Postgraduate - Glasgow Caledonian University

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MSc/PgD Embedded Systems Design
Contact: Admissions & Marketing Co-ordinator
E: seccourses@gcal.ac.uk
T: +44(0)141 331 3277
W: www.caledonian.ac.uk/sec
Embedded systems play an important role in modern society. They are products that contain
computing capabilities but which are not in themselves computers and they may be found
throughout a wide spectrum of applications. From the leisure industry to office systems,
healthcare to telecommunications, such diverse products as interactive multimedia, printers,
kitchen appliances, mobile phones, engine management units and medical equipment
are examples of embedded systems. Engineering challenges abound in the design and
development of such innovative products due to the system level integration of hardware
and software. As they become more complex and ‘time to market’ shrinks, there is increasing
need for skill and creativity on the part of the embedded system engineer.
The MSc in Embedded Systems Design provides students with knowledge of real-time software
requirements and signal processing techniques, the electronic hardware upon which such software
runs and the skills required to manage the complex processes involved in the design of state-of the-art
embedded systems.
The use of industry-standard tools and techniques provides the student with desirable skills that
are much sought after by employers. As the number of embedded systems continues to grow, there is
considerable worldwide demand for engineers with the skills to design and develop embedded systems
successfully.
There is the opportunity to develop a balance of practical and theoretical skills relating to the design
of embedded systems and their implementation and is equally suited both for newly qualified engineers
and for those practising engineers seeking to update and extend their knowledge. This programme is
designed to meet the educational requirements for Chartered Engineers as specified by the professional
engineering bodies.
The MSc project provides an opportunity for the student to study in depth an area of embedded
systems design while applying the skills and knowledge gained on the programme. All projects are
industrially or research based.
Each module is delivered sequentially, typically as a one week short course, followed by further
structured laboratories, tutorials and directed learning that allow for the assimilation of the material.
The normal entry requirement for the programme is a minimum of a second class Honours degree
from a UK university in a suitable Electronic Engineering discipline, or a relevant degree from a recognised
overseas university/institution. For mature candidates, equivalence to an Honours Degree may be
demonstrated through the university procedures for the accreditation of prior learning.
For mature candidates, equivalence to an Honours degree may be demonstrated through the
university’s procedures for the Recognition of Prior Informal Learning (RPL).
Mode of Study & Duration:
Full-time PgD: Nine months
Full-time MSc: One year
Part-time MSc: Two years
Number of Places:
10
UK/EU Fees & Funding:
SAAS funding may be available.
Please contact the programme administator
for further details. £3,315 (2008/09 fees)
Application:
Download a form from our website on
www.caledonian.ac.uk/postgrad
For further information, see page 124 or use
the paper form at the back of this prospectus
Assessment:
Either 100% coursework or a combination
of coursework and written examination,
depending on module content
Programme Structure:
Core Modules: Embedded Systems
Application Development 1; Embedded
Systems Applications Development 2;
Realtime Digital Signal Processing; Digital
Communications; Research & Project
Methods; Wireless Technologies for
Pervasive Systems; Technology &
Environmental Management; Ethics &
Technology; MSc Project
International Students:
International students whose first language
is not English shall be required to
demonstrate evidence of satisfactory
competence by completing an IELTS test
with a score of at least 6.0 (with no single
element below 5.5) or by holding another
recognised qualification. See page 12 for
details
Overseas Fees:
£11,000 (2009 fees)
Scholarships:
Partial scholarships are available and
applicants will be advised of these
arrangements upon receipt of an offer