PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MSc Systems Engineering Management
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
MSc
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
From 2007 onwards
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Space and Climate Physics
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/syseng/courses/msc-sem
Method of study:
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
Modular/Flexible
Full-Time
appropriate first degree (e.g. engineering or physical science)
2+ years experience within Industry preferred for Modular entrants
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
Modular: 2 – 5 calendar years. The compulsory project comprises
research work which may be based at an industrial or commercial
site
Full Time: 1 calendar year (from September)
Masters Level (Level 7)
N/A
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme
and
its
assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
The programme comprises 6 taught modules and 2 research
activities. Three of the taught modules are compulsory, and three
may be selected from a list of options. The taught modules are all
assessed by a written assignment and an unseen examination. The
research activities consist of a relevance portfolio (assessed by a
written assignment) and an extended research project. The project is
supervised, takes (typically) between 6 months and a year to
complete, and is assessed by a project concept report, a substantial
dissertation and research presentations.
Name of Board of Examiners:
MSc Systems Engineering Management
IET
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
2018
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The programme aims to equip the student with an integrated, interdisciplinary view of complex systems and
systems engineering; an understanding of the systems engineering process and the ability to apply this process to
a variety of real world situations; and direct experience of the process through a significant industrial project.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:

the nature and construction of
complex systems

the fundamental concepts of
systems engineering
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Small class teaching blocks, supported with case
readings, discussions, short exercises and extended
case studies.
Pre and post-class reading is provided, together with a
subject-specific bibliography for each module.

the tools and techniques used to
develop systems within a business
context

the environment within which a
major project engineering
company operates
Assessment:
The student’s grasp of the principal points covered in
each taught block will be assessed by a written
examination and by at least one piece of course work.
In addition, the student’s understanding of systems
engineering is expected to be demonstrated in the
research activities.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:

management skills necessary to
facilitate the development of
complex systems on time and
within budget

ability to recognise and manage
risk and uncertainty

ability to select appropriate
modelling techniques, construct
models and analyse them
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
The acquisition of intellectual skills will primarily be by
participation in discussion groups and syndicate
exercises, which will form a major component of each
teaching block.
Assessment:
Each teaching block will have at least one written
assignment which will be designed to test the student’s
ability to treat Systems Engineering issues in an
academic, intellectually rigorous way.
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:

apply the systems engineering
process to a variety of real world
situations

establish, define and manage the
requirements for a large, complex,
evolving system

implement the Design Process with
the Systems Engineering Lifecycle.
Although they will be introduced and discussed in the
teaching blocks the student’s principal acquisition of the
practical skills of systems engineering will be during the
project, aided by regular discussion with the academic
supervisor and industrial mentor.
Assessment:
Depending on the precise form that a student’s project
takes, acquisition of practical skills will be assessed from
the dissertation and the oral examination.
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):

write good assignments and
dissertations

understand the business process

use computers effectively for
design, analysis and
communication

present material orally

present material visually

listen and contribute to
discussions

critically study written material
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
All teaching blocks will require the preparation of at least
one piece of coursework. All teaching blocks will involve
syndicate exercises in which the student will be
expected to play and active role. These will involve
gathering, discussing and analysing information and
preparing and presenting conclusions.
Industrial and Project Awareness seminars require
students to work in autonomous groups and present
findings related to an industrial site visit or similar
research topic. SEIP research portfolio concerns the
student’s understanding of an industrial environment and
its use of the SEM syllabus, presented as a succinct
report.
The main research project (15+60 credit) requires the
preparation of two pieces of coursework and two
presentations. The research is assessed through: the
concept report (5000 words), an associated presentation
(~30 minutes) and a 12,000 word dissertation, with a
final presentation (30 minutes). The student will be
involved in discussions of project progress with both the
academic supervisor and the industrial mentor. For
students enrolled earlier than 2013, the former research
module is available, consisting of: Project Plan, MidTerm presentation, Dissertation.
Assessment:
The quality of written material will be one of the factors
considered in marking course work assignments and the
research reports.
There will be feedback to the student on all oral
presentations, and the research presentations will be
summatively marked.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-qualitycode/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Academic Director: Dr Michael Emes
Name(s):
Programme Tutor: Mr Matthew Whyndham
Date of Production:
17 December 2014
Date of Review:
17 December 2014
Date approved by Head of
Department:
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
17 December 2014
17 December 2014 (MW)
February 2015