Smart Manufacturing Systems (with or without Applied Research)

Entry requirements

Applicants must:

(a) have gained:

(i) a second class honours degree or better in the subject area of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline, 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 has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or

(ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification and the qualification must be in the subject area 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).

In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b), where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Five core technologies that are essential to raise the development of manufacturing and productivity to the levels required in the next 50 years are; Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automation, internet of things (IoT) and industrial digital technologies (IDTs). The vast majority of industrial and commercial organisations in N. Ireland are substantially under-prepared for the challenges presented by these advances in technology and will need significant support to develop the capability and capacity to survive, compete internationally with innovative products while extracting greatly increased efficiencies from their processes. Smart Manufacturing Systems draws on each of these 5 key enablers to provide a platform for development where intelligent factories become the norm with connectivity data and IDTs at the heart of the workplace.

Within Northern Ireland, there is a requirement to focus on research and teaching development of the integration of the five key technologies which are crucial for future industrialisation. This MSc has been designed to provide tutelage in each of the key areas for industrial manufacture including, but not limited to robotics, automation and internet of things technologies, CAD/CAM, process management and the application of AI/machine learning in industry and business. The course provides an opportunity for the support of transfer of skills and expertise to company staff. It will be a location for them to re-train their staff in IDTs and become enabled, competent and confident in IDTs.

Information for international students

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.