As we enter Industry 4.0, high-level skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics have never been more in demand. Seemingly every sector is adopting artificial intelligence, automation and other digital technologies, all whilst huge amounts of data are produced worldwide in industries and homes. With new breakthroughs and data capabilities growing, companies and countries can map more than one million hectares of land, estimate how fast icebergs are melting, and aid communities in predicting extreme weather. Used the right way, these digital technologies can accelerate the reduction of global emissions by up to 15% by 2030 and be responsible for only 1.4% of global emissions.
In this “next phase in manufacturing,” STEM experts, especially future-focused engineers and computer scientists, are set to lead the way. It’s those with the advanced skills and knowledge to operate between the virtual and real worlds that’ll be able to embrace new tools and digital methods.
How do you become one of them? The answer lies in the prestigious School of Science & Technology at City, University of London. Accolades speak for themselves – the institute was the first to introduce both a Masters in Data Science & Aeronautical Engineering in the UK and holds a Bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of its commitment to progress gender equality.
Many more factors contribute to City’s reputation, particularly postgraduate programmes in engineering and computer science. Whether it’s Advanced Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering with Data Analytics, or Robotics, AI and Autonomous Systems, all MSc programmes benefit from the school’s 120 years of experience of teaching the subject and close links with industry.
The same can be said about Computer Science at City. MSc programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Games Technology with VR, and Cyber Security, to name just three, leverage the university’s position at the leading edge of the discipline in the UK for over 60 years. City is just as proud to be an inclusive school. Programmes not only draw gifted and highly motivated students from across the globe but suit working individuals as well, with flexibility offered through part-time courses or different entry points throughout the year. Regardless of programme choice, all are career-focused and prepare students for advanced roles in their respective industries. Here’s how:
Exciting experiential opportunities
Perhaps the most impactful aspect of the programmes is how experiential they are. Here, students can gain significant industry experience through internships, live partnerships, apprenticeships and industry-level projects that grant both academic credit and professional experience.
“We have a strong internship programme, where students can work as interns and do their final individual programme based on their course,” says Dr. Aidan Slingsby, senior lecturer in the Department of Computer Science. “We have excellent employability support and an excellent employability record.”
The school spares no effort in ensuring graduate employability. The Corporate Relations and Employability Unit sources internships and placements, holds one-on-one appointments, organises career fairs and provides professional development planning. International students are no exception – they are supported by City’s partnership with Student Circus, an online platform offering thousands of visa-enabled opportunities in the UK.
“Unlike the other programmes in the country, we deliver Engineering programmes with a professional flavour which makes them more hands-on and closer to practice,” says Raj Rajarajan, Professor of Security Engineering. “This gives the graduates an advantage when seeking jobs in the relevant industries.”
A focus on current demands
City’s curriculum is consistently up-to-date and relevant. “We have strong contacts with the industry, and our growing department recruits new staff with new perspectives,” says Dr. Slingsby.
Programmes undergo annual reviews with their help, supplemented by student feedback and additional input from internal and external sources. Modules are often revised to address the industry’s needs, with ad hoc workshops held whenever necessary.
“One good example is the recent incorporation of social value and ethics into our engineering curriculum,” says Professor Rajarajan. “We have also incorporated sustainability and net zero into our curriculum, which can make a societal impact.”
State-of-the-art facilities
The school is home to extensive experimental and computational facilities that support research and provide comprehensive hands-on experiences. These include micro-gas turbine test cells, subsonic wind tunnels, flight decks, a new Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Learning Centre and more. Computer labs are installed with a wide selection of industry-standard software, enabling engineering and computer science students to address the interdisciplinary engineering challenges of the 21st century.
A prime location, surrounded by top researchers
City students are based in a unique part of London, close to the Square Mile, Tech City and the design hub of Clerkenwell. There’s unrivalled access to global organisations and rising start-ups in sectors such as engineering, computing, software development, and more.
City graduates, industry professionals, and top researchers hold leading positions in numerous global organizations. This connection provides students with valuable opportunities to learn directly from these experts. As a result, students develop relevant skills and networking opportunities, paving the way for advanced careers in the industry.
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