The program aims to utilize the experience of professionals (with backgrounds as industrialists, entrepreneurs, consultants, or innovators) to enhance teaching and learning as well as students’ employability and skills while strengthening external partnerships with the industry. Examples of industry players involved in this program include Leonardo UK, Catapult, Thales Group, Ineos Chemicals Grangemouth, Curvalux, PtlElectronics, NCR, Engineered Foam Products, Elite Controls, Peacock Technology, and many more.

Graduates from the MSc in Digital Technologies for Smart Cities program are equipped with a unique set of skills that make them highly desirable in a variety of sectors. Here are some potential career paths:

• Smart City Planner: With a deep understanding of digital technologies and their applications in urban environments, graduates could work with city governments or consulting firms to plan and implement smart city initiatives.
• IoT Solutions Architect: Given the program's focus on the Internet of Things, graduates could design and implement IoT solutions for businesses and cities, improving efficiency and quality of life.
• Cybersecurity Analyst: With modules dedicated to network security, graduates could work to protect the digital infrastructure of smart cities from cyber threats.
• Sustainable Energy Consultant: Graduates could use their knowledge of sustainable energy technologies to advise companies and governments on how to make their operations more environmentally friendly.
• Data Analyst: With skills in digital signal processing modelling and computation for smart places, graduates could analyze data from smart city technologies to inform decision-making processes.
• Automation and Robotics Engineer: Given the program's focus on automation and robotics, graduates could design and implement automated systems for various industries.
• Researcher: With the program's strong emphasis on research, graduates could continue in academia or private research institutions, contributing to the development of new technologies and strategies for smart cities.
• Project Manager: With experience in managing complex projects, graduates could oversee the implementation of smart city initiatives, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Policy Advisor: Graduates could work with government agencies or NGOs, using their understanding of smart cities to inform policy decisions.
• Entrepreneur: With a comprehensive understanding of digital technologies for smart cities, graduates could start their own companies, creating innovative solutions to urban challenges.

These are just a few examples. The skills and knowledge gained from the MSc in Digital Technologies for Smart Cities program are highly transferable and in demand, opening up a world of opportunities for graduates.

Work placement

A supervised work experience, as part of a final year MSc project, with our industrial partners is available: i.e. Thales, Catapult, DSTL, Leonardo, Celestia, and many more. The experience is intended to develop overall graduate skills/expertise and employability. The School has committed resources to developing employment opportunities in conjunction with Student and Academic Services.

This experience takes place in Trimester 3, conditional upon the student being accepted by an employer on an approved work-based placement. This must be established in Trimester 1 by consultation with the academic supervisor and the employer. Students on this pathway are given an enhanced MSc experience through the provision of additional personal and professional development focussed on a successful placement application.

The MSc in Digital Technologies for Smart Cities program offers a comprehensive set of modules that are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the field. Here are the modules included in the program:

1. Automation and Robotics (MEC11107 ): This module focuses on the principles and applications of automation and robotics, which are key components of smart cities.
2. Modelling and Computation for Smart Places (ELE11117 ): This new module is designed to equip students with the skills needed to model and compute data for smart places.
3. IoT and Autonomous System (ELE11118 ): Another new module, focuses on the Internet of Things (IoT ) and autonomous systems, both of which are integral to the functioning of smart cities.
4. Distributed Generation Systems (ELE11113 ): This module covers the principles and applications of distributed generation systems, which are crucial for the energy management of smart cities.
5. Communication Electronics (ELE11515 ): This module delves into the electronics that enable communication within smart cities.
6. Sustainable Energy Technologies (MEC11123 ): This module focuses on the sustainable energy technologies that power smart cities.
7. Digital Signal Processing (ELE11101 ): This module covers the principles and applications of digital signal processing.
8. Network Security (CSN11111 ): This module focuses on the security aspects of network systems, a crucial aspect of maintaining the integrity of smart cities.
9. MSc Project (ENG11100 ): This module allows students to undertake a project that showcases the skills and knowledge they have acquired throughout the program. students will be supervised by academics and will undertake projects focusing on the development of solutions to digital technologies and smart cities problems, within an industry environment. The students will be encouraged to focus on academic or business-related topics showing their overall understanding of the degree material. Each student’s project topic will be individually established dependent on their professional interests or background. The aim is for students to gather requirements from industry, business, or research to ensure their project is relevant to current practices.

In addition to these modules, the program offers comprehensive support for students in academic skills, language skills, and mathematics skills.

All the Module Leaders (and the Programme Leader himself) are research-active and committed to delivering research. The program also offers work placement opportunities and industry projects for students to gain practical experience. This includes the possibility for students to contribute to active research and teaching activities, such as the Housing Construction and Infrastructure (HCl) Skills Gateway program, funded by the Scottish Government.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

• Automation and Robotics ( MEC11107 )
• Communication Electronics ( ELE11115 )
• Digital Signal Processing ( ELE11101 )
• Distributed Generation Systems ( ELE11113 )
• IoT and Autonomous Systems ( ELE11118 )
• MSc Project ( ENG11100 )
• Modelling and Computation for Smart Places ( ELE11117 )
• Network Security ( CSN11111 )
• Sustainable Energy Technologies ( MEC11123 )

*These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Assessments

The MSc in Digital Technologies for Smart Cities program offers a dynamic and engaging approach to assessments, designed to challenge you and help you apply your knowledge to real-world situations. Here are some of the key features of the assessment process:

Diverse Assessment Methods: The program uses a variety of assessment methods to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of your understanding and skills. These include case studies, participation, class tests, portfolios, dissertations, digital exams, practical exams, essays, presentations, reports, and more. This variety not only keeps the assessment process interesting but also allows you to showcase your strengths in different areas.

Feedback and Improvement: After each assessment, you will receive individual feedback via Moodle, based on the marking criteria for that assessment. This feedback, provided within three working weeks of the hand-in date, will help you understand your performance and identify areas for improvement. In addition, general feedback will be issued to the class, enabling you to compare and contrast your performance with that of your peers.

Project-Based Learning: The MSc Project (ENG11100 ) is a significant part of the assessment process. In this project, you will focus on developing solutions to digital technologies and smart city problems. The project topic will be individually established based on your professional interests or background. The project incorporates elements such as a literature review, a research methodology, the development of the solution using appropriate tools and techniques, an evaluation of the solution, and a face-to-face viva voce.

Real-World Application: The assessments are designed to reflect real-world scenarios, enabling you to apply your learning in practical contexts. This approach not only enhances your understanding of the subject matter but also prepares you for the challenges you may face in your future career.

Continuous Learning: The program encourages continuous learning and improvement. The assessments are not just about grading your performance but also about helping you develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of digital technologies for smart cities.

This full-time course will take up to a year (18 months if you are a January start) to complete and will be structured to support the student through their journey. You’ll learn through a variety of teaching methods including lectures, guest lectures, tutorials, and independent study.