Advanced Technology MSc

Work Based Study
Your work may already be of Masters level, using the MSc Advanced Technology award you can get full recognition for it by submitting it towards a Masters degree from Staffordshire University. This is also a way in which your employer may provide an opportunity for you to further your education in areas of study directly related to your employment thus making you a more efficient employee. Virtually all parts of the course can be studied at your place of work. You need to attend the University only to maintain contact with tutors and to present your work at seminars.
Part Time Study
This is for students who are employed in industry in a capacity which provides an appropriate setting for MSc study. You will be assigned a supervisor who will guide your studies throughout the course. Your supervisor will set assignments for you and will recommend material for you to study as required to complete your assignments by self study. Your supervisor will be available for consultation via email, phone etc.
Full Time Study
This course is primarily offered on a part time basis, but you can also study full time if you wish. You will need to be available at Staffordshire University full time during teaching semesters. You may be given taught classes to attend as part of your studies for Modules 1, 2 and 3. These classes will be selected to provide appropriate contributions to your course of study, but will not provide all the content required for all of the modules.

You will also be assigned a supervisor who will give you additional assignments for self study to complete the requirements for Modules 1, 2 and 3. Your supervisor will recommend study material as required for you to complete these assignments. Your supervisor will be available for consultation on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
All students study the same four modules below, however, the contents of each module vary depending on the subject areas you have chosen for your project. Supervising staff assist students in identifying and defining the detail of the module content, much of which is based on research and project work. Whilst most study and assessment is assignment based, you also have the opportunity to attend appropriate formal lectures at the University.
Module 1 Project Management and Research Methods (30 credits) provides basic knowledge of project management techniques and research methods required for industrial research and development work and to undertake MSc project work. It also teaches you how to communicate the findings in a concise and professional manner.
Module 2 Advanced Technology (30 credits) refreshes and enhances your knowledge in a broad range of interrelated subject areas within the chosen discipline. If you plan to proceed to an MSc, the material studied in this module provides a broad foundation for the research topic chosen for Module 4.
Module 3 Specialist Technology (60 credits) provides a high level of technical expertise in a specialist area for students who wish to graduate with a postgraduate diploma. It also provides the required specialists technical knowledge required to proceed to the MSc project in Module 4.
Module 4 MSc Project and Thesis (60 credits) lets you apply the material studied in the previous modules to an advanced research project. It prepares you for planning and undertaking leading edge industry based research and development work with a high degree of competence and minimal supervision.