Computer Science & Engineering Master's Degree - MSc/PgD/PgC

Compulsory Modules

Internet of Things (20 credits)

Explore cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, architectures and communication protocols. Develop practical skills in designing, implementing and evaluating secure connected systems that integrate sensors, embedded devices and cloud services for real-world industrial applications.

Information Security (20 credits)

Develop a comprehensive understanding of information security principles, cyber threats and secure system design. Apply practical techniques to protect computing systems and networks while appreciating the ethical, legal and professional responsibilities associated with cyber security.

Advanced AI in Robotics (20 credits)

Explore advanced artificial intelligence techniques for autonomous and intelligent robotic systems. Design, implement and evaluate AI-driven perception, planning and decision-making solutions for complex robotic and cyber-physical applications.

Research & Professional Practice (20 credits)

Develop the essential research, project management and professional skills required for postgraduate study and the MSc dissertation. Learn to formulate research questions, design ethical investigations, critically evaluate literature and effectively communicate technical findings.

Advanced Digital Systems (20 credits)

Develop advanced knowledge of digital system design using contemporary modelling techniques, hardware description languages and programmable hardware platforms. Design, simulate and evaluate complex digital architectures for embedded, intelligent and cyber-physical systems.

Programming for Data Analysis (20 credits)

Develop practical skills in programming for data acquisition, processing and analysis. Apply modern programming techniques, statistical methods and data visualisation tools to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets and support data-driven decision making.

Technology Dissertation (40 credits)

Apply advanced knowledge and independent research skills to investigate and solve a significant computer science and engineering challenge. Develop, implement and critically evaluate an innovative solution through rigorous research, experimentation or system development, culminating in a professional dissertation.

Optional Modules (Choose One)

• Algorithm Design & Analysis (20 credits)
• Wireless Networks (20 credits)
• Frontiers in Technology (20 credits)
• Sensors and Actuators (20 credits)

To obtain an MSc degree, you must follow and successfully complete a total of 180 credits. PgC (60 credits) and PgD (120 credits) may be awarded as standalone or exit awards.

Our academic staff lead engaging lectures, workshops, and lab sessions, fostering a dynamic learning environment that encourages innovation and critical thinking. Your Programme Director provides further pastoral and academic support, guiding students through their studies and signposting to other services such as career development. Additionally, our wider student support teams – including wellbeing services and technical staff – are on hand to offer comprehensive assistance, ensuring students have the resources and support needed to thrive.

The assessment strategy for the programme varies to ensure the most appropriate method for each specific module and subject area. Assessments take the form of individual or group coursework, research-based assignments, practical assessments, presentations, reports, class tests and a dissertation/development project.

Detailed, specific and timely feedback will be given to each student’s work according to the Cardiff Met guidelines.

This programme is specifically engineered to bridge the gap between advanced hardware engineering and complex software development, directly addressing the modern industry demand for high-level technical leaders. By combining computational foundations with practical engineering systems, you will graduate with a versatile professional identity highly valued by regional, national, and global technology sectors.

Real-World Experience

Through strong engagement with both local and global industry partners, the course provides opportunities for applied projects to give you essential ‘real-world experience’. Most assessments enable you to solve genuine industrial problems or active research challenges, with briefs reviewed by an industrial panel to ensure your skill development happens in a realistic, commercially relevant context.

Potential Career Roles

Our graduates are equipped with the analytical, technical, and project management capabilities required to secure high-value professional roles across a wide variety of sectors. Potential career pathways include:

• Embedded Systems Engineer
• Robotics and Autonomous Systems Developer
• Software Architect/Systems Engineer
• IoT Ecosystems Solutions Architect
• Cyber Security Infrastructure Specialist
• Data Analyst/Intelligent Systems Engineer

Further Study Options

The advanced technical methodologies, computational logic, and experimental design mastered during your technology dissertation provide an excellent foundation for higher academic pursuits. Graduates are fully prepared to progress straight onto further postgraduate study, including specialised MPhil or PhD research programmes within Cardiff School of Technologies research centres such as CeRISS or the EUREKA Robotics Centre.

Applicants should meet one of the following:

• Possess, or expect to obtain, an undergraduate degree or equivalent, in a relevant area, e.g., Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical or Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, with a minimum 2:2 classification.
• Hold a suitable professional qualification from an appropriate professional body.

Relevance shall be determined by the Programme Director with reference to the applicant’s transcript, and, if required, via an interview.

Equivalence shall be determined by:

• Admissions Team for applicants from outside the United Kingdom.
• The Programme Director for applicants who present professional qualifications such as from the BCS. Such an applicant would be interviewed by the Programme Director to establish suitability.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should refer to English Language Requirements to confirm the level and evidence of fluency required for entry to the programme.

Students with extant level 7 qualifications wishing to enter the course may apply on the basis of RPL for admission with Credit. In such cases the regulations detailed in the Academic Handbook will apply and allows for a maximum RPL of 120 credits on a master’s programme. In this case the remaining 60 credits would consist of the research methods module and the dissertation.

The admissions process is controlled by Cardiff Metropolitan University’s centralised admissions team in consultation with the Programme Director.

All applications from international students will be subject to an initial assessment of academic qualifications, English Language proficiency and overall suitability for the programme by the Admissions Team. However, the final decision remains the responsibility of the Programme Director.

How to Apply

Applications for this course should be made direct to the University via our self-service facility. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages.

International Applicants

Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.0 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages.

Tuition Fees and Financial Support

For up-to-date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available, please refer to Fees and Finance.

Part-time Fees

Charges are per Single Module unless specified:

Undergraduate = 10 Credits; Postgraduate = 20 Credits

Generally, we find most students will complete 60 credits per year for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate study; to obtain a true costing please clarify this by contacting the Programme Director directly.

For general enquiries, please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6010 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Director, Imran Baig:

• Email: ibaig@cardiffmet.ac.uk