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MSc Systems Engineering
Find postgraduate programs in SYSTEMS ENGINEERINGWhether it is in transport, technology or defence, consumers are continually seeking new products to keep them safe, or enhance their lifestyle. Students taking a Masters in Systems Engineering will learn how to create models to try out engineering ideas, simulate tests and analyse the data to help create these new products. They will also gain an understanding of the key elements to a great design, such as ease of use, consumer experience and functionality.
The MSc Systems Engineering course is a practical course from which students should benefit from the close links to industry that universities have fostered. Most engineering projects in the modern world require multidisciplinary skills, postgraduate systems engineering course providers seek to train students in both the managerial and practical aspects of their role.
MSc Systems Engineering study modes
Postgraduate systems engineering courses are available as both full-time and part-time options – and as any applicants for are already employed in engineering the course is readily available to take part-time. Part-time students will take around two years to complete the qualification, whilst full-timers will finish in a year.
Masters in Systems Engineering study modules
Most postgraduate systems engineering courses consist of six modules, and these are broken down into four compulsory and two chosen units. Students will also have to choose and complete a research project with the help of an academic who has relevant experience. One of the key units of study in systems engineering programs is the management aspect of systems engineering. Students will have to consider how businesses can most effectively organise the distribution of staff and resources, looking at personnel logistics, driving a large project forward and completing the work to a customer’s satisfaction. Students will also learn about the entire lifecycle of a system, from its design to its disposal.
A Masters in Systems Engineering will also enable students to study their potential role in an enterprise; they will look at the chain of supply and demand as well as efficient working methods. The course is flexible and adapts to recognise the changing economic situation, this enables students to be aware of the pressures they will face when developing a new project.
There are often optional modules to allow students to focus on a specific industry. One unit will usually cover transportation systems, with reference to rail and air travel. Another specialism could be the defence industry; with the Masters in Systems Engineering investigating how human life is protected from threat or harm in the UK. A third sector of interest is the environment; where students will examine how this area differs from others in engineering. They may look at ways of sympathetic decision making, optimising a design for maximum efficiency and low carbon use.
Postgraduate Systems Engineering graduate case study
One graduate of the MSc Systems Engineering course at Cranfield University was particularly impressed with their course and its hands-on approach, explaining, “It is very research-based and technical which is nice as everyone around is either an engineer or a scientist. The course is quite broad and I think most of it is going to be useful to me. I am certainly having contact with industrial sponsors and people from industry giving lectures, which is obviously very helpful as it brings a very up-to-date focus on what is going on.”
MSc Systems Engineering applications & admissions
In terms of entry requirements, most institutions will expect applicants to have a higher second class degree or above. However, as is often the case with more vocational courses, your experience will be taken into consideration. International students will need to produce certificates to show their academic achievement at an equivalent level. If you are coming from abroad and your undergraduate qualification was not awarded by an English speaking university, you must prove your English language competency by taking a test, or show a current English certificate.
Funding your Masters in Systems Engineering
Whilst some postgraduate students have the finances available to pay their own course fees, many others will need to seek assistance with their funding. Groups such as The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council have funding available for higher academic study. However, there are many applicants and you will have to put together a persuasive proposal. Similarly, if you work in a relevant field, your employers may welcome the opportunity to put a promising staff member through a postgraduate qualification in systems engineering. Once qualified you will be an asset to their business, putting your comprehensive knowledge into practice in competitive real world situations.
Systems Engineering salaries & careers
Postgraduate Systems Engineering courses can help a student’s professional development, enabling them to apply for more specialised positions than they would previously have been qualified for. System Engineers, plan, oversee and monitor the production of large scale engineering works. This is a highly complex role, which demands not only technical excellence, but project management skills. However, many students are currently working in Systems Engineering or a similar field, they take this course in order to broaden their knowledge base and improve their managerial abilities. The Masters in Systems Engineering is tailored to the roles broad remit, becoming proficient in each discipline gives a graduate the edge, in any environment or location.
After qualifying, graduates can expect an entry level Systems Engineering salary of around £35,000 or for more experienced employees this may be closer to £42,000. However, the highest earners are those whose reputation keeps them in demand, they can earn upwards of £52,000. Systems engineering salaries will vary depending on the sector you choose to work in and the location of your employer.
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