Internet of Things
The Internet of Things refers to the growing network of physical devices, from household appliances and industrial sensors to vehicles and medical instruments, that are embedded with computing power and connectivity, enabling them to collect and exchange data. It is one of the most consequential technological developments of recent decades, reshaping industries from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare, smart cities and energy management. Understanding how to design, build and manage these connected systems requires a blend of hardware knowledge, software engineering, networking, data analysis and systems thinking.
At the University of Derby, this part-time programme includes a foundation year and a year abroad, providing a comprehensive route into a technically demanding field. The foundation year allows you to build the foundational knowledge and skills needed for degree-level study in this area before progressing to the full programme. The year abroad provides the opportunity to engage with IoT development and deployment in a different technological and commercial environment, broadening your perspective on how these systems are developed and applied globally.
You will study the technical principles of embedded systems, wireless communication protocols, sensor technology, data management and cloud platforms, alongside security, privacy and the ethical considerations that arise when objects in the physical world are networked and data-generating. Systems design, prototyping and integration are developed through practical projects that connect technical principles to real applications.
Graduates go on to careers in IoT engineering and development, systems integration, network engineering, data analysis, smart building and city technology, industrial automation, healthcare technology and consultancy. The field is growing rapidly and skilled IoT professionals are in demand across a wide range of industries. Further study in computer science, engineering or data science is an option for those who want to deepen their technical expertise.