Smart Manufacturing Systems - MSc

Five core technologies that are essential to raise the development of manufacturing and productivity to the levels required in the next 50 years are; Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automation, internet of things (IoT) and industrial digital technologies (IDTs). The vast majority of industrial and commercial organisations in N. Ireland are substantially under-prepared for the challenges presented by these advances in technology and will need significant support to develop the capability and capacity to survive, compete internationally with innovative products while extracting greatly increased efficiencies from their processes. Smart Manufacturing Systemsdraws on each of these 5 key enablers to provide a platform for development where intelligent factories become the norm with connectivity data and IDTs at the heart of the workplace.

Within Northern Ireland, there is a requirement to focus on research and teaching development of the integration of the five key technologies which are crucial for future industrialisation. This MSc has been designed to provide tutelage in each of the key areas for industrial manufacture including, but not limited to robotics, automation and internet of things technologies, CAD/CAM, process management and the application of AI/machine learning in industry and business. The course provides an opportunity for the support of transfer of skills and expertise to company staff. It will be a location for them to re-train their staff in IDTs and become enabled, competent and confident in IDTs.

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Applicants must:

English language requirements for international applicantsThe minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Smart Manufacturing is a rapidly developing field of study within both academia and industry. The MSc Smart Manufacturing Systems aims to prepare students for a successful career as a modern manufacturing engineer where Industry 4.0 machine-to-machine (M2M) communication (products talk to machines) is producing large amounts of collected data, where analytics now plays a key role in understanding and modelling process improvements, alongside competitive demands within a global business context. Hence, there is a need for expertise in advanced manufacturing processes, industrial robotics, intelligent automation, factory modelling and simulation, zero defect manufacturing with data analytics, embedded sensing and M2M, and commercial awareness. These types of skills are typically in high demand in manufacturing industries from plastics, semiconductor to construction, as the sectors moves to Industry 4.0.

This programme of study is firmly based under the STEM umbrella and additionally due to the nature of the skills and knowledge developed during the programme, resulting graduates will have the potential to be employed across a spectrum of industries which will address the skills shortage in smart manufacturing capabilities.