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MSc Smart Manufacturing and AI
Why choose Herts?
Industry-focused skills: Develop advanced skills in manufacturing, artificial intelligence, industrial data and digital technologies, and apply them to real-world manufacturing challenges.
Specialist facilities: Study in Spectra, our new state-of-the-art engineering and computer science building, with access to specialist robotics, modelling, computing and engineering facilities.
Industry connections: Gain industry insight through our established links with leading organisations across manufacturing, engineering and technology, including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, BAE Systems and Microsoft.
About the course
The MSc Smart Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is designed to equip you with the advanced knowledge, technical expertise and professional capabilities needed to progress your career in advanced manufacturing and digital engineering. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, move into a specialist role or develop the skills to take on greater technical and strategic responsibility, you'll explore how AI and digital technologies are transforming modern manufacturing.
You’ll develop your understanding of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, industrial data management, lean manufacturing, quality management and smart supply chain strategies. You’ll learn how to use these approaches to design, implement and evaluate intelligent manufacturing solutions.
By bringing together technical, analytical and professional skills, the MSc Smart Manufacturing and AI supports progression into specialist and technical opportunities in advanced manufacturing and digital engineering. You’ll also consider responsible innovation, sustainability, and the ethical, societal and regulatory considerations associated with AI-enabled industrial systems.
Alongside your technical knowledge, you’ll develop professional skills in communication, project management, teamwork and continuous professional development, preparing you to contribute to responsible, sustainable and data-driven solutions in modern manufacturing environments.
You can also choose from two additional pathways. The Advanced Project pathway develops your project delivery, planning, stakeholder communication, teamwork and professional development skills. The Extended Professional Practice pathway gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a relevant workplace, gain practical industry experience and develop your professional confidence and workplace readiness.
Alternatively, consider taking one of our MA Smart Manufacturing and AI routes:
- MSc Smart Manufacturing and AI
- MSc Smart Manufacturing and AI with Advanced Project
- MSc Smart Manufacturing and AI with Extended Professional Practice
Why choose this course?
- This MSc Smart Manufacturing and AI course is designed for the next generation of manufacturing professionals who want to combine manufacturing expertise with AI and digital technologies to develop intelligent manufacturing solutions.
- The course combines manufacturing and AI expertise within one School. Herts brings together engineering, computer science, AI and robotics expertise, providing a strong environment for developing skills in intelligent manufacturing.
- Learn through practical activities, case studies, computer-based analysis, teamwork, problem-solving and project work, applying your knowledge to real-world manufacturing challenges.
- Benefit from Herts’ established industry links, employer engagement, projects and placement opportunities, including connections with organisations such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover and BAE Systems.
- Choose the Advanced Project pathway to develop project delivery skills or Extended Professional Practice to gain relevant workplace experience.
What will I study?
Learn, apply, evaluate is the guiding principle of the MSc. You will first develop the theoretical foundations of smart manufacturing and AI, then apply those concepts to industrially relevant problems and critically evaluate technological, operational, sustainability and professional implications.
You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical activities, case studies, computer-based analysis, teamwork, problem-solving and project work, giving you opportunities to apply concepts to realistic manufacturing challenges and develop both technical and professional skills.
The interdisciplinary nature of the programme provides opportunities to develop expertise across manufacturing engineering, digital manufacturing, AI and data, management and professional practice.
Assessment therefore extends beyond traditional examinations to include technical reports, data analysis exercises, practical investigations, case studies, presentations, group projects, design and problem-solving activities, and an individual master’s project. This range of assessment methods enables you to demonstrate both your technical knowledge and your ability to apply it to complex, industry-relevant challenges.
For the standard MSc, the taught stage develops advanced knowledge and practical capability in smart manufacturing and AI, followed by the individual MSc project.
Where will I study?
Learn in Spectra, our new state-of-the-art School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building, now open, featuring interactive learning zones. Access modeling, simulation, and research labs, our Merlin Flight Simulator, automotive workshop (including electric vehicle facility), wind tunnel, welding bay, and controls testing suite.
Benefit from our Academic Support Hub, designed to enhance your employability and academic skills. Connect with industry mentors offering pastoral support, career guidance, and progression opportunities.
Spectra provides collaborative spaces, including workshops, social areas, and meeting rooms. Designed with the University’s net-zero carbon target in mind, it’s part of our commitment to replacing inefficient older sites.
Further course information
| Programme specifications | |
|---|---|
| MSc Smart Manufacturing and AI (12 Month) - Full Time, Sem A | Download |
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
Sandwich placement or study abroad year |
n/a |
Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |