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, October 2019.
• 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:

K1 Mathematical methods appropriate to systems engineering

K2 Principles of engineering science appropriate to systems engineering

K3 Principles of Information Technology and Communications appropriate to systems engineering

K4 Relevant codes of practice and regulatory frameworks

K5 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

C1 Select and apply appropriate mathematical and/or computer-based methods for modelling and analysing practical and hypothetical engineering problems

C2 Model and analyse engineering systems, processes, components and products

C3 Develop engineering solutions to practical problems

C4 Integrate, evaluate and use information, data and ideas from a wide range of sources

C5 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:

P1 Use appropriate mathematical methods for modelling and analysing relevant engineering problems

P2 Use computational tools and packages (including programming languages where appropriate)

P3 Design systems, their components and processes

P4 Undertake testing of design ideas and analyse, evaluate and critique the results

P5 Search for and retrieve information, ideas and data from a variety of sources

P6 Manage a technical project and apply appropriate processes

P7 Produce technical reports, papers and diagrams

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to

T1 Manipulate, sort and present data and information in appropriate forms

T2 Use evidence-based methods in the solution of complex problems

T3 Work with limited, incomplete and/or contradictory information to achieve a successful systems intervention

T4 Use an engineering approach to understand problems in unfamiliar situations in order to make to make purposeful systems interventions

T5 Be creative and innovative in problem solving

T6 Work effectively as part of a team

T7 Use a wide range of information and communications technologies

T8 Manage time and resources

T9 Communicate effectively orally, visually and in writing at an appropriate level

T10 Learn effectively, continuously and independently in a variety of environments

4. Programme structure

The following tables list the modules that comprise the programme. Five optional modules must be chosen.

Compulsory modules (Totalling 105 credits)

Semester 1 

WSP062 should be completed before students commence any optional modules.

Semester 2

WSP085 should be completed after all other modules with the exception of the Individual Project. 

Optional modules (Totalling 75 credits)

Students must undertake a total of 75 credits of option modules as follows:  

• 15 or 30 credits from Group A
• 30 to 60 credits from Group B
• no more than 15 credits from Group C in place of a module in Group B 

Group A - Select either one or to two 15 credit modules

Group B - Select between two and four 15 credit modules depending upon choices made from Group A and Group C

Group C – Students may undertake one 15 credit module in place of one module from Group B 

All module choice is subject to availability, timetabling, student number restrictions and students having taken appropriate pre-requisite modules.

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.

In addition: 

• To meet PSRB requirements students must achieve a minimum of 150 credits with the remaining modules achieving a mark no lower than 40%.

• To be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate, candidates must have accumulated at least 60 credits excluding the Individual Project module (WSP065).

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

Not applicable