Digital Technologies for Smart Cities

Program Overview

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MSc Digital Technologies for Smart Cities

Overview

This course is uniquely tailored to the demands of the global market, with a curriculum that's in sync with advancements in AI, cloud computing, 4G/5G communication technologies, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This ensures you'll be learning the most relevant and up-to-date content, preparing you for a successful career in this dynamic field. One of the key highlights of our program is the opportunity for specialization in high-demand areas such as robotics, sustainable energy, and cybersecurity, so you can tailor your learning journey to align perfectly with your career aspirations.

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

1 years

Start date:

SepJan

Course details

The MSc in Digital Technologies for Smart Cities program offers a comprehensive set of modules that are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the field. Here are the modules included in the program:

• Automation and Robotics (MEC11107): This module focuses on the principles and applications of automation and robotics, which are key components of smart cities.
• Modelling and Computation for Smart Places (ELE11117): This new module is designed to equip students with the skills needed to model and compute data for smart places.
• IoT and Autonomous System (ELE11118): Another new module, this focuses on the Internet of Things (IoT) and autonomous systems, both of which are integral to the functioning of smart cities.
• Distributed Generation Systems (ELE11113): This module covers the principles and applications of distributed generation systems, which are crucial for the energy management of smart cities.
• Communication Electronics (ELE11515): This module delves into the electronics that enable communication within smart cities.
• Sustainable Energy Technologies (MEC11123): This module focuses on the sustainable energy technologies that power smart cities.
• Digital Signal Processing (ELE11101): This module covers the principles and applications of digital signal processing.
• Network Security (CSN11111): This module focuses on the security aspects of network systems, a crucial aspect of maintaining the integrity of smart cities.
• MSc Project (ENG11100): This module allows students to undertake a project that showcases the skills and knowledge they have acquired throughout the program.

How you’ll be taught

This full-time course will take up to a year (18 months if you are a January start) to complete and will be structured to support the student through their journey. You’ll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, guest lectures, tutorials and independent study.

Assessments

The MSc in Digital Technologies for Smart Cities program offers a dynamic and engaging approach to assessments, designed to challenge you and help you apply your knowledge to real-world situations. Here are some of the key features of the assessment process:

1. Diverse Assessment Methods: The program uses a variety of assessment methods to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of your understanding and skills.
2. Feedback and Improvement: After each assessment, you will receive individual feedback via Moodle, based on the marking criteria for that assessment.
3. Project-Based Learning: The MSc Project (ENG11100) is a significant part of the assessment process.
4. Real-World Application: The assessments are designed to reflect real-world scenarios, enabling you to apply your learning in practical contexts.

Work placement

A supervised work experience, as part of final year MSc project, with our industrial partners is available: i.e. Thales, Catapult, DSTL, Leonardo, Celestia, and many more.

Facilities

Academics at Edinburgh Napier have developed a range of innovative teaching environments for students, including vSoC, SOCLAB, and LinuxZoo.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Automation and Robotics (MEC11107)

This module explores automation and robotics in industry.

Communication Electronics (ELE11115)

Free space propagation calculations appropriate to satellite and line of sight links (FSPL and noise); design of high gain and low noise amplifiers using Smith Charts; Typical system components in microstrip and waveguide; Optical fibre as a waveguide; Practical aspects of optical fibre communications: protecting fibres, connections, white noise, calculating noise and error of an optical fibre link; Dispersion and dispersion compensation schemes; Power budgeting; Optical/electrical interfacing; Optoelectronic devices.

Digital Signal Processing (ELE11101)

Fundamental aspects of digital signal processing: mathematical principle of discrete-time signals and processing, signal domains and transforms, digital filtering, filter design, filter implementation, hardware/software tools and applications.Advanced digital signal processing: adaptive signal processing, wavelet transform spectral estimation, model-based spectral estimation and applications.

Distributed Generation Systems (ELE11113)

Synchronous and induction generators and their control. Power conversion equipment.
Distribution Networks: Technical issues such as voltage changes, fault levels and calculations, earthing, power quality, stability and protection. Regulations and Codes of Practice.
Smart Grids: Network Operations, Energy Management, Information & Control Interoperability and Electrical Energy Storage.

IoT and Autonomous Systems (ELE11118)

Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging network of physical objects that connects various sensors, software, and other technologies to the Internet. The aim of this module is to learn about design and development of IoT systems, including embedded architecture of IoT, technologies and autonomous systems.

MSc Project (ENG11100)

The student will learn about important elements of project management, such as planning, control, cost, problem solving skills, report writing and defend the outcome during a viva session.

Modelling and Computation for Smart Places (ELE11117)

This module equips students with advanced skills in computational and analytical techniques essential for addressing complex engineering challenges in the design and optimization of smart places.

Network Security (CSN11111)

The aim of the module is to develop a deep understanding of advanced areas related to security and digital forensics that will allow graduates to act professionally in the design, analysis, implementation, and reporting of network security strategies.

Sustainable Energy Technologies (MEC11123)

This module will review the field of sustainability. Firstly, we will conceptualise sustainability, its history and the challenges to sustainable development.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Digital Technologies for Smart Cities?

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 2:2 or above. We look for applicants to have a background in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics or computer science in order to be eligible for the programme.

Can I get admission into Digital Technologies for Smart Cities based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience.

English language

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Admissions policies

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.

Tuition fees for 2024/25

Students from | 2024/25 | 2025/26 |
---|---|---|
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland | £7,280 | £7,650 |
Overseas and EU | £20,395 | £21,430 |

Careers

What can you do with a MSc Digital Technologies for Smart Cities degree?

In the era of urbanization, cities are the epicenters of innovation and growth. Graduates from the MSc in Digital Technologies for Smart Cities program are equipped with a unique set of skills that make them highly desirable in a variety of sectors.

• Smart City Planner
• IoT Solutions Architect
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Artificial Intelligence
• Sustainable Energy Consultant
• Data Analyst
• Automation and Robotics Engineer
• Researcher
• Project Manager
• Policy Advisor
• Entrepreneur

What does a Smart City Planner do?

As a Smart City Planner, you will utilize your strategic vision and technological expertise to shape the cities of tomorrow. In this role, you will be tasked with designing and implementing innovative solutions to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and livability in urban environments.