Foundations of Systems Engineering

Overview

This June we will be running a three-day summer school to explore fundamental concepts in systems engineering management.

Who is it aimed at?

The course is primarily aimed at those interested in signing up to a masters (MSc) in Systems Engineering Management at UCL, who want to know more about what it would be like to be a student at UCL.

We are particularly keen to encourage participation from lower-income students, who might feel they are unable to afford a full-time MSc.

Bursary scheme

On completion of the course, students will learn about the bursary scheme we are running this year, which will provide one free place on our MSc programme (usual price £16,750) and £10,000 of living expenses.

Timing and location

The course runs for three days, and is held at UCL’s main campus in Gower St from 16-18 June, 9:15am to 5:00pm each day. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day, including a buffet lunch.

Cost

The course is free of charge, supported by a government HEFCE grant aimed at widening access to higher education. You must register if you want to attend, though, as there are a limited number of places.

Programme content

Through a combination of interactive lectures, exercises and case studies, you explore the following topics:

Day 1 - Systems thinking

  • What is a system? Characteristics and examples from around the world
  • How does thinking in terms of systems help?
  • Principles of systems engineering management
  • Seeing the bigger picture - understanding the enterprise context
  • Understanding cause and effect in systems
  • Managing interfaces in a system

Subsystem System Supersystem

Day 2 - Requirements through the lifecycle

  • System, project, product and technology lifecycles
  • The importance of ‘left-shift’ - investing in the early stages of projects
  • Understanding different stakeholders - tensions and compromises
  • Requirements management
  • A systems approach to design
  • Design evolution and requirements creep

V Diagram

Day 3 - Managing risk and delivering value in complex projects

  • Understanding value
  • Perceptions of success and failure
  • Risk and decision making in complex projects
  • Balancing the roles of Systems Engineering and Project Management
  • Introduction to graduate study - taught modules and research elements
  • How to apply for the MSc programme and the bursary

Project Triangle

How to apply

Please contact Matt Whyndham:

Matthew Whyndham
UCL Centre for Systems Engineering
3 Taviton St.
London, WC1H 0BT, UK
T: +44 (0)20 7679 4522
F: +44 (0)20 7679 4911
m.whyndham@ucl.ac.uk