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Automation and Control MSc

This industry-focused course prepares you for a career as a design or development engineer.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year:


Start date(s):

  • September 2025
Is PG right for me? Join our webinar. Wednesday 23 October, 14:00-15:00 BST

Overview

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

  • 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 complex problems

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

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What you'll learn

All of the taught modules on MSc Automation and Control are informed by University research.

This MSc will enable you to:

  • gain an appreciation of real-life problems in an area of industry where skills are in great demand
  • develop an in-depth understanding of system analysis and controller design using state-space techniques with Matlab applications
  • gain analytical and design skills through an understanding of fundamentals and modern methods in digital control systems
  • gain knowledge and practical skills in industrial automation technology, including; industrial robotics, servomechanisms, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and distributed control systems
  • investigate complex problems through analysis, design and development of an original system or device

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.

How you'll learn

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.

 

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 award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

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 2025 entry (per year)

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:

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Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 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.

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Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

School of Engineering
School Admissions Team
Email: soe.admissions@ncl.ac.uk

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