Providing professionals with expert, multi-discipline knowledge in the principles and application of Smart Manufacturing.
Five core technologies that are essential to raise the development of manufacturing and productivity to the levels required in the next 50 years are; Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automation, internet of things (IoT) and industrial digital technologies (IDTs). The vast majority of industrial and commercial organisations in N. Ireland are substantially under-prepared for the challenges presented by these advances in technology and will need significant support to develop the capability and capacity to survive, compete internationally with innovative products while extracting greatly increased efficiencies from their processes. Smart Manufacturing Systemsdraws on each of these 5 key enablers to provide a platform for development where intelligent factories become the norm with connectivity data and IDTs at the heart of the workplace.
Within Northern Ireland, there is a requirement to focus on research and teaching development of the integration of the five key technologies which are crucial for future industrialisation. This MSc has been designed to provide tutelage in each of the key areas for industrial manufacture including, but not limited to robotics, automation and internet of things technologies, CAD/CAM, process management and the application of AI/machine learning in industry and business. The course provides an opportunity for the support of transfer of skills and expertise to company staff. It will be a location for them to re-train their staff in IDTs and become enabled, competent and confident in IDTs.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year one
The Global Business in Context
Year: 1
Businesses now operate in a globalised, highly connected multi-layered business environment that presents many challenges, and is typified by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity to the firm. As the leaders/managers and decision makers of the future, this module will help students understand key concepts and current trends in Global Business, prepare for work in multi-layered environments, and to understand the need for flexibility and adaptability, both in the domestic and regional and global contexts.
Machine Learning and Data Modelling
Year: 1
This module covers Machine Learning both conceptually and practically. Students will be introduced to a variety of unsupervised and supervised Machine Learning techniques. Once the core concepts have been introduced they will be given practical experience of their use, application and evaluation through laboratory exercises and a project. The students will develop an in-depth understanding of the potential and scope of applying and evaluating the different forms of Machine Learning. This will allow them to develop a range of applications from simple practical implementations to large scale implementations.
Data Science Foundations
Year: 1
The focus of this module is to present an understanding of key data science concepts, tools and programming techniques. Within the arena of data science, the theory behind the approaches of statistics, modelling and machine learning will be introduced emphasising their importance and application to data analysis. The notion of investigative and research skills will also be introduced through a number of problem solving exercises. Material covered will be contextualised by providing examples of the latest research within the area. Students will also be introduced to programming with Python / R. They will learn the basics of syntax, and how to configure their development environment for implementation and testing of algorithms related to data science.
Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Robotics
Year: 1
This module provides the student with the ability to devise and direct the specification and installation of advanced manufacturing processes compliant with Industry 4.0 principles within an engineering company.
Smart Factories
Year: 1
This module provides an overview of modern manufacturing management and manufacturing improvement techniques. State of the art industrial automation machines, processes and the use of Internet of Things will be analysed to identify where these resources could be applied to current industrial process to improve automation. Theoretical and practical exercises will provide the student with the required knowledge to apply their skills to real world industrial based applications.
Computer Aided Engineering and Manufacturing
Year: 1
The module develops the area of Manufacturing and the impacts that Computer Aided systems have on productivity and realisation of advanced design and manufacture techniques on the current industrial scene. The development of skills in this area will promote the Industry 4.0 principles and will provide the opportunity for integration of such in the current manufacturing industry.
Masters Project (Research)
Year: 1
This module is optional
The aim of the project is to allow the student to demonstrate their ability in undertaking an independent research project for developing theoretical perspectives, addressing research questions using data, or analysing and developing real world solutions. They will be expected to utilise appropriate methodologies and demonstrate the skills gained earlier in the course when implementing the project.
Year two
Applied Research
Year: 2
This module is optional
The aim of the project is to allow the student to demonstrate their ability in undertaking an independent research project for developing theoretical perspectives, addressing research questions using data, or analysing and developing real world solutions. They will be expected to utilise appropriate methodologies and demonstrate the skills gained earlier in the course when implementing the project.
As part of the project development activity they will be required to extract and demonstrate knowledge from the literature in an analytic manner and develop ideas. This may involve the collection of primary or secondary data and the qualitative or quantitative analysis of the data and/ or current industrial process.
In summary the masters project represents a piece of work performed by the student under suitable staff supervision which draws both from the practical and creative nature of a problem-solving project and the traditional, scholarly exposition of an area of study. The content of the work must be original and contain a critical appraisal of the subject area.
Smart Manufacturing is a rapidly developing field of study within both academia and industry. The MSc Smart Manufacturing Systems aims to prepare students for a successful career as a modern manufacturing engineer where Industry 4.0 machine-to-machine (M2M) communication (products talk to machines) is producing large amounts of collected data, where analytics now plays a key role in understanding and modelling process improvements, alongside competitive demands within a global business context. Hence, there is a need for skills in advanced manufacturing processes, industrial robotics, intelligent automation, factory modelling and simulation, zero defect manufacturing with data analytics, embedded sensing and M2M, and commercial awareness. These types of skills are typically in high demand in manufacturing industries from plastics, semiconductor to construction, as the sectors moves to Industry 4.0.
This programme of study is firmly based under the STEM umbrella and additionally due to the nature of the skills and knowledge developed during the programme, resulting graduates will have the potential to be employed across a spectrum of industries which will address the skills shortage in smart manufacturing capabilities.
Students from this course would be eligible to directly enter graduate employment or proceed to further study at PhD level. There is currently an extensive demand for engineering graduates, particularly those with the high-level skills to develop and operate smart factories, which will be provided by this course.
Insurance Single 300 GBP/year
