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.
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

Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
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:
- maths
- signal processing
- control theory
- probability theory
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
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 an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
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
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
Our Electronics and Computer Science department runs a dedicated careers hub with links to companies including:
- IBM
- Arm
- Microsoft Research
- Imagination Technologies
- Nvidia
- Samsung
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £26,850.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get 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.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. 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 a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. 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
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
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.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
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: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000