This specialist option of the MSc Computational and Software Techniques in Engineering has been developed to deliver qualified engineers to the highest standard into the emerging field of digital signal and image processing, who are capable of contributing significantly to the increased demand for both real-time and offline systems operating over a range of mobile, embedded and workstation platforms.

Overview

  • Start dateSeptember
  • DurationOne year full-time, two-three years part-time
  • DeliveryTaught modules 40%, group project 20%, individual research project 40%
  • QualificationMSc
  • Study typeFull-time / Part-time
  • CampusCranfield campus

Who is it for?

Developed for students interested in software development within the wide spectrum of industries in which digital signal processing and/or digital image processing plays a significant role. Suitable for candidates from a broad range of engineering backgrounds, including aeronautical, automotive, mechanical and electrical engineering, in addition to the more traditional computational sciences background, who wish to both develop and complement their existing skill set in this new area. Part-time students have a flexible commencement date.

Why this course?

This option of the MSc in Computational and Software Techniques in Engineering aims to develop your skill base for the rapidly expanding engineering IT industry sector, not only in the UK but all over the world. Graduates who undertake this option have the opportunity to pursue a wide range of careers embracing telecommunications, the automotive industry, medical imaging, software houses and industrial research, where demand for skills is high.

This course additionally forms part of the ESTIA (Ecole Supérieure des Technologies Industrielles Avancées) Cranfield MSc programme which gives ESTIA students the opportunity to study this degree based either at ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÉç or ESTIA in Bidart, South-West France.

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÉç is very well located for visiting part-time students from all over the world, and offers a range of library and support facilities to support your studies. This enables students to complete their qualification whilst balancing work/life commitments.

Informed by industry

The course is directed by an Industrial Advisory Panel who meet twice a year to ensure that it provides the right mix of hands-on skills and up-to-date knowledge suitable for the wide variety of applications that this field addresses.

A number of members also attend the annual student thesis presentations which take place at the end of July. This provides a good opportunity for students to meet key employers.

The Industry Advisory Panel includes:

  • Black & Veatch Ltd,
  • Stone Rock Advisors,
  • Rolls-Royce,
  • Airbus,
  • Factset,
  • Cambridge Consultants,
  • Industrial Vision,
  • STFC,
  • Excelian,
  • SOLV3 Engineering Ltd,
  • Red Bull Technology,
  • L3 Harris,
  • Autonomous Devices,
  • Immense,
  • The Manufacturing Technology Centre.

Course details

You will complete a number of compulsory modules that are common across options, followed by specialist modules from your selected MSc option. In addition to the taught component, you will complete a group project and an individual research project. The course is delivered via a combination of structured lectures, tutorial sessions and computer-based workshops. Mathematical and computational methods form the basis of the specialist modules, and you will gain programming experience with practical skills in computer vision software.

Course delivery

Taught modules 40%, group project 20%, individual research project 40%

Group project

The group project, which takes place in the spring, is designed to provide you with invaluable experience of delivering a project within an industry-structured team. The project allows you to develop a range of skills, including learning how to establish team member roles and responsibilities, project management, delivering technical presentations and gaining experience of working in teams that include members with a variety of expertise and often with members who are based remotely.

Part-time students are encouraged to participate in a group project as it provides a wealth of learning opportunities. However, an option of an individual dissertation is available if agreed with the Course Director.

Recent group projects include:

  • Real-time robotic sensing,
  • Automatic video surveillance,
  • Face recognition systems,
  • Applied digital signal processing for gear box analysis,
  • Vibro-acoustic analysis of turbine blades.

Individual project

The individual research project allows you to delve deeper into an area of specific interest. It is very common for industrial partners to put forward real-world problems or areas of development as potential research project topics. In general, you will begin to consider the research project after completing three-four modules - it then runs concurrently with the rest of your work.

For part-time students it is common that their research thesis is undertaken in collaboration with their place of work.

Recent idividual research projects include:

  • Vision systems for real time driver assistance,
  • Pattern recognition for vibration analysis,
  • Image stabilisation for UAV video footage,
  • Presenting driver assistance information using augmented reality,
  • Real-time object tracking for intelligent surveillance systems,
  • 3D stereo vision systems for robotics and vehicles.

Modules

Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.

To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.


Course modules

Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.

Computational Methods

Aim

    The module aims to provide an understanding of a variety of computational methods for integration, solution of differential equations and solution of linear systems of equations.

Syllabus
    The module explores numerical integration methods; the numerical solution of differential equations using finite difference approximations including formulation, accuracy and stability; matrices and types of linear systems, direct elimination methods, conditioning and stability of solutions, iterative methods for the solution of linear systems. Several of the studied numerical methods are implemented from scratch during the lab sessions, and the theoretical properties are then empirically studied and understood.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  1. 1. Formulate and assess numerical integration methods.
  2. 2. Use appropriate techniques to formulate numerical solutions to differential equations.
  3. 3. Evaluate properties of numerical methods, and choose the appropriate method to implement towards the solution of a given differential equation.
  4. 4. Evaluate properties of systems of linear equations, and choose the appropriate method to implement towards the solution of a given system of linear equations.
  5. 5. Assess the behaviour of the numerical methods and the computed numerical solutions.

C++ Programming

Aim
    Object oriented programming (OOP) is the standard programming methodology used in nearly all fields of major software construction today, including engineering and science and C++ is one of the most heavily employed languages. This module aims to answer the question ‘what is OOP’ and to provide the student with the understanding and skills necessary to write well designed and robust OO programs in C++. Students will learn how to write C++ code that solves problems in the field of computational engineering, particularly focusing on techniques for constructing and solving linear systems and differential equations. Hands-on programming sessions and assignment series of exercises form an essential part of the course. The library support provided for writing C++ programs using a functional programming approach will also be covered.   

    An introduction to the Python language is also provided.
Syllabus
    • • The OOP methodology and method, Classes, abstraction and encapsulation.
    • • Destructors and memory management, Function and operator overloading, Inheritance and aggregation, Polymorphism and virtual functions, Stream input and output.
    • • Templates, Exception handling, The C++ Standard Library and STL.
    • • Functional programming in C++.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  1. 1. Apply the principles of the object oriented programming methodology - abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance and aggregation - when writing C++ programs.
  2. 2. Design and create robust C++ programs of simple to moderate complexity given a suitable specification.
  3. 3. Construct C++ programs to solve a range of numerical problems in computational engineering using both OO and functional based approaches, based on the Standard Template Library and other third-party class libraries.
  4. 4. Design development environments and associated software engineering tools to assist in the construction of robust C++ programs.
  5. 5. Evaluate existing C++ programs and assess their adherence to good OOP principles and practice.

Management for Technology

Aim
    The importance of technology leadership in driving the technical aspects of an organisation’s products, innovation, programmes, operations and strategy is paramount, especially in today’s turbulent commercial environment with its unprecedented pace of technological development. Demand for ever more complex products and services has become the norm. The challenge for today’s manager is to deal with uncertainty, to allow technological innovation and change to flourish but also to remain within planned parameters of performance. Many organisations engaged with technological innovation struggle to find engineers with the right skills. Specifically, engineers have extensive subject/discipline knowledge but do not understand management processes in organisational context. In addition, STEM graduates often lack interpersonal skills.
Syllabus
    • Engineers and Technologists in organisations:
      • the role of organisations and the challenges facing engineers and technologies,
    • People management:
      • understanding you, understanding other people, working in teams and dealing with conflicts.
    • The Business Environment:
      • understanding the business environment; identifying key trends and their implications for the organisation.
    • Strategy and Marketing:
      • developing effective strategies, focusing on the customer, building competitive advantage, the role of strategic assets.
    • Finance:
      • profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, cash flow forecasting, project appraisal.
    • New product development:
      • commercialising technology, market drivers, time to market, focusing technology, concerns.
    • Business game:
      • Working in teams (companies), you will set up and run a technology company and make decisions on investment, R&D funding, operations, marketing and sales strategy,
    • Negotiation:
      • preparation for negotiations, negotiation process, win-win solutions.
    • Presentation skills:
      • understanding your audience, focusing your message, successful presentations, getting your message across.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • 1. Recognise the importance of teamwork in the performance and success of organisations with particular reference to commercialising technological innovation,
  • 2. Operate as an effective team member, recognising the contribution of individuals within the team, and capable of developing team working skills in yourself and others to improve the overall performance of a team,
  • 3. Compare and evaluate the impact of the key functional areas (strategy, marketing and finance) on the commercial performance of an organisation, relevant to the manufacture of a product or provision of a technical service,
  • 4. Design and deliver an effective presentation that justifies and supports any decisions or recommendations made,
  • 5. Argue and defend your judgements through constructive communication and negotiating skills.

Signal Analysis

Aim

    The aim of this module is to provide students with the necessary mathematical basis and skills for the study of Computer and Machine Vision.


Syllabus
    • Revision of complex algebra
    • Important generalised functions
    • Series representation of period signals
    • Fourier analysis and the Fourier transforms
    • Convolution and correlation
    • The Sampling theorem
    • The Z transform
    • Probability and statistics: discrete, continuous and special distributions, sampling and estimation, significant tests.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to critically evaluate and apply concepts of:

Generalised functions, in particular the Dirac Delta function, and the Sampling property as the means for identifying their behaviour. 

Fourier analysis and Fourier series representing a periodic function.

Fourier transform of a continuous function and Z transform for causal functions. 

44 Convolution and Correlation and associated theorems.  

5Basic elements of probability and statistics, as necessary for the analysis of signals and images. 


Digital Signal Processing

Aim

    Digital signal processing, a major technology in almost all modern hi-tech applications and products, is at the heart of mobile phones, communications and vibro-acoustical condition Monitoring. The aim of this course is to provide an industry oriented course covering not only the theoretical aspects of classical and advanced time-frequency DSP but also the solid implementation aspects of the subject for students wishing to pursue a career in such areas as communications, speech recognition, bio-medical engineering, acoustics, vibrations, radar and sonar systems and multimedia.


Syllabus
    • Discrete-time signals and systems
    • The correlation of discrete-time signals
    • The discrete Fourier transform
    • The power spectral density
    • The short time Fourier transform
    • The wavelet transform
    • Classical and adaptive digital filtering

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Comprehend the representations of discrete time signals and systems and implement the correlation analysis of discrete time signals 

Understand the concept of the classical discrete Fourier transform and apply it to solve engineering problems 

Explain the difference between the non-parametric and parametric estimates of the classical power spectral density (PSD) and select an appropriate method to calculate PSD based on the nature of the data. 

Identify an appropriate time-frequency analysis technique, such as the wavelet transform and Fourier transform, and then interpret the results 

Design and evaluate digital filtering, including FIR and IIR filters. 

Image Processing and Analysis

Aim
    The most powerful method of sensing available to humans is vision. In computing visual information is represented as a digital image. In order to process visual information in computer systems we need to know about processing digital images. Here we focus upon the task of low-level visual processing.
Syllabus
    • Image Applications
    • Image Representation
    • Image Capture Hardware
    • Image Sampling & Noise
    • Image Geometry & Locality, Processing Operations Upon Images
    • Camera Projection / Convolution Model
    • Image Transformation
    • Image Enhancement
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

 Comprehend common digital image representations. 

Implement and analyse a range of local and global image transforms. 

Explain and implement image processing in the frequency domain. 

Critically evaluate techniques to counter noise in digital images 

Develop the awareness of ethical conduct and regulatory requirements in the context of the applications of image processing and image compression. 


Computer Vision

Aim
    Digital Image Processing allows us to process visual information in computer systems. By processing visual information we can develop automated visual interpretation and understanding – artificial vision, itself a large part of wider field of the Artificial Intelligence. In order to achieve this we must be able to extract high-level visual information such as edges and regions from images and additionally allow for the efficient storage of large amounts of visual data. Here we concentrate on mid-level visual interpretation and image compression.


Syllabus
    • Image Restoration
    • Image Compression
    • Image Feature Extraction and Processing
    • Image Segmentation
    • Basic Feature-based Classification Approaches
    • Stereo Vision and Object Tracking
Intended learning outcomes On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
1. Apply, describe and critically evaluate the effects and impact of image compression.
2. Apply, describe and critically evaluate methods for image restoration (deblurring).
3. Apply, describe and critically evaluate feature post-processing approaches.
4. Apply, describe and critically evaluate basic feature-based image classification.
5. Understand and apply Stereo Vision.
6. Understand and apply Object Tracking approaches

Visualisation

Aim

    Computer graphics is a key element in the effective presentation and manipulation of data in engineering software.  The aim of this module is to provide an in depth practical understanding of the mathematical and software principles behind 2D and 3D visualisation using the widely used OpenGL (desktop) and WebGL (web based) graphic libraries. Representative GUI based 2D and 3D OpenGL/WebGL applications using both Javascript/HTML5 and the Qt development environment are employed. The module will also cover some of the more advanced rendering techniques including lighting, texturing and other image mapping methods used to enhance visual interpretation of data. An introduction to the implementation and use of Virtual Reality in engineering completes the module. Hands-on exercises and an assignment supplement the learning process.

Syllabus
    • Mathematical principles behind 2D and 3D visualisation, The graphic and coordinate pipelines, Matrix transformations, Modelling, viewing and projection, OpenGL and WebGL libraries, GLSL shader programming.for the graphic pipeline and GPU
    • Development of interactive CG applications using OpenGL, WebGL, GLSL and Qt
    • Advanced rendering techniques, lighting, texturing and image mapping
    • Introduction to virtual reality.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Apply the principles underlying the graphic and coordinate pipelines to display and manipulate 2D and 3D models.
  • Use the mathematical basis behind 2D/3D modelling and viewing to solve visualisation problems in OpenGL and WebGL.
  • Understand, implement and use GLSL shader programs for implementing the graphic pipeline.
  • Create interactive visualisation applications using OpenGL/ WebGL, GLSL and Qt.
  • Evaluate the use of VR and other advanced technologies for engineering visualisation.

Machine Learning for Computer Vision

Aim
    The aim of this module is to provide you with the necessary knowledge and understanding for the application of machine learning techniques to real world industrial problems within the domain of computer and machine vision and beyond.

Syllabus
    • Machine Learning Theory & Methodology.
    • Decision Tree Classifiers.
    • Instance Based Learning.
    • Bayesian Classification.
    • Genetic Algorithms.
    • Ant Colony Optimisation.
    • Neural Networks.
    • Support Vector Machines.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  1. Solve industrial problems within the domain of computer and machine vision by applying a range of machine learning techniques to.
  2. Evaluate the application of machine learning approaches to a wider set of data mining and classification type problems.
  3. Prepare a machine learning analysis on suitable forms of computer and machine vision data using a provided implementation.
  4. Examine the concepts and operation of a range of machine learning algorithms in order to facilitate re-implementation in a software programming environment with which they are already familiar.
  5. Solve machine learning computer vision problems through interactive learning workshops.

Applications of Computer Vision

Aim

    The low-level and mid-level visual understanding achievable using various digital image processing techniques allow us to tackle the Artificial Intelligence problem of artificial visual sensing – computer vision (also termed 'machine vision'). By developing these techniques further we can apply image processing to a number of different visual inspection and understanding tasks within the realm of science and engineering. Here we investigate applied digital image processing in the form of computer vision – the automated interpretation and understanding of visual information.Ìý The digital signal application area focuses on the use of vibroacoustics for condition monitoring.

Syllabus
    • Geometric Object Recognition (industrial).
    • Principle Component Analysis Based Object Recognition (industrial and faces).
    • 3D object recognition and sensing – range data and stereo vision.
    • Object motion detection, scene change detection and object tracking approaches.
    • Robotic Control.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

1. Apply, describe and critically evaluate the concept and limitations of computer vision for Robotics.
2. Describe, implement and evaluate a computer vision system according to basic application requirements and specifications.
3. Apply, describe and critically evaluate the basic concepts of object recognition.
4. Apply, describe and critically evaluate a range of computer vision applications in Industrial vision systems.

Teaching team

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÉç is a leader in applied mathematics and computing applications, and you will be taught by experienced Cranfield academic staff. Our staff are practitioners as well as tutors, with clients that include: UK Ministry of Defence, Home Office Scientific Development Branch, Caterpillar, Rolls-Royce and the Department of Transport (DfT). Our teaching team work closely with business and have academic and industrial experience. Knowledge gained working with our clients is continually fed back into the teaching programme, to ensure that you benefit from the very latest knowledge and techniques affecting industry. The course also includes visiting lecturers from industry who will relate the theory to current best practice. In recent years, our students have received lectures from industry speakers including: Jonathan Mckinnell, BBC R&D, Mark Bernhardt, Waterfall Solutions and Andy Lomas, Head of CG, Framestore. The Course Director for this programme is Dr Stuart Barnes.

Your career

The MSc in Computer and Machine Vision attracts enquiries from companies all over the world who wish to recruit high-quality graduates. There is considerable demand for students with expertise in engineering software development and for those who have strong technical programming skills in industry-standard languages and tools. Graduates of this course will be in demand by commercial engineering software developers, automotive, telecommunications, medical and other industries and research organisations, and have been particularly successful in finding long-term employment.

Some students may go on to pursue degrees on the basis of their MSc research project. Thesis topics are most often supplied by individual companies on in-company problems with a view to employment after graduation - an approach that is being actively encouraged by a growing number of industries.

A selection of companies that have recruited our graduates include:

  • BAE Systems,
  • European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS),
  • Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl),
  • Orange France,
  • Microsoft,
  • EDS Unigraphics,
  • Delcam,
  • GKN Technology,
  • Logica,
  • Oracle Consulting Services,
  • National Power,
  • Altran Technologies,
  • Earth Observation Sciences Ltd,
  • Oracle Consulting Services,
  • Easams Defence Consultancy,
  • Xyratex.

Cranfield’s Career Service is dedicated to helping you meet your career aspirations. You will have access to career coaching and advice, CV development, interview practice, access to hundreds of available jobs via our Symplicity platform and opportunities to meet recruiting employers at our careers fairs. Our strong reputation and links with potential employers provide you with outstanding opportunities to secure interesting jobs and develop successful careers. Support continues after graduation and as a Cranfield alumnus, you have free life-long access to a range of career resources to help you continue your education and enhance your career.

The reason why I wanted to come to Cranfield is because it's one of the best ranked schools. I really like coding and using computational tools to solve engineering problems. I think the course is really relevant and useful for today's digital era.
I applied for this course as I wanted to be more refined in the computer software field. Beyond the course, I can apply what I have learned in the modules, so that I can achieve a sense of accomplishment in my study. In addition, there are many choices in the topic of the thesis which combines interest and professionalism.
While studying civil engineering, I believed that digitalisation is the future of the construction industry and decided to pursue a MSc related to computer and machine vision. This Cranfield course offered me a valuable opportunity to learn the latest artificial intelligence techniques. This well-arranged modules, high-quality course content and industry-oriented research projects helped me develop fast. The timescale was intense but extremely exciting and very fulfilling. The fact that Cranfield is highly ranked guarantees the best education and research.

How to apply

Click on the ‘Apply now’ button below to start your online application.

See our Application guide for information on our application process and entry requirements.