MSc-PGDip Engineering (Cybernetics and Communications)
ObjectivesThis course has been designed to provide graduates with a broad education in engineering alongside a greater depth of understanding in cybernetics and communications. Combining computer science, electronic engineering, mechanical engineering and management, the course offers opportunities to develop imagination and innovation in design solutions, enterprise, leadership and inter-personnel skills.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements The course is open to graduates with a UK honours degree (or equivalent) in computing, engineering or technology. If you do not have a UK honours degree, you will be expected to provide a portfolio of accredited supporting evidence and to attend an interview. Mature candidates with equivalent academic achievement and substantial relevant industrial experience may be admitted to the course at the discretion of the Course Leader and will be expected to provide a portfolio of accredited supporting evidence and to attend an interview. If you are an international student and English is not your first language, you will require an English language qualification equivalent to IELTS 6.5.
Academic titleMSc/PGDip Engineering (Cybernetics and Communications)
Course descriptionModules
Both the Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Engineering (Cybernetics and Communications) cover the following subject areas:
Core modules:
Advanced Industrial Process Control Systems (20 credits)
You will gain knowledge of the object-orientated fourth-generation programme technique and its application to developing a practical, real-time data logging and process control system, taking into account factors such as digital signal processing, advanced human machine interface and sensor technology;
Design Project (20 credits)
During this module, you will focus mainly on the technical aspects of developing a cross-disciplinary group design project. The set projects will be taken from areas of advancing technology;
Wireless Communications and Mobile Networking (20 credits)
You will gain the knowledge and skills for developing advanced telecommunication software in the area of mobile wireless computing and networking. You will be introduced to J2ME and 3G technology, Bluetooth connectivity approach and general packet-switched radio services (GPRS).
Optional modules:
For this, you choose two modules from the list below. This total 22 per cent of the MSc course:
Emissive Displays (20 credits)
By gaining a good understanding of the mechanisms of light generation for a range of available and emerging displays that utilise emissive technologies, you will learn to make a qualified decision when utilising displays in system design and application;
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Project Management (20 credits)
You will develop your appreciation of entrepreneurship and leadership, and their role in economic development, project management and entrepreneurial business success. You will learn the tools and methodologies for effective project management;
Global Business Management (20 credits)
This module includes global business enterprises, global supply chain management and modelling, international marketing and the strategic importance of integrated marketing, design, finance, manufacturing and distribution;
Imaging and Display Systems (20 credits)
Develop your understanding of the optical principles of the interaction of light with semiconductors and insulators, visual requirements of displays, and the operational principles of 2D and 3D capture and display systems;
Multimedia Technology and Design (20 credits)
You will learn more about how multimedia technology is used to support communication and the demonstration of complex engineering concepts. You will also develop your skills in the selection and use of multimedia assets;
Software Engineering 1 (20 credits)
This module allows non-computing graduates to learn the methodologies for the analysis and design of procedural and object-orientated software systems. You will develop skills in procedural programming and the production of software solutions to problems;
Smart Engineering and Natural Computing (20 credits)
This module introduces the fundamentals and principles of new smart mathematical tools and techniques in engineering system design and optimisation. Industrial applications of smart engineering will also be discussed.
MSc Research Project:
Major Project (60 credits)
You will apply your understanding of research processes and methodologies to develop and integrate knowledge focusing on a specialist engineering topic;
Research Methods (20 credits)
This module develops your understanding of research design and methodology. As well as being introduced to the School’s research facilities, you will develop the skills necessary for research and writing a project definition document.
Study routes
Based within the purpose-built, £8 million building of the School of Science and Technology, we are able to offer postgraduates the option to study either Postgraduate Diploma or MSc Engineering (Cybernetics and Communications).
Both courses aim to produce individuals who have the skills relevant to careers in the engineering and industrial sectors.
What do you study?
The postgraduate academic year is divided into three terms: term one has 10 weeks; term two has 20 weeks; and term three has 15 weeks. For the Postgraduate Diploma you will study 40 credits in term one and 80 credits in term two. Those students who wish to continue on to the MSc will study 60 credits in term three. The first two terms are spent studying the taught modules and the last term, pursuing an individual major project.
Assessment
Global Business Management; Imaging and Display Systems; Wireless Communications and Mobile Networking
These modules are assessed by a combination of both coursework and examination.
All other modules are assessed by coursework, case studies and projects.
Why study at Nottingham Trent University?
The most significant reason to study Engineering (Cybernetics and Communications) at Nottingham Trent is the commercial relevance of our courses. For example, an innovative and distinctive feature of the course is the cross-disciplinary group design project, which provides a challenging, simulated environment in which to work as a member of a team. The project will encourage you to develop your imagination, creativity and innovation in design solutions. You will also build on your leadership, team building and communication skills, all of which are attractive to potential employers.
The course will crucially provide you with a postgraduate level education in the theory and practice of engineering, integrating aspects of computer science, electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, business, management and entrepreneurship. The course emphasises the importance of independent learning, problem solving and self-organisation.
Students in the School of Science and Technology have use of a new, purpose-built £8 million building, which offers state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities specific to the subjects taught in the School. This includes exceptional computing resources, multimedia editing suites and specialist labs for imaging, networks and communications.
The MSc Engineering (Cybernetics and Communications) courses within the School are taught by highly experienced staff members, many of whom are involved with cutting-edge research that ensures their teaching remains at the forefront of computing technology.
Place of study
In 2006, the doors opened on our £8m purpose-designed building. We’ve invested heavily in computing facilities, which include multiple networked computer rooms, multimedia editing suites and specialist labs for imaging, networks and communications for the use of computing and informatics students. Everything students need is in one building, from a one-stop shop for student enquiries to high-spec teaching and tutorial rooms. A large area has been designed specifically for the School’s postgraduate students and includes computer labs, teaching rooms and an open plan social area.
Clifton campus:
Situated just four miles from the centre of Nottingham, the Clifton campus is a self-contained green-field site with excellent accommodation and facilities.
The Clifton campus Library is open seven days a week and students have 24-hour access to a number of IT resource rooms. The campus has benefited from considerable investment over the past five years. It has comprehensive sports facilities - including a multi-million pound sports hall, two gyms, and an all-weather floodlit sports pitch, as well as a new Student Support Centre, offering careers advice and support with financial and personal issues.
Food, drink and retail outlets include The Point – a multi-purpose venue with a bar, a cafe, and an entertainments programme. There is also the campus News and Food convenience store, which sells all the student essentials.
The campus hosts Blackwell’s bookshop, the Sunrise Medical Practice and a friendly branch of HSBC. There is a regular bus service available that provides easy access to Nottingham’s vibrant and exciting city centre.
Your future career
Not only will you have enviable transferable skills at the end of this course, but you will also be perfectly placed to enter a range of careers in the industrial or engineering sectors.
The industry-focused nature of this course will ensure that you stand out from the crowd when it comes to job applications and pursuing your future career. Nottingham Trent University graduates are widely respected amongst employers and our Computing and Informatics students are perceived as having the competitive edge due to the hands-on approach of our teaching.