MSc Control and Optimisation
Study aspects of control theory and optimisation and their application to the design of automated systems
Key information
Applications are now closed
Overview
This course will introduce you to the major aspects of control theory and optimisation, as well as their application to the design of automated systems. You will develop skills in the use of the standard computer packages for control design and optimisation.
In response to the growing demands of the chemical, oil, aerospace, aeronautical, power, transport and defence industries, control theory and optimisation has developed into a well-established body of knowledge that many engineers need to acquire.
Additional areas of application include:
- industrial automation
- robotics
- mechanical systems
- biomedical control
Study programme
You study taught modules, both core and optional, in the Autumn and Spring terms (October–April). Modules are taught through a blend of lectures, tutorials and practical laboratories. You will then take written exams on the studied modules between May and June.
You also complete a substantial individual research project, which will be carried out in an area of special interest.
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.
Structure
This page reflects the latest version of the curriculum for this year of entry. However, this information is subject to change.
The curriculum of this programme is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for this year of entry.
We recommend you check this page before finalising your application and again before accepting your offer. We will update this page as soon as any changes are confirmed by the College.
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about any changes made.
Page last reviewed on 25 October 2021.
Structure
Core module
You take the core module below.
- C1 Lab
Optional modules – Group 1
You choose either eight or nine* optional modules in total, with at least four from Group 1. You may only choose one module from Group 3.
Control Engineering
Aims to introduce state-space methods for the analysis and design of control systems. Lecturer: Prof Alessandro Astolfi.
Design of Linear Multivariable Control Systems
Provides the principles for designing linear multivariable control systems to meet a range of practical applications. Lecturer: Dr Imad Jaimoukha.
Digital Control Systems
The aim of the module is to provide a well-rounded exposure to analysis, control and simulation of discrete-time systems. Theoretical techniques for studying discrete-time linear systems with particular emphasis on the properties and design of sampled-data feedback control systems will be introduced and supported by MATLAB simulations. Lecturer: Dr Giordano Scarciotti.
Optimisation
Introduces finite-dimensional optimisatiom theory and the basic algorithms for finding minima. Lecturer: Prof Alessandro Astolfi.
Predictive Control
Provides an understanding of the fundamental principles in predictive control, which is the most widely used advanced control technique in industry. Lecturer: Dr Eric Kerrigan.
Stability and Control of Non-linear Systems
Introduces the concepts and theoretical techniques needed to study the stability and stabilization of nonlinear control systems, with particular attention being paid to Lyapunov-based analysis and design of control feedback laws. Lecturer: Dr David Angeli.
Systems Identification and Learning
Introduces the methods for constructing stochastic models of dynamic systems from measurements of input and output signals, and basic techniques for prediction of unknown quantities basing on available sensor data. Lecturer: Prof Thomas Parisini.
* If you choose nine optional modules, the eight modules in which you achieve the highest mark will be counted toward your final degree grade.
Optional modules – Group 2
You choose either eight or nine* optional modules in total, with at least four from Group 1. You may only choose one module from Group 3.
Advanced Optimisation
Introducing tools for solving applied optimisation problems within areas such as convex optimisation and integer programming. Lecturer: Dr Giordano Scarciotti
Discrete-Event Systems (Spring)
You will be introduced to the basic techniques involved in the modeling, analysis and control of discrete event systems. Lecturer: Dr David Angeli.
Mathematics for Signals and Systems
Aims to present a comprehensive introduction to advanced topics in Linear Algebra as needed in the more advanced literature on Signals, Signal Processing, Systems and Control. The emphasis is on fundamental notions related to vector spaces, inner product spaces, normed spaces, matrix algebras and computations with matrices. Lecturer: Prof Pier-Luigi Dragotti.
Modelling and Control of Multi-body Mechanical Systems
Introduces theoretical approaches for the modelling and control of multibody mechanical systems. Special emphasis is given to the use of computer tools for the modelling aspect. Lecturer: Dr Simos Evangelou.
Optimal Control
Covers how optimisation and control theory can be merged to solve optimal control problems. Lecturer: Dr Simos Evangelou
Power System Dynamics, Stability and Control
Electric power network is by far the largest machine built on the Earth. The requirement for round the clock electricity supply can only be met through involved operation, control and co-ordination strategy and protective actions. This module will present a mathematical model of important components in the system and the concept of controlling and protecting them under varying operating circumstances. Lecturer: Prof Bikash Pal.
Probability and Stochastic Processes
Provides analytical tools for studying random phenomena in engineering systems. Lecturer: Dr Cong Ling.
Topics in Control Systems
Introductions advanced modern control methodologies. Lecturers: Dr Imad Jaimoukha, Dr Giordano Scarciotti, Dr Fei Teng.
* If you choose nine optional modules, the eight modules in which you achieve the highest mark will be counted toward your final degree grade.
Optional modules – Group 3
You choose either eight or nine* optional modules in total, with at least four from Group 1. You may only choose one module from Group 3.
Coding Theory
Covers fundamental knowledge on error-correcting codes and finite fields, and to expose the connection between coding theory and other topics. Lecturer: Dr Wei Dai.
Information Theory
Designed to introduce the main concepts of information theory and to demonstrate its implications to communications. Lecturer: Dr Cong Ling.
Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
Aims to introduce the concepts, basic formulations and applications of pattern recognition. The module studies feature representation in a vector form, the concept of machine perception and decision surfaces, and metrics/distances, template matching, model fitting, as basic tools to process and classify data. The learnt topics are illustrated with applications including: handwritten digit recognition, face recognition. Lecturers: Dr T-K Kim and Dr Krystian Mikolajczyk.
Real-time Digital Signal Processing
This module brings together some of the theory and understanding you have gained in several other lecture modules and lets you apply that theory in solving the type of problem which might be encountered by a DSP engineer in industry. Lecturer: Dr Adrià Junyent-Ferré.
Traffic Theory and Queueing Systems
Provides the opportunity to develop a conceptual framework for modelling and analysing different communication networks (e.g. circuit-switched and packet-switched networks). The module will show, firstly, how to set up such models and, secondly, how to use them in the performance (e.g. QoS) analysis of communication systems. Lecturer: Dr Javier Barria.
Wavelets, Representation and Learning their Application
Finding useful information in huge amounts of data is as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack. The key insight of wavelet theory is that by finding alternative representations of signals, it is possible to extract their essential information in a fast and effective way. Wavelet theory provides the tools to find alternative representations of a signal and then to choose the representation which is more appropriate for the task at hand. Lecturer: Prof Pier-Luigi Dragotti.
* If you choose nine optional modules, the eight modules in which you achieve the highest mark will be counted toward your final degree grade.
Research project
Students also carry out an individual research project: three months part-time (January–March) and four months full-time (June–September).
The project gives you the opportunity to carry out research that deepens your knowledge of an area in which you have a special interest.
It also develops your report writing, presentation and time management skills.
You will have an academic supervisor who will mentor you, and the project is assessed by a written report and poster presentation in September.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
- Group projects
- Hardware laboratory
- Individual projects
- Industrial placement
- Lectures
- Problem solving classes
- Software laboratory
- Tutorial sessions
Assessment methods
- Coursework software or hardware deliverable
- Oral and poster presentations
- Reports
- Written examinations
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Entry requirements
Minimum academic requirement
Our minimum requirement is a first-class degree in electrical/electronic engineering, or a related subject with a substantial electrical/electronic engineering component.
The overall degree grade must be at least 75% overall.
International qualifications
We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.
The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification.
For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.
If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the higher College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.
Competence standards
Our competence standards highlight the core skills students should be able to demonstrate by the end of this course.
View the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering's competence standards [pdf]
We believe in providing the widest practicable access to all of our degree programmes and will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support your study. For more information, please contact the Department using the contact details below.
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
T: +44 (0)20 7594 3123
E: admit.eee@imperial.ac.uk
How to apply
Making an application
Apply online
All applicants must apply online.
Visit our Admissions website for details on the application process.
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can usually choose up to two courses.
Application fee
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course:
- £80 for taught Master's applications (excluding MBAs)
- £135 for MBA applications
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
ATAS certificate
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Further questions?
Find answers to your questions about admissions. Answers cover COVID-19, English language requirements, visas and more.
Tuition fees and funding
The level of tuition fees you pay is based on your fee status, which we assess based on UK government legislation.
Find out more about fees and funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Home rate of tuition
2022 entry
£15,400
Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.
Except where otherwise indicated, the fees for students on courses lasting more than one year will increase annually by an amount linked to inflation, including for part-time students on modular programmes. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPI) value in the April of the calendar year in which the academic session starts e.g. the RPI value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Home fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
Overseas rate of tuition
2022 entry
£35,700
Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.
Except where otherwise indicated, the fees for students on courses lasting more than one year will increase annually by an amount linked to inflation, including for part-time students on modular programmes. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPI) value in the April of the calendar year in which the academic session starts e.g. the RPI value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Overseas fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
Postgraduate Master's loan
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2022-23 entry, the maximum amount is £11,836. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students to support you through your studies. Find out more about our scholarships to see what you might be eligible for.
A number of external organisations also offer awards for Imperial students. Find out more about non-Imperial scholarships.
Accommodation and living costs
Living costs, including accommodation, are not included in your tuition fees.
You can compare costs across our different accommodation options on our Accommodation website.
A rough guide to what you might expect to spend to live in reasonable comfort in London is available on our Fees and Funding website.
Further information
Got a question?
T: +44 (0)20 7594 3123
E: eeepgoffice@imperial.ac.uk
Sign up for our newsletter
Receive regular updates with useful information about studying with us.
Studying at Imperial
Living in London
London’s fusion of culture and charm will give you a student experience unlike any other.
Student finance
Our tuition fees website has everything you need to know about funding your studies.
International students
Imperial is ranked as the UK's most international university, welcoming students from over 140 countries.
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to universities. We've put together this information in a dedicated section of our website.
Read our terms and conditions for these areas: