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.
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Important information
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Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
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 2024-25.
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 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.
Course content changes
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.
Control systems stream modules
Compulsory modules
- Linear Controller Design & State Space with Matlab Applications (20 credits)
- Industrial Automation, PLCs and Robotics (20 credits)
- Distributed Control Systems (20 credits)
- Digital Control Systems (20 credits)
- Individual Project (60 credits)
- Control of Electric Drives (20 credits)
- Research Skills and Development for Engineers (20 credits)
Compulsory modules
- Linear Controller Design & State Space with Matlab Applications (20 credits)
- Industrial Automation, PLCs and Robotics (20 credits)
- Research Skills and Development for Engineers (20 credits)
- Digital Control Systems (20 credits)
- Individual Project (60 credits)
- Introduction to Mechatronics Engineering(20 credits)
- Mechatronics and Mobile Robotics (20 credits)
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
- group work
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
Additional assessment information
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 a home automation and security systems
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
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
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 Andrew Smith
Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- control of Electric Drives
- sensorless control of AC machines
- wind power generation
- photovoltaics
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.
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.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Engineering – Electrical and Electronic – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
Engineering Council
This course is professionally accredited by the Engineering Council. The accreditation ensures you receive a good foundation for professional registration. 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.
The accreditation gives 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.
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
This course is professionally accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The accreditation ensures you receive a good foundation for professional registration. IET 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 accreditation gives 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.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
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.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic 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.
