The Master of Science in Integrated Circuits and Intelligent Systems Design (ICISD) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) prepares graduates for careers in IC design and intelligent hardware systems. The program addresses the evolving technology landscape where the integration of integrated circuits (IC) with intelligent systems, including AI-enabled functionality, is increasingly critical. By bridging traditional integrated circuit design with modern intelligent architectures, the curriculum equips students with multidisciplinary expertise required for hardware and AI-enabled system design. An optional internship offered as part of the program provides direct professional experience and industry exposure.

Language

English

Program Duration

2 Years

Certification

Masters

Factsheet

The program provides a technical foundation in integrated circuit design, combined with the system-level skills needed to develop modern intelligent hardware. Key focus areas include:

  • Analog and mixed-signal IC design fundamentals and practice.
  • Hardware foundations for accelerated computing (including tensor and GPU concepts).
  • Power delivery and integrated power electronics topics, along with exposure to MEMS devices and digital hardware implementation.
  • Industry-informed learning through guest lectures and industry-related case studies.
  • Flexible Pathways: a thesis option for research-focused students or a project-based option that includes an industrial internship.

The program requires the completion of 36 credit hours over two years, structured to offer theoretical foundations and practical industrial exposure.

  • Core Courses: Principles of Computer Systems Design, Analog Integrated Circuit Design, Research Methods and Ethics, Integrated Power Electronics, Application Specific Chip Design, Tensor and GPU Fundamentals, MEMS Devices and Systems, and the Graduate Seminar.
  • Elective Options: Students can choose from electives such as Printed and Flexible Electronics, Signal Processing, Semiconductor Technology, Applied Deep Learning, and Machine Learning.
  • Industrial Track: This pathway includes an industrial internship and a capstone project, which will be hosted at partner semiconductor companies in Qatar or worldwide.
  • Research Track: This pathway includes master’s thesis for advanced research exploration.

Applicants seeking admission to the College of Science and Engineering graduate programs at HBKU should have a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4.0) from a recognized university. Applicants to the master’s programs should have a bachelor’s degree, while applicants to the PhD programs should have a master’s degree. Applicants should check the program they are applying for in order to make sure that they have majored in one of the disciplines mentioned under “required field of study.”

ProgramRequired Field of StudyLanguage Requirements
MSc in Integrated Circuits and Intelligent Systems Design Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or related fields.Applicants are required to submit a valid IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 79 to demonstrate their proficiency in English. Further details about the language proficiency requirement and the process to seek exemption (where this is an option) are available from CSE Admissions.

While the GRE is not required for admission to the master’s programs at the College of Science and Engineering, a strong GRE score will help strengthen the applicant’s admission material.

Applicants with prior research experience are preferred, especially for the PhD programs.

For more information regarding Admission requirements visit CSE Admissions.

Fees and Financial Information

Student Financial Information

Tuition follows HBKU’s graduate tuition policy. Financial support may be available through full scholarships or a partial tuition waiver. An optional fourth-semester industrial internship which is hosted at partner semiconductor companies in Qatar/internationally subject to availability.

ProgramProgram Tuition FeesProgram Duration
MSc in Integrated Circuits and Intelligent Systems DesignQAR 132,0002 years