Our Automation and Control MSc is a multidisciplinary course that prepares you for a career as a design or development engineer in control and automated systems.
Your course during COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.
View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2021-22.
This course will provide you with a broad coverage of all of the major disciplines in automation and control. It will also prepare you for a career in a a wide range of industrial sectors.
Our MSc is designed for both practising professionals and new graduates in electrical and electronic engineering and other related engineering disciplines.
You will learn through innovative educational techniques designed to equip you with practical design skills and research methodologies - crucial for industry and further research studies (PhD).
The MSc provides an advanced education that includes:
a focus on fundamentals in automation
control and practical application in industry
Core learning includes:
linear controller design and state space with Matlab applications
industrial automation, PLCs and robotics
distributed control systems
digital control systems
application of engineering and computing expertise to investigate a complex problem through an individual project
The flexible nature of this programme allows you to specialise in one of two streams:
Control Systems Stream
Developed to provide a thorough understanding of key areas of control systems, including:
control of electric drive systems
robust and adaptive control systems (concepts and design)
Mechatronics Stream
Focusing on aspects of mechatronics (systems and design), including:
This degree covers all major disciplines in automation and control, providing core knowledge and understanding of control system design and automation systems. You will develop critical thinking and gain an appreciation of real-life problems in an area of industry where skills are in great demand.
You will:
develop an in depth understanding of system analysis and controller design using state space techniques with Matlab applications
gain design skills through an understanding of fundamentals and modern methods in digital control systems
develop the ability to analyse and design control systems for industrial applications
gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills in industrial automation technology, including; industrial robotics, servomechanisms, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and distributed control systems
apply multi-disciplinary skills and expertise in engineering and computing to investigate a complex problem through analysis, design and development of an original system or device
You'll benefit from our multidisciplinary approach to teaching where you will have the opportunity to engage with fellow students across all key electrical, electronic, and mechatronic engineering disciplines. This will be through lectures, group work and other activities, providing a rich and diverse learning experience.
You'll have the opportunity to work with our experts. They have worldwide reputations in electrical engineering, mechatronics, and control systems research. You will choose the topic of your research project, supported by our expertise. Our innovative educational techniques will give you practical design skills and research methodologies.
This stream is ideal if you wish to acquire specialist knowledge and design skills in control systems design and application that is industrially relevant.
You will:
gain an in depth understanding of both AC and DC electric drives systems
have the ability to 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
This stream provides a deeper understanding in the area of mechatronics. The focus is on instrumentation and drive systems as well as robotics. The modules will allow you to develop the skills sought by industry.
You will:
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
The Institution of Engineering and Technology is one of the world's largest engineering and technology institutions. It is a global diverse home for over 168,000 engineering and technology professionals in 150 countries. It provides support at every stage of your career.
The Engineering Council is the UK regulatory body for the engineering profession. It sets and maintains the internationally recognised standards of professional competence and ethics that govern and award and retention of these titles.
Our accreditations give you an additional benchmark of quality to your degree, making you more attractive to graduate employers. It can also open the door to higher-level jobs, most of which require Chartered Engineer status.
You will undertake advanced research on an appropriate related topic as part of an independent dissertation. This will allow you to:
combine the skills, knowledge and understanding gained from the modules you've undertaken
develop your research skills on a relevant topic
gain experience of working with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, CAD tools, and industrially relevant software design tools.
develop key engineering and organisational skills relevant to the industrial workplace
Example Project topics include:
Control system design for Electric Vehicle Drive Trains
Control system design for Renewable Energy applications (Photovoltaics, Wind Turbines etc)
Parameter estimation and adaptive digital control of switch mode power electronic applications
Intelligent Control Systems; various research investigations into Robust Control, Adaptive Control, Fuzzy Logic, Neural Networks, Artificial Neural Networks, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Electric drive systems; including Sensorless Control and Model Reference Adaptive Control
Application of PLCs and industrial sensors; for example, industrial conveyor belt applications
Control of a 6-DOF Robotic Arm; including object manipulation and pick and place applications
Development of a home automation and security systems
We have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching and you will engage with fellow students across all key engineering disciplines. This offers a rich and diverse learning experience.
Our teaching covers a broad range of subjects and consists of:
lectures
tutorials
coursework
seminars
practical laboratory sessions
group work
You'll learn in modern lecture theatres fully equipped with audio-visual equipment. Canvas, a web-based Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), will support your taught modules.
Practical sessions are carried out in modern laboratories with state-of-the-art hardware and computing facilities. All of the taught modules on MSc Automation and Control are informed by University research.
Our strong industry links also means our degrees are shaped by industry and provide you with an enhanced learning journey.
Overall, you will benefit from:
practical hands on experience of using control system technology
project work
research insight
industry guest lectures
site visits
networking opportunities
employment opportunities with added support from our Careers Service
You will have access to a range of specialist facilities across campus that will support your studies and enhance your learning experience. These include:
Computing Lab
Electronics Teaching Lab
Power Electronics, Drives and Machines Lab
Each research group in the school has dedicated equipment and laboratories. As part of your Individual Project, you may also have the opportunity to work within one of our research laboratories, including:
Our Communication and Signal Processing MSc equips you with the theory and practice necessary to begin a career as a design or development engineer in communications and signal processing.
Our Electrical Power MSc covers all major disciplines of electrical power. You'll deepen your knowledge, commercial awareness and technical ability to develop advanced skills. Specialise in one of three streams: electrical power, power distribution engineering or advanced electrical power.
The information above is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
Curious about what our graduates have gone on to do? Find out about opportunities they’ve pursued, and how we can help you develop your career.
Graduate destinations
As a graduate you will have the enhanced skills and knowledge preparing you for wide range of careers across electrical, electronic, mechatronic and control engineering. Our graduates have gone on to destinations including:
Siemens
Dyson
Rockwell Automation
Nidec (Control Techniques)
Borg Warner
This course also provides a route into PhD level study.
Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service will help you to explore your options and make informed choices to achieve your career goals.
Work experience
Work experience placements are a great way to develop relevant skills to excel in your chosen career.
Find out about paid and unpaid work experience options and other ways you can add to your degree.
For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.
If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.
All students
Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.
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.
Find out the equivalent qualifications for your country.
You'll be able to apply for 2022/23 entry from September 2021
Start dates
The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Deposit
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must:
pay a deposit of £1,500
or submit an official letter of sponsorship
The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. The deposit is non-refundable, but we will deduct it from your tuition fees when you register.
