Internet of Things MSc

Program Overview

The MSc Internet of Things program at Ulster University equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the rapidly growing field of IoT. Through a combination of coursework, hands-on experience, and industry collaboration, graduates are prepared for high-demand careers in software engineering, data science, network engineering, and more. The program is accredited by the BCS and holds the Athena Swan Bronze Award for promoting gender equality in Higher Education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The MSc Internet of Things is a specialized postgraduate program designed to prepare students for an industrial career in computing science, engineering, and data analytics. The program focuses on leading-edge knowledge in sensor technology, networks, security, pervasive computing, big data, and data mining within the IoT domain.

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the rapidly growing field of the Internet of Things.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills within the context of real-world IoT applications.
• Foster the ability to design, develop, and implement innovative solutions for real-world IoT challenges.

Program Description:

• The MSc Internet of Things is a 12-month program (full-time) or 24-month program (part-time) comprised of six compulsory modules (120 credits) and a substantial independent Master's Project (60 credits).
• Students gain access to Ulster University's multi-million pound infrastructure, including a large-scale pervasive and mobile computing environment, contemporary sensing technologies, and rapid prototyping facilities.
• The course curriculum is developed based on research conducted by the School of Computing and the School of Engineering.
• Strong industry partnerships with organizations like BT provide students with real-world learning opportunities.
• The program prepares graduates for high-demand careers across various sectors, including Smart Cities, Industrial IoT, Connected Health, and Smart Homes.

Outline:

Program Content:

The program delves into various topics, including:

• Sensor technology and networks
• IoT security
• Pervasive computing
• Big data and data mining
• Cloud computing and distributed systems
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence
• Data visualization

Program Structure:

The program is delivered through:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical sessions in computer labs
• Group work
• Independent research projects

Course Schedule:

The course schedule is typically available closer to the program start date, with lectures and practicals taking place on weekdays.

Individual Modules:

• Data Science and Machine Learning: Explores the data science process pipeline, statistical knowledge for exploratory data analysis, supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms, and practical programming skills for real-world datasets.
• Cyber Security: Examines recent advancements in cybersecurity theory and practice.
• Big Data and Infrastructure: Introduces various database and data storage paradigms, including traditional relational systems, NoSQL and object stores, time series databases, and graph stores.
• IoT Networks and Protocols: Evaluates and critically appraises IoT networking concepts, models, standards, protocols, and practical skills.
The module addresses Sustainability Development Goals, explores current and future IoT use cases, and examines the impact of IoT on citizen privacy.
• Pervasive Computing: Provides students with an in-depth understanding of pervasive computing and its applications, focusing on developing solutions for selected case studies.
The module covers emerging hardware and software components associated with Pervasive Computing Systems and examines technical and societal issues relevant to a pervasive infrastructure.
• Embedded Systems and Sensors: Explores the crucial role of embedded systems in modern communication, automotive, consumer electronics, and medical devices.

Assessment: The program utilizes a 100% coursework-based assessment, involving various methods:

• Individual assignments
• Group projects
• Presentations
• Case studies
• Final research project

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Practical sessions in computer labs
• Independent research project supervision

Faculty:

• Experienced and qualified academics with expertise in computing science, engineering, and data analytics.
• Most faculty members hold postgraduate qualifications in higher education practice and are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy.

Unique Approaches:

• Strong emphasis on hands-on experience through labs and project work.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
• Industry collaboration through guest lectures and research projects.
• International study opportunities.

Careers:

Career Options:

Graduates from the MSc Internet of Things program are well-equipped for various career options across industries, including:

• Software Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Network Engineer
• Security Analyst
• Research Scientist
• Product Manager
• Consultant

Career Opportunities:

The program prepares graduates for careers in diverse sectors, including:

• Smart Cities
• Industrial IoT
• Connected Health
• Smart Homes
• Telecommunications
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Finance

Other:

• The program is accredited by the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for Partial CITP (Chartered IT Professional) and Partial CEng (Chartered Engineer).
• The School of Computing at Ulster University holds the Athena Swan Bronze Award, actively promoting and advancing gender equality in Higher Education.
• This program is particularly appealing to female applicants, as they are currently under-represented within the School at postgraduate taught courses.

Fees Credit Points NI/ROI/GB Cost International Cost 5 £194.45 £474.70 10 £388.90 £949.40 15 £583.35 £1,424.10 20 £777.80 £1,898.80 30 £1,166.70 £2,848.20 60 £2,333.40 £5,696.40 120 £4,666.80 £11,392.80 180 £7000.20 £17,089.20 More information can be found in the Visas and Immigration section. Additional mandatory costs It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees. Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses. Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.