Program Overview

MSc Internet of Things with AI

Overview

Machine learning, sensor networks, and the Internet of Things are pivotal in driving the latest industrial revolution, often referred to as Industry 4.0. These rapidly evolving technologies are creating a significant skills gap that needs to be bridged to keep pace with development and maintenance demands. This specialised MSc program in Internet of Things (IoT) with AI is designed to cultivate experts in designing and deploying sophisticated IoT systems enhanced with smart machine learning algorithms. The comprehensive programme promotes a thorough grasp of IoT frameworks, computer networks and their security, communication standards, and data analysis, as well as mastery in machine learning methodologies, including neural networks, both supervised and unsupervised learning, and deep learning strategies.

You will gain practical skills by directly interacting with cutting-edge IoT platforms and machine learning applications, preparing you to create innovative, data-driven solutions for modern challenges. The programme also emphasises the ethical and secure management of IoT data, with a commitment to privacy, responsible innovation, and compliance with regulatory standards.

By blending academic theory with practical exercises, this programme aims to prepare you for a variety of roles across multiple industries, such as smart urban development, healthcare, and industrial automation. The curriculum is also designed to foster a culture of continuous learning and flexibility, positioning graduates to lead in the adoption of new technological trends within their professional endeavours as outlined in the Bristol Futures Curriculum Framework as follows:

• The programme prepares you to be a leader in your field by fostering an innovative mindset and encouraging you to stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, ensuring your continued relevance. (Inspiring and Innovative)
• The programme integrates knowledge from various academic disciplines, encouraging you to think broadly and draw connections across different fields, thereby developing both hard and soft skills and promoting lifelong learning. (Intellectually Stimulating, and Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary)
• The curriculum includes hands-on projects that enable you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, gaining valuable insights and experience that are directly relevant to your future career. (Personal Development and Sense of Belonging)
• Developing effective communication and collaboration skills fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, helping you feel connected to your peers and the academic community. (Sense of Belonging)
• You are encouraged to consider global challenges and opportunities, as well as ethical considerations and social responsibility within an inclusive environment in technological advancements and their implementation. (Global and Civic Engagement and Sense of Belonging)

Key Information

• Programme duration: One year full-time.
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline:
  • Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025
  • Home applicants: 8 August 2025
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: MSc

Programme Structure

The programme is designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience, combining structured learning with independent self-study, preparing students for careers in the IoT industry. The units in the programme will cover essential topics for aspiring IoT engineers, providing a comprehensive foundation. The teaching process is designed to cultivate independent learning, enabling students to adapt to new and emerging concepts in this fast-growing discipline. Emphasis will be given on critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application through these units.

The programme offers students the chance to enhance their analytical, communication, and experimental abilities. Throughout the programme, students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in scientific writing, oral presentations, teamwork, problem-solving, utilisation of library and internet resources, and time management. Formative assessments and small-group tutorials will encourage students to actively seek and appreciate constructive feedback to enhance their self-awareness. Each student will be matched with a dedicated personal tutor who will provide both academic and pastoral support, engage in ongoing progress discussions, offer guidance on project selection, and assist students in navigating career choices.

Entry Requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in one of the following subjects:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Communications Engineering
• Computer Networks
• Computer Science and Technologies
• Computer Systems Engineering
• Electronic and Electrical Engineering
• Information and Communications Technologies
• Information Engineering
• Microelectronic Engineering Telecommunications

Other Engineering and numerate Science degrees may be considered where a UK minimum score of 60% (or international equivalent) is achieved in five modules from the following:

• Analog Electronic Circuits
• Communication networks
• Computer programming
• Digital Electronics Circuits
• Digital Signal Processing
• Electromagnetic fields and waves
• Electronic circuits
• Internet technology
• Microelectronics
• Microprocessors
• Principles of Communications
• Semiconductor devices
• Signals and Systems

Unfortunately, applicants with an Engineering background in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Chemical Engineering will not be considered suitable for this programme.

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.

We will also consider your application if your grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if you have at least one of the following:

• Evidence of significant, relevant work experience with a minimum of 12 months (full or part-time equivalent) in an Engineering field as a Communications Network Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Electronics Design Engineer, or Research Engineer.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant qualification.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Admissions Statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time: £18,400 per year
• Overseas: full-time: £35,800 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni Discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and Scholarships

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career Prospects

This programme covers the technical, analytical and soft skills required for an IoT engineer and students would likely go on to careers as:

• IoT Engineer
• AI/Machine Learning Engineer
• IoT Solutions Architect
• Data Scientist/Analyst
• Embedded Systems Engineer
• Research Scientist
• Network Engineer
• Cloud Engineer

World-Leading Research

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Full REF 2021 results.