Department?

Many of our students do choose to work part time during their course to supplement their living expenses. However, you should make sure that this doesn’t affect your ability to study.

If you have a visa it is important that any part time work meets the conditions of your visa.

You can find more information on working during your studies on our Work whilst you study pages.