This programme will expose students to state-of-the-art minaturesed 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.

• This programme is highly flexible and you will be able to tailor your studies to your own interests.
• If you are a computer engineering graduate, this programme will enhance your knowledge; if you are an electronic engineering graduate you can focus on developing your software skills; or if you are computer science graduate you can focus on developing your hardware skills.
• This programme is taught jointly by the School of Engineering and the School of Computing Science.
• An extended project is an integral part of the MSc programme: many of these  are linked to industry while others are related to research in either of the participating Schools.
• In the most recent independent review of research quality (RAE 2008), electrical & electronic engineering and computer science & informatics at Glasgow were rated in the UK’s top ten.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time; up to 60 months part-time
• PgDip: 9 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 communication 4
• Computer architecture and communications 4
• Digital signal processing 2
• 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. 

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent (eg GPA of 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject.

English language

If your first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. See English Language Requirements.

The online application is the quickest and easiest way of applying to the University of Glasgow. The system allows you to fill out the standard application form online and submit this to the University immediately. You can also attach supporting documents including references, certificates and a transcript of previous studies. You will find instructions throughout the online form to help you complete your application. You may save and return to your application as many times as you wish before submitting it.

See: How to apply for a taught degree