MSc Automation and Control

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Newcastle University

Program Overview

This one‑year full‑time MSc gives students advanced training in automation, control and mechatronic systems—with strong emphasis on real‑world industrial applications such as robotics, PLCs and distributed systems. It’s ideal for graduates in electrical, electronic, mechanical or control engineering who want to become design/development engineers in sectors like manufacturing, motion control, automation & smart systems.

Curriculum Structure:

Taught Modules (Autumn & Spring terms): Students follow core modules such as Industrial Automation, PLCs and Robotics and Digital Control Systems, where they gain hands‑on skills in programmable logic controllers, robotics systems and digital controller design. Simultaneously they study Advanced Control Systems and Distributed Control Systems, enhancing their abilities to design controllers for complex, networked industrial systems. At the same time, Research Skills and Development for Engineers supports the development of independent learning, research methodology and engineering professional skills.
Individual Project (Summer term): The programme culminates in an Individual Project (60 credits) during which students apply their knowledge to a substantial engineering investigation—for example control system design for electric vehicle drives, renewable‑energy control, or mobile robotics automation. This project lets them integrate hardware, software, control theory and industrial context to demonstrate mastery.
Final Stage (Submission & evaluation): At the end of the year students submit their project report and often present or demonstrate work, showing competence in automation/control design, system integration, practical instrumentation, and industry‑relevant tools.

Focus areas: automation and control system design; industrial robotics and PLCs; digital and distributed control systems; mechatronics and mobile robotics; research methodology and engineering project work.

Learning outcomes: Students will be able to analyse and design control systems using state‑space and digital methods; implement automation solutions with PLCs, robotics and distributed platforms; integrate mechatronics/hardware/software to solve complex engineering problems; conduct independent research or engineering projects at a professional level.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for the 5057F route.

Reputation (employability rankings): The degree comes from Newcastle University’s School of Engineering, which is globally ranked in engineering and technology disciplines. For instance, the subject category of Electrical & Electronic Engineering is placed in the top 200 in QS rankings for 2025. Graduates are positioned for roles as control engineers, automation specialists, mechatronics/design engineers in industries such as manufacturing, mobility, robotics and smart systems.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the very start of the MSc Automation and Control programme, students are immersed in hands‑on, industry‑relevant engineering practice. They’ll work in up‑to‑date labs, engage with real industrial hardware and software, and complete a significant independent project that pushes them from theory into design, implementation and evaluation. This combination of structured teaching and applied work ensures students don’t just learn concepts — they apply them.

Here’s how that translates into your experience:

Use of software tools such as MATLAB and state‑space modelling for control system design across modules like “Advanced Control Systems” and “Digital Control Systems”.
Practical hardware work with PLCs, industrial robotics, servomechanisms and distributed control systems, especially in the “Industrial Automation, PLCs and Robotics” module.
Hands‑on use of specialist laboratory facilities: computing labs, electronics teaching labs, plus a Power Electronics, Drives and Machines Lab as part of the research‑active environment.
A large Individual Project (60 credits) where students apply the skills they’ve developed to design, build and test an original system or device — for example, a mobile robotic system, electric‑drive controller, or adaptive control algorithm.
Multi‑disciplinary group work, seminars, tutorials and laboratory sessions integrated into teaching — ensuring collaborative skills, design thinking and practical execution are embedded.
Both streams offered: a “Control Systems” stream (focusing on electric drives, robust and adaptive control) and a “Mechatronics” stream (focusing on sensor‑actuator integration, robotics and mobile systems).

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme can move into roles like Control Systems Engineer, Automation & Robotics Engineer, Mechatronics Design Engineer or Drive & Electric‑Machine Systems Engineer. With a clear blend of hands‑on automation/robotics and control‑theory knowledge, it prepares you to work on industrial systems, robotics, automated manufacturing and smart control systems.

Furthermore:

University services & support – Newcastle offers a dedicated Careers Service (one‑to‑one advice, employer‑networking events, CV/walk‑through support) and you’ll also have academic personal tutors, research supervisors and lab‑based practical support for your project work.
Employment prospects – Although specific salary numbers aren’t listed for the programme, the course page highlights that graduates have gone on to work at companies such as Siemens, Dyson, Rockwell Automation and Nidec (Control Techniques).
University‑industry partnerships / industry links – The programme emphasises its strong industry‑shaped curriculum, practical lab work with robotics, PLCs and distributed control systems, and mechanisms such as guest lectures and site visits.
Long‑term accreditation value – The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) via the Engineering Council framework, which supports professional engineer registration and strengthens your credentials for longer‑term career advancement.
Graduation outcomes – On completion you will:
- Be skilled in digital control systems, system analysis and controller design (including state‑space methods, MATLAB use).
- Be able to apply practical automation technologies such as PLCs, robotics, servomechanisms and distributed control systems within real‑world industrial settings.
- Be prepared for roles across automation, mechatronics, control systems design, electric drives systems and smart manufacturing.

Further Academic Progression:
After this MSc, you could opt to advance into a PhD in areas such as control systems, mechatronics or industrial automation, or you could pursue specialist certifications in robotics, PLC programming, industrial automation systems or smart manufacturing technologies which will help you move into senior engineer or leadership roles in industry.