MSc Smart Manufacturing Systems
About
The MSc in Smart Manufacturing Systems is a collaboration between the school of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, and the Department of Global Business and Enterprise in the Ulster Business School; both are based at the Derry- campus. The overall aim of the course is to provide postgraduate education and training in the concepts and methods within the area of manufacturing and mechanical engineering with the application of industrial robotics, data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI)/ machine learning to meet the needs of manufacturing in Industry 4.0.
The programme aims to equip students with expert knowledge across multi-disciplines in both the underlying science and application of manufacturing and mechanical engineering with the computing topics of intelligent data analytics and robotics. In addition, the programme develops knowledge and skills to understand the nature of the global business environment and global business operations. Therefore, the MSc Smart Manufacturing Systems seeks to provide develop the human resources to provide pathways to develop innovative products and manufacturing processes allowing existing companies to increase productivity and establish new business by remaining competitive through the use of the emerging digital and smart manufacturing technologies in their operations.
Campus
Derry~Londonderry
Start Date
September 2025
Delivery
This programme will be taught in six 20-credit modules with a 60-credit point research project at the end. This course will be offered as a Full-Time (F/T) and a Part-Time (P/T) which will be campus based (Derry~Londonderry) with blended learning.
Term Dates
- In full-time, students will complete the three 20-credit modules between September 25 – May 26
- In part-time, students will complete the three 20-credit modules between September 25 – December 26
Contact us
If you have any queries about the course, please email us: sceis@ulster.ac.uk
Modules
The Global Business in Context
Businesses now operate in a globalised, highly connected multi-layered business environment that presents many challenges, and is typified by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity to the firm. As the leaders/managers and decision makers of the future, this module will help students understand key concepts and current trends in Global Business, prepare for work in multi-layered environments, and to understand the need for flexibility and adaptability, both in the domestic and regional and global contexts.
Business Intelligence and Analytics
This module aims to contextualise the role of Business Intelligence and Business Analytics and why we need them. A particular focus will be on how to turn already stored data into valuable information and why this is important. For instance, vast amounts of data regarding company's customers and operations is routinely collected and stored in large corporate data warehouses. This data can be of immense value if properly analysed. Students will explore techniques and tools for data analysis, and presentation of the results to non-technical and managerial staff, in alignment with business strategies. Business intelligence and analytics however, are open to certain ethical and consent issues along with risks. These will be analysed, reviewed and evaluated.
Data Science Foundations
The focus of this module is to present an understanding of key data science concepts, tools and programming techniques. Within the arena of data science, the theory behind the approaches of statistics, modelling and machine learning will be introduced emphasising their importance and application to data analysis. The notion of investigative and research skills will also be introduced through a number of problem-solving exercises. The material covered will be contextualised by providing examples of the latest research within the area. Students will also be introduced to programming with Python. They will learn the basics of syntax, and how to configure their development environment for the implementation and testing of algorithms related to data science.
Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Robotics
This module provides the student with the ability to devise and direct the specification and installation of advanced manufacturing processes compliant with Industry 4.0 principles within an engineering company.
Smart Factories
This module provides an overview of modern manufacturing management and manufacturing improvement techniques. State of the art industrial automation machines, processes and the use of Internet of Things will be analysed to identify where these resources could be applied to current industrial process to improve automation. Theoretical and practical exercises will provide the student with the required knowledge to apply their skills to real world industrial based applications.
Computer Aided Engineering and Manufacturing
The module develops the area of Manufacturing and the impacts that Computer Aided systems have on productivity and realisation of advanced design and manufacture techniques on the current industrial scene. The development of skills in this area will promote the Industry 4.0 principles and will provide the opportunity for integration of such in the current manufacturing industry.
Masters Project (Research)
The aim of the project is to allow the student to demonstrate their ability in undertaking an independent research project for developing theoretical perspectives, addressing research questions using data, or analysing and developing real world solutions. They will be expected to utilise appropriate methodologies and demonstrate the skills gained earlier in the course when implementing the project.
As part of the project development activity they will be required to extract and demonstrate knowledge from the literature in an analytic manner and develop ideas. This may involve the collection of primary or secondary data and the qualitative or quantitative analysis of the data and/ or current industrial process.
In summary the masters project represents a piece of work performed by the student under suitable staff supervision which draws both from the practical and creative nature of a problem-solving project and the traditional, scholarly exposition of an area of study. The content of the work must be original and contain a critical appraisal of the subject area.
Academic Entry Requirements
Applicants must:
- (a) have gained
- (i) an Honours or non-Honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or
- (ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification; and
- the qualification must be in the subject areas of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline;
and
- (b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent);
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are over 18 years of age;
- are eligible to work in Northern Ireland;
- are ‘settled’ in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or
- are a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK.
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements