Systems Engineering and Complexity
Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom
Course overview
Loughborough’s Wolfson School is recognised as a national leader in Systems Engineering research and education, with a long-standing track record in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Systems of Systems Engineering, and Lifecycle Integration. There are two routes for self-funding students, three-year programme of research or a 3.75 year programme including Master’s level training in MBSE – an essential component of the digital transformation that is a strategic priority for many industries. Systems Engineering provides the transdisciplinary, integration capabilities needed to realise complex systems for commercial or societal benefit Our researchers shape how complex engineered systems are conceived, designed, managed, and sustained across multiple domains, from infrastructure and manufacturing to defence, security, transport, healthcare and digital services.
Our facilities include digital twin laboratories, modelling and simulation environments, and virtual reality enabled systems analysis suites, providing an exceptional foundation for PhD research that integrates engineering rigour with real-world impact. A PhD in this area will allow you to contribute to next-generation systems architectures, MBSE practices, and innovative approaches to system design, assurance and operation. Example research areas: 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
REF 2021
Key highlights
- Research in Model-Based Systems Engineering, Systems of Systems and Lifecycle Integration
- Optional 3.75-year route including Master's-level training in MBSE
- Digital twin laboratories and modelling and simulation environments
- Virtual reality enabled systems analysis suites support research
- Applications span infrastructure, manufacturing, defence, transport, healthcare and digital services
- 94% of research impact rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:1 — or above
Scholarships
Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of feesAlumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of feesQatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship
Careers this course leads to
- Systems Engineer
- MBSE Specialist
- Systems Architect
- Research Fellow in Systems Engineering
- University Lecturer in Engineering
- Digital Engineering Consultant
Cost of study
UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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