Automation and Control MSc
The Automation and Control MSc is an industry-focused course that prepares you for a career as a design or development engineer.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year:
Start date(s):
- September 2026
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
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Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
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, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
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
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Module information 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.
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.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Compulsory modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Individual Project | 60 |
| Industrial Automation, PLCs and Robotics | 20 |
| Digital Control Systems | 20 |
| Advanced Control Systems | 20 |
| Research Skills and Development for Engineers | 20 |
| Distributed Control Systems | 20 |
| Control of Electric Drives | 20 |
Compulsory modules
How you'll learn
We have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching. You'll 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
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Design or creative project
- Lab exercise
- Oral examination
- Practical lab report
- Report
- Written examination
- Written exercise
MSc Project and Dissertation
You'll undertake advanced research on a 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 home automation and security systems
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- academic staff
- personal tutors and research supervisors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
- peers
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Dr Matthew Armstrong
Degree Programme Director
Areas of expertise:
- design of novel power converter topologies
- real-time digital control of power electronic converters
- control of electric drives
- system modelling; including system identification\parameter estimation
- hardware in the loop (HIL) emulation
- distributed generation/grid connected renewable energy systems
- transport electrification
- Li-ion battery characterisation and Non-Destructive Testing techniques
Dr John Hedley
Senior Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) - design and characterisation
- biosensors
- graphene
- autonomous robotics
Dr Damian Giaouris
Senior Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- nonlinear dynamics of electrical systems
- distributed energy systems
- smart grids
- electric vehicles and energy management
Dr Mohammed Elgendy
Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- grid-connected converters
- distributed generation and smart grids
- maximum power point tracking algorithms
- switched reluctance motor drives
Dr Shafiq Odhano
Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- control of Electric Drives
- sensorless control of AC machines
- parameter estimation of electrical machines
- control of power electronics-based systems
Dr Kristopher Smith
Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- electromagnetic design of electrical machines
- permanent magnet machine design
- power supply quality in brushless drives
- application of PLCs and industrial sensors
Your development
Professional skills
Our innovative educational techniques will give you practical design skills and research methodologies. You'll gain practical hands-on experience of using control system technology.
Research skills
You'll gain experience in planning, conducting, and presenting technical research. Your final project develops skills ideal for PhD study or innovation-focused roles.
Practical skills
You'll work hands-on with PLCs, robotics, servomechanisms, and distributed systems. You’ll also build strong MATLAB and digital control skills.
Your future
Graduate destinations
As a graduate, you'll have enhanced skills and knowledge. These prepare you for a 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 support
You'll benefit from:
- industry guest lectures
- site visits
- networking opportunities
- employment opportunities with added support from our Careers Service
Our Careers Service
Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
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.
You'll 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:
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) Lab
- Electrical Power Research Lab
- Smart Grid Lab and Energy Storage Test Bed
- Urban Sciences Building
Stephenson Building
The Stephenson Building is a £110 million investment in world-class education, research and collaboration across Engineering. It’s a place for future engineers, researchers and designers to collaborate and tackle global challenges, together.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
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 may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding
Find funding available for your course
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
How to apply
Using the application portal
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If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
Apply Online
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School of Engineering
School Admissions Team
Email: soe.admissions@ncl.ac.uk
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