Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The Master of Science programme in Systems Engineering aims to develop a thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques required for the application of the systems approach to multi-disciplinary and complex engineering problems.

The programme aims to develop:

• Knowledge and technical expertise in application of systems principles to development of a range of technologies.
• Deeper knowledge in specialist areas of Systems Engineering through elective modules.
• Knowledge and practical experience of an integrated Systems Engineering approach to technology management.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence; Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer Standard, Engineering Council UK, 2013.
• UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence; The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes, Engineering Council UK, 2013.
• Subject Benchmark Statement: Engineering, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, February 2015
• Master's degree characteristics, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, September 2015.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of

• Mathematical methods appropriate to systems engineering
• Principles of engineering science appropriate to systems engineering
• Principles of Information Technology and Communications appropriate to systems engineering
• Relevant codes of practice and regulatory frameworks
• Relevant operational practices and requirements for safe working

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to

• Select and apply appropriate mathematical and/or computer-based methods for modelling and analysing practical and hypothetical engineering problems
• Model and analyse engineering systems, processes, components and products
• Develop engineering solutions to practical problems
• Integrate, evaluate and use information, data and ideas from a wide range of sources
• Develop new systems, processes, components or products by integrating ideas from a number of disciplines

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to

• Use appropriate mathematical methods for modelling and analysing relevant engineering problems
• Use computational tools and packages (including programming languages where appropriate)
• Design systems, their components and processes
• Undertake testing of design ideas and analyse, evaluate and critique the results
• Search for and retrieve information, ideas and data from a variety of sources
• Manage a technical project and apply appropriate processes
• Produce technical reports, papers and diagrams

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to

• Manipulate, sort and present data and information in appropriate forms
• Use evidence-based methods in the solution of complex problems
• Work with limited, incomplete and/or contradictory information to achieve a successful systems intervention
• Use an engineering approach to understand problems in unfamiliar situations in order to make to make purposeful systems interventions
• Be creative and innovative in problem solving
• Work effectively as part of a team
• Use a wide range of information and communications technologies
• Manage time and resources
• Communicate effectively orally, visually and in writing at an appropriate level
• Learn effectively, continuously and independently in a variety of environments

4. Programme structure

4.1 The following table lists the modules that comprise the programme. Five optional modules must be chosen, which must include at least one of the modules marked o* (WSP462 or WSP068)

Key: Compulsory = (C) Optional = (O)

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.2 Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XXI for candidates who have the right of re-examination to undergo re-assessment in the University’s special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification