Internet of Things with Foundation Year

Designed with industry in mind

This programme is part of the East Midlands Institute of Technology, for which the University of Derby is the lead institution. The Institute focuses on preparing the current and future generations of innovators to ensure they are skilled in digital, manufacturing and engineering subjects. 

This course is designed in close collaboration with industrial practitioners, technologists, specialists and professional bodies to offer rigorous professional and practical training backed with sound academic theory. 

You’ll learn through industry briefs and case studies and apply what you have learnt to real world scenarios, as well as working on projects supplied by industry, examples include studying the practicality and usability of real IoT systems, real world ethical issues, and development and deployment of systems to improve manufacturing or transport processes. You’ll also hear from industry experts in lectures and practical’s. 

The module content is inspired by our local communities and people, as well as being relevant to the City we belong to. We collaborate with local and international industries on a wide range of challenging projects including: 

• Rolls Royce PLC 
• Toyota Manufacturing GB 
• CERN 
• Bloc Digital 
• Alstom 
• Bentley Motors 
• Gardner Aerospace 
• JCB 
• AddQual 
• GXO  

We have seen ordinary things become connected to the internet and offer new opportunities for their users: they range from smart fridges, fall sensors for elderly people, and self-driving vehicles to factories and beyond. The Internet of Things (IoT) provides the platform to connect real-world devices to computer networks and has a huge impact on industry and individuals. The underlying technology is based on sensors, actuators, software, connectivity and data science and impacts all aspects of society.

Future needs

Modern industries are starting to rely on this type of technology so data can be gathered from sensors and devices. It has become a key factor in the field of logistics and manufacturing with supply chain controls as well as in personalised medicine and transport. 

Indications from industry show a strong need for a workforce that has the skills and knowledge to interpret data and act accordingly to maximise opportunities. During this course, you will be supported on your journey of becoming a professional practitioner who will shape awareness, knowledge and understanding of the economic, social and environmental context of applications of the Internet of Things. You’ll gain an understanding of the technical aspects underpinning the IoT which includes computing and software development skills, electronics, data analysis and artificial intelligence. 

Throughout the course, you will develop the ability to confidently communicate in a range of situations on relevant subject and societal matters, conduct research, solve problems in a logical and analytical manner and communicate findings. You’ll also gain an understanding of research methods involving Artificial Intelligence (AI), including both employing AI tools to aid research and conducting research to identify key issues and their respective IoT solutions. 

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You’ll be taught in lectures, which are intentionally interactive and incorporate question-and-answer sessions. Practical sessions will allow you to develop skills in equipment use, the creation of small systems and the evaluation of these. Seminars and tutorials provide opportunities to expand your knowledge on topics.

You will also take part in teamwork to develop interpersonal and communication skills.  

 Technology-enhanced learning plays an important role and interaction is supported by the use of appropriate virtual learning environments.  

How you are assessed 

A variety of assessment methods are used. Some modules are assessed through coursework only, others by a combination of coursework, portfolios, assignments, case studies, oral and graphic presentations, collaborative and interdisciplinary teamwork projects, and computer testing providing a flexible and effective means of assessments.

Graduates will be able to enter destinations in local governments, engineering companies and health organisations as IoT developers, working on projects such as smart devices and smart infrastructure but also digital twin implementations. They will also be suitable to find employment as data scientists or data engineers.  

For those interested in further study, graduates could go on to study a postgraduate course like our MSc Cyber Security or another course through our EMIoT partners. 

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

2025/26

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

Other courses you might like

• Artificial Intelligence and Data Science with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
• Computer Science with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
• Internet of Things BSc (Hons)

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.