Control and Instrumentation MSc

This course is made up of three stages - Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc.

You will study modules such as:

This module will advise, guide and develop you in the various elements that constitute the skills required for identifying and applying appropriate research methods and developing an overall research plan. Your learning will include how to identify, evaluate and apply different research philosophies, research approaches, research strategies, research methods, and methods of data collection and analysis.

The increased processing power available, coupled with the development of more sensitive sensors and more complex measurement techniques, have brought many sophisticated computerised products into both industrial and consumer markets. This module aims to give you an in-depth understanding of the basis of instrumentation, advanced signal processing, and the operation of the sensors and modern instrumentation techniques and applications which are currently used. Your understanding of these elements will underpin your ability to appreciate the application of intelligent instrumentation systems in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing industry, instrument production and development, and medical research and practice.

Embedded systems are products in which tiny computers are hidden in order to undertake a control function. They appear in a wide variety of forms today, including the car, domestic appliances, stage, office or medical equipment, and industrial machinery. In this module, industrially relevant hardware and software design skills are developed, including embedded C programming, and working with a real-time operating system. The wider contexts of embedded devices are explored, for example relating to real time, low power or high reliability.

You will evaluate how the professional actions, decisions and leadership of others have a local impact as well as wider implications for the environment and the sustainable future of the planet. This module will be delivered online for students joining the course in January.

You will study modules such as:

During this module, you will develop your managerial skills in preparation for work in a global industry environment. You will study strategic concepts and learn how to transfer them into your own industry or specialism using a structured approach. You will focus on managing the global future by analysis rather than by instinct and will become adept at forecasting and financial analysis, while considering business ethics.

Modern control system design is an integral part of modern society. It appears in numerous applications all around us, including aerospace, entertainment, motor vehicle and office environments. You will analyse advanced control systems using analytical techniques and computer tools. You will be introduced to optimal control of time varying and time invariant systems, solutions to the linear quadratic regulator, optimal filtering, and linear quadratic Gaussian problems. There will be a high dependence on exploring system behaviour using CAD packages.

You will also choose one module, such as:

This module is designed to consolidate your postgraduate and industrial knowledge so you will carry out practical case studies on a number of small industrial applications. These bring together aspects of electronics, electrical, mechanical and CAD used in industry. We focus on implementing electrical and electronic principles, sensors and actuators, with the emphasis on how these elements fit into industrial applications.

You will engage with a specific aspect of the technology used within your subject area at masters level. The module includes project management, target-setting and the practical implementation of your objectives in an industrial context. We will locate relevant issues in an academic context to promote the links between conceptual analysis and industrial practice, making possible an accurate evaluation of the project’s objectives.

You will study one module, such as:

This module provides you with an opportunity to apply and enhance the knowledge and intellectual skills gained during your programme and develop your specialist skills in an area of your choice. The aim is to improve your ability to work independently, in a chosen topic, using appropriate research and design concepts and analytical, test, measurement and evaluation techniques in order to produce a finished artefact or product. You will be challenged to demonstrate a critical understanding of how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research in the production of clear, logically argued and original work related to your field of study.