Triangle

Course overview

Cyber physical systems integrate computation with physical objects and processes. Examples of cyber physical systems are:

  • 'smart' devices in the home such as a smart meter or fridge
  • voice assistant devices
  • driverless vehicles
  • medical monitoring equipment
  • wearable devices
  • robotic assistants

Our course is designed for students with a background in computer science or a related field with analytical skills. You'll learn the principles of integrated system design and computational and cyber physical systems methods and tools. Core modules will broaden your knowledge in key topics such as robotics, sensors and the Internet of Things.

During the summer period, you will undertake an individual research project, supported by an expert advisor from one of our research groups. This could be software-based or research-based. Collaboration with business, industry, and other outside bodies is encouraged.

A two-year version of this course is available.

A specific pathway within the one-year version of this programme has been recognised by the National Cyber Security Centre as a Certified Degree (Provisional) Incorporating Cyber Security. Candidates interested in this pathway are required to take a pre-set combination of modules, as outlined in the Course content section of this page.

Why choose this course?

98%

of our research is classed as ‘world-leading’ (4*) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3*)

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Joint 1st

in the UK for research environment

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Ranked 6th in the UK

For universities targeted by the largest number of top employers in 2019-2020

High Fliers Report The Graduate Market 2019-2020

96.4% of postgraduates

from the School of Computer Science secured work or further study within six months of graduation

HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020, using methodology set by The Guardian

Course content

You will study a total of 180 credits, split across 120 credits of compulsory and optional modules plus a 60 credit individual project.

A two-year course is also available. The first year is broadly the same as this programme, but students carry out an extended 120 credits of research project in the second year.

Modules

Core modules

Autonomous Robotic Systems 20 credits

This module introduces you to the computer science of robotics, giving you an understanding of the hardware and software principles appropriate for control and localisation of autonomous mobile robots. A significant part of the module is laboratory-based, utilising physical robotic hardware to reinforce the theoretical principles covered. You will cover a range of topics including basic behavioural control architectures, multi-source data aggregation, programming of multiple behaviours, capabilities and limitations of sensors and actuators, and filtering techniques.

Designing Sensor-Based Systems 20 credits

You will gain knowledge and hands-on experience of design and technical development of sensor-based systems. You will learn about the human-computer interaction challenges that need to be considered when creating ubiquitous computing systems along with strategies for addressing them, so as to create effective, appropriate and compelling user experiences.

Research Methods 20 credits

This module will expose you to a variety of research methods, providing you with good quantitative and qualitative skills. Research approaches covered include:

  • laboratory evaluation
  • surveys
  • case studies
  • action research

In addition to project management, the module introduces the research process, from examining how problems are selected, literature reviews, selection of research methods, data collection and analysis, development of theories and conclusions, to the dissemination of the research based on analysis of research papers. The module also offers an overview of ethical considerations when conducting research, and supports in identifying directions for MSc projects.

Research Project 60 credits

You will conduct a piece of empirical and/or theoretical research in an appropriate strand of the degree, under the supervision of a member of academic staff. Where appropriate, your project may also be conducted in conjunction with an external organisation and may involve a substantial software implementation. 

Optional modules

Linear and Discrete Optimisation 20 credits

The module provides an entry point to computational optimization techniques, particularly for modelling and solving linear and discrete optimization problems like diet optimization, network flows, task assignment, scheduling, bin-packing, travelling salesmen, facility location, vehicle routing and related problems.

Optimization sits at the interface of computer science and mathematics. Optimization is considered one of the key techniques within the broad spectrum of artificial intelligence methods. Optimization focuses on making decisions instead of predicting or identifying patterns. Optimization is also one of the most important areas within operations research (OR), which is a discipline that uses modelling techniques, analytics and computational methods to solve complex problems in industry and business.

In this module, you will learn to interpret and develop algebraic models for a variety of real-world linear and discrete optimization problems to then use powerful optimization software (linear, integer and mixed-integer solvers) to produce a solution. The module covers topics such as linear programming, integer programming, combinatorial optimization, modelling and optimization software, multi-objective optimization, simplex method, and branch and bound method among others. Optimization technology is ubiquitous in today's world, for applications in logistics, finance, manufacturing, workforce planning, product selection, healthcare, and any other area where the limited resources must be used efficiently. Optimization enables prescriptive analytics, in order to support and automate decision-making"

Advanced Computer Networks 20 credits

This module will provide you with an advanced knowledge of computer communications networks, using examples from all-IP core telecommunications networks to illustrate aspects of transmission coding, error control, media access, internet protocols, routing, presentation coding, services and security.

The module will describe Software Defined Networks (SDNs) and provide examples of using them to enable very large scale complex network control. It will also provide advanced knowledge of various routing and query protocols in:

  • Ad Hoc Networks
  • Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs)
  • Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs)
  • Disconnection/Disruption/Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs)
  • impact of new networking developments, such as security risks, ethics, interception and data protection will be reflected and discussed systematically
Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures 10 credits

This module covers data structures, efficient algorithms on them and ways to determine their complexity. You will study some modern algorithms that are widely used in contemporary software.

The topics covered can include:

  • binary search trees (red-black trees)
  • dynamic programming
  • graph-algorithms (eg shortest path, maximum flows)
  • amortized analysis
  • priority queues (binary, leftist and Fibonacci heaps)
  • string algorithms (string matching, longest common subsequence).

Among the special topics relevant to contemporary application, we can study:

  • public-key cryptography (the RSA cryptosystem)
  • the page-rank algorithm (from Google search)
  • neural networks.

The theory is practised in labs sessions where you will learn how to implement the algorithms and data structures as functional and imperative programs (using the languages Haskell and C), and apply these to solve large instances of real-world problems. The coursework consists of the implementation of some of the data types and algorithms on them.

Project in Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures 10 credits

This project involves a self-guided study of a selected advanced algorithm or data structure. The outcome of the project is an analysis and implementation of the algorithm or data structure, as well as an empirical evaluation, preferably on a real-world data set of significant size.

Machine Learning 20 credits

Providing you with an introduction to machine learning, pattern recognition, and data mining techniques, this module will enable you to consider both systems which are able to develop their own rules from trial-and-error experience to solve problems, as well as systems that find patterns in data without any supervision. In the latter case, data mining techniques will make the generation of new knowledge possible, including very big data sets. This is now fashionably termed 'big data' science.

You'll cover a range of topics including:

  • machine learning foundations
  • pattern recognition foundations
  • artificial neural networks
  • deep learning
  • applications of machine learning
  • data mining techniques and evaluating hypotheses
Data Science with Machine Learning 20 credits

This module explores the range of data analysis problems that can be modelled computationally and a range of techniques that are suitable to analyse and solve those problems.

Topics covered include:

  • basic statistics
  • types of data
  • data visualisation techniques
  • data modelling
  • data pre-processing methods including data imputation
  • forecasting methods
  • clustering and classification methods
Handling Uncertainty with Fuzzy Sets and Fuzzy Systems 20 credits

This module focuses on handling uncertainty such as vagueness using fuzzy sets and similar approaches. It provides a thorough understanding of key topics such as:

  • the nature of uncertainty captured by fuzzy sets and associated links to human reasoning
  • inference using fuzzy sets
  • similarity of fuzzy sets
  • design and modelling of information via fuzzy sets
  • type-1 fuzzy sets
  • type-2 fuzzy sets
  • fuzzy logic systems
  • fuzzy set based applications
Simulation and Optimisation for Decision Support 20 credits

This module offers insight into the applications of selected methods of decision support. The foundations for applying these methods are derived from:

  • operations research simulation
  • social simulation
  • data science
  • automated scheduling
  • decision analysis

Throughout the module, you will become more competent in choosing and implementing the appropriate method for the particular problem at hand. You will engage in a mixture of lectures, workshops, and computer classes.

Mixed Reality Technologies 20 credits

This module focuses on the possibilities and challenges of interaction beyond the desktop. Exploring the 'mixed reality continuum' - a spectrum of emerging computing applications that runs from virtual reality (in which a user is immersed into a computer-generated virtual world) at one extreme, to ubiquitous computing (in which digital materials appear embedded into the everyday physical world - often referred to as the 'Internet of Things') at the other. In the middle of this continuum, lie augmented reality and locative media in which the digital appears to be overlaid upon the physical world in different ways.

You will gain knowledge and hands-on experience of design and development with key technologies along this continuum, including working with both ubiquitous computing based sensor systems and locative media. You will learn about the human-computer interaction challenges that need to be considered when creating mixed reality applications along with strategies for addressing them, so as to create compelling and reliable user experiences.

Games 20 credits

This module covers the history, development and state-of-the-art in computer games and technological entertainment.

You will gain an appreciation of the range of gaming applications available and be able to chart their emergence as a prevalent form of entertainment. You will study the fundamental principles of theoretical game design and how these can be applied to a variety of modern computer games.

In addition, you will study the development of games as complex software systems. Specific software design issues to be considered will include the software architecture of games, and the technical issues associated with networked and multiplayer games.

Finally, you will use appropriate software environments to individually develop a number of games to explore relevant theoretical design and practical implementation concepts.

Big Data Learning and Technologies 20 credits

This module will cover four main concepts.

It will start with an introduction to big data. You’ll find out about the main principles behind distributed/parallel systems with data intensive applications, identifying key challenges such as capture, store, search, analyse and visualise the data. 

We’ll also look at SQL Databases verses NoSQL Databases. You will learn:

  • the growing amounts of data
  • the relational database management systems (RDBMS)
  • an overview of Structured Query Languages (SQL)
  • an introduction to NoSQL databases
  • the difference between a relational DBMS and a NoSQL database
  • how to identify the need to employ a NoSQL database

Another concept is big data frameworks and how to deal with big data. This includes the MapReduce programming model, as well as an overview of recent technologies (Hadoop ecosystem, and Apache Spark). Then, you will learn how to interact with the latest APIs of Apache Spark (RDDs, DataFrames and Datasets) to create distributed programs capable of dealing with big datasets (using Python and/or Scala).  

Finally, we will cover the data mining and machine learning part of the course. This will include data preprocessing approaches, distributed machine learning algorithms and data stream algorithms. To do so, you will use the machine learning library of Apache Spark to understand how some machine learning algorithms can be deployed at a scale. 

Cyber Security 10 credits

Cyber security is an essential consideration for the protection of IT-based devices, systems, networks and data, providing safeguard and reassurance to the organisations and individuals that now rely (and increasingly depend) upon them. We provide coverage of both technical and human perspectives, considering the fundamental threats and safeguards that concern both personal and workplace contexts. You will emerge with the knowledge and skills necessary to enable informed cyber security decisions spanning the technical, human and organisational dimensions of the topic.

You will gain knowledge and practical experience across a range of key cyber security topics, including foundational concepts and principles, authentication and access control, operating system security, cryptographic mechanisms and applications, security management, risk assessment, cyber-attacks and threat intelligence, network and Internet security, intrusion detection and incident response, and human aspects. You will learn about the challenges that need to be considered when designing and implementing secure systems, along with associated approaches to ensure that security is addressed in an effective and holistic manner.

Malware Analysis 10 credits

This module looks at the practice of malware analysis, looking at how to analyse malicious software to understand how it works, how to identify it, and how to defeat or eliminate it.  

You will look at how to set up a safe environment in which to analyse malware, as well as exploring both static and dynamic malware analysis. Although malware takes many forms, the focus of this module will primarily be on executable binaries. This will cover object file formats and the use of tools such as debuggers, virtual machines, and disassemblers to explore them. Obfuscation and packing schemes will be discussed, along with various issues related to Windows internals.

The module is practical with encouragement to safely practice the skills you're taught.

Topical Trends in Cyber Security 10 credits

This module involves discussing current topics relating to computer security. Each week, as individuals or as a group, you will make a presentation on an assigned topic in computer security followed by a discussion. You will meet with a member of staff to discuss and plan the form of the presentation. You'll also prepare questions for the audience and write a concise (10 page) summary of the material.

The aim of the module is to gain a deeper understanding of the important topics in computer security. You'll learn how to summarise research and present it to a peer audience. 

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Wednesday 15 May 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

We offer a specific pathway for those interested in gaining cyber security knowledge and skills in a cyber physical systems context.  Candidates wishing to pursue this pathway must take the specific module combination as listed below, as well as undertaking a summer project with a relevant cyber security focus. The delivery of the pathway and supervision of projects is supported by members of the CybSec research group.

Autumn semester

Cyber Security 10 credits

Cyber security is an essential consideration for the protection of IT-based devices, systems, networks and data, providing safeguard and reassurance to the organisations and individuals that now rely (and increasingly depend) upon them. We provide coverage of both technical and human perspectives, considering the fundamental threats and safeguards that concern both personal and workplace contexts. You will emerge with the knowledge and skills necessary to enable informed cyber security decisions spanning the technical, human and organisational dimensions of the topic.

You will gain knowledge and practical experience across a range of key cyber security topics, including foundational concepts and principles, authentication and access control, operating system security, cryptographic mechanisms and applications, security management, risk assessment, cyber-attacks and threat intelligence, network and Internet security, intrusion detection and incident response, and human aspects. You will learn about the challenges that need to be considered when designing and implementing secure systems, along with associated approaches to ensure that security is addressed in an effective and holistic manner.

Advanced Computer Networks 20 credits

This module will provide you with an advanced knowledge of computer communications networks, using examples from all-IP core telecommunications networks to illustrate aspects of transmission coding, error control, media access, internet protocols, routing, presentation coding, services and security.

The module will describe Software Defined Networks (SDNs) and provide examples of using them to enable very large scale complex network control. It will also provide advanced knowledge of various routing and query protocols in:

  • Ad Hoc Networks
  • Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs)
  • Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs)
  • Disconnection/Disruption/Delay Tolerant Networks (DTNs)
  • impact of new networking developments, such as security risks, ethics, interception and data protection will be reflected and discussed systematically
Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures 10 credits

This module covers data structures, efficient algorithms on them and ways to determine their complexity. You will study some modern algorithms that are widely used in contemporary software.

The topics covered can include:

  • binary search trees (red-black trees)
  • dynamic programming
  • graph-algorithms (eg shortest path, maximum flows)
  • amortized analysis
  • priority queues (binary, leftist and Fibonacci heaps)
  • string algorithms (string matching, longest common subsequence).

Among the special topics relevant to contemporary application, we can study:

  • public-key cryptography (the RSA cryptosystem)
  • the page-rank algorithm (from Google search)
  • neural networks.

The theory is practised in labs sessions where you will learn how to implement the algorithms and data structures as functional and imperative programs (using the languages Haskell and C), and apply these to solve large instances of real-world problems. The coursework consists of the implementation of some of the data types and algorithms on them.

Autonomous Robotic Systems 20 credits

This module introduces the main concepts of autonomous mobile robotics, providing an understanding of the hardware and software principles appropriate for control, spatial localisation and navigation. The module consists of theoretical concepts around robotic sensing and control in the lectures, together with a strong practical element for robot programming in the laboratory sessions

Spring semester

Topical Trends in Cyber Security 10 credits

This module involves discussing current topics relating to computer security. Each week, as individuals or as a group, you will make a presentation on an assigned topic in computer security followed by a discussion. You will meet with a member of staff to discuss and plan the form of the presentation. You'll also prepare questions for the audience and write a concise (10 page) summary of the material.

The aim of the module is to gain a deeper understanding of the important topics in computer security. You'll learn how to summarise research and present it to a peer audience. 

Malware Analysis 10 credits

This module looks at the practice of malware analysis, looking at how to analyse malicious software to understand how it works, how to identify it, and how to defeat or eliminate it.  

You will look at how to set up a safe environment in which to analyse malware, as well as exploring both static and dynamic malware analysis. Although malware takes many forms, the focus of this module will primarily be on executable binaries. This will cover object file formats and the use of tools such as debuggers, virtual machines, and disassemblers to explore them. Obfuscation and packing schemes will be discussed, along with various issues related to Windows internals.

The module is practical with encouragement to safely practice the skills you're taught.

Designing Sensor-Based Systems 20 credits

You will gain knowledge and hands-on experience of design and technical development of sensor-based systems. You will learn about the human-computer interaction challenges that need to be considered when creating ubiquitous computing systems along with strategies for addressing them, so as to create effective, appropriate and compelling user experiences.

Research Methods 20 credits

This module will expose you to a variety of research methods, providing you with good quantitative and qualitative skills. Research approaches covered include:

  • laboratory evaluation
  • surveys
  • case studies
  • action research

In addition to project management, the module introduces the research process, from examining how problems are selected, literature reviews, selection of research methods, data collection and analysis, development of theories and conclusions, to the dissemination of the research based on analysis of research papers. The module also offers an overview of ethical considerations when conducting research, and supports in identifying directions for MSc projects.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Wednesday 15 May 2024.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Seminars
  • Computer labs
  • Project work

You will study a total of 180 credits, split across 120 credits of compulsory and optional modules plus a 60-credit individual project.

You will work in lecture theatres, seminar rooms and labs to develop a theoretical and practical understanding of this subject.

Teaching is typically delivered by professors, associate and assistant professors. Some practical laboratory sessions and research projects may be supported by postgraduate research students or postdoctoral research fellows.

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Written exam
  • Project work

Modules are assessed using an appropriate mixture of coursework and exams which are combined to calculate your final mark for each module.

The final degree classification will be the average of all credits, e.g. an average of 120 taught credits and 60 credits on your project. To pass a module you’ll need at least 50%. 

Contact time and study hours

The class size depends on the module. In 2019/2020 class sizes ranged from 25 to 110 students.

All students meet their tutors in the Induction week. Students are then encouraged to make individual arrangements to discuss any issues during the study. Some staff offer weekly drop-in time for students.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Undergraduate degree2:1 (or international equivalent) with programming skills evidenced through prior study or practical experience detailed in the application.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £12,500
International £28,600

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

We do not anticipate any extra significant costs. You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies which you would need to factor into your budget.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

The fourth industrial revolution is coming. Artificial intelligence, machine learning and cyber physical systems are all changing how we live and work.

With the skills gained from this degree, you could be developing the technology of the future. Careers could be in:

  • cyber security
  • financial technology (fintech)
  • networked systems
  • robotics and autonomous systems
  • smart product and service design and development
  • artificial intelligence engineering

You may choose to continue your research in this area with a PhD. 

Our graduates have lots of great job opportunities. Computer science-related skills make up 4 of the top 5 'most in demand skills for employers in 2020’ according to LinkedIn. 

Career progression

100% of postgraduate taught students from the School of Computer Science secured graduate level employment or further graduate study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £30,100*

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time, postgraduate, home graduates within the UK.

National Cyber Security Centre

We offer a specific pathway for those interested in gaining cyber security knowledge and skills in a cyber physical systems context. Candidates wishing to pursue this pathway must take a specific module combination, as well as undertaking a summer project with a relevant cyber security focus. The delivery of the pathway and supervision of projects is supported by members of the CybSec research group.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
" I'm an Associate Professor in the School of Computer Science. I teach modules in data science and artificial intelligence, as well as supervising MSc dissertation projects on a wide range of topics. I'm also involved in a research project using AI for finding and correcting bugs in code, and I'm writing a book about study skills for PhD students. "
Dr Colin Johnson

Related courses

This content was last updated on Wednesday 15 May 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.