Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

Systems Engineering Master’s Degree Apprenticeship

Academic Year: 2019/20

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:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Final award MSc/ PGDip / PGCert
Level 7 Apprenticeship in Systems Engineering
Programme title Systems Engineering
Programme code
Length of programme 40 months (typical) part-time, that includes 36 months academic study for MSc. and 4 months End Point Assessment for the Apprenticeship Certificate. Maximum period of study is 8 years.
UCAS code
Admissions criteria
Date at which the programme specification was published Thu, 16 May 2019 16:45:23 BST

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, February 2015
  • 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 

Code

 Title

Credits

WSP762

Applied Systems Thinking

15

WSP772

Systems Architecture

15

WSP762 and WSP772 should be completed before candidates commence any optional modules.

Semester 2

Code

 Title

Credits

WSP785

Group Systems Project

15

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

WSP765

Individual Project

60

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

Code

 Title

Credits

Semester

WSP768

Sensors and Actuators for Control

15

1

WSP773

Understanding Complexity

15

2

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

Code

 Title

Credits

Semester

WSP766

Systems Design  

15

1

WSP769

Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Engineering

15

1

WSP767

Validation and Verification

15

2

WSP771

Holistic Engineering

15

2

WSP776

Modelling Simulation and Visualization for Engineering

15

2

WSP760

Engineering and Managing Capability

15

2

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

Code

 Title

Credits

Semester

WSP409

Engineering for Sustainable Development

15

1

WSP600

Manufacturing Processes Automation

15

1

WSP637

Additive Manufacturing

15

1

WSP331

Computer Aided Engineering

15

1

WSP415

Engineering Design Methods

15

1

WSP006

Digital Signal Processing

15

1

WSP009

Communication Networks

15

1

WSP233

Lean and Agile Manufacture

15

2

WSP016

Telecommunications Network Security

15

2

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 be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate, candidates must have accumulated at least 60 credits from modules other than module WSP765 Individual Project
  • To be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma, candidates must have accumulated at least 120 credits from modules other than module WSP765 Individual Project

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

Not applicable

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