Program Overview

Introduction to the Sensor & Imaging Systems MSc Program

The Sensor & Imaging Systems MSc program is a jointly taught and awarded degree by the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. This program focuses on the technologies and techniques that underpin a vast range of societal, research, and industrial needs. It is designed for people looking to develop skills that will open up opportunities in a host of end applications.

Why this Program

This program is unique because it is delivered and awarded jointly by two top-ranking Russell Group universities. Students will benefit from the combined resources and complementary expertise of staff from both universities, working together to offer a curriculum relevant to the needs of industry. The program is also supported by CENSIS, the centre of excellence for sensing, imaging, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

Program Structure

The MSc program in Sensor & Imaging Systems lasts one year and contains a minimum of 180 credits. Students undertake a minimum of 60 credits at the University of Glasgow (semester 1) and 60 credits at the University of Edinburgh (semester 2). The remaining 60 credits will take the form of an extended MSc project, carried out on a specific aspect of theoretical, computational, or experimental aspects of Sensor and Imaging Systems.

Structure

The curriculum undertaken by each student will be flexible and tailored to the prior experience and expertise of the student, their particular research interests, and the specific nature of the extended research project topic provisionally identified at the beginning of the MSc program.

Semester 1 (University of Glasgow)

Students take 30 credits of core courses and select 30 credits of optional courses.

Core Courses

• Fundamentals of Sensing and Measurement (20 credits)
• Research Skills (10 credits)

Optional Courses

• Detection and Analysis of Ionising Radiation (10 credits)
• Circuits & Systems (10 credits)
• Digital Signal Processing (20 credits)
• Microelectronics in Consumer Products 4 (10 credits)
• Waves & Diffraction (10 credits)
• Lasers and Electro-Optic Systems 4 (10 credits)
• Nanofabrication (10 credits)

Semester 2 (University of Edinburgh)

Students take 20 credits of core courses and select 40 credits of optional courses. Please see the University of Edinburgh SIS course list for the complete and up-to-date second-semester course details.

Semester 3

A project will be conducted at either the University of Glasgow (School of Physics or School of Engineering) or the University of Edinburgh (School of Chemistry or School of Engineering).

Career Prospects

Career opportunities are extensive, with sensor systems spearheading the next wave of connectivity and intelligence for internet-connected devices. Graduates will gain an understanding of sensor-and imaging-based systems that underpin modern society and technology, making them suitable for a range of careers in areas including renewable energy, subsea and marine technologies, scientific instrumentation and measurement, defence, automotive engineering, intelligent transport, healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing and process control, consumer electronics, and environmental monitoring.

Fees & Funding

MSc

• Home & RUK: ú12,960 (full-time fee)
• International & EU: ú33,210 (full-time fee)

Fee Status

Fee status guidance is available.

Deposits

International and EU applicants are required to pay a deposit of ú2,000 when an offer is made.

Funding Opportunities

Various scholarships and funding opportunities are available, including:

• The Bseisu-University of Glasgow Scholarship
• Banco de Mexico
• The Snowdon Trust Masters Scholarship
• CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) / FUNED Agreement
• ANID (la Agencia Nacional de Investigaci¾n y Desarrollo)
• University of Glasgow African Excellence Award
• University of Glasgow Caribbean Excellence Award
• World Changers Glasgow Scholarship
• Global Leadership Scholarship
• GREAT Scholarships 2026
• The Humanitarian Scholarship
• Chevening Scholarship
• India Excellence Award
• Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans
• Postgraduate Student Loan (Scotland and EU)
• Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students
• Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans England only (PTFL)
• Colfuturo Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia
• Commonwealth Scholarship Schemes
• DAAD-University of Glasgow 1-year Masters grant
• Sanctuary Scholarships
• Alumni Discount
• The Clan Gregor Society Prize
• Travel Bursary for Forced Migrants
• The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
• Glasgow Highland Society Scholarship

Entry Requirements

• 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Physics, Electronic and Electrical Engineering with at least 1 credit-bearing module in Electromagnetism and Waves/Diffraction/Optics and Modern Physics at an average grade of pass.
• English language requirements: IELTS Academic and Academic Online (not General Training) with 6.5 overall and no subtest less than 6.0.

Accepted Modules

We normally accept the following modules to meet the credit-bearing module requirement:

• Electromagnetism
• Modern Physics
• Waves/Diffraction/Optics

Prerequisite Experience Needed

Assumed knowledge for the core courses in this degree includes basic mathematics for physics, single and multi-variable calculus, trigonometry, complex numbers, vectors, vector calculus, Taylor and Fourier series, Fourier transforms, introductory scientific computing, and familiarity with basic optics.

English Language Requirements

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. Accepted English language qualifications include IELTS, TOEFL, Pearsons PTE Academic, Cambridge Proficiency in English, and Oxford English Test.

How to Apply

To apply for a postgraduate taught degree, you must apply online. Please check you meet the entry requirements for this program before you begin your application. You will need to submit supporting documents, including a copy of your official degree certificate, academic transcript, English language test results (if applicable), and one reference letter.

Application Deadlines

The University has an application process with application rounds, recognizing that different geographical areas complete and submit their applications at different times of the year. The application rounds are:

• Round 1: 1 October 2025 to 5 November 2025
• Round 2: 6 November 2025 to 17 December 2025
• Round 3: 18 December 2025 to 4 February 2026
• Round 4: 5 February 2026 to 25 March 2026
• Round 5: 26 March 2026 to 13 May 2026
• Round 6: 14 May 2026 to 8 July 2026

All applications submitted by 17 December 2025 will be reviewed and processed normally, with no priority given to any geographic region. From 18 December 2025, priority will be given to applications from geographic areas that have been unable to submit applications before that point.