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.
• Systems Engineer Master’s Degree Apprenticeship Standard, ST0107, 2019.

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 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 

The Master’s Degree Apprenticeship Standard, ST0107, 2019 expresses learning outcomes in terms of Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (using KSBs) at a detailed level applicable for Systems Engineering Professionals. The course handbook provides these, together with a process through which students and their Mentors/ Tutors may design a learning plan expressed in KSBs that is compliant with this programme specification.

4. Programme structure

The programme is delivered on a block taught basis. Candidates should agree the timing of study of modules with the Programme Director prior to commencing the programme, ensuring an even balance of modules across semesters and years of study. With the exception of WSP765 Individual Project, candidates should undertake no more than 30 credits in any semester.

Compulsory modules (Totalling 105 credits)

Semester 1 

WSP762 should be completed before candidates commence any optional modules.

Semester 2

WSP785 should be completed after all other modules with the exception of the Individual Project. 

The Individual Project, WSP765 must be a work-based project and should be chosen to enable demonstration of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required by Assessment method 1 of the Apprenticeship End Point Assessment as defined by the End-Point Assessment Plan for Systems Engineering Master’s Degree Apprenticeship Standard (ST0107). This module should be undertaken only after all other modules have been completed.

Optional modules (Totalling 75 credits)

Candidates 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 – Candidates 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 (WSP765).

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