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Systems Engineering for the Internet of Things MSc

London, Stratford (UCL East)

Prepare for a career as an innovator by combining technical and entrepreneurial skills in sensor systems to solve real-world problems. This one-year Master's integrates electronics, programming, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT) with entrepreneurship. Gain hands-on experience from idea generation to prototyping and deployment, robotics and AI.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£20,500
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£39,800
Duration
1 calendar year
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 04 Apr 2025

Applications closed

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

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.) Additionally, applicants should 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. Applicants must show an interest in developing creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree



The fast-growing IoT field faces challenges from the interaction of digital and physical processes. This programme prepares you to become an expert in IoT, suitable for industries such as manufacturing, consumer electronics, security, mining, design, transport, exploration, and healthcare. 

This programme combines academic expertise in Systems Engineering for the Internet of Things with insights from industry experts and real-world customers. Hands-on experience is central to this degree, with multiple projects throughout the programme. 

You will gain a core understanding of designing, deploying, and using distributed sensors and actuators in the real world, along with entrepreneurial skills and practical experience.

You will also learn about laws, regulations, customer needs, and societal implications, providing a comprehensive understanding of innovations in sensor systems.

Taught at the new UCL East campus in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this programme offers a modern learning environment that embraces an ethos of community and innovation. The campus and surrounding area are equipped with sensor systems, offering unique learning opportunities in this cutting-edge location.

Who this course is for

This programme is ideal for those starting a career in research or development or taking up positions within industry. It requires a broad range of skills, from designing and deploying IoT sensor systems to leading the creation of IoT services. 

These skills are sought after in industries such as manufacturing, consumer electronics, security, mining, design, transport, exploration, and healthcare.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

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.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

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 to be equipped with the technical and entrepreneurial skills 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.

You'll be particularly 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.

Employability

Graduates will be equipped with a broad range of skills, knowledge, and experience needed by employers. You'll have in-depth knowledge of sensor systems, embedded networked systems, and responsible system design, along with an understanding of socio-technical frameworks, privacy, security, ethical, and legal issues. 

You'll also develop the ability to identify real-world problems, consider business and marketing strategies, collaborate in teams, and communicate complex ideas clearly. What's more, hands-on experience with numerous deployments during the degree ensures you can bring practical and innovative ideas to employers.

Networking

You’ll have regular opportunities to connect, collaborate and network with peers and members of academia and industry as part of your Master’s, particularly through collaborative project work and research seminars.

  • As a student and later as a graduate, you will have access to a UCL Careers events programme, connecting you with employers and alumni. This programme provides invaluable insight into the reality of different roles, sectors, and current application processes.  
  • UCL also has a large number of clubs and societies, which can be an effective way to connect with peers who share similar interests and career goals.  
  • Be part of a university where entrepreneurial minds thrive. Our academic and industrial networks provide a safe and supportive environment if you want to grow your own company. 
  • London’s Tech scene is vibrant and has regular networking events.

Teaching and learning

This programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, lab classes. Your self-directed learning is supported by online resources. Hands-on work is a key element of this programme, and practical classes and workshops are integrated throughout the curriculum. 

You will be assessed through various methods, including coursework, individual and group projects, exams, and a final research project/dissertation.

For full-time students, typical contact hours are approximately 16-20 contact  hours per teaching week, depending on module selections and timetabling. These contact hours include lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, office hours and other events.

Outside of these sessions, students are expected to engage in significant self-directed study and complete assessments. Formal teaching and self-directed study together amount to a workload comparable to a full-time job, roughly 35-40 hours per week in total.

Modules

The Systems Engineering for the Internet of Things MSc is a one-year programme.

In Term 1, you will develop a technical background in embedded system design and real-world deployment of multi-agent systems, using existing UCL East deployments to guide your learning. You will apply technical knowledge to a hands-on two-term group project focussed on designing, implementing and deploying an IoT system.

In Term 2, you will study system thinking and entrepreneurship, continue your work on designing sensor systems, and choose from a range of optional and elective topics. You will also begin preparation for your final research project/ dissertation.

In Term 3, you will focus on any examinations that take place in the main examination period and undertake your final research project/dissertation.

Compulsory modules








Optional modules






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. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Systems Engineering for the Internet of Things.

Fieldwork

There will be fieldtrips as part of Inclusive Design and Environments (COMP0153) (subject to UCL safety regulations.)

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £20,500
Tuition fees (2025/26) £39,800

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students will require a modern computer (PC or Mac) with minimum specifications of 8GB RAM and 500GB SSD storage with a camera and microphone. However, we recommend at least 16GB RAM and 0.5-1 TB SSD storage. If you are considering undertaking a machine learning project, there will be computational capability available to you from within the Computer Science department, but you may nevertheless find it helpful to have a capable GPU in addition to the above.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

For more information about funding opportunities for UCL Computer Science taught postgraduate programmes, please see the department's scholarships webpage.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 26 June 2025
Value: Tuition fees plus £16,000 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver. Your application will be judged entirely on the evidence you provide.

Your personal statement should include:

  • why you want to study Systems Engineering for the Internet of Things at taught postgraduate level.
  • why you want to study Systems Engineering for the Internet of Things at UCL.
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme.
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this programme.
  • what mathematics experience you have, to meet the requirements of the programme.
  • what programming experience you have.
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree.

Due to competition for places on this programme, no late applications will be considered. Students with visa requirements or applying for scholarships are advised to apply early.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Computer Science
Computer Science

cs.pgt-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

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