Advanced Imaging & Sensing

Optical imaging and sensing underpins research across all fields of Physics, Engineering, Environmental Science and Medical and Life Sciences. Prominent examples include the multitude of modalities used to image medical and biological processes, remote sensing of the environment and for surveillance and as an enabling technology within measurement instruments. Advanced imaging and sensing (AIS) thus enables advances in fundamental physics, such as the birth of gravitational-wave astronomy and the discovery of the Higgs boson. The importance of AIS to society is highlighted by the ever-increasing number and sophistication of imaging and sensing systems embedded into modern smartphones and cars. This MSc provides flexible multi-disciplinary training for future researchers in the wider field of AIS.

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Physics, Theoretical Physics, Astrophysics, Electronic Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science or Materials Science, with modules in Research Skills and Physics of Solids and Quantum Mechanics and Advanced Data Analysis and Electromagnetism and Fundamentals of Sensing and Imaging and Medical Imaging and Imaging and Detectors at an average grade of Pass.

We may also accept degrees in Engineering discipline having demonstrated an enthusiasm and aptitude for science and technology pertinent to sensing and imaging. A 2.2 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in physics followed by substantial relevant experience may be considered on an individual basis.

You are required to complete and submit a question-based personal statement explaining why you want to undertake this programme at Glasgow.

• Physics & Astronomy Personal Statement Form

Prerequisite experience needed:

Assumed knowledge for the core courses in this degree include:

Introductory scientific computing: data handling, simple statistics (computing means and variances), plotting functions and histograms, writing simple programs in a general-purpose programming language e.g. Python or C++.

Basic mathematics for physics: single and multi-variable calculus (differentiation and integration), trigonometry, complex numbers, vectors, vector calculus, Taylor and Fourier series, Fourier transforms.

You must also have the following:

Familiarity with basic optics, including geometric-optics modelling (thin lenses, image formation, refraction, diffraction, interference, and optical resolution.

Awareness of the electromagnetic spectrum, the nature and propagation of light, Maxwell’s equations, potentials and fields, and EM potentials in simple geometries.

An awareness of basic concepts in signals and systems, sampling and signal processing, including conversions between time- and frequency domains, use of high-, low-, and band-pass filters, and the Nyquist sampling criterion.

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

• 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
• IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme

TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

• 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

• 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

• 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Oxford English Test

• 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

LanguageCert Academic SELT

• 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Password Skills Plus

• 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Trinity College Tests

• Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

• Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

• Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
  
  • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
• Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
  
  • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:

• direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
• essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
• flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.

For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:

• Pre-sessional courses

We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

• Heriot Watt
• Kingston Upon Thames
• Middlesex University
• Manchester University
• Reading University
• Edinburgh University
• ST Andrews University
• UCL
• Durham.

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form

You will gain an understanding of the physical principles and applications required to embark on a research career in imaging and sensing. Students can tailor the training programme to increase the emphasis on specific specialisations, such as in imaging systems, device technology, computational imaging, microscopy, surveillance, biomedical imaging or remote sensing. The programme also includes training in essential research skills such as creativity, technical communication and project management. The need for skills in this area is driven by an imaging and sensing systems market valued at £500Bn with an annual growth rate of 10%. The Scottish sensor systems market is worth £2.6Bn pa. There are over 170 sensor systems companies based in Scotland (SMEs and large companies), employing 16,000 people in high-value jobs including product R&D, design, engineering, manufacturing and field services. The academic rigour of this programme makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to focus on academic or industrial research careers and to play a leading role in the development of the next generation of imaging and sensing.