Internet of Things (MSc)

Program Overview

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Internet of Things (MSc)

About this course

Develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to design and engineer the next generation of connected devices and systems on this Internet of Things master’s course. You’ll learn about key hardware and software components, and the tools and methods to protect and optimise them. The course combines elements of computer science and electronics, and is ideal if you’ve graduated from either discipline.

Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in electronics, computer science or related subject, such as computer engineering, telecommunications or engineering

You must also have a good 2:1 (65%) score in the following:

• 1 advanced maths module, such as: advanced mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematical analysis, engineering mathematics, mathematics for electrical and electronic engineers or pure mathematics
• 1 programming module (C, C++, Python, Java)

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

Information for students who have studied in China

This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution.

View acceptable grades from Chinese universities.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Course structure

This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for a full 12 months.

For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll focus on the taught part of the course. Some of your modules will be compulsory, others we will ask you to choose from a list of options.

For the rest of the course, you’ll work independently on your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:

• Foundations of Embedded IoT Systems
• IoT Networks
• MSc Project and Dissertation
• Research Methods and Project Preparation
• Secure Hardware and Embedded Devices

You must also choose from the following modules:

• Biometrics
• Cryptography
• Embedded Processors
• Machine Learning for Wireless Communications
• Mobile Applications Development

Learning and assessment

Learning

The learning activities for this course include:

• laboratory work
• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Assessment

We’ll assess you through:

• coursework, laboratory reports and essays
• written exams
• a dissertation

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Networking
• Adaptability
• Problem solving
• Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Manufacturing
• Scientific and Technical
• Water and Waste Management
• Education
• Public Administration
• Defence
• Finance

Careers directly related to this course:

• Internet of things software developer
• Test engineer
• Product manager
• Hardware engineer
• Systems engineer
• Machine learning engineer
• Embedded device engineer
• Network engineer
• Data scientist

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• Business transformation manager
• Logistics manager
• Data analyst
• IT project manager
• University lecturer
• IT consultant

See more

Example job titles of Southampton MSc Internet of Things graduates*:

• Software engineer
• Autonomous driving algorithm engineer
• Embedded engineer
• Internet of things engineer
• Software engineer
• Software developer
• Product manager
• Application engineer
• Cyber security engineer
• Technology consultant

See more

Job prospects for MSc Internet of Things graduates

• £50k: Average professional salary
• 92%: In a skilled profession or further study
• 95%: Graduate employment rate

Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £33,900.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Commonwealth Scholarship

There are 20 Electronics and Computer Science scholarships of £3,000 each available for 10 undergraduate and 10 postgraduate new international students from Commonwealth countries.

Find out more about the Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Commonwealth Scholarship, including eligibility, and how to apply.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

• UK students: The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
• International students: The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Related courses

• MSc Electrical Power Systems
• MSc Electronic Engineering
• MSc Micro and Nanotechnology
• MSc Microelectronics Systems Design
• MSc Mobile Communications and Smart Networking
• MSc Optical Engineering
• MSc Systems, Control and Signal Processing

Program Outline

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Careers:

The knowledge and skills you’ll learn on this course are in increasing demand in almost every sector of business, industry and research. Our graduates are employed by leading technology companies all over the world. ECS runs a dedicated careers hub with links to more than 100 companies including: IBM Arm Microsoft Research Imagination Technologies Nvidia Samsung Google

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Tuition fees Fees for a year's study: UK students pay £9,250. EU and international students pay £32,300.