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Overview
If you’re inspired by complex engineering systems, and you want to lead a team in delivering innovative engineering solutions, this Master’s in Systems Engineering will shape your existing knowledge for a management role in the sector.
You’ll study the design and analysis of systems in engineering projects, alongside the management skills to handle a team of colleagues efficiently and ethically. Whether you’re coming from an undergraduate degree or from a role as an engineer, you’ll find insight into the current state of the engineering industry, and how current academic research ties into the industry’s future.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
- Specialise in the management, design and analysis of complex engineering systems
- Prepare for IEng or CEng professional registration
- Strengthen your career prospects with connections to industry professionals and academic research
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
September 2025 / January 2026 start
Qualifications or experience
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 (or equivalent) with no component score below 5.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2025 / January 2026 start)
- Full-time: £10,900 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £3,630 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
Including the Transition Scholarship for EU students
- Full-time: £10,900 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £3,630 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time: £19,200 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time: £6,400 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
What you'll study on this MSc Systems Engineering degree
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
You need to study modules worth a total of 180 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 30 credits and 1 module worth 60 credits.
Full time
Core modules
In this module, you'll learn methodologies for applying systems thinking in engineering projects. You'll learn to analyse an engineering system, predict its behaviour and problem areas, and design solutions to those issues. Importantly for your future career, you'll also learn to communicate your analysis verbally and visually for project stakeholders.
In this module, you'll learn to create simulations of engineering systems, using professional tools and techniques. You'll then use your simulations to assess the systems' performance, and to suggest improvements. You'll emerge from the module with the foundations for a simulation role in systems engineering.
In this module, you'll assess and optimise complex manufacturing systems, using mathematical modelling techniques and lean management thinking. Through case studies, presentations and group discussions, you'll look at bottlenecks and Industry 4.0 solutions - then learn to reconfigure a production process with efficient, cost-effective and sustainable systems.
You'll analyse supply chains for efficiency, resilience and responsiveness in this module, then create and optimise model supply chains using modern tools and techniques. You'll explore emerging technology, ethics and environmental concerns, and specialised supply chain methodologies from agile to fully-integrated.
You'll demonstrate your accomplishments across industry and nontechnical (soft) skills in this module, preparing yourself for professional roles that demand teamwork, critical thinking, progress reporting, communication skills and risk management abilities.
You'll apply your technical skills to identify problems and create engineering solutions, and be assessed orally and in writing.
Optional modules
In this module, you'll apply in-depth knowledge of control systems to analyse complex design specifications, then propose and test your solutions. You'll use computer-aided engineering (CAE) packages to simulate systems, and solve industrial control issues.
You'll examine energy potential and the limitations of wind, solar, tidal, wave, hydro and geothermal energy solutions, aw well as exploring energy efficiency, sustainability, and the environmental and economic aspects of energy.
Part-time
Core modules
In this module, you'll learn methodologies for applying systems thinking in engineering projects. You'll learn to analyse an engineering system, predict its behaviour and problem areas, and design solutions to those issues. Importantly for your future career, you'll also learn to communicate your analysis verbally and visually for project stakeholders.
In this module, you'll learn to create simulations of engineering systems, using professional tools and techniques. You'll then use your simulations to assess the systems' performance, and to suggest improvements. You'll emerge from the module with the foundations for a simulation role in systems engineering.
Optional modules
In this module, you'll apply in-depth knowledge of control systems to analyse complex design specifications, then propose and test your solutions. You'll use computer-aided engineering (CAE) packages to simulate systems, and solve industrial control issues.
You'll examine energy potential and the limitations of wind, solar, tidal, wave, hydro and geothermal energy solutions, aw well as exploring energy efficiency, sustainability, and the environmental and economic aspects of energy.
Core modules
In this module, you'll assess and optimise complex manufacturing systems, using mathematical modelling techniques and lean management thinking. Through case studies, presentations and group discussions, you'll look at bottlenecks and Industry 4.0 solutions - then learn to reconfigure a production process with efficient, cost-effective and sustainable systems.
You'll analyse supply chains for efficiency, resilience and responsiveness in this module, then create and optimise model supply chains using modern tools and techniques. You'll explore emerging technology, ethics and environmental concerns, and specialised supply chain methodologies from agile to fully-integrated.
You'll demonstrate your accomplishments across industry and nontechnical (soft) skills in this module, preparing yourself for professional roles that demand teamwork, critical thinking, progress reporting, communication skills and risk management abilities.
Core modules
You'll apply your technical skills to identify problems and create engineering solutions, and be assessed orally and in writing.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take:
- 1 year (full-time study)
- 3 years (part-time study)
You can expect:
- Up to 4 hours of teaching time every week (lectures, seminars or workshops). This will be pro rata for part-time students.
- 30–35 hours of independent study each week if you study full-time, or 15–18 hours each week if you study part-time.
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- group discussions
- practical workshops
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- essays
- reports
- oral presentations
- projects and portfolios
- seminar participation and engagement
- dissertation / major report
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Career development
Careers this Master's prepares you for
Systems engineers are a highly sought-after group of professionals, able to provide solutions to complex problems in engineering. On this Master’s, you’ll build on your interest in engineering systems and systems thinking, developing your ability to view complex issues holistically and to identify component tasks and workflows within the solution.
You’ll grow your contact list by working with researchers connected to the industry and professionals within the sector. As you gain more insight into the field, you’ll gain the knowledge that can support your industry experience when you apply for IEng or CEng registration..
You’ll also develop a greater understanding of the industries you might work in, the problems you might solve, and the ways your increased skill in systems thinking can benefit society.
Graduates of this course can go on to roles such as:
- Systems engineer
- Engineering manager
- Project manager
- Senior design engineer
Graduates of this course can go on to work for organisations such as:
- BAE Systems
- National Grid
- Airbus
- AWE
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert careers advice from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Student Placements and Employability Centre. You can access support from our Careers and Employability Centre for up to 5 years after you graduate.
Career support
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Supporting your learning
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study in one-on-one and group sessions.
They can help you:
- master the mathematics skills you need to excel on your course
- understand engineering principles and how to apply them in any engineering discipline
- solve computing problems relevant to your course
- develop your knowledge of computer programming concepts and methods relevant to your course
- understand and use assignment feedback
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Start this course in January 2026
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.