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

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

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.

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Download 2021-22 programme specification

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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 all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score: 6.5
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

You must study the following modules:

Advanced Systems and Signal Processing

This module aims to introduce to the students advanced model based signal processing methods and systems design theories, with illustrative case studies to demonstrate how the knowledge obtained in this module can be used in some challenging real life app...

Control System Design (MSc)

This module is taught together with ELEC3205 Control System Design. ELEC6243 has higher requirements on the desired learning outcomes, which will be assessed by a different set of coursework.

Foundations of Machine Learning (MSc)

Machine Learning is about extracting useful information from large and complex datasets. The subject is a rich mixture of concepts from function analysis, statistical modelling and computational techniques. The module will cover the fundamental principles...

MSc Project

Your research project will enable you to explore in depth some aspect of your specialist subject area. You will be allocated a project supervisor with whom you will meet and agree a project brief and plan. These must be submitted to, and agreed by, ...

Research Methods and Project Preparation

The Module will prepare students for the summer Research Project and research based coursework exercises. It will give students a grounding in the research methods and techniques necessary in order for planning and successful execution and completion of t...

Signal Processing

This module aims to introduce to the students signal processing techniques, including analogue and digital filter design and systems design theories. The module also introduces the concepts of statistical signal processing including estimation and detecti...

You must also choose from the following modules:

Advanced Machine Learning

- To introduce key concepts in pattern recognition and machine learning; including specific algorithms for classification, regression, clustering and probabilistic modeling. - To give a broad view of the general issues arising in the application of algor...

Applied Control Systems

This module will introduce the student to key topics within control and signal processing, developing understanding through a combination of theoretical content and practical application. The theoretical content is focussed in a number of key themes wi...

Biologically Inspired Robotics

This module lies at the intersection of robotics and biology. Through the abstraction of design principles from biological systems, it is possible to develop a range of core competences, including mechatronic systems, sensor and actuator technologies. By ...

Biometrics

Biometrics is about how we can recognise people automatically, by personal characteristic. We all have fingerprints and faces - and they are unique. We have to sense the information, process it and then deliver an assessment of the identity associated wit...

Computational Finance

Financial markets form the source of a vast number of challenging computational problems. These are not only intellectually challenging from the point of view of computational modelling, but the financial sector is also an employer of a significant fracti...

Computer Vision (MSc)

The challenge of computer vision is to develop a computer based system with the capabilities of the human eye-brain system. It is therefore primarily concerned with the problem of capturing and making sense of digital images. The field draws heavily on ma...

Deep Learning

Deep learning has revolutionised numerous fields in recent years. We've witnessed improvements in everything from computer vision through speech analysis to natural language processing as a result of the advent of cheap GPGPU compute coupled with large da...

Digital Control System Design (MSc)

This module is taught together with ELEC3206 Digital Control System Design. ELEC6240 has higher requirements on the desired learning outcomes which will be assessed by a different set of coursework.

Image Processing

This module is useful to introduce: - Image processing and its relation to signal processing. - Image transformations for filtering, coding and etc. - Histogram processing algorithms to enhance image qualities and visibility. - Theories analysing and ...

Reinforcement and Online Learning

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
Google

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.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

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.