Smart Manufacturing - MSc at Birmingham City University

This course will enable graduates with a solid understanding of the theorical and practical elements of Industry 4.0. As a conversion course with a focus on the digital-led aspects of the smart manufacturing sector, we consider all students are starting with no experience in the computing and mathematical aspects of the technologies involved in the course.

The MSc brings together cutting-edge digital technology by starting with a solid foundation of principles of computing, networking, sensing technologies, security and the digitally enabled value chain that support the development of Industry 4.0

As such, the core concepts of Industry 4.0 that will be taught are:

• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) - the underpinning infrastructure behind the factories of the future, the IIoT enables the development of intelligent systems to automate manufacturing processes with high levels of efficiency, accuracy and visibility. You will be introduced to the underlying technologies such as sensors, embedded systems, communications and platforms used in the industry for the implementation of these cyber physical systems.
• Cybersecurity - As the industrial processes move to the digital realm, there is a requirement for the implementation of cyber security measures for the adequate protection of valuable information assets to ensure organisations operations, and from a data protection and availability point of view, their compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. You will learn the skills and techniques to identify security gaps, evaluate business risks, and recommend mitigations strategies.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) - AI is a core component of modern computing systems which involve the development of intelligent agents that mimic human’s cognitive capability in learning, reasoning and problem-solving. As a student of this MSc, you will develop an in-depth understanding of the potential and scope of applying and evaluating the different forms of AI techniques.

The course is complemented by the study of how digital technologies are impacting the manufacturing value chain how to best manage these technologies, including novel visualisation techniques such as Augmented and Virtual Reality.

The course offers a route for graduates to undertake a professional placement or to go on to a doctoral research programme.