find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
University of Glasgow: Sensor and Imaging Systems
| Institution | University of Glasgow View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Physics and Astronomy |
| Web | glasgow.ac.uk |
| Telephone | 0141 330 4515 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
This Masters in Sensor and Imaging Systems (SIS) focuses on the technologies and techniques that underpin a vast range of societal, research and industrial needs. It is delivered and awarded jointly by the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Sensing and sensor systems are essential for advances in research across all fields of physics, engineering and chemistry and are enhanced when multiple sensing functions are combined into arrays to enable imaging. Industrial applications of sensor systems are ubiquitous: from mass-produced sensors found in modern smart phones and every modern car to the state-of-the-art, specialist high-value sensors routinely used in oil and gas recovery, scientific equipment, machine tools, medical equipment and environmental monitoring. This is an industry-focused programme, designed for people looking to develop skills that will open up opportunities in a host of end applications.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
-
This is a jointly taught and awarded degree from the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh, developed in with conjunction with CENSIS, the centre of excellence for sensing, imaging and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
-
CENSIS helps organisations innovate and overcome technology barriers to achieve business transformation and reach global markets. As one of Scotland’s Innovation Centres, it is focused on creating sustainable social and economic benefit in the Scottish economy.
-
This programme will allow you to benefit from the combined resources and complementary expertise of staff from two top ranking Russell Group universities, working together to offer you a curriculum relevant to the needs of industry.
-
Physics research at the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh has been evaluated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the latest Research Excellence Framework [2021].
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The MSc programme in Sensor & Imaging Systems lasts one year and contains a minimum of 180 credits. Students undertake a minimum of:
60 credits at the University of Glasgow (semester 1), and 60 credits at the University of Edinburgh (semester 2)
The remaining 60 credits will take the form of an extended MSc project, carried out on a specific aspect of theoretical, computational or experimental aspect of Sensor and Imaging Systems. Projects will be conducted at Glasgow and/or Edinburgh Universities while embedded within a research group or groups – under the direct supervision of a member of academic staff.
Structure The curriculum undertaken by each student will be flexible, and tailored to the prior experience and expertise of the student, his/her particular research interests and the specific nature of the extended research project topic provisionally identified at the beginning of the MSc programme.
Generally, however, courses taken in semester 1 will focus on skills, understanding and knowledge in the fundamentals of SIS, while courses taken in semester 2 will provide training in more specialist aspects.
Semester 1 (University of Glasgow) Students take 30 credits of core courses and select 30 credits of optional courses.
Semester 2 (University of Edinburgh) Students take 20 credits of core courses and select 40 credits of optional courses.
Please see the University of Edinburgh SIS course list for the complete and up-to-date second-semester course details.
Semester 3 A project will be conducted at either University of Glasgow (School of Physics or School of Engineering) or University of Edinburgh (School of Chemistry or School of Engineering), that is, one of:
MSc Project (University of Glasgow) (60 credits) MSc Project (Edinburgh) (University of Edinburgh) (60 credits)
Thus students take a minimum of 180 credits with a requirement that at least 150 credits are at SCQF level 11 (M-level).
Please see the course page on our website for more information on course contents.
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Physics, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, with modules in each of Electromagnetic Theory and Physics of Solids and Thermodynamics at an average grade of pass. We may also accept degrees in Computer, Biological or Medical Sciences with a 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent). For degrees in Physics, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, a 2.2 Hons degree or equivalent may be considered if accompanied by substantial relevant experience, evaluated on a case by case 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: Basic mathematics for physics, single and multi-variable calculus (differentiation and integration), trigonometry, complex numbers, vectors, vector calculus, Taylor and Fourier series, Fourier transforms. 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++. 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. A basic understanding of electronic circuits and components (e.g., amplifiers, filters, transistors). Some experience in the simulation and measurement of electrical/electronic systems is desirable. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
This Masters in Sensor and Imaging Systems (SIS) focuses on the technologies and techniques that underpin a vast range of societal, research and industrial needs. It is delivered and awarded jointly by the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Sensing and sensor systems are essential for advances in research across all fields of physics, engineering and chemistry and are enhanced when multiple sensing functions are combined into arrays to enable imaging. Industrial applications of sensor systems are ubiquitous: from mass-produced sensors found in modern smart phones and every modern car to the state-of-the-art, specialist high-value sensors routinely used in oil and gas recovery, scientific equipment, machine tools, medical equipment and environmental monitoring. This is an industry-focused programme, designed for people looking to develop skills that will open up opportunities in a host of end applications.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
-
This is a jointly taught and awarded degree from the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh, developed in with conjunction with CENSIS, the centre of excellence for sensing, imaging and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
-
CENSIS helps organisations innovate and overcome technology barriers to achieve business transformation and reach global markets. As one of Scotland’s Innovation Centres, it is focused on creating sustainable social and economic benefit in the Scottish economy.
-
This programme will allow you to benefit from the combined resources and complementary expertise of staff from two top ranking Russell Group universities, working together to offer you a curriculum relevant to the needs of industry.
-
The Colleges of Science and Engineering at the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh delivered power and impact in the 2014 Research Excellent Framework. Overall, 94% of Edinburgh’s and 90% of Glasgow’s research activity is world leading or internationally excellent, rising in Glasgow’s case to 95% for its impact.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The programme comprises a mix of core and optional courses. The curriculum you undertake is flexible and tailored to your prior experience and expertise, your particular research interests, and the specific nature of the extended research project topic provisionally identified at the beginning of the MSc programme.
Graduates receive a joint degree from the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Programme Timetable
Semester 1: University of Glasgow Semester 2: University of Edinburgh Semester 3: MSc project, including the possibility of an industry placement
Core Courses CIRCUITS & SYSTEMS FUNDAMENTALS OF SENSING AND MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT RESEARCH PROJECT PREPARATION
Optional Courses BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY (Edinburgh) BIOSENSORS AND INSTRUMENTATION (Edinburgh) DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING ELECTRONIC PRODUCT DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE (Edinburgh) LAB-ON-CHIP TECHNOLOGIES (Edinburgh) LASERS AND ELECTRO-OPTIC SYSTEMS 4 MICROELECTRONICS IN CONSUMER PRODUCTS 4 MICROFABRICATION TECHNIQUES (Edinburgh) NANOFABRICATION PHYSICAL TECHNIQUES IN ACTION (Edinburgh) WAVES & DIFFRACTION
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Entry requirements for the MSc in Sensor and Imaging Systems are normally a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in Physical Sciences, Electronic and Electrical Engineering or cognate subject. Applications are also welcome from candidates with (1) a 2:2 in these subject areas, (2) additional industrial experience or (3) a 2:1 or above in Computer, Chemical, Biological or Medical Sciences, or Mathematics, provided they are able to demonstrate an enthusiasm and aptitude for science and technology pertinent to sensing and imaging. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
The University of Glasgow is one of the UK’s most prestigious seats of learning, and the fourth oldest university in the English speaking world. Established in 1451 and recognised for its world-changing research and teaching, our people have always been at the forefront of innovation, including eight Nobel Laureates, two UK Prime Ministers, three First Ministers of Scotland, 10 Fellows of the Royal Society and 11 Fellows of the British Academy. Our past achievements inspire our current world changers.
Rankings
The University:
- is ranked 79th in the world: QS World University Rankings 2025
- is …
Not what you are looking for?
Browse other courses in Computer science, Digital imaging, Information technology, Science, Physics, Electronics or Digital electronics, or search our comprehensive database of postgrad programs.Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com
Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.
Click here