Entry requirements

A 2:2 BEng honours degree, or international equivalent, in:

electrical and electronic engineering
computer engineering
mechanical engineering
physics communications or information and control engineering

Relevant professional experience is desirable, although not essential.

We will consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and significant, relevant professional experience.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Automation and Control MSc is an industry-focused course that prepares you for a career as a design or development engineer.

Overview

This course covers all major disciplines in automation and control. It provides an advanced education for both practising professionals and new graduates. You'll learn:

the core principles of automation and control
how to apply theory to real-world industrial challenges
hands-on experience with tools like MATLAB and PLCs

Key topics include:

linear controller design and state space analysis
industrial automation, PLCs programming, and robotics
distributed and digital control systems
solving complex problems with engineering and computing techniques

You'll learn crucial innovative techniques, including practical design skills and research methodologies. These are ideal for further research studies (PhD) and careers in a wide range of sectors.

Our experts have worldwide reputations in electrical engineering, mechatronics, and control systems research. With strong industry links, our degrees are shaped by industry and provide you with an enhanced learning journey.

The flexible nature of this programme allows you to specialise in one of two streams:

Control Systems
Mechatronics

Control Systems Stream

You'll gain a thorough understanding of key areas, including:

AC and DC electric drives systems
analyse and design control systems for a wide range of electric drive applications
construct and critically test drive simulation studies in the area of control of electric drives
gain insight and advanced understanding of modern controller design, emerging intelligent control methods, and mitigation techniques for problems associated in real-life design

Mechatronics Stream

Focusing on the systems and design aspects of mechatronics you'll:

gain knowledge and understanding of the operating characteristics and design of a range of sensors and motors. This includes their integration into appropriate control systems within a specific mechanical design
understand key mechatronic concepts and their specific applications to the robust design of mobile robotic systems. This will provide you with skills to design, develop and operate a functional mobile robot mechatronic system.

What you'll learn

All of our Automation and Control MSc modules are shaped by cutting-edge university research. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills that employers are looking for. You’ll gain:

a real-world understanding of challenges in high-demand industries
expertise in system analysis and controller design using state-space methods and MATLAB
strong analytical and design skills in digital control systems
practical experience with robotics, servomechanisms, PLCs, and distributed control systems
the ability to solve complex problems by designing and developing original systems or devices