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 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 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 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 a range of 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 and go on to make a purposeful systems intervention
• 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 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.

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’.

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