Program Overview

MSc (by Dissertation) Computing and Electronic Systems

Overview

The MSc (by Dissertation) Computing and Electronic Systems is a postgraduate research course that allows students to investigate a chosen topic in depth and reach a profound understanding. The course is based in the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, which is one of the largest and best-resourced schools in the UK.

Research Areas

The school's research activity and supervision for the MSc (by Dissertation) Computing and Electronic Systems are concentrated in the following principal research areas:

• Biometrics
• Evolutionary-fuzzy systems
• Neuro-genetic systems
• Computational intelligence and games
• Embedded systems
• Intelligent inhabited environments
• Robotics

Specialist Facilities

The school provides a range of specialist facilities, including:

Computer Laboratories

• Six laboratories exclusively for computer science and electronic engineering students
• Three software labs open for 24 hours a day, including weekends
• Free access to the labs except when there is a scheduled practical class in progress

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) Lab

• A 70m˛ laboratory with four experimental areas, one of which is shielded against EM interference
• Equipment includes EEG systems, near-infra-red systems, and eye trackers

Robotics Laboratory

• A PC environment with 30 dual-boot PCs and about 25 mobile robots
• Used for intelligent embedded systems and robotics work

Robot Arena

• A 100m˛ laboratory with a six-metre ceiling height for flying robots
• Features a range of dedicated robotic equipment, including a state-of-the-art 3D motion tracking system

Embedded Systems Laboratory

• Provides software and hardware facilities for the design, construction, and prototyping of embedded system solutions
• Focuses on ARM-based embedded systems

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A good honours degree and a Master's degree, or equivalent, in a related subject
• A well-developed research proposal
• Normally required to attend an interview or Skype interview for acceptance

International & EU Entry Requirements

• A wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries are accepted
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component

Structure

Course Structure

• A research degree that allows students to investigate a chosen topic in depth
• No taught structure, giving students the chance to reach a profound understanding of their topic

Assessment

• The MSD programme is usually one year full-time and two years part-time

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• Ł5,006 per year

International Fee

• Ł19,650 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study

Scholarships and Financial Support

• There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course

What's Next

• Open Days are held throughout the year, providing an opportunity to find out more about studying at Essex
• Applying for the course can be done online, and students are encouraged to make a preliminary enquiry directly to a potential supervisor or the Graduate Administrator within their chosen Department or School

Related Courses

• PhD Computing and Electronic Systems
• MPhil Computing and Electronic Systems
• Both of these courses are available full-time and part-time, and are based at the Colchester Campus.