Automation and Robotics
Postgraduate
MSc/PgDip
Advanced Control Systems
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Course
One year
Two year
Next enrolment
January 2021
In a nutshell
Enrich your first degree and previous relevant experience by developing a focused, integrated and critically aware understanding of underlying theory and current policy and practice in the field of control systems engineering.
The specialist postgraduate degree course blends control systems theory with a practical exploration of range of control applications, including industrial control (SCADA), intelligent control, flight control and robotic control. This control system approach provides continuity in learning throughout the course.
This programme is designed to meet the requirement of the Engineering Councils Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP).
You will:
- Gain a critical awareness and understanding of current problems in control engineering
- Learn how to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively
- Make sound judgments in the absence of complete data
- Communicate your conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialists
International
students accepted
This is for you if...
1.
You're an engineering graduate seeking a career in the automation and control sector
2.
You're a practising control systems engineer and want to extend and update your skills
3.
You're excited by robotics and automation and want to help shape future development
All about the course
This MSc programme is delivered over one year full-time, or two years part-time. The course is based on four 30-credit modules and one 60-credit project module. A nine-month PgDip pathway is also available.
- In trimester one, you will explore automation, robotics and control.
- In trimester two, you will study mobile robotics, and choose to study either artificial intelligence or flight dynamics.
- In trimester three, you will bring together all of your learning to conduct high-level coordinated academic and practical work to form your final dissertation assessment.
Modules
You will be provided with a comprehensive understanding of current industrial control technology and practices, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Distributed Control System (DCS) systems. Subjects include discrete event system control, programming PLCs, manipulator theory and manipulator practice.
Instrumentation and Control
This module will give you a comprehensive understanding and systematic understanding of knowledge in the design and analysis of both measurement and feedback control systems.
Mobile Robotics
This module will teach you to critically review and analyse current autonomous intelligent robots, consolidate and extend knowledge in robotics applications and provide a practical understanding of robotic navigation and locomotion. You will also be taught the theory and practice of autonomous intelligent mobile robots and how these techniques and technologies impinge on research and industrial activities.
MSc Project and Dissertation
The project module is to give you the opportunity to bring together what has been done in all of your other modules, working under the direction of an academic supervisor to carry out high-level coordinated academic and practical work. On completion of the project, you should have demonstrated the following:
- Ability to apply multiple theories (educational, technical and project management) learnt elsewhere to a real-world research-driven project.
- Application of an appropriate software development methodology, using principles of planning, design, usability and scalability.
- Critical and evaluative appraisal and discussion, arriving at relevant conclusions.
You will then select one module from the below:
Flight Dynamics and Control
On completion of this module you will have a complete understanding of how to analyse flight dynamics and the design of flight control systems.
Artificial Intelligence
The aim of this module is to give you a comprehensive understanding of the role of artificial intelligence in control applications, and provide you with practical experience of using techniques such as fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, and evolutionary computing in engineering applications.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a rapidly changing world, our multi-disciplinary courses will shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and conservationists. Shaped by industry and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the skills to become unstoppable in your career.
Facilities
During your studies, you will experience a modern learning environment, enriched with accessible lecture theatres and AV-equipped classrooms, computing suites and multimedia libraries, with access to industry journals, databases, and simulation software.
As an engineering student, you will learn using advanced, specialist laboratories for aerodynamics and control and dynamics, with access to flight simulators and training systems.
Programme Team
The Advanced Control Systems postgraduate programme is delivered by an academic team with extensive research and industry knowledge.
What about after uni?
EMPLOYMENT
Robotics and automation is a dynamic field, and a wide-range of opportunities are emerging in areas such as robotics design, control system integration and design, factory automation engineering management and research. Due to the rapid integration of new technologies, course graduates can expect to find employment across many industries.
FURTHER STUDY
Some of our graduates choose to progress to postgraduate and doctoral research in our Salford Innovation and Research Centre (SIRC). The Centre aims to build on our world-class research and provide industry with guidance and expertise in 21st-century technology for business success and economic growth. Research at the Centre is supported by EPSRC, TSB, DoH, MoD, Royal Society, European Commission funding, as well as direct investment from industry.
The Control and Systems Engineering (CASE) hub brings together a wealth of expertise that covers broad areas of advanced control and system engineering, and the core academic members of staff are internationally-recognised researchers. We excel in a number of strategic areas of leading research in mechanical, electrical, civil and aeronautical engineering.
Career Links
Salford has strong links with industry covering companies that span the aerospace industry. These links have developed through collaborative research and development projects, or via the commercial testing of products/components. The knowledge gained through these engagements all feed into teaching and learning, and help to connect learning to real-world scenarios.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
This course is recommended for engineering graduates seeking a career in the automation and control sector, or practicing control systems engineers who want to extend their skills.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
International applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is proof of this.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY APPROVAL SCHEME (ATAS)
International students are required by the Home Office and/or the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate before they begin study. To comply with Home Office regulations, you must obtain an ATAS Certificate before you come to the UK. Please refer to your offer conditions.
CERTIFIED ENGINEER STATUS
Candidates who do not hold an appropriately accredited BEng Honours degree will gain partial exemption for CEng status; these candidates will need to have their first qualification individually assessed if they wish to progress onto CEng registration.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
Typically a minimum of 2:2 honours degree with significant numerate content comparable to first degrees in engineering.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2020/21 | £7,920per year |
| Full-time international | 2020/21 | £14,670per year |
| Part-time | 2020/21 | £1,320 per 30 credits |
| Full-time home | 2021/22 | £8,640per year |
| Full-time international | 2021/22 | £15030per year |
| Part-time | 2021/22 | £1,440 per 30 credits |
Additional costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for International students 2021/22
To celebrate Salford's expertise and industry links, high achieving international students may be eligible for an International Excellence Scholarship worth up to £3,500.
Visit the international scholarships page for more information.