Person working in a lab
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Control and Optimisation

Study aspects of control theory and optimisation and their application to the design of automated systems.

Study aspects of control theory and optimisation and their application to the design of automated systems

Develop skills in the use of standard computer packages for control design and optimisation

Carry out a substantial individual research project in an area of specialist interest

Course key facts

Minimum entry standard

  • First class Honours (minimum of 75% overall) in electrical/electronic engineering or a related subject with a substantial electrical/electronic engineering component

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Explore major aspects of control theory and optimisation on this course.

You’ll learn about its application to the design of automated systems, while developing your skills in the use of standard computer packages for control design and optimisation.

Through your studies, you’ll develop the body of knowledge required to work in all fields of industrial automation, such as robotics and mechanical engineering, chemical process engineering, control of smart grids or control of biomedical systems.

Through individual and team projects, you’ll build your communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

You’ll also have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed to meet the growing demands of the chemical, oil, aerospace, aeronautical, power, transport and defence industries.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll take two core modules.

Core modules

You’ll also choose eight optional modules - four from Group A, three from Group B, and one from Group C.

Group A

Group B

Group C

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council.

It meets the full academic requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meets the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Our accreditation agreement with the Institution of Engineering and Technology is renewed every 5 years, and the current agreement runs between 2019 and 2023.

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, seminars and tutorials
  • Independent study

  • 20% Lectures, seminars and tutorials
  • 80% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Problem-solving classes
  • Laboratory sessions
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • A group of people interacting
    Group work
  • Individual projects
  • A person studying independently
    Independent study
  • Industrial placement

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Examinations
  • Practical

  • 50% Coursework
  • 40% Examinations
  • 10% Practical

Assessment methods

  • A person completing a written exam
    Written exams
  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Individual project

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Application deadlines – Round 2 closes on Thursday 4 April 2024

Tuition fees

Home fee

2024 entry

£17,600

Overseas fee

2024 entry

£40,900

Your future career

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Develop engineering skills in a wide range of fields that employers highly value.

Lightbulb above a book

With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

Two cooling towers of chemical factory

Electrical engineering and smart grids, chemical and process control engineering, and mechanical engineering are just a few.

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Other career paths include aeronautical engineering, smart cities and sustainable engineering.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications