The Systems Centre at the University of Bristol is a leader in application of Systems Thinking to create value within socio-technical complexity. We offer cross-disciplinary training in systems thinking and engineering,which is recognised by growing number of our Industrial partners as the skill in demand for engineers of the 21st century.
“ ...believe that... better application of the systems approach will be of wide benefit across the whole of the UK.” – Rolls-Royce
We provide a specially designed two year Masters of Research in Systems programme. It is run in close collaboration with industry and alongside the EngD in Systems. Aimed primarily at engineers already working in business and industry, the programme has the overall aim of
graduating individuals who will be capable of leading innovation in the application of Systems Thinking and Systems Engineering.
The following sections provide key information about the Masters degree (MRes) in Systems by addressing frequently asked questions. If you do not find the information you require please contact the Systems Centre
The key information on this page is contained in the Masters in Systems (MRes) information leaflet (166kb, PDF).
Please see Programme Specification - Systems (MRes) 2009/10 on the Unit and Programme catalogues 2009/10, University of Bristol.
The Masters in Systems is a part-time two year postgraduate degree programme offered by the University of Bristol and leading towards the degree of Masters of Research in Systems Engineering. It is run in close collaboration with industry and alongside the EngD in Systems. Aimed primarily at engineers already working in business and industry, the programme has the overall aim of graduating people who will be capable of leading innovation in the field of Systems Engineering.
On completion of the programme, a Masters graduate will have:
The programme is aimed principally at graduates already working in business and industry: Employees of all ages from early-career engineers to those in leadership positions are encouraged to apply. Candidates should have a minimum of an upper second class (2:1) Honours degree (or equivalent) in a subject related to the proposed research project. Relevant professional experience and achievement can be considered towards demonstrating equivalence, please contact the Systems Centre to discuss your individual situation.
The University of Bristol uses the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) adopted by most universities in the UK to define and monitor progress through its degree programmes. Each course component has an associated number of credit points which are assigned to the student on successful completion of that component. A student is eligible to graduate at Masters level on accumulation of 180 credit points. The Masters programme consists of taught units (80 credit points) and a research project leading to a written dissertation (100 credit points).
The taught component will be offered via short course modules, typically of 5 days duration. The teaching is divided into two streams:
The 6 mandatory taught units are as follows, each at Level M with 10 credit points:
The remaining 20 credit points will be obtained from a wide range of units in the areas of general management and risk management all at Masters Level and typically with 10 credit points each. They will be determined by the student, the academic supervisor and the industrial supervisor to best meet the requirements of the industrially-focused research topic.
The research topic will be agreed by the student and the Director of the Masters in Systems Programme. The project will usually be chosen to be relevant to the interests of both the student's employer (where sponsoring the student) and the Systems Centre. The University owns any IP created within the project.
Sponsoring companies have the option to select the project, in consultation with the student and the Programme Director, to take a role in steering the project, and to own any IP created. This will be subject to a collaboration agreement and charges apply over and above the usual tuition fees.
Students will have an academic supervisor who will be knowledgeable in the field of the project and will provide academic advice and pastoral care. The Centre may also assign a second academic supervisor, typically with broader systems expertise, to provide access to expert support in systems. Identification of an industrial supervisor is recommended, in particular to ensure the project remains relevant to the company's needs.
The University of Bristol is a leading UK university situated in a vibrant City. To get a taste of the City of Bristol and the University watch a short film introducing the university and a short film introducing the city.
Bristol's engineering heritage is world famous, and the city continues to be an international leader in engineering. Working at the heart of this local industry, the Faculty of Engineering has attracted over £75m in industrial and governmental research awards over the past five years, and has spent over £20m on infrastructure and laboratory equipment that will keep it at the forefront of teaching and research.
If you would like to apply to join the Masters programme or discuss any aspect of the course please contact the Systems Centre
