Degree type: MSc/PGDip
UCAS Code: Apply directly to the University
Duration: Full-time: PGDip (9 months) plus MSc (5-7 months) / Part-time: PGDip (2 years) plus MSc (9 months)
Why choose this course?
How can computers and other engineering systems that are geographically distributed function collectively? How can you monitor your home or workplace, do banking transactions or book a bus journey using your mobile phone?
This course prepares you educationally to do just that as well as to predict the future trends. It is concerned with the architecture of distributed systems which have a mobile phone element used for remote monitoring and biometric identity management such as would be used in a national identity system using smart systems concepts in the use of embedded devices as control elements in these distributed systems.
Those exiting the course after successful completion of the taught component (i.e. Postgraduate Diploma) would be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) Adaptive Systems Engineering.
The School of Computing and Engineering Systems is an approved CISCO local academy and there may be an opportunity to gain CISCO qualifications alongside your studies. These industry level qualifications will enhance your CV when applying for employment after graduating.
The taught (Postgraduate Diploma) component of the course covers the themes of Smart and Embedded Systems, Adaptation and Learning, Telecommunications and Networking, Mobile and Internet applications, Biometrics and Identity management and research methods. These are spread over the first and second semesters. The MSc stage culminates the study with an approved applied or research project for the final dissertation. Students have a free choice of topic and staff will propose topics in the areas covered by the taught themes relevant to the degree.
How you learn
Teaching is focused on lectures followed by laboratory sessions in dedicated laboratories and tutorial sessions. You will spend about 12 hours per week attending classes. This should be supported by about 30 hours a week of private study
MSc students will also complete a dissertation, allowing you to further investigate a specific issue. Working closely with an expert supervisor, this allows you to produce an original piece of work and develop a strong understanding of a specialist area.
How you are assessed
Assessment is based on a combination of practical work, reports, essays and presentations. The assessment strategy throughout the course is based on coursework in most modules. Some modules may be assessed in a combination of coursework and extended practical class test.
Students working towards the MSc qualification will also complete a dissertation.
Applicants should have a minimum of a lower Second class Honours degree in a related discipline, e.g. computing, engineering or telecommunications. Applicants without the necessary formal qualifications but with substantial relevant experience will be considered.
India: Applicants from India should hold a degree in a related area (e.g. Computing, Telecommunications, Engineering) with 50-55% overall.
Pakistan: Applicants from Pakistan should hold a degree in a related area (e.g. Computing, Telecommunications, Engineering) with 50-55% overall.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Your future
This course provides an excellent preparation for careers related to developing and managing large adaptive business systems within a global marketplace. Typical target sectors are governmental, financial services, communications, healthcare, and software development.
Professional accreditation
The course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, as meeting the educational requirement for CITP Further Learning and partially meeting the educational requirement for CEng/CSci registration subject to Committee approval in early 2010 and confirmation once the first cohort has graduated.
More information
MSc Adaptive Systems Engineering
