About this course
Develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to design and engineer the next generation of connected devices and systems on this Internet of Things master’s course. You’ll learn about key hardware and software components, and the tools and methods to protect and optimise them. The course combines elements of computer science and electronics, and is ideal if you’ve graduated from either discipline.
On this Internet of Things MSc you’ll gain knowledge and practical skills in:
- the main elements of Internet of Things (IoT) systems and how to design and build them
- embedded programming and IoT hardware components such as microprocessors, microsensors and energy harvesters
- how data moves between devices, apps and the cloud
- IoT system vulnerabilities and how to secure IoT devices and their networks against malicious attack
You’ll also have the flexibility to explore specialist IoT topics through your choice of optional modules. Typical subjects include:
- managing and analysing the data produced by IoT systems
- the architecture of embedded processors, and how to design and build them
- the design and optimisation of wireless communications systems using machine learning techniques
- the applications of modern cryptography
- signal processing and computer vision
You'll learn from researchers who are advancing IoT technologies for applications as varied as smart homes and cities, environmental monitoring, healthcare and disaster relief.
Our Electronics and Computer Science department is also home to the Centre for Internet of Things and Pervasive Systems research group. Much of the course content is informed by their work, so you’ll benefit from the latest knowledge in this field.
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Basel Halak. He is the author of 2 books and more than 60 conference and journal papers. His research interests include hardware security and reliability and fault tolerance techniques. Read Dr Halak’s staff profile to find out more about his work.
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in electronics, computer science or related subject (e.g. computer engineering, telecommunications engineering).
You must have an upper 2:1 score in the following:
- 1 maths module
- 1 programming module (C, C++, Python, Java). We also accept certificates from recognised massive open online courses (MOOCs) or other recognised paid for online courses to satisfy this programming requirement
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for a full 12 months.
For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll focus on the taught part of the course. Some of your modules will be compulsory, others we will ask you to choose from a list of options.
For the rest of the course, you’ll work independently on your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include:
- laboratory work
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- written exams
- a dissertation
Dissertation
Over the summer you’ll research and write a dissertation on a topic of your choice, to be agreed with your supervisor.
The dissertation is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show your expertise in a particular area relating to the Internet of Things.
You’ll have regular support meetings with your supervisor throughout the process.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
The knowledge and skills you’ll learn on this course are in increasing demand in almost every sector of business, industry and research.
Our graduates are employed by leading technology companies all over the world.
ECS runs a dedicated careers hub with links to more than 100 companies including:
- IBM
- Arm
- Microsoft Research
- Imagination Technologies
- Nvidia
- Samsung
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £26,850.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
