University College London (UCL)

Connected Environments MSc

Teaching and learning

The programme’s core curriculum is typically delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and lab classes, as well as directed and self-directed learning supported by teaching materials and resources, published through the online virtual learning environment. Each module employs a teaching strategy that aligns with and supports its intended learning outcomes.

Hands-on work is a key element of this programme, and practical classes and workshops are integrated throughout the curriculum. Lectures, seminars, and tutorials build up theoretical learning that can be applied to practical work. Demonstrations and site visits allow you to understand and visualise the real-world implementation of digital technologies, while guest speakers from industry provide yet more context.

You will be assessed through a range of methods across the programme, including individual and group projects, written research reports, other coursework, and a final research project/dissertation. The dissertation is an opportunity for you to work on a specific topic that is of particular interest to you. You will be invited to showcase your work at an end of year show attended by academics, industry partners and the public.

Full-time students can typically expect between 13 (term 1) and 16 (term 2) contact hours per teaching week, through a mixture of lectures and practical workshops. In term 3, students’ time will be dedicated to practical work towards their dissertation and contact time will take the form of weekly one-to-one tutorials with a Dissertation Tutor.

Outside of directed teaching, full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

Modules

Full-time

The Connected Environments MSc consists of eight compulsory taught modules, worth 15 credits each (120 credits total). Four of these take place in term 1, with the other four taking place in term 2.

In the final term, students will complete a dissertation worth 60 credits in total.

Term 1: Compulsory Taught Modules (60 credits):

• CASA0014 Connected Environments (15 credits)
• CASA0016 Making, Designing & Building Connected Sensor Systems (15 credits)
• CASA0017 Web Architecture (15 credits)
• CASA0019 Sensor Data Visualisation (15 credits)

Term 2: Compulsory Taught Modules (60 credits):

• CASA0015 Mobile Systems & Interactions (15 credits)
• CASA0018 Deep Learning for Sensor Networks (15 credits)
• CASA0020 Ethics, Sustainability and Business of the Internet of Things (15 credits)
• CASA0021 Connected Environments Group Prototype and Pitch (15 credits)

Term 3: Compulsory Research Modules (60 credits):

• CASA0022 Dissertation (60 credits)

Part-time

Students studying part-time (2 years) should follow the programme structure given below:

Part-time Year One

• CASA0014 Connected Environments (15 credits)
• CASA0015 Mobile Systems & Interactions (15 credits)
• CASA0016 Making, Designing & Building Connected Sensor Systems (15 credits)
• CASA0020 Ethics, Sustainability and Business of the Internet of Things (15 credits)

Part-time Year Two

• CASA0017 Web Architecture (15 credits)
• CASA0018 Deep Learning for Sensor Networks (15 credits)
• CASA0019 Sensor Data Visualisation (15 credits)
• CASA0021 Connected Environments Group Prototype and Pitch (15 credits)
• CASA0022 Dissertation (60 credits)

Flexible

For students who enrol on modular/flexible study (with 5 years in which to complete the programme), it is recommended that students enrol on each module in the sequence below:

• CASA0014 Connected Environments (15 credits)
• CASA0016 Making, Designing & Building Connected Sensor Systems (15 credits)
• CASA0017 Web Architecture (15 credits)
• CASA0020 Ethics, Sustainability and Business of the Internet of Things (15 credits)
• CASA0015 Mobile Systems & Interactions (15 credits)
• CASA0018 Deep Learning for Sensor Networks (15 credits)
• CASA0019 Sensor Data Visualisation (15 credits)
• CASA0021 Connected Environments Group Prototype and Pitch (15 credits)

Connected Environments (CASA0014) is the required first module, taken before any other (to be completed in year 1).

Mobile Systems & Interactions (CASA0015) AND Deep Learning for Sensor Networks (CASA0018) both require prior programming experience before being studied.

Connected Environments Group Prototype and Pitch (CASA0021) is intended to be a final activity of the programme and should be left to the final year.

Compulsory modules

• Web Architecture
• Connected Environments
• Mobile Systems & Interactions
• Making, Designing & Building Connected Sensor Systems
• Deep Learning for Sensor Networks
• Sensor Data Visualisation
• Ethics, Sustainability and Business of the Internet of Things
• Connected Environments Group Prototype and Pitch
• Dissertation

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Connected Environments.

What this course will give you

• Unique skills: The programme is unique in that it develops a skill set required to deliver end-to-end solutions from developing stakeholder requirements, understanding technology, building prototypes, through to understanding how to influence decision makers.
• Learn within a living lab: Our unique approach means that our research and teaching are delivered within a living lab environment. With our new location at UCL East, devices are deployed within our building, across the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and further afield. We believe in learning through doing, with practice-led teaching to guide you through the building and deployment of physical prototypes.
• Exposure to live projects: Our research-led teaching is delivered by staff who are working on live research projects providing exposure to experts working at the cutting edge of developments in IoT.
• Access to a ‘World leading’ research environment: The UCL Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) is a renowned research centre in the science of cities; generating new knowledge and insights for use in city planning, policy and design; and drawing on the latest geospatial methods and ideas in computer-based visualisation and modelling. It is part of UCL’s Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, where 91% of research was deemed ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). The Bartlett was also ranked number one for Research Power in the built environment.
• Top Ranked: For the second year in a row, The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment was ranked #1 in the world for ‘Architecture and Built Environment’ (QS World University Subject Rankings 2024).

The foundation of your career

This programme takes a holistic view toward developing the skill sets digital practitioners require. You will learn how to deliver end-to-end solutions from prototyping in hardware and software to maintaining live sensor installations for the duration of the course. The technical activity is equally balanced with an understanding of the socio / economic factors such as stakeholder engagement and business model development for connected environment infrastructure.

The end-to-end approach, the focus on learning through making, and prototyping real-world solutions are all critical to developing the transferable skill set which is employable in this emerging marketplace.

94% of Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2017-2021).

Students have gone on to roles in government, transport planning, consultancy and operations, geospatial technology and services firms; property investment, development and management; engineering consultancy; management consultancy; and technology consultancy.

Example employers:

• CACI
• Jacobs
• Buro Happold
• Atkins
• Arup
• Boston Consulting Group
• Lendlease
• Transport for London
• Uber
• Mapbox
• Geolytix
• Connected Places Catapult
• IBM
• Westminster Council
• GLA
• Newham Council
• Zipcar
• Ordnance Survey

Employability

Graduates of the Connected Environments programme emerge well-prepared for a diverse range of career paths. Many find roles within large tech companies, consulting firms, or government agencies, using their IoT expertise to drive innovation. Others embrace the entrepreneurial spirit, launching their own start-ups. Those who develop a passion for research continue their academic pursuits through PhD programs.

Networking

A regular series of seminars given by guest lecturers provides students with an opportunity to learn form, and network with, academics and professionals from UCL and other prestigious organisations.

Additionally, students gain access to our extensive alumni network of professionals via our careers and alumni events.