Programme Specification
MSc Systems Engineering
Academic Year: 2014/15
This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.
This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.
This specification should be read in conjunction with:
- Reg. XXI (Postgraduate Awards) (see University Regulations)
- Module Specifications
- Summary
- Aims
- Learning outcomes
- Structure
- Progression & weighting
Programme summary
Awarding body/institution | Loughborough University |
Teaching institution (if different) | |
Owning school/department | School of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering - pre-2016 |
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body | |
Final award | MSc/ PGDip / PGCert |
Programme title | Systems Engineering |
Programme code | ELPT31(FT) ELPT30(PT) |
Length of programme | 1 year full-time, 3 years (typical) part-time. Maximum period of study is 8 years. Part-time study: The Master’s project must be completed within a maximum period of one calendar year following the completion of the taught modules. If two consecutive years of academic inactivity occur the School will normally deem the student to have abandoned their studies and will request that their registration on the programme be terminated. |
UCAS code | |
Admissions criteria | http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/departments/eleceng/systemsengineering/ All students register on the MSc programme, the PGDip and PGCert are only available as exit awards. |
Date at which the programme specification was published | Mon, 27 Oct 2014 15:22:07 GMT |
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 applying systems principles to a selected range of technologies.
- More extensive and deeper knowledge in related areas through the availability of elective modules.
- An integrated systems engineering approach to related technologies, processes, techniques and their effective use.
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, 2011.
IET Handbook of Learning Outcomes for BEng and MEng Degree Programmes, October 2009.
The UK Quality Code for Higher Education, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, April 2012.
Master's degree characteristics, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, March 2010.
The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, August 2008.
Subject Benchmark Statement: Engineering, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, November 2010.
Code of practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education, Section 7: Programme design, approval, monitoring and review, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, September 2006.
The Northern Ireland Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (NICATS); Principles and Guidelines, 2002.
Proposals for national arrangements for the use of academic credit in higher education in England; Final report of the Burgess Group, December 2006.
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 wide range of sources
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, components or processes
- Undertake testing of design ideas and analyse and critically evaluate the results
- Search for and retrieve information, ideas and data from a variety of sources
- Manage a project and apply appropriate processes
- Produce technical reports, papers, diagrams and drawings
c. Key transferable skills:
On successful completion of this programme students should be able to
- Manipulate, sort and present data in a range of forms
- Use evidence based methods in the solution of complex problems
- Work with limited, incomplete and/or contradictory information in the solution of unfamiliar problems
- Use an engineering approach to the solution of problems in unfamiliar situations
- Be creative and innovative in problem solving
- Work effectively as part of a team
- Use a wide range of information and communications technology
- 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 In the following table ‘c’ indicates a compulsory module and ‘o’ indicates an optional module. Four optional modules should be chosen, normally one option module from semester 1 and three option modules from semester 2.
Code |
Module title |
Modular weight |
Semester |
Systems Engineering |
ELP060 |
Soft Systems Engineering |
15 |
1 |
c |
ELP062 |
Systems Thinking |
15 |
1 |
c |
ELP072 |
Systems Architecture |
15 |
1 |
c |
ELP066 |
Systems Design |
15 |
2 |
c |
ELP065 |
Individual Project |
60 |
2 |
c |
ELP068 |
Sensors and Actuators for Control |
15 |
1 |
o |
ELP069 |
Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Engineers |
15 |
1 |
o |
ELP067 |
Validation and Verification |
15 |
2 |
o |
ELP071 |
Holistic Engineering |
15 |
2 |
o |
ELP460 |
Engineering and Management of Capability |
15 |
2 |
o |
ELP462 |
Understanding Complexity |
15 |
2 |
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 Re-assessment of modules for candidates eligible under the relevant sections of Regulation XXI will normally take place when the modules are next routinely assessed. Part time students re-assessment may be deferred for one year but in such cases the re-assessment must be taken ‘with attendance’.