The programme is designed for engineering graduates with some computing background. The modules are a combination of software engineering and electrical engineering with an emphasis on technology and project management. Specification of software systems and system interconnectivity are addressed, whilst unifying the whole engineering process in systems engineering. This will especially suit those aspiring to project management and engineering management roles, and aims to address the complexities of systems and project management with dedicated modules. 

We have over 100 years of experience teaching Engineering and have developed programmes which are current, and will give you the opportunity to develop your understanding and skills. With a large proportion of computer laboratory and other practical work you will reinforce the theories and practices learnt in the classroom with 'hands on' experience. Our programmes offer you the opportunity to study the advanced knowledge and theories required for systems engineering, project management and advanced engineering topics, and apply these to the practical work environment.

The entry requirement for the MSc programme is normally satisfied by possession of one of the following:

• A 2:2 or higher honours degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Communication Engineering, Applied Mathematics or Physics.
• A degree qualification of an equivalent subject and standard, obtained after a programme of full-time study extending over a period of not less than three years in a recognised university outside the UK.

UEL is committed to recognising and accrediting prior learning and learning which may have derived from experience. Applicants who hold other qualifications and/or relevant experience may apply to have that learning assessed in order to gain entry to the programme and/or credit towards an award. All enquiries should be directed to the Programme Leader.

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.

The programme structure comprises 4 x 30 credit modules and a 60 credit dissertation module.

The programme will be delivered across two semesters of 15 weeks duration for the taught modules of the full-time mode of study, with the dissertation being completed during the following semester (A or B or C). The part-time provision will span two academic years for the taught modules followed by the dissertation. UK students opting for the part-time mode of study can accumulate credits over a longer period of time and can obtain the MSc award in a time not exceeding six years.

The programme benefits from access to UEL laboratories, computing facilities and IT labs. Teaching is delivered through formal lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical classes and laboratory sessions. Most lectures are supported by programme notes, which allow the student to concentrate on the lecture and complete some independent studies of his/her own.

Assessment varies from module to module but will include examinations, coursework, laboratory based assessment and project work.

The School has strong links with industry and benefits from vocationally based programmes designed to meet the needs of industrial partners. The School also hosts an Industrial Liaison Board meeting with members attending from local industries and commercial organisations.

Students on this programme have sometimes undertaken their dissertations/projects in industry e.g The Ford Motor Company. This mode of collaborating with industry should continue, where possible. The project management module is very relevant to the needs of industry.

This is a double module and reflects the importance attached to this module. The dissertation is usually research specific and this includes the dissertations expedited in industry. There is also scope for student specific research projects.

The objective of the dissertation is to develop the student's ability to study independently, making their own critical appraisal of the chosen subject and drawing conclusions therefrom.

Students will be required to demonstrate that the research undertaken has been completed to an appropriate level for a Masters award. The dissertation must therefore, in general terms, include elements of research, independent work, and the critical analysis of data.

Module leaders have industrial experience which is used to cite relevant examples of the theories and practices being taught. Skills acquired on the programme provide a solid grounding for students wishing to pursue a career in systems engineering and/or programme management. Apart from specific technical knowledge, students also gain a variety of transferable skills such as problem solving, effective communication and project management.

It is anticipated that graduates from this programme will enter careers as systems engineers, systems analysts, computer scientists, and programme managers; although the skills learned will also be relevant to project engineers aspiring to project management.

Each student has a personal tutor with whom to discuss aspects of the programme or personal issues.Research methods training is provided prior to students taking the dissertation module. Access to library provision is excellent, including computers, books, journals, e-books, e-journals; access to IEEE Xplore is available to all students of the University, which is particularly relevant in undertaking the disseration. Notes and study materials are generally made available to students by module leaders with access via the University e-resources.

Successful UEL graduates have commenced careers in the USA, UK, Asia, India, and Europe and some have also continued to study at a higher level for PhD. The proximity of London means that UEL is ideally placed for developing links with a wide range of well-established, prestigious and innovative employers. The Knowledge Dock based at the Dockland Campus provides a natural channel between business and higher education, by making the knowledge and expertise of UEL available to local employers.

Knowledge

• Details and applications of advanced communications technologies
• A systems approach to engineering problems
• Modern project management techniques
• Deepen knowledge of engineering and computing  through advanced study
• How to conduct a formal research project

Thinking skills

• Intellectual skills, reasoning, and analytic skills follow from such a programme
• Systems approach to analysis
• Formal Specification of software systems
• How to apply knowledge to a specific project
• Management of teams

Subject-Based Practical skills

• Definition of problems and formulation of solutions through systems approach
• Engineering and computer based Laboratory and skills
• Problem solving in a practical sense
• Management of teams and projects using up-to-date theory

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• Transferable skills
• Generic skills associated with advanced studies and project management e.g good organisation, communication at a high level
• How to research a particular topic and present findings
• Ability to work independently

The duration of this programme is one year full-time if the enrolment is in September and the dissertation is completed in the summer semester C.  For enrolment in February the overall duration is slightly longer, to complete the dissertation. The maximum registration period is four years for full-time students.

UK students opting for the part-time mode of study undertake the taught modules in two academic years, followed by the research dissertation. Part-time students can accumulate credits over a longer period of time and can obtain the MSc award in no more than and six years.

It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments.  Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year is divided into two semesters of roughly equal length.  A typical student registered in a full-time attendance mode will study two 30 credit modules per semester and a typical student registered in a part-time attendance mode will study one module per semester.  The advanced independent research module may occur during the summer semester C.

Knowledge is developed through

• Lectures
• Journals
• Private study
• Seminars
• Self study
• Tutorials
• Laboratory work

Thinking skills are developed through

• Workshops
• Analysis
• Intellectual  effort
• Reasoning
• Problem solving using a systems approach

Practical skills are developed through

• Laboratory and computer  based analysis
• Use of advanced instruments for analysis
• Problem solving using Computer software

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

• Good communication and transferable skills through discussion, presentation, preparation of conference and journal papers
• Workshops

Knowledge is assessed by

• Examination
• Assignment
• Dissertation viva& thesis

Thinking skills are assessed by

• Examination and Coursework
• Dissertation viva& thesis

Practical skills are assessed by

• Laboratory based assignments

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• Presentations
• Dissertation

Before this programme started, the following was checked:

• there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
• adequate resources would be in place;
• the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
• the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
• the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
• the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning  and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.

This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.

The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:

• external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
• statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
• student feedback.

Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation.  The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.

Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists.  The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions.  The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.

This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff).  The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality.  The programme committee plays a critical role in the  quality assurance procedures.

The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner.  External examiners have two primary responsibilities:

• To ensure the standard of the programme;
• To ensure that justice is done to individual students.

External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:

• Approving exam papers/assignments;
• Attending assessment boards;
• Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
• Ensuring that regulations are followed;
• Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.

The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:

• Module evaluations
• Student representation on programme committees (meeting 2 times  year)

Students are notified of the action taken through:

• circulating the minutes of the programme committee
• providing details on the programme noticeboard

The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:

Questionnaires to former students

• Annual student satisfaction questionnaire
• Industrial liaison committee
• Placements Officer