Smart cities, driverless cars, manufacturing plants that think for themselves – welcome to Industry 4.0. Build the skills to shape our future and you’ll be helping to build a better world.
Smart technology is the future. Machines that talk to each other, learn from their surroundings, and respond accordingly are the shape of things to come. On this MSc Engineering Smart Systems degree, you’ll put yourself at the centre of these exciting technological developments, working at the forefront of Industry 4.0.
Our 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 l...
Full-time: 1 year
Full-time with optional placement year: 2 years
On our masters in engineering smart systems, you’ll study nine core units covering a range of topics from systems integration, digital manufacturing and sensors to automation and industrial programming, 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 master's course, but you can 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, enterprises 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 have active professional networks in a range of sectors, from manufacturing engineering and environmental industries to health and transport. Together, we’ll help you to become a rounded professional, ready to apply for technical leadership and management roles in global organisations.
Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
You’ll need a UK honours degree – at least a 2:2 – or the international equivalent, in engineering, physics, mathematics, computing or equivalent. Applicants with relevant and extensive professional experience in the relevant fields will be considered.
International students who apply for this course will need to provide an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate (ATAS certificate) before the University can issue a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). The Foreign & Commonwealth Office issue ATAS certificates, applications can be submitted via their online system, we recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate. For more information about ATAS certificates please visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website.
English requirements: IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.
International students please see mmu.ac.uk/study/international.
Full-time fee: £11,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Full-time fee: £20,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Lab coats and safety glasses are provided free of charge and are expected to last for the duration of the course. You will have to purchase replacements for lost or damaged items.
Compulsory estimate: £1,850
This course is available with an optional year 2 industrial placement year, giving you the opportunity to tailor your knowledge to suit a specific industry or skillset.
A placement fee of £1,850 applies.
Optional estimate: £200
Those who wish to supplement their project management further knowledge with a Prince2 Foundation course will need to pay approximately an additional £200.
Optional estimate: £400
All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop up to £100 each year for books and printing.
Independent thinkers with both technical expertise and a strong grasp of modern management techniques are in high demand across the industry.
On this interdisciplinary and innovative masters, we aim to prepare you to take a significant role in shaping digital strategies within business. We’ll equip you to be able to adapt to change in this fast-moving sector and to contribute to the overall Industrial Strategy.
When you graduate, you could move into a role as an engineer, consultant or a project manager. You’ll also be well placed to enter a PhD or an Engineering Doctorate course, should you wish to continue your studies.
Some of our MSc Engineering Smart Systems graduates have gone to work for both national and international companies such a FICO, Horan Power Engineering and Bruhati.
Careers support is available from the moment you join us, and for up to three years after you finish your course. Dedicated careers and employability advisors in the Department of Engineering and the University Careers Service can help you find the role that’s right for you.
Please contact our course enquiries team.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme Review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the
changes section of our Terms and Conditions .
Important Notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of Regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current Student Protection Plan .