The key study areas include systems thinking, systems architecture, systems design, verification and validation, Systems of Systems, machine learning, visualisation, simulation, and an individual capstone project. You'll have the option to undertake modules in a range of areas, ranging from Holistic Engineering to Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Engineering.

The MSc programme is structured into block-taught weeks, meaning you will engage in all learning and teaching on campus during a full week (Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm). Afterward, you will have about four weeks to submit any associated coursework. This applies to both full-time and part-time study options.

For more information about part-time study patterns, please contact the School/Department.

Compulsory modules

The aims of this module are to enable students to apply a systems approach to challenges and opportunities by:

  • Developing students abilities to adopt an holistic approach to addressing systems problem
  • Providing students with knowledge of systems thinking tools and how to select the most appropriate tools for the problem or opportunity at hand

The aims of this module is to give students:

  •  practical knowledge of systems from a model-based and architectural viewpoint;
  • an understanding of architecture frameworks;
  • knowledge of and practice with systems modelling languages, methods, and commercially available tools; and
  • an introduction to model driven architecture and analysis. The students will learn a system definition and architecture design process aligned to ISO/IEC 15288 and how to model the architecture of a system and use it to assess system functionality and behaviour.

The aims of this module are:

  • To give students an opportunity to conduct a research and/or development project on a topic of relevance to their specific programme of study.
  • To provide students with the key skills and experience needed to plan, manage and deliver a complex extended project.
  • To prepare students for future employment and professional practice in a relevant engineering sector at an advanced technical or managerial level.

Optional modules (choose one)

Students must select at least one module from Group A [WSP778 or WSP774]. Students are permitted to register for both Group A modules.

Students can select between 15 to 30 credits from Group B (Sem 1 and/or Sem2).

Group A

The core aim of this module is to ensure students are able to take advantage of Machine Learning (ML) techniques to solve practical engineering problems. Towards that end the following aims are established:

  • Provide a base understanding of Machine Learning (ML) in the wider context of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • Establish ML approaches and algorithms.
  • Explore ML techniques in practical engineering contexts.
  • Establish the challenges with ML in engineering
  • Deliver ML solutions in engineering, ensuring proficient use of essential tools for practical applications.

This module aims to equip students with a robust understanding and hands-on experience of how digital and data engineering principles can transform engineering processes across the entire systems engineering lifecycle - from requirements and concept through design, development, verification, operation, and end-of-life. Students will develop an appreciation of the organisational, cultural, and strategic dimensions of digital transformation, understanding how robust governance and data-driven practices underpin responsible engineering outcomes, particularly in data-intensive systems.

Group B

The aims of this module are:

  • For students to understand the options available and the issues related to selection of sensors and actuators for the design and control of mechatronic systems.
  • To design, model and specify a complex fault tolerant mechatronic and control system.

The aim of this module is to provide students with a systematic understanding of the range of challenges associated with complex engineering projects undertaken by enterprises, and the techniques applied to overcome them. This perspective presented is that of a Chief Engineer and the module gives a 21st century view of what the role of Chief Engineer entails.

The module aim is to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to address problems associated with Electromagnetic activities in the Defence arena.

Compulsory modules

The aims of this module are to give students:

  • practical knowledge of design and requirements engineering from a systems and model-based viewpoint;
  • an understanding of the relation between system design, system architecture, and verification and validation (V&V);
  • knowledge of and practice with systems modelling languages, methods, and commercially available tools; and
  • an introduction to design principles and methodologies in support of systems design. The students will learn a system design process aligned to ISO/IEC 15288 and how to model a system and use models for system design and analysis.

The aims of this module are to give students:

  • practical knowledge of verification and validation (V&V) for testing and acceptance of systems from a systems and model-based viewpoint;
  • understanding of the relation between design and V&V with the objective of concurrent V&V and design of robust systems;
  • knowledge of and practice with systems modelling languages, methods, and commercially available tools;
  • an introduction to software testing; and Students will learn V&V procedures and tests aligned to ISO/IEC 15288 how to use V&V to influence system design and analysis.

This module aims to develop the students' expertise in the planning and execution of an extensive systems project working as a member of a team. Its purpose is to consolidate knowledge and skills developed in the Systems Engineering MSc. programme through application of Systems Engineering tools and techniques in an integrated fashion within a project team.

The aims of this module are:

  • To give students an opportunity to conduct a research and/or development project on a topic of relevance to their specific programme of study.
  • To provide students with the key skills and experience needed to plan, manage and deliver a complex extended project.
  • To prepare students for future employment and professional practice in a relevant engineering sector at an advanced technical or managerial level.

Optional modules

Students can select between 15 to 30 credits from Group B (Sem 1 and/or Sem 2).

Group B

The aims of this module are:

  • To give students a systematic understanding of Enterprise Systems Engineering and the associated Systems of Systems concepts through which an enterprise delivers Capability.
  • To give students a systematic understanding of how organisational project-enabling lifecycle processes are applied to provide the resources needed by projects to meet the needs and expectations of stakeholders (ISO15288).
  • To give students a systematic understanding of how technical management lifecycle processes are applied to planning and project management to enable a technical team to meet their objectives (ISE15288).

The aim of this module is to provide students with a systematic understanding of the role of modelling, simulation and visualization in engineering, systems design, and manufacturing, and to equip them with the skills to create, integrate, and interpret models for practical problems.

Compulsory modules

The aims of this module are:

  • To give students an opportunity to conduct a research and/or development project on a topic of relevance to their specific programme of study.
  • To provide students with the key skills and experience needed to plan, manage and deliver a complex extended project.
  • To prepare students for future employment and professional practice in a relevant engineering sector at an advanced technical or managerial level.

After successful completion of the individual project module, Apprentices will have a further 4 months to prepare for the End Point Assessment to attain the Apprenticeship Certificate.

End Point Assessment (EPA)

The EPA period is four months, during which the apprentice completes a management report of their project, or of projects, and ensures their portfolio is ready for submission. Loughborough will continue to support the apprentice through this period.