University of Bradford

School of Engineering, Design and Technology

Awarding and teaching
institution:
Final award:
Programme titles:
Programme accredited by:
Duration:
UCAS code:
Subject benchmark statement:
Date produced:

University of Bradford
PGDip, MSc [National Qualifications Framework level M]
Wireless Sensors and Embedded Systems (WSES)
1 year full time
April 2005 Updated July 2009

Today, sensors are an intrinsic part of our everyday lives. With the technological advances in
Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) and wireless network technologies, low-cost, low-power, multifunctional miniature sensor devices are now available on the market. This has raised a whole new field of
research in wireless embedded sensor networks and their applications. With the maturity in RFID
technology, RFID sensory networks and platforms gradually emerged, creating a new type of Internet
The Internet of Things. It is expected that wireless sensing technologies will be the dominant driving force
behind ubiquitous communications and computing in the years to come.
These developments are having a significant influence on the more traditional area of embedded systems.
Embedded systems cover the wide applications of microcontrollers and programmable logic in machines of
all descriptions from consumer white-goods like microwave ovens and washing machines, through to
entertainment systems like set-top boxes to automotive and other transport applications. In fact the
application of embedded systems to automotive systems is one of the fastest growing areas of electronics
at an international level. Embedded systems are no longer predominantly isolated devices but are more
likely to be part of wired or wireless network of sensors and other embedded systems.
The course is motivated by the technological development and advances in the area of wireless sensor
devices, RFID technology and embedded systems; it specifically addresses the foreseeable demand for
professionals in this exciting branch of industry. The course is designed to meet the need for graduates
with specialist skills in electronic engineering, telecommunications engineering and computing sciences to
support this emerging technology.
The aims of this MSc programme are:
To equip students with the theoretical knowledge, concepts and skills necessary for problem analysis

related to wireless sensor networks and embedded technologies.

To equip students with practical and computational skills necessary to carry out research and

development in wireless sensor networks and embedded applications.

To enable students to engage in research by carrying out specific supervised projects in relation to

wireless sensor technologies and embedded systems.

Learning outcomes indicate what a graduate should know and understand, and be able to do on
successful completion of one of the programmes. This course spans across both Engineering and
Computing Science disciplines. While Engineering is an interactive process usually involving data
collection, planning, analysis, design, economic evaluation, construction, operation and maintenance and
decommissioning with a view to minimising environmental impact, Computing Science involves the study of
computation and information processing, both in hardware and in software, ranging from abstract analysis
of algorithms and formal grammars, to subjects such as programming languages, program design,
software and computer hardware, data fusion. As such, the following will be developed:

ProgSpec_MScWSES_2009_10

1
Bradford

2009 University of

Knowledge and Understanding

Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the engineering principle of sensor design,
signal processing, established digital communications techniques, embedded hardware and software,
sensor network architecture, sensor networking principles and protocols.
Demonstrate a computing science approach, in terms of software techniques, for wireless sensor
networking with emphasis on tiny sensors, sensor specific programming languages, RFID technology,
embedded architectures, software program design and associated hardware, data fusion.
Demonstrate knowledge of the associated business, legislative, safety and commercial issues; future
technological advances and the way these will impact on the engineering product enterprise process.
Intellectual Abilities
Apply advanced engineering principles to the critical analysis of specialised problems in order to create
innovative solutions to non-routine problems.
Identify an area for further detailed investigation, design and experimental programme, utilise research
skills to critically evaluate and interpret newly developed data.
Integrate engineering understanding and apply insight to the solution of real problems.
Practical Skills
Select and apply appropriate principles of data collection and manipulation methods to support problem
solving.
Demonstrate advanced skills of critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation to support design.
Demonstrate ability to balance sometimes conflicting, ambiguous and/or incomplete aspects
encountered in creative problem solving.
Demonstrate ability to design; specify, plan, undertake and report an investigation and associated
methodologies via exposure to research activities.
Personal and Transferable Skills

Demonstrate personal and time management skills.

The curriculum
This 12-months programme, spanning across two semesters, S1, S2 and the summer period, is made up
of a taught element of 100 credits and research elements of 20+60 credits. The taught element is in the
form of 10 and 20 credits modules taken in S1 and S2. The research elements comprise the 80-credit MSc
research project over semesters 1, 2 and the summer.
The course structure aims to provide students with an interesting and stimulating learning experience so as
to study the system design and networking operations of wireless sensor networks and to perform both
isolated and collaborative tasks. To achieve this aim, the programme consists of a combination of Generic
modules, Subject specific modules and Research modules:

Generic modules: These are generic to electronic and telecommunication systems and are made
up of existing modules including Signals & Systems, Digital Signal Processing and Mobile Robotics &
Wireless Sensors.

Subject specific modules: These comprise new modules specially designed for this new course
including, Sensor Networking and Protocols, Advanced Embedded Systems and Intelligent Sensor
Fusion.

Research modules: These comprise existing modules, viz. Research Seminar Series, MSc project.

The subject specific modules combine both theoretical and practical approaches:
1.

Sensor Networking and Protocols: This describes possible applications of wireless sensor networks
and different sensor network architectures, sensor communications and routing protocols, as well as
RFID technologies (applications, operations and standards).

2.

Advanced Embedded Systems: This describes the fundamental principles of real-time software and
hardware. In additional it covers design, implementation and testing techniques using industry
standard hardware and software.

ProgSpec_MScWSES_2009_10

2
Bradford

2009 University of

Intelligent Sensor Fusion: This describes the mechanism of data collection, assimilation and analysis
by combining both signal processing and artificial intelligence techniques.

3.

The following table summarises the course structure:

Module Code
ENG4007M
ENG4061M
ENG3088L
ENG4051L
ENG4079L
ENG4083M
ENG4019M
ENG4098B

Module Name
Digital Signal Processing
Cryptography and Network Security
Advanced Embedded Systems
Mobile Robotics & Wireless Sensors
Sensor Networking and Protocols
Intelligent Sensor Fusion
Research Seminar Series
MSc Project

Level
M
M
3
M
M
M
M
M

Credits
10
10
10+10
10+10
10+10
10
10
80

Semester
1
1
1&2
1&2
1&2
2
2
1-3

The modules in the table below are substitution modules. They are only available to students graduating from
Bradford BEng courses who may have already studied one or more of the modules shown in the table above. The
final selection of modules (ie: programme) for a student would be made on an individual basis in consultation with the
course tutor.

ENG4031M
ENG4029M
ENG4037M

Advanced Numerical Methods

Design Optimisation
Computer Applications to Numerical
Applications

M
M
M

10
10
10

1
1
1

Assessment regulations: a summary (the text of the progression regulations is maintained on the Web
at http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Postgrad_Taught_Regs.html)
To be eligible for a Masters Degree,

you must achieve at least 40% in 160 credits and 35% in the other 20 credits.

If you attain an overall weighted average of at least 60.0% at the initial attempt, including at least 60.0% at
the initial attempt in any dissertation, you will be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master with Merit.
If you attain an overall weighted average of at least 70.0% at the initial attempt, including at least 70.0% at
the initial attempt in your dissertation, you will be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master with
Distinction.
To be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma,

you must achieve at least 40.0% in 100 Credits and at least 35.0% in the other 20 Credits.

To be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Certificate,

you must achieve at least 40.0% in 40 Credits and at least 35.0% in the other 20 Credits.

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies

The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes, progression through
the levels of study, the nature of the subject and the student intake, and the need for you to take greater
responsibility for your own learning as you progress through the course. The strategies and methods
implemented are:

The teaching and learning methods implemented to engage students in developing their knowledge
and understanding of the course include formal lectures (including those from Visiting Lecturers), case
studies, tutorial exercises, practical demonstrations, directed learning and individual work. The method
of assessment is by written examination and both analytical and experimental coursework.

The methods implemented in developing the students intellectual skills include engaging with them
ProgSpec_MScWSES_2009_10

3
Bradford

2009 University of

during tutorial exercises, case studies, practical demonstration and supervised research or project
work. The methods of assessment of intellectual skills are implicit in the written examinations, analytical
and experimental coursework and more particularly in their MSc dissertations.

The methods implemented in developing the students practical skills include demonstrations and
practicals linked with the taught modules. MSc students will also design and operate equipment and
use control and measuring instruments under supervision during the initial phase of their research
project. The methods of assessment of practical skills include feedback on laboratory work linked with
the taught modules. Also a large part of the mark of the MSc dissertation will be attributed to the
Experimental Method and Equipment and the Presentation & Discussion of Results.

The methods implemented in developing the students transferable skills are implicit in the programme.
The University of Bradford is well known for attracting students from a wide variety of background,
experiences and countries. This and the learning facilities available to all students provide the
conditions for students to develop and manage their learning. The University of Bradford modus
operandi, Making Knowledge Work, is imbedded in the philosophy of this course, particularly in the
area of Engineering, Design and Technology, which is well equipped with practical and computational
facilities. The methods of assessment of transferable skills are built in the structure of the examinations,
case studies, laboratory demonstrations and research or project work.

Admission requirements
All our MSc courses have similar entry conditions, the minimum requirement being a lower second-class
Honours degree in science, engineering or technology. Equivalent qualifications (for example, from
overseas) and applications from mature students with relevant experience will be considered on their
individual merits.
If students have a degree or a Higher Diploma in an appropriate subject, or have considerable relevant
experience, but are unable to meet the requirements for direct entry to an MSc course, they may undertake
the two/three year MSc . Satisfactory completion of the bridging programme, normally one or two years of
the BSc/BEng in the Electronics & Telecomms areas, will lead to admission to the subsequent one-year
MSc course.
You may wish to claim AP(E)L Accreditation of Prior (experiential or certified) Learning as part of your
entry qualification. The procedures are outlined at the following web address
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/import_credit.html; you may wish to discuss your application
with the Course Tutor, in which case please contact the Schools MSc Admissions Office as shown below.
Should you have been out of Higher Education for some time it would be beneficial to attend a Summer
School on Research Skills and Project Definition prior to the commencement of the course. You should
discuss this with the Course Tutor and if attendance is recommended then it will constitute a compulsory
element of the admissions process despite no formal Credit being awarded.
English Language Requirements
All students must satisfy the English language requirements for admission as described in
http://www.brad.ac.uk/international/english-prepare.php . If your native language is not English, you will have to
pass a test in English approved by the University before you can be admitted. The following qualifications
are acceptable as satisfying this requirement. Both are available internationally.
The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) administered by the British Council, is the
test preferred by the University. You will need to achieve an Overall Band of at least 6, with at least 5 in
each of the four sub-tests. Testing facilities are available at most British Council overseas offices. When
you take your test, you should ask for a copy of your Test Report Form to be sent to the University.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service,
Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, USA. You will need to score at least 550 (220 on the computer based
test). If you take this test, you should enter the Universitys code 0828, on your answer sheet.
Bursaries scheme and eligibility
This course is supported by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). A
number of bursaries at 3000 p.a. are available for students who are EU nationals on a competitive basis.
Candidates who have obtained at least an upper second class Honours degree in relevant disciplines
within the last two years at the time of registration are eligible to apply, although candidates with 1 st Class
ProgSpec_MScWSES_2009_10

4
Bradford

2009 University of

Honours degree in relevant disciplines will be given priority with preferences to graduates from a
telecommunications and/or computing science background. Award of bursaries to candidates whose
degree awards fall outside of the two year period but with industrial experience in related technical areas
may also be considered. Enquiries on the application procedure of the bursary scheme can be made to our
postgraduate admissions officer Mr John Purvis (j.purvis@bradford.ac.uk).
Student support and guidance
This is provided both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a Personal Tutor
who is someone with whom you will be able to talk to about any academic or personal concerns. The
School has a system of handbooks, tutors and formal staff-student liaison committees so that issues are
rapidly dealt with. The University provides important facilities such as extended access to Library and
Computing services, counselling and welfare services, careers advice and a Disabilities Office. The
Universitys Disabilities Office encourages prospective students to visit before applying to the University so
that you can see for yourself what facilities and support are available. You can also discuss any concerns
you may have about your individual needs, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues.
The School has a Womens Engineering Society named FAIRER (Females Actively Involved in Rewarding
Engineering Roles). It provides a social network support to all students in Engineering, Design &
Technology from Foundation Year to Postgraduate
The contents of this Programme Specification may change, subject to the University's course and
regulatory approval, monitoring and review procedures.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact the Admissions tutor.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford
BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/

The Admissions Office

School of Engineering, Design & Technology
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford
BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 234567
http://www.eng.brad.ac.uk/

ProgSpec_MScWSES_2009_10

5
Bradford

2009 University of