Modules as Short Courses for Career Development

Introduction

The postgraduate electronics modules are ideal for people who are looking for a flexible approach to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).  Each module lasts 14 weeks and is timed to include a couple of additional holiday weeks in the middle. There is a recommended schedule of work to be covered every week but the choice of when to study is yours.

Design methodologies and techniques are demonstrated using advanced industry standard computer aided design software including IC and PCB design and simulation (Cadence and Synopsys), FPGA design (Altera), microcontrollers (Microchip), DSP (Matlab), thermal analysis (Flomerics), electromagnetic field plotting (Comsol Multiphysics).

The modules come to you via the internet while tutors offer help and advice through email and by telephone.  All the modules have been developed by experienced engineers with extensive consultation with the electronics industry.

You can see the overview page and first three units of any module: go to courses and click on the module title for the content or the module specification to see the full syllabus.

The planned schedule of modules and dates when each module is available are to be found in the module availability chart. 

IT Equipment you will require

You will need to use your own PC or equivalent. It should be efficient in rendering modern web documents with multimedia and flash components and capable of supporting at least three applications concurrently in a stable and efficient manner. A more detailed description is to be found in equipment.

For remote access to EDA tools you will need to download and install Citrix MetaFrame client software. It is available free of charge from the Citrix site and instructions for installation are to be found in the pages on IT configuration.

A 56k modem internet connection is adequate for the entire course and should be considered the minimum for EDA work.  If anything faster is available then clearly it will be beneficial.

Fees for Modules as Short Courses

The cost of studying each module as an Associate Student is exactly the same as that for a student who has enrolled for an award. Please refer to the page on fees.

How to Book on a Module

To book a place on any module,  please complete the online application form referenced from here.    Alternatively, complete an application form but make it clear that you wish to apply as an Associate Student for a short course module.  Forms are available from the Postgraduate Programmes Office.

There are no specific academic requirements for modules studied as short courses but your training or experience needs to be sufficient for you to be able to complete the module you have chosen successfully.

Before applying you should satisfy yourself on each of the six items mentioned at the top of how to apply.   Briefly they are:  equipment at home, internet connection, prerequisite study, English language proficiency, module syllabus and payment of fees.

The regulations for modular programmes limit Associate Students to studying one module at a time.

Assessment

There are no formal written examinations - instead each modules is assessed by written assignments and practical exercises. These are not obligatory for CPD study. However, passing a module gives you study credits that would allow you to transfer to a postgraduate degree if you later choose to do so.

Transfer to either of the MSc Programmes

If you are interested in gaining a qualification but feel apprehensive about learning via the internet, you can enrol first as an Associate Student and study one or more of the modules to see how you get on.  Credits gained can be carried to the full programme later.

Converting enrolment  to the MSc, PgDip or PgCert programme will be subject to the normal eligibility criteria (see how to apply) but is otherwise straightforward and no additional cost is involved.

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