The general aim of the programme is to enable engineers to develop specialist expertise in control systems simulation and modelling to meet the increasing demands of their profession. The programme intends to promote and engender a positive interest in current practice and through the dissertation an understanding of research methods. This is to encourage students to respond to changes and developments and allow them to contribute to future developments.

We have over 100 years of teaching Engineering and have developed programmes, which are current and will give you the opportunity to develop your understanding and skills. With a large proportion of computer laboratory and other practical work you will reinforce the theories and practices learnt in the classroom with 'hands on' experience. Our programmes offer you the opportunity to study the fundamental knowledge and theories in required by control systems engineers and apply these to the practical work environment.

The entry requirement for the MSc programme is normally satisfied by possession of one of the following:

1. BEng (Hons) in Electrical / Electronic Engineering, Computer Science in combination with Electronic Engineering, Physics, or an appropriate and related subject, with an award classification typically of (2:1) but of no less than a lower second class honours (2:2).
2. A degree qualification of a standard equivalent to (i) obtained after a course of full-time study extending over a period of not less than three years in a recognised university outside the UK.
3. Applicants having other qualifications and/or appropriate professional experience will be considered if they are able to provide a satisfactory outcome, based on the process of Assessment of Prior (Experiential) Learning (APL/APEL). This assessment will be carried out by the School through the APL/APEL Monitoring Committee.
4. Applicants will also be required to meet the University standard for competence in English language and will be expected to hold GCSE or equivalent grade C in English. In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.0 or higher overall, with no less than 5.5 in components, or equivalent is required.

UEL is committed to recognising and accrediting prior learning and learning which may have derived from experience. Applicants who hold other qualifications and/or relevant experience may apply to have that learning assessed in order to gain entry to the programme and/or credit towards an award. All enquiries should be directed to the Programme Leader.

The programme will be delivered across two semesters of 15 weeks duration for the taught modules of the full-time mode of study, with the project dissertation being completed during the following semester A or B or the Summer Vacation. The part-time provision will span two academic years for the taught modules and followed by the project dissertation. UK students opting for the part-time mode of study can accumulate credits over a longer period of time and can obtain the MSc award in no more than six years.

The programme benefits from access to control and electrical/electronic engineering laboratories, an integrated circuit design suite, Computing and IT labs. Teaching is delivered through formal lectures, tutorials, workshops, practical classes and laboratory sessions. Most lectures are supported by programme notes, which allow the student to concentrate on the lecture and complete some independent studies of his/her own. Group work is also encouraged in some modules.

Assessment varies from module to module but will include examinations, coursework, and project work, time constrained and open book assignments and tests on competence in practical sessions.

The School has strong links with industry and benefits from vocationally based programmes designed to meet the needs of industrial partners. The School also hosts an Industrial Liaison Board meeting with members attending from local industry and commercial organisations.

The research dissertation is a key element of this programme and as such counts as a double module. Research topics are often developed from work based problems and many are supported by industrialists.

The objective of the dissertation is to develop the student's ability to study independently, making their own critical appraisal of the chosen subject and drawing conclusions therefrom.

Students will be required to demonstrate that the research undertaken has been completed to an appropriate level for a Masters award. The dissertation must therefore, in general terms, include elements of research, independent work, the derivation of a product (through laboratory testing, critical analysis or computer programming) and the analysis of data.

The research will be required to make a contribution to the understanding of the field studied and will be supervised by a member of staff with an interest in the field.

Many MSc students have successfully moved to careers in control systems engineering, computing simulation and modelling, or higher study in the UK, Europe and the USA. However, a number have also embarked on careers in business, management, and finance.

The School prides itself on its student support systems. Based on the practice of industry we operate an open door policy with students encouraged to consult with their tutors. Personal Tutors and Programme leader will monitor your progress and provide assistance and advice with academic and personal problems.
The School facilities include dedicated computer labs and equipment, which you are free to use, as long as they are not required for a class. Technical support is readily available supported by academics.

Employer links are maintained through our Industrial Liaison Group and employers are invited to attend the University to talk to students about careers. The professional bodies also visit the University regularly and provide details on the qualification process and the advantages available to members.

The programme benefits from its close links with industry.