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

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

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.

PDF

Download 2021-22 programme specification

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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 all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score: 6.5
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

You must study the following modules:

Foundations of Embedded IoT Systems

This module explores the devices, technologies and software that enable embedded Internet of Things (IoT) systems. Typical architectures of IoT systems are introduced, including microcontrollers and sensors. We consider how these systems operate, are prog...

IoT Networks

Computer networking is a core technology of the internet of things; without it, ‘things’ would be unable to communicate with each other or report data. This module is concerned with how IoT device network with each other, from the structure and purpose of...

MSc Project

Your research project will enable you to explore in depth some aspect of your specialist subject area. You will be allocated a project supervisor with whom you will meet and agree a project brief and plan. These must be submitted to, and agreed by, ...

Research Methods and Project Preparation

The Module will prepare students for the summer Research Project and research based coursework exercises. It will give students a grounding in the research methods and techniques necessary in order for planning and successful execution and completion of t...

Secure Hardware and Embedded Devices

This course covers security and trust of hardware and embedded devices, with a particular focus on the emerging security challenges facing the internet of things technology. It includes the following topics: vulnerabilities in current digital system desig...

You must also choose from the following modules:

Biologically Inspired Robotics

This module lies at the intersection of robotics and biology. Through the abstraction of design principles from biological systems, it is possible to develop a range of core competences, including mechatronic systems, sensor and actuator technologies. By ...

Biometrics

Biometrics is about how we can recognise people automatically, by personal characteristic. We all have fingerprints and faces - and they are unique. We have to sense the information, process it and then deliver an assessment of the identity associated wit...

Cryptography

This module covers the mathematics, techniques, and applications of modern cryptography. We will look at the history of code making and code breaking, and draw lessons for the future from the mistakes and successes of the past. We will also give a gentle ...

Embedded Processors

This module gives a broad introduction to application-specific processor system design and illustrates the use of such processors in the broader context of complex digital systems. A significant portion of the module assessment is coursework where stud...

Machine Learning for Wireless Communications

The aim of the module is to introduce students to the fundamentals of machine learning and then to apply the advanced machine learning principles for the design and optimisation of wireless communications systems and mobile networks. Recently, the rese...

Mobile Applications Development

More and more people are using increasingly powerful mobile devices as their primary means of obtaining information and requesting services over the Internet. The shift from traditional personal computers (desktops and laptops) to mobile devices (Smart ph...

Open Data Innovation

Open data, pitched as the raw material of the new industrial revolution, holds great promise, but how do you exploit this new resource? This course is specifically designed to give students a greater understanding on how to innovate with open data. This ...

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
Google

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.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

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.