Enter OTP
The MSc Internet of Things (IoT) at the University of Southampton combines electronics and computer science to teach students how to design, build, secure, and optimise connected systems and devices. It suits graduates from computing, electronics, or related disciplines who want to work in industries such as smart cities, health tech, environmental monitoring, or industrial IoT.
Curriculum Structure
In its one-year structure, students progress through taught modules before undertaking an extensive individual project. During the taught phase, students take Foundations of Embedded IoT Systems, which introduces microcontrollers, sensors, embedded OSs, and communication methods, and Secure Hardware and Embedded Devices, focusing on building robust, tamper-resistant IoT modules. They also study IoT Networks, which explores protocol stacks, network architectures, and security challenges in device communication. In addition, they can choose optional modules such as Cryptography, Embedded Processors, Machine Learning for Wireless Communications, Mobile Applications Development, or Biologically Inspired Robotics to deepen their expertise in specific areas.
Focus areas: “Embedded systems, IoT networks, Secure hardware, Cryptography, Wireless communications, Machine learning in IoT, Sensor systems”
Learning outcomes: “Design, build and secure connected IoT systems; develop embedded hardware and software; manage device-to-cloud data flows and communication protocols; apply optional advanced techniques in cryptography, ML, robotics; conduct an independent project demonstrating end-to-end IoT implementation.”
Professional alignment (accreditation): The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), ensuring it meets professional standards in engineering and systems design.
Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Southampton is a Russell Group institution, and its Electronics & Computer Science department has strong research standing; the programme is viewed favourably by industry for producing skilled IoT engineers.
This programme is fundamentally hands-on, moving from theory to practice by having you design, build, and manage complete IoT systems. You will develop these skills using the university's specialised laboratories and industry-grade equipment, working with everything from low-power sensors to cloud analytics platforms. This integrated practical experience is delivered through key components:
Specialist IoT Laboratories: You will work in the Smart Electronics Lab and other ECS facilities, which are equipped with oscilloscopes, signal generators, and specialist software for embedded systems design and testing.
Industry-Standard Software & Tools: The curriculum involves practical work with embedded programming in C/C++, using platforms like the ARM mbed IoT Device Platform, and cloud services like AWS IoT Core for data ingestion and management.
Full-Stack Project Work: A core part of the programme is a substantial individual project where you will build a complete, functional IoT system, integrating hardware, networking, and data processing to solve a real-world problem.
Practical, Device-Centric Modules: Courses like "Embedded Processors" and "Internet of Things" are largely practical, involving building and programming devices on development boards and creating networked sensor systems.
Access to Research Groups: The programme is supported by the Agents, Interaction and Complexity research group, which is at the forefront of IoT and cyber-physical systems research, providing context for cutting-edge applications.
Graduates of the MSc Internet of Things at the University of Southampton enter high-growth technology sectors equipped for roles such as IoT Software Developer, Embedded Device Engineer, Network Engineer, and Cyber Security Engineer. Southampton’s practical, industry-connected curriculum ensures that alumni are in demand for positions advancing smart technology, automation, and device connectivity across diverse industries:
The Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team provides tailored internship matching, employer networking, IoT career workshops, CV and interview clinics, and access to the MyCareerHub portal for targeted job opportunities.
Southampton is ranked among the UK’s top 20 for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022), reports a graduate employment rate of 96%, and IoT postgraduates see starting salaries typically in the £39,000–£50,000 range, with higher earning potential in specialist or leadership roles.
Industry partnerships include leading companies such as IBM, Arm, Microsoft Research, Nvidia, Imagination Technologies, and the Centre for Internet of Things and Pervasive Systems, offering research projects, events, and direct pathways to employment.
The program is informed by the latest professional and research standards in electronics and computing, with access to the university’s dedicated IoT research centre, supporting ongoing relevance and recognition.
Southampton IoT graduates move into impactful careers in manufacturing, scientific and technical consultancy, public administration, and emerging technology ventures, both in the UK and internationally.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue a PhD or research posts in IoT, embedded systems, advanced computing, or connected device security, or continue with professional certifications and fellowships in electronics, communications, or systems engineering for further technical specialization.
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in electronics, computer science or related subject, such as computer engineering, telecommunications or engineeringUSA- UK 2:1 degree equivalent, with a GPA of at least 3.2 but less than 3.6India- a UK 2:1 degree equivalent with a minimum average grade of between 55% and 65%, depending on the awarding institution IELTS score requirements overall score 6.5 reading 6.0 writing 6.0 speaking 6.0 listening 6.0TOEFL: Standard 92 overall (minimum 20 in all elements)IoT Solutions ArchitectEmbedded Systems EngineerIoT Security SpecialistData Analytics Engineer (IoT)Wireless Systems EngineerIoT Product Manager
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University of Southampton
