Program Overview

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Cyber Physical Systems MSc

Overview

Cyber physical systems integrate computation with physical objects and processes. Examples of cyber physical systems are:

• 'smart' devices in the home such as a smart meter or fridge
• voice assistant devices
• driverless vehicles
• medical monitoring equipment
• wearable devices
• robotic assistants

Our course is designed for students with a background in computer science or a related field with analytical skills. You'll learn the principles of integrated system design and computational and cyber physical systems methods and tools. Core modules will broaden your knowledge in key topics such as robotics, sensors and the Internet of Things.

During the summer period, you will undertake an individual research project, supported by an expert advisor from one of our research groups. This could be software-based or research-based. Collaboration with business, industry, and other outside bodies is encouraged.

A two-year version of this course is available.

Why Choose This Course?

• Joint 1st in the UK for research environment (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• Ranked 6th in the UK for universities targeted by the largest number of top employers (High Fliers Report The Graduate Market)
• 96.4% of postgraduates from the School of Computer Science secured work or further study within six months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020, using methodology set by The Guardian)
• 98% of our research is classed as ‘world-leading’ (4) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3) (Research Excellence Framework 2021)

Course Content

You will study a total of 180 credits, split across 120 credits of compulsory and optional modules plus a 60-credit individual project.

Core Modules

• Autonomous Robotic Systems (20 credits)
• Designing Sensor-Based Systems (20 credits)
• Research Methods (20 credits)
• Research Project (60 credits)
• Advanced Computer Networks (20 credits)

Optional Modules

• Project in Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures (10 credits)
• Machine Learning (20 credits)
• Cyber Security (10 credits)
• Malware Analysis (10 credits)
• Topical Trends in Cyber Security (10 credits)
• Mixed Reality (20 credits)

Learning and Assessment

How You Will Learn

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Computer labs
• Project work

You will work in lecture theatres, seminar rooms and labs to develop a theoretical and practical understanding of this subject.

Teaching is typically delivered by professors, associate and assistant professors. Some practical laboratory sessions and research projects may be supported by postgraduate research students or postdoctoral research fellows.

How You Will Be Assessed

• Coursework
• Written exam
• Project work

Modules are assessed using an appropriate mixture of coursework and exams which are combined to calculate your final mark for each module.

The final degree classification will be the average of all credits, e.g. an average of 120 taught credits and 60 credits on your project. To pass a module you’ll need at least 50%.

Entry Requirements

• Undergraduate degree: 2:1 (or international equivalent) with programming skills evidenced through prior study or practical experience detailed in the application.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each element.

Fees

• Home / UK: To be confirmed
• International: To be confirmed

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate Destinations

The fourth industrial revolution is coming. Artificial intelligence, machine learning and cyber physical systems are all changing how we live and work.

With the skills gained from this degree, you could be developing the technology of the future. Careers could be in:

• Cyber security
• Financial technology (fintech)
• Networked systems
• Robotics and autonomous systems
• Smart product and service design and development
• Artificial intelligence engineering

You may choose to continue your research in this area with a PhD.

Our graduates have lots of great job opportunities. Computer science-related skills make up 4 of the top 5 'most in demand skills for employers in 2020’ according to LinkedIn.

Career Progression

100% of postgraduate taught students from the School of Computer Science secured graduate level employment or further graduate study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £30,100*.

• HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time, postgraduate, home graduates within the UK.