Systems Engineering Fast-Track



Overview

This four-day course introduces the key principles and tools of systems engineering, so you can develop and maintain complex systems more effectively across their lifecycle. 

You’ll explore widely used methods for requirements management, system modelling, and engineering process improvement. Each technique covered has been applied to major real-world programmes and bids ranging from £10 million to £2 billion, ensuring everything you learn is field-tested and effective. 

The course is designed for professionals from related fields, such as software, electronics, logistics, safety and training, who are either moving into systems engineering or want to sharpen their existing skills. It's also valuable for team leads aiming to improve their team's technical performance, and organisations working towards greater process maturity, including higher CMMI® levels. 

Taught by experienced practitioner Dr Rob Collins, the course draws on over 20 years of hands-on experience improving engineering processes and training technical teams of all sizes. By the end of the course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how to apply systems thinking, work more efficiently across large-scale engineering projects and drive improvements in quality and delivery. 

Programme details

The Systems Engineering Process

  • Improving your own Systems Engineering process
  • Elements of a high-quality Systems Engineering process
  • Moving your process to where it needs to be
  • Decision analysis and Trade-studies

A Systems Engineering Database

  • Requirements management: methods, structures and traceability
  • Writing Excellent Requirements
  • Configuration management
  • Metrics for process and product

Systems Modelling

  • SysML and UML for Systems Engineering
  • Architectural frameworks – MODAF, NAF and DoDAF
  • Architectural design and interface control

Systems Integrity

  • Rigorous inspections and Gateway Reviews
  • Threads analysis
  • Failure-domain analysis - FMECA, HAZOP and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
  • Capturing rationale

Verification

  • Verification planning
  • Verification management
  • Working successfully with customers and suppliers
  • Metrics and reporting
  • Hints, tips and traps

The Human Face of Systems Engineering

Integrating with other key disciplines

Who is this course for?

Graduate-level engineers from companies that develop, or are part of a team that develops complex systems, which have one or more of the following characteristics:

  • Have around 500 to 2000 individually identified requirements
  • Range in value from £10M to £2.5Bn
  • Have safety or security critical elements
  • Incorporate or interface with significant levels of legacy technology
  • Involve teams of companies
  • Involve more than one technology area, for example: software, electronics, electro-mechanics, hydraulics and human systems elements

Perhaps you would like to update your skills in systems engineering for one or more of the following reasons:

  • You have recognised that your organisation needs to improve in areas including: requirements management, system modelling and the systems-engineering process
  • Your organisation has a target to reach higher CMMI® levels
  • You are new to large-scale systems development or you want to refresh your existing knowledge and skills
  • You are a team leader and want information that you can use to improve the performance of your team in an efficient manner

Attending Your Course 

Further details will be emailed to you two weeks ahead of your course, this will include registration information and an overview of the course timetable.

Please get in touch if you have not received this information within five working days of the course start date. 

In the meantime, you may wish to plan your travel: Travel information

Digital Certification

In order to be eligible for a certificate of attendance, you will need to attend the whole course. Participants who meet this criteria will contacted by email after the end of the course with instructions on how to download their University of Oxford digital certificate.

The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate, or share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
Standard course fee £2055.00

Payment

Fees include course materials, tuition, refreshments and lunches. The price does not include accommodation. 

All courses are VAT exempt. 

Register immediately online  

Click the 'Book now' button on this webpage. Payment by credit or debit card is required. 

Request an invoice 

If you require an invoice for your company or organisation, please email us to request an online enrolment form. Payment is then accepted online, by credit/debit card, or by bank transfer.

Tutor

Dr Rob Collins - Speaker

Visiting Fellow

Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford

Dr Rob Collins is a visiting fellow of Kellogg College, Oxford and regularly teaches courses at the University. Dr Collins has taught on the MSc in Software Engineering through Oxford University’s Computing Laboratory for over 20 years. He currently teaches modules on Classical Machine Learning, Software Testing and Safety Critical Systems.

Dr Collins also teaches courses in Artificial Intelligence, Systems Thinking, Agile, Machine Learning, Design Thinking and Business Process Improvement. He regularly provides consultancy to industry in the area of Business Process Excellence, Artificial Intelligence and Systems Engineering. He gained his Black Belt Certification in Lean Six Sigma from Lockheed Martin, the world's largest Systems Engineering company and a world-leader in advanced technology.

As well as his undergraduate degree in Physics and Computing, Dr Collins holds a PhD focussed on training, psychology and processes for introducing complex technology into learning environments. He completed an MBA in 2012 at Henley Business School, and so has a strategic business view as well as deep understanding and practical experience of hands-on process improvement in technology and service.

Application

If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying, please click Ask a Question at the top of this page.

Accommodation

Although not included in the course fee, accommodation may be available at our on-site Rewley House Residential Centre. All bedrooms are en suite and decorated to a high standard, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

To check prices, availability and to book rooms please visit the Rewley House Residential Centre website. 

Enrolled students are entitled to discounted accommodation rates for the purpose of study, at Rewley House, and can contact the administration team for the promotional code to use for making online accommodation bookings via the website.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support