This programme will expose students to state-of-the-art miniaturised and mobile computer systems and smart device technology. This Masters in Computer Systems Engineering will allow you to acquire the complementary hardware and software knowledge and skills required for understanding and designing such systems.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time;

Core courses

• Professional software development
• Human–computer interaction
• Digital signal processing 1
• Either Network communications technology or Computer communications 2
• MSc project.

Optional courses

• Computer communications 1
• Optical communications
• VLSI design and CAD
• Computer architecture
• Safety critical systems
• Digital communications 4
• Computer architecture and communications 4
• Analogue CMOS circuit design
• Microwave and millimetre wave circuit design
• Artificial intelligence
• Design and evaluation of multimedia systems
• Internet technology
• Modelling reactive systems
• Real time and embedded systems
• Security and cryptography.

Career prospects

Career opportunities include positions in software development, chip design, embedded system design, telecommunications, CCTV and surveillance, automation and control, aerospace, development of PC peripherals and FPGA programming, defence and services for the heavy industries: for example cooling, compressors etc.

Academic entry requirements

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent (eg GPA of 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MSc