MSc Engineering Smart Systems

Smart technology is the future. Machines that talk to each other, learn from their surroundings and respond accordingly – think driverless cars – are the shape of things to come. On this MSc Engineering Smart Systems course, you’ll put yourself at the centre of these exciting technological developments, working at the forefront of Industry 4.0.

Our new interdisciplinary masters course focuses on applied skills. It will give you the ability to manage forward-thinking technical strategies, and the skills to deploy the latest digital technologies across the engineering sector.

You’ll study a range of core units, exploring the key technological and manufacturing foundations of Industry 4.0. You’ll also develop professional skills with two project management units, where you will learn the principles behind delivering innovation to industry.

In our high-tech facilities, you’ll learn to use the tools and equipment you’ll come across in the workplace. Throughout it all, you’ll have the support of our experienced teaching and research staff, who will ensure that what you learn is 100% relevant to industry. And, with technical, real-world thinking and project management skills, you will have a proven ability, ready to play a constructive role in shaping our technological future.

On our MSc Engineering Smart Systems course, you’ll study nine core units covering a range of topics from systems integration, sensors, sustainable engineering, to innovation in design and project management. You’ll focus on the core technologies of Industry 4.0 smart systems, including digital twin models and cyber-physical systems development.

This is a full-time one-year masters course, but you may also choose to complete an additional industry placement year. It’s an opportunity to apply your learning to an industry environment and further your practical experience.

You’ll study the technical detail of how new systems integrate with old, and how businesses can overcome the challenges this presents. To be able to deliver new engineering products, enterprise and services for Industry 4.0, the Systems Engineering for Industry unit focuses on the skills required in systems thinking and systems analysis. You’ll learn general techniques to manage the phases of product and system life cycles.

Two project management units are also key elements of the course. First, you’ll develop your knowledge of the fundamentals of project management. Then, you’ll expand on this by exploring the management of projects in a professional practice setting. Here, you’ll use a problem-based learning approach to analyse, critique and recommend solutions for an existing project – usually, a case study provided by an industrial partner.

Your final unit is your Independent Engineering Research Project. You’ll work with a supervisor to identify a relevant topic suited to your personal and professional ambitions. We may offer a range of themed challenges such as Industry 4.0, transport, energy and the environment, health and wellbeing, project management and water.

On the course, you are supported by our experienced team of engineers and designers. Many of whom have active professional networks in a range of sectors, from manufacturing engineering and environmental industries to health and transport. Together, we will help you to become a rounded professional, ready to apply for technical leadership and management roles in global organisations.

What is the length of the course?

• Full-time: 1 year
• Full-time with optional placement year: 2 years