Systems Engineering

Qualification(s) available: MSc

UK fee:
£13,000
International fee:
£28,100
Scholarships available
Entry requirements
2:1
Full-time
1 year
Part-time
3 years
Location
Loughborough
Start date
October 2023
Department
Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
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In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, industry and government need the transdisciplinary approach of Systems Engineering to successfully create and sustain complex technical systems in tune with their environments.

Our industrially experienced academics teach Model-Based Systems Engineering, supported by essential systems thinking skills. This is the cutting edge of Systems Engineering and is rated excellent by employers. Our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to manage end-to-end engineering of complex systems to ensure smooth and efficient delivery.

Collaborating with over twenty industry leaders, we know the systems design skills and enterprise knowledge we develop in our graduates are directly deployable in the workplace, making this a highly relevant qualification for those seeking employment, and those already working in, complex systems technology.

During the summer, you may be given the exciting opportunity of a micro-placement project. These placements are arranged in collaboration with our existing industrial partners and alumni contacts and aim to provide you with hands-on practical experience, working on appealing projects relevant to your MSc.

Accredited by IMechE and IET, our programme is aligned to industry-standard competencies as defined by the International Council on System Engineering (INCOSE) and the Institute For Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

Discover Postgraduate Study at Loughborough

March 2023

Register your interest to find out more about our series of virtual events taking place throughout March.

Why you should choose us

7th Loughborough University is ranked 7th out of 130 UK universities Complete University Guide 2023
Top 100 in the World for Graduate Employability QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022
Top 10 in the UK for General Engineering The Guardian University Guide 2023

Why you should study this degree

  • We focus on practitioner skills that are immediately deployable in the workplace.
  • The programme has been developed in close consultation with industry by industrially experienced academics.
  • You will be taught Model-Based Systems Engineering by authors of a leading text in the subject relevant to the “new age of information-intensive complex systems”.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), licensed by the UK Engineering Council. Loughborough is also a registered provider of the Level 7 Apprenticeship in Systems Engineering.

What you'll study

The following information is intended as an example only and is typically based on module information for the 2022/23 year of entry. Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes. Updated Programme and Module Specifications are made available ahead of each academic year. Please also see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

Compulsory modules

The aims of this module are to provide a rigorous approach for all engineering students to acquire the principles, concepts and outline applications of systems-based studies.

The aims of this module is to give students: (i) practical knowledge of systems from a model based and architectural viewpoint; (ii) an understanding of system and enterprise architecture frameworks; (iii) knowledge of and practice with software modelling languages, methods, and commercially available tools; and (iv) 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 undertake a total of 75 credits of optional modules across Semesters 1 and 2 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

Please see the programme specification for full details.

Group A

The aims of this module are for students

  • 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.

Group B

The aims of this module are to give students: (i) practical knowledge of design and requirements engineering from a systems and model based viewpoint; (ii) an understanding of the relation between system design, system architecture, and verification and validation (V&V); (iii) an introduction to and practice with systems modelling languages, methods, and commercially available tools; and (iv) an introduction to system modelling and analysis in support of design. Students will learn a system design process aligned to ISO/IEC 15288 and to how model a system and use models for system design and analysis.

The aim of this module is for the students to understand the relationship between creative management, innovation and enterprise in a learning environment that provides the interactive methods and tools for individual and group success.

Group C

The aims of the module is to develop critical understanding of the fundamentals of digital signal processing, as applied to numerous and common-place digital systems, with the use of computer simulation based tools.

The aim of the module is to develop understanding of the principles of networked digital communications.

This module aims to enable students to evaluate, choose and implement CAE systems.

The aims of this module are to provide students with an understanding of the principles and practices of sustainable development and to provide them with an understanding of how engineers can help manufacturing businesses develop into more sustainable enterprises.

The aims of this module is to provide students with a working understanding of some of the main methods which may be employed in the design of products and systems.

The aim of the module is for students to understand the concepts and state-of-the-art on a range of manufacturing techniques available to the current and future manufacturing engineer.

The module will introduce and develop the concepts of Additive Manufacturing (AM) and demonstrate the different AM techniques available at Loughborough University. This course will teach the various processes in relation to the seven ASTM F42 standards in order to easily categorize the different processes and overcome issues with the technology classifications. The module will emphasise the strengths and weaknesses of the various technologies and highlight applications and case studies from the AM industry. The course will cover AM for use in production development, rapid tooling and Reverse Engineering with case examples from a range of industrial sectors.

The module will encompass various interactive lectures, hands-on tutorials using 3D printing equipment and demonstrations using the various Additive Manufacturing equipment available at Loughborough University.

Compulsory modules

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 must undertake a total of 75 credits of optional modules across Semesters 1 and 2 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

Please see the programme specification for full details.

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.
  • Provide development tools to deploy ML applications.
  • Explore ML techniques in practical engineering contexts.
  • Establish the challenges with ML in engineering.

Group B

The aims of this module are to give students: (i) practical knowledge of verification and validation (V&V) for testing and acceptance of systems from a systems and model based viewpoint; (ii) understanding of the relation between design and V&V with the objective of concurrent V&V and design of robust systems; (iii) an introduction to software in the loop testing; and (iv) an introduction to and practice with systems modelling languages and methods using commercially available tools. Students will learn V&V procedures and tests aligned to ISO/IEC 15288 and IEEE 1516 from a systems and model based viewpoint and how to use V&V to influence system design and analysis.

The aim of this module is for the student to understand the range of challenges thrown up by complex engineering projects and the techniques that can be applied to overcome them. Whilst the nature of the role of engineering has evolved markedly over recent decades, it is the ability to take that role's holistic perspective that the module aims to develop in the student. This perspective can be associated with the role of Chief Engineer and the course gives a 21st century view of what the role of Chief Engineer entails.

The aims of this module are to:

  • Provide an overview of the role of modelling, simulation and visualization in engineering and manufacturing
  • Introduce important modelling and simulation paradigms, including: model-based engineering methods, Industry 4.0, Digital Twin and data analytics
  • Introduce different simulation techniques along with their pros and cons
  • Explore the scope for making assumptions and approximations in order to become aware of the limitations and utility of modelling and simulation
  • Explore different visualization techniques in order to understand outputs from a simulation
  • Explore emergent behaviours that may arise in modelling and simulation
  • Consolidate the student's understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of modelling, simulation and visualization through case studies and examples
  • Understand the importance of performing verification and validation of modelling, simulation and visualization
  • Gain some practical experience of modelling, simulation and visualization through use of tools.

The aims of the module are:

  • To give students an understanding of capability provision and the systems of systems concepts that underpin it.
  • To give students an understanding of the enterprise challenges associated with capability management and the organisational relationships needed to address them.
  • Through case studies and group work, to provide students with insight into the systems engineering through which suppliers and users provide and support capability.

Group C

The module aims to give students a broad view of security issues, threats and challenges as well as countermeasures developed in networked systems, with a focus on telecommunications networks.

The aim of the module is for students to gain an understanding of lean and agile concepts in the manufacturing business, including its distribution chains.

Project

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.

How you'll be assessed

You will be assessed via a combination of coursework, mini projects, class presentations and a dissertation.

How you'll study

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Independent study
  • Group work
  • Workshops
  • Practical sessions
  • Access to online material

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

A 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant science, technology, engineering or maths discipline.

Applicants with alternative qualifications or with professional experience, but qualifications slightly below this level, will also be considered.

First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters 95% 85% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) 9.5 8.5 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures 16 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Argentina 8.5 7.5 6.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavri Kochum 90% 80% 70%
Magistrosi Kochum 3.9 3.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree (AQF level 8) First Class, 80% Upper Second, 70%, H2A Lower Second, 60%, 2B
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) High Distinction (80% or 85%) Distinction (75% or 80%) Distinction (70% or 75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree/ Diplomstudium / Magister degree A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden 60% or B or 3.0 (or 2) 50% or C or 2.7 (or 3)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomu 4.5 4 3.5
Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
BUET or 'Good Private' University - 4 year degree BUET - 1st (70%) / 3.5 BUET - 2nd (60%) / 3.0 BUET - 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Other universities - Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree 80% / 4.0 65% / 3.25 50% / 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Barbados - Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Specialist Diploma (5Yr) 9 7 5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree Magna Cum Laude Cum Laude 60%/12
Licenciaat 80% 70% 60%
Licencie 17 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise 18 15 or Bien 12 or Assez Bien
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private) 85/78 75/66 67/55
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's degree A or 80% B or 70% C or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional 8.5 7.5 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brunei First Upper Second (60%/B/3.1) Lower Second (50%/C/2.7)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education) 6 5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 years 90% or 9 or 4.0 80% or 8 or 3.5 70% or 7 or 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce 1st or 15 2:1 or 14 2:2 or 12.5
Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise or a 4 year Licence 20 or GPA 3.7 20 or Bien (GPA 3.4) 20 or Assez Bien (GPA 3.1)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0/percentage scale 3.7/85% 3.3/75% 2.7/68%
Out of 9 8 6 5
Out of 12 10 8 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years) 6 5.5 5

Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below:

First class (70%) Mid 2:1 (65%) 2:1 (60%) Mid 2:2 (55%) 2:2 (50%)
Shanghai Rank Top 250 83% 79% 75% 73% 70%
Shanghai Rank 251-500 88% 84% 80% 78% 75%
Shanghai Rank 501+ 92% 87% 84% 82% 80%

The University will consider students from Affiliated Colleges in the following way:

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities in the top 250 Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 75%-84%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are 251-500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are above 500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered as follows:

  • School of Business and Economics: not considered
  • All other programmes if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.

Applicants from a small number of Chinese universities that specialise in business, management, finance or creative arts will be given special consideration by the University. The full list of these universities and the Shanghai band under which they will be considered can be found below:

 

University Chinese name Considered inband
Beijing Film Academy 北京电影学院 Top 250
Capital University of Physical Education and Sports* 首都体育学院 Top 250
Central Academy of Drama 中央戏剧学院 Top 250
Central Academy for Fine Arts 中央美术学院 Top 250
Central Conservatory of Music 中央音乐学院 Top 250
China Academy of Art 中国美术学院 Top 250
Guangxi University of Finance and Economics 广西财经学院 251-500
Harbin University of Finance (Harbin Finance University) 哈尔滨金融学院 251-500
Northwest University of Political Science and Law 上海海关学院 Top 250
Shanghai Customs College 上海海关学院 Top 250
Shanghai Theatre Academy 上海戏剧学院) Top 250
Tianjin Sport University* 天津体育学院 Top 250

‌*Special consideration for programmes in School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and Institute for Sport Business only.

Students who do not meet the above requirements may occasionally be considered if they have a relevant degree, can show good grades in relevant subjects, and/or have substantial relevant work experience.
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 4.5 3.75 3.2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado 9 8 or 80 7 or 75
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik 4.5 3.8 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura 5 4 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Cyprus 8.5 7.0 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr 1 1.5 2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale) 12 10 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciado 3.8 Magna Cum Laude 3.5 Cum Laude 3.2
Título de [subject area] - 85% 82%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado 8.5 8 7
Título de [subject area] 85% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Egypt 3.5 3.2 2.8
Universities only BA 90%, BSc 85% BA 80%, BSc 75% BA 65%, BSc 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Licenciado 8.5 7.5 6.5
Título de Ingeniero 85% 75% 65%
Arquitecto - Muy Bueno Bueno
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad 5 or A 4 or B 3 or C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's A/GPA 4.0 A/GPA 3.5 B/GPA 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidaattii/Kandidat (out of 3) 3 2 1
Maisteri/Magister (out of 5) 4.5 3 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur 14 13 11
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year degree (% = new system) 5 (95%) 4.5 (85%) 4 (75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung 1.5 2.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Ghana First Upper second/60% Lower second/50%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Universities 8.5 7.0 6
TEI and non-University Institutions 8.5 7 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of West Indies - classification 1st 2:1 2:2
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage A B / 75% C / 55%
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA 3.6 3.0 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4years 90% (public university) / 95% (private university) 80% (public university) / 85% (private university) 60% (public university) / 70% (private university)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's GPA 4 GPA 3.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5 GPA 5 or 90% GPA 4 or 80% GPA 3.5 or 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor 5 4 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag 8.5 7.5 6.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Institutions listed on the Indian Ranking of Higher Educational Institutions Framework
 65% (First) 60% (First) 55% (Upper second)
All other Indian institutions 70% (First with distinction) 65% (First) 60% (First)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sarjana I (S1) from A (or B) credited Universities 3.7 (4.0) 3.3 (3.7) 3 (3.3)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iran 17 15 13
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iraq 80% 75% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Republic of Ireland First (70%) Upper second (60%) Lower second (50%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
3 yr Bachelor Degree 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma di Laurea 109/110 104/110 (or 27) 100/110 (or 26)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures 16 14 (Bien) 12 (Assez Bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ 1st (GPA 3.6) 2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B 2:2 (GPA 2.0) or C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Japan 85% 80% or B or 3.0 70% or C or 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3 or 3.5/5 or 75% 2.8 or 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 5.0/percentage scale 4.5 or 90% 4 or 85% 3.5 or 80%
GPA 4.33 scale 3.9 3.7 3.2
GPA 4.0 scale 3.7 3.4 3
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kenya First / 70% / A Upper second / 60% / B Lower second / 50% / C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kosovo 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.6 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Latvia 9 7 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
American 90% (3.5) 80% (3.2) 70% (2.8)
French 18 15 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's 4.0 or 90% 3.5 or 85% 3 or 80%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine 85 (3.6) 75 (3.0) 65 (2.5)
Other bachelor's degree from a university 90 (4.0) 85% (3.6) 75% (3.0)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lithuania 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macau 1st or GPA 3.7 2:1 or GPA 3.0 2:2 or GPA 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macedonia 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's only MSc 75% MSc 70% MSc 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification First Class 2.1 2.2
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Malta 1st (80%) 2:1 (70%) 2:2 (55%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mauritius 1st or 70% 2:1 or 60% 2:2 or 50%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mexico 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) 90% or 3.5 80% or GPA 3.2 70% or GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Morocco 17 15 13
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciatura 16 14 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
2 year Master's degree 5 or 85% 5 or 75% 4.5 or 65%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Namibia 80% or A 70% or B 60% or C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's (after 3 year bachelor degree) 90% or 3.9 GPA 80% or 3.8 GPA 65% or 3.3 GPA
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Netherlands 8 7 6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8 First (7.0) Upper Second (6.0) Lower Second (4.0)
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7 A+ (9.0) A- (7.0) B+ (6.0)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura (4 year) 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
7 point Scale 6 5 4
5 point scale 4.5 3.8 3.5
4 point scale 3.5 3 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Norway A B C
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 option) A- or GPA 3.7 B or GPA 3.0 C+ or GPA 2.6
2 or 3 year bachelor's plus Master's First (60%) Second (55%) Second (50%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree A / 90% / 3.7 B+ / 85% / 3.3 B / 80% / 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 91 (A) 81 (B) 71 (C)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Papua New Guinea 1st 2:1 2:2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 4.5 (85%) 4 (80%) 3.5 (75%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] 14 13 12
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE) Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0 Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5 Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003) 5 4.5 / 4+ 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Portugal 18 16 14
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Russia 4.5 4.0 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits) 1st, 16/20 (80%) 2:1,14/20 (70%) 2:2, 12/20 (60%)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
GPA 5.0 scale 4.5 3.75 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees 16/20 or Tres Bien 14/20 or Bien 12/20 or Assez Bien
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree 9 8 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree or masters 1st (70%) 2:1 (60% or B) 2:2 (50% or C)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification First Upper second Lower second
GPA 4.0 scale 3.7 3.0 2.7
GPA 5.0 scale 4.5 3.5 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Slovakia 1.5 or B 2.0 or C 2.5 or C/high D
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Slovenia 9.5 8.5 7
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification 1st 2:1 2:2
Percentage scale 75-100% 70-74% 60-69%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA out of 4.5 4.0 / A 3.5 / B 3.0 / C+
GPA out of 4.3 4.0 / A 3.0 / B 2.7 / C+
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto 8.5 7 6.5
UCM grading 3.0 2.0 1.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree 90%, GPA 3.70 80%, GPA 3.30 70%, GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sudan (North and South) 1st or 70% or B+ 2:1 or 66% Mid 2:2 or 60% or B
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sweden - Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Switzerland 6 5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
State universities 4 years of study 80% 70% 60%
Private universities 4 years of study 90% 80% 70%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Category 1 (4 year degree) 80% 75% 70%
Category 2 (4 year degree) 85% 80% 75%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tajikistan - 4.5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tanzania 1st 2:1 2:2
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT 1st or B+ or 70% 2:1 or B or 65% 2:2 or B- or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu 16 (tres bien) 14 (bien) 11 (assez bien)
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi 3.5 3 2.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr 5 4.5 4
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Uganda 1st or 4.4 2:1 or 3.8 2:2 or 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5) 4.5 4.0 3.5
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.0 2.6
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale 3.5 3.2 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado (4 year) 10 9 8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) 90% or GPA 4.5 80% or GPA 4.0 70% or GPA 3.0
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year) 18/20 or 8/9 16/20 or 7/9 14/20 or 6/9
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
10-point scale 8.0 7.0 6.0
4-point scale 3.5 3.0 2.8
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's A or 4.0 or 80% B+, 3.5 or 70% B or 3.0 or 60%
First-class honours (70%) Upper second-class honours (60%) Lower second-class honours (50%)
3/4 year degree 1st or 75% 2:1 or 65% 2:2 or 60%

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and funding

October 2023 start

UK fee

£13,000 Full-time degree per annum

EU fee

To be confirmed Full-time degree per annum

International fee

£28,100 Full-time degree per annum

Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.

What's included in your tuition fees Fee status Pay in advance or instalments

The fee stated is for a full-time student undertaking a master’s programme of 180 credits. Part-time students should divide the published fee by 180 credits and then multiply by the number of credits they are taking to calculate their tuition fees.

Scholarships and bursaries

There are scholarships and bursaries available to help with funding your study.

10% off tuition fees

Loughborough University Alumni Bursary

Up to 20% off tuition fees

Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering Scholarship
Master's degree funding

Your development

The Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering is committed to helping you develop the skills and attributes you need to progress successfully in your chosen career.

The programme's curriculum stimulates thinking and extends the capabilities of technical managers and engineers to handle complexity and remain effective in the workplace by providing:

  • An integrated-systems engineering view of inter-related technologies, processes, tools, techniques and their effective use.
  • Essential systems skills such as model-based architecture and design, against a background of the need for traceability in managing complex projects.
  • Knowledge and technical expertise in a range of systems technologies.
  • Experience of effective, integrated, multi-skilled project teams working in extended enterprises beyond the confines of any particular organisation.
  • Increased depth of technical and management knowledge through elective modules.
  • The ability to transfer systems skills and knowledge into the workplace enhanced by an individual project.

Our academics

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Professor Michael Henshaw

Programme Director and Associate Dean for Teaching

Michael's research focuses on the integration and management of complex socio-technical systems. A graduate in Applied Physics, he spent 17 years working in defence and aerospace before joining Loughborough in 2006. He is Co-chair of the IEEE Systems of Systems Engineering Technical Committee.
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Professor Charles Dickerson

Chair in Systems Engineering

Focusing on Systems Architectures, Charles chairs the INCOSE Systems Architectures Working Group. His previous roles include Technical Fellow at BAE Systems, Aegis Systems Engineer for Ballistic Missile Defence and Director of Architecture in the Office of the Chief Engineer for the US Navy.
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Professor Roy Kalawsky

Director of Advanced VR Research Centre - The Centre for Virtual Engineering

Roy joined Loughborough in 1995 after 18 years at BAE Systems, where he was responsible for cockpit research and development across the Military Aircraft Division. His research focuses on modelling, simulation and VR, and he is Airbus/RAEng Chair Digital and Data Engineering Information Systems.
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Dr Melanie King

Lecturer in Systems Engineering

Melanie has held roles in the research and design of digital products such as laboratory simulation software, integrated information systems and data architectures. She's experienced in project management and was head of Loughborough’s Centre for Engineering Design and Education.
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Dr Jonathan Wilson

University Teacher in Systems and Mechanical Engineering

Jonathan is currently contributing to a research project utilising a systems engineering approach for the national deployment of next generation wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles.

Your future career

Graduates of our Systems Engineering MSc will gain capabilities that are in global demand across a range of sectors and which can be applied to the challenges and issues posed by any complex system design and operation.

Promotion within their company for sponsored students is common since the programme enables them to match higher job expectations and demands. Employed students often bring a work-relevant topic to their individual projects, giving them the opportunity to display newly acquired skills.

Recent graduates are employed by or have secured roles in a range of industries, at companies such as Alstom, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, WSP, Network Rail, Uniper, UTC Aerospace Systems, Cummins, Babcock, UK Ministry of Defence and Inmarsat, to name a few, in positions such as graduate, systems, software and functional safety engineers.

Start your application