Masters Degrees in Smart Cities in the UK

The digital collection of data describing human behavior in modern cities is key to the concept of the smart city. Sources of data can include mobile devices, traffic, buildings and any number of intelligent embedded systems connected to the Internet of Things.

This data can be analyzed and subsequently used to improve the essential processes that govern the infrastructure of a city. Data may benefit citizens, businesses and governmental associations. An example application of this concept within a smart city is traffic management, which can be effectively monitored and controlled in a much more efficient manner through the use of technology.

By studying in this field, your modules are likely to cover topics such as:

• Sustainable energy
• The Internet of Things
• Artificial Intelligence
• Process simulation & modeling
• Cloud computing
• Communication technologies
• Robotics
• Signal processing

Studying Smart Cities at university will equip you to take part in the planning of future urbanized environments, solving issues such as sustainability and contributing to effective governance in the future.

Career paths of graduates in university studies of Smart Cities can include:

• Data analyst
  Where you skills at analyzing data can help to improve existing processes
• Policy Advisor
  Where you knowledge of smart technologies can contribute to effective governance
• Technology Entrepreneurship
  You may wish to exploit your knowledge of smart technologies in a cutting edge company
• Smart city planning
  Using your skills to contribute to the planning of smart cities of the future
• Security analyst
  You may wish to focus on network technology skills that help protect digital infrastructure
• Robotics engineer
  Your degree may involve studying automation and robotics, which can lead to a career in this fast paced industry

Postgraduate programmes in Smart Cities are most commonly offered at universities around the world as a Master of Science (MSc. degree/MS degree), which can typically take between 1-2 years to complete when studied Full-time, and may include an industrial placement year.

Entry requirements for postgraduate programmes in Smart Cities will usually include a bachelor/undergraduate degree in a related topic such as electronic engineering, computer programming, economics, geography and sociology.