Program Overview

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Overview

The Engineering Control Systems and Instrumentation MSc programme at the University of Huddersfield is designed to equip students with the key skills to operate effectively in a modern engineering manufacturing environment. This advanced course is ideal for those with study or research interests in the manufacture or use of machine tools and automated equipment for the production of precision engineering components, process control systems and measurement instrumentation, and manufacturing control, measurement control, and computer-aided engineering applications.

Key Information

Entry Requirements

• An Honours degree (2:2 or above) in Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related science subject area such as physics or mathematics, or an equivalent professional qualification.
• If the first language is not English, students will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall and no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent.

Start Dates

• 22 September 2025
• 12 January 2026

Duration

• 1 year full-time

Course Detail

Modules

The course includes a range of core and optional modules designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of engineering control systems and instrumentation. Core modules include:

• Process Measurement and Control: This module covers the principal types of process plant and associated control equipment used in the process industries, including models of process plant systems for optimizing control system performance and familiarity with computer control systems such as PLCs, DDC systems, SCADA systems, and DCS systems.
• Manufacturing Systems Automation: This module provides an understanding of the hardware and computer control systems used in modern manufacturing, including defining appropriate sensors and instruments for automating a process safely and breaking an automation challenge into logical steps.
• Signal Analysis and Processing: This module concerns the main fundamental frequency and time-frequency transforms that form the basis of modern signal processing, including classical, advanced, and novel signal processing techniques for characterizing and processing digital signals.
• Project and Finance Management: This module aims to develop students' understanding of the strategic aspects of programme and project management and its role in adding competitive advantage to an organisation, including the principles, processes, tools, and techniques that underpin programme and project management.
• Advanced Technical Project: The project provides the opportunity for students to undertake and manage a major programme of advanced independent work, applying their knowledge and skills to conceive and deliver a creative solution to a technical challenge at the forefront of their discipline.
• Professional Development and Research Methods: This module develops students' professional skills such as team working, organisation, and leadership, and explores a range of research methods, understanding how they can be used in their own area of interest.

Optional modules may include:

• Virtual Instrumentation: This module provides knowledge of hardware and software aspects of virtual instrumentation (VI), acquiring skills in modeling, designing, processing, and simulating a range of analogue and digital systems.
• Computers in Control: This module provides a critical review of the hardware and software aspects of microcontroller interfacing, developing an understanding of embedded systems concepts through the use of various peripherals.
• Parallel Computer Architectures Cluster and Cloud Computing: This module gives in-depth knowledge of Cluster and Cloud Computing technologies, including practical exercises in building a computer cluster and parallel programming.
• Modelling of Electromechanical Systems: This module equips students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary to design, model, and simulate electromechanical systems.
• Wireless Communications for LANs, PANs, and the IoT: This module is concerned with the principles of modern communication systems and their application in wireless communication networks, particularly the Internet of Things.

Teaching and Assessment

The course is taught via lectures, tutorials, and laboratory practical sessions and demonstrations. Assessment takes place during or at the end of each module period and includes coursework and peer review, reflecting the emphasis on the ability to apply knowledge and skills.

Facilities

The University of Huddersfield offers a wide range of facilities and equipment to support student learning, including well-equipped laboratories and access to advanced research equipment.

Career Support

The University provides professional help, support, and guidance through the Careers and Employability Service, including industry-supported workshops, careers fairs, and one-to-one guidance sessions.

Fees and Finance

• The full-time tuition fee for UK postgraduate students on this course in 2025/26 is £9,900 (Band 3).
• Tuition fees for UK students cover the cost of study at the University, and fees for subsequent years of study may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X).
• For more information about funding, fees, and finance for UK students, please see the University's Fees and Finance page.

Accreditations and Professional Links

The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology 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.

Research Excellence

The University of Huddersfield is in the top 50 UK universities for Research Power, with three-quarters of all research being world-leading and internationally excellent. The University's researchers carry out work that makes a real difference to people's lives, and students have the opportunity to work with researchers who are nationally or internationally recognized in their field.