MSc Systems, Control and Signal Processing
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
About this course
Develop your signal processing skills on this Systems, Control and Signal Processing MSc at the University of Southampton. You'll specialise in systems theory, image processing and machine learning. Develop in-depth knowledge and practical skills in algorithmic development and programming, and graduate ready for a career in industry or research.
This UK MSc signal processing with systems control course is built around the latest research carried out by our electronics and computer science experts. Areas you’ll cover include:
- signal processing
- robotics
- systems and control theory
- image processing
- machine learning
The MSc control systems course with signal processing has a high mathematical content, and much of the material is computationally based.
As a postgraduate student, you will work with internationally respected academics at the forefront of their disciplines, tackling some of today’s biggest challenges.
Our excellent facilities, key partnerships with major industries and a world-leading research base will ensure that your time studying with us will be productive, challenging and enjoyable.
The degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Mohammed El-Hajjar, an associate professor in the Next Generation Wireless research group. He has won several academic awards and has published more than 80 journal and conference papers. Read Dr El-Hajjar's staff profile to find out more about his work.
Accreditations
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
Learn more about these subject areas
Computer science and software engineering
From artificial intelligence and machine learning to cyber security and the Internet of Things, we'll offer you a wide range of ways to study computer science and software engineering.
Electrical and electronic engineering
Discover the components and systems that bring electronic devices to life, and learn how electricity is generated, distributed and used at scale. Southampton is the best place in the UK to develop your knowledge and skills in electrical and electronic engineering.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
- Download Course Description Document
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in electronic engineering.
You must also have a good 2:1 (65%) score in the following:
- advanced maths, such as advanced mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematical analysis, engineering mathematics, mathematics for electrical and electronic engineers or pure mathematics
- signal processing, such as digital signal processing, signals and systems or signals
- control theory
- probability theory
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
Information for students who have studied in China
This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution.
View acceptable grades from Chinese universities.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
- overall score: 6.5
- reading: 6.0
- writing: 6.0
- speaking: 6.0
- listening: 6.0
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Course structure
This is a full-time master’s course. You'll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you’ll study the taught part of your course.
In semester 1, you’ll take 3 compulsory technical modules.
In semester 2, you’ll take 1 compulsory technical module, and 3 modules that we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.
You’ll take 1 further module across semesters 1 and 2 to help you prepare for your research project and dissertation.
Exams will be held at the end of semesters 1 and 2.
For the last 4 months (semester 3) you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
- Advanced Systems and Signal Processing
- Control System Design (MSc)
- Foundations of Machine Learning (MSc)
- MSc Project and Dissertation
- Research Methods and Project Preparation
- Signal Processing
You must also choose from the following modules:
- Advanced Machine Learning
- Applied Control Systems
- Bayesian, Active & Reinforcement Learning
- Biometrics
- Computer Vision (MSc)
- Deep Learning Technologies
- Differentiable Programming and Deep Learning
- Digital Control System Design (MSc)
- From Data to Dynamical Model: System Identification
- Image Processing
- Intelligent Mobile Robotics
Learning and assessment
Learning
The learning activities for this course include:
- lectures
- demonstrations
- seminars
- directed reading
- presentations
- technical reports
- design exercises
- group work
Assessment
We’ll assess you through:
- written exams
- technical reports
- presentations
- dissertation
- design exercise
- log books
Dissertation
You’ll complete an individual research project resulting in a 15,000-word dissertation, on a subject of your choice (to be agreed with your supervisor).
This is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show in-depth knowledge of your specialist subject.
You’ll have regular meetings with your supervisor to discuss your progress.
Academic Support
You’ll be assigned a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Commercial awareness
- Self-management
- Confidence
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- Networking
- Adaptability
- Problem solving
- Resilience
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
- Manufacturing
- Scientific and Technical
- Water and Waste Management
- Education
- Public Administration
- Defence
- Finance
Careers directly related to this course:
- Robotics engineer
- Machine learning engineer
- Systems engineer
- Algorithm developer
- Software engineer
- Electronic engineer
- Test engineer
See more
Wider career opportunities:
- Technical project manager
- Technology researcher
- Data scientist
- IT teacher
- University lecturer
- Financial analyst
- Management consultant
See more
Example job titles of Southampton MSc Systems, Control and Signal Processing graduates*:
- Software engineer
- Algorithm engineer
- Analyst
- Artificial intelligence engineer
- Automation engineer
- Control and software engineer
- Integration engineer
- Machine learning engineer
- System engineer
- Technology consultant
See more
Job prospects for MSc Systems, Control and Signal Processing graduates
- Average professional salary: £50k
- In a skilled profession or further study: 92%
- Graduate employment rate: 95%
Source
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Read more
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
More about careers support
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £33,900.
Check fees for other versions of this course.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
- accommodation costs
- living costs
- budgeting advice
- fees, charges and expenses regulations
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Commonwealth Scholarship
There are 20 Electronics and Computer Science scholarships of £3,000 each available for 10 undergraduate and 10 postgraduate new international students from Commonwealth countries.
Find out more about the Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Commonwealth Scholarship, including eligibility, and how to apply.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: [insert email] Tel: +44(0) [insert phone number]
Program Outline
Outline:
- This is a full-time master’s course.
- You'll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
- In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you’ll study the taught part of your course.
- In semester 1, you’ll take 3 compulsory technical modules.
- In semester 2, you’ll take 1 compulsory technical module, and 3 modules that we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.
- Exams will be held at the end of semesters 1 and 2.
- For the last 4 months (semester 3) you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Assessment:
- You’ll be assessed through:
- written exams
- technical reports
- presentations
- dissertation
- design exercise
- log books
Careers:
- With this degree you’ll be in a great position to work in industry or continue your studies at PhD level.
- Areas you’ll be qualified to go into include:
- biotech
- financial services
- systems engineering
- medical imaging
- signal processing jobs
-
Entry Requirements:
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in electronic engineering. You must also have an upper 2:1 score in the following modules:
- advanced maths, such as advanced mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematical analysis, engineering mathematics, mathematics for electrical and electronic engineers or pure mathematics
- signal processing, such as digital signal processing, signals and systems or signals
- control theory You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
- overall score 5
- reading 0
- writing 0
- speaking 0
- listening 0