Prepare for a career as an innovator who can combine the technical and entrepreneurial aspects of sensor systems to help solve real-world problems.
About this programme

This programme harnesses the power of academic expertise in Engineering for the Internet of Things and brings it together with perspectives from industry experts and real-world customers.
First-hand experience is central to this degree, and you will undertake multiple projects throughout the programme, putting technical skills into practice from the start.
You will also get to grips with topics such as laws, regulations and limitations, customer needs and implications for society, providing you with an understanding of the wider context to innovations in sensor systems.
Taught at the brand new, purpose-designed UCL East campus in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this programme brings you a modern learning environment that embraces an ethos of community and innovation.
With sensor systems designed into the UCL East campus and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park more broadly, you will have direct access to one-of-a-kind learning opportunities in this leading-edge location.
Why study this programme?
This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities:
- Recognition from a top-ranked university: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2025), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide. Additionally, UCL was named the Times and Sunday Times University of the Year 2024.
- High-quality education from leading experts: Learn from world-renowned academics who are at the forefront of computer science innovation. UCL Computer Science is recognised for its research excellence, ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
- Real-world experience through project work: Apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings with a substantial research project. Many of these projects are conducted in collaboration with industry partners via the IXN Industry Exchange Network, giving you valuable hands-on experience and industry insights.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities: Study at UCL’s cutting-edge campus, UCL East — home to the Intelligent Robotics Lab and the Innovation Lab, featuring advanced manufacturing equipment, electronics testing areas and a motion capture system.
- Enhanced research skills: The research-based components of the programme will equip you with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing you for potential doctoral studies or research-intensive roles in industry.
- Integrated technical and business skills: Develop expertise in embedded system design and multi-agent systems deployment, while understanding socio-technical considerations and engaging with stakeholders. Learn to select appropriate technologies, challenge mainstream design thinking, and gain essential business skills for planning, funding, and marketing products.
Modules
Compulsory modules
- Technology Entrepreneurship
- Modelling and Designing Embedded Systems
- Real-world Multi-agent Systems
- Designing Sensor Systems
- System Thinking through Speculative Design
- MSc Systems Engineering for the Internet of Things Project
Optional modules may include:
- Inclusive Design and Environments
- Innovation for a Fairer World
- Estimation and Control
- Machine Learning for Robotics
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment, and module content and availability are subject to change.
Who is the programme for?
Entry requirements
This programme is for you if:
- you have a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree (or international qualification of an equivalent standard) in electronic and electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field (e.g., engineering mathematics; engineering physics; information systems; mathematics and computing; data science; electronics);
- you have some experience of programming languages such as C, C++, Python, or Java, and should have some experience with algebra, numerical analysis, probability, or statistics;
- you have an interest in developing creative thinking and problem-solving skills;
- you are looking to pursue a successful career in research, development or within industry, particularly in areas such as manufacturing, consumer electronics, security, mining, design, transport, exploration and healthcare.
Employability
As a graduate of the Systems Engineering for the Internet of Things MSc programme, you will be equipped with a broad range of skills, knowledge, and experience employers need. As well as in-depth knowledge about sensor systems, embedded networked systems and the application of responsible system design, you will also understand socio-technical frameworks and how to account for privacy, security, ethical, moral and legal issues throughout the idea to deployment process.
A core element of this programme is developing the ability to identify real-world problems by working closely with possible customers and stakeholders. The ability to think broadly about the context and knock-on effects when engineering design thinking is applied to the environment is critical to many modern employers. The aptitude to consider business and marketing strategies, collaborate in teams and express complex ideas clearly are also key takeaway skills from this programme.
With hands-on experience of setting up numerous deployments during the degree, you will also be able to bring practical and innovative ideas about sensor systems to employers.
Career destinations
As this programme admitted its first cohort of students in September 2023, graduate destination information is not yet available. However, we expect graduates of this programme will be equipped with the technical and entrepreneurial skills to be able to work in the deep tech world, whether you wish to set up your own start-up or work with an existing company in the world of technology and innovation.
In particular, you will be well-equipped to apply for technical management roles, where you can use your knowledge to advise companies and organisations on what is possible and feasible from a technical perspective.
Register below to receive further information.
To see full information about this programme, including its structure, detailed module descriptions, fees and funding, full entry requirements and more, please visit the UCL Graduate Prospectus