Edinburgh Napier University

MSc Automation & Control

Edinburgh Napier UniversityEdinburgh, United Kingdom

Course overview

Automation and control are important aspects of modern manufacturing and utility supply. Many manufacturing assembly lines and processes utilise programmable control systems. It is essential to equip the prospective engineer in this field with the appropriate theoretical and practical knowledge.

This course will extend your skills across essential areas in the field of automation and control. You’ll use your existing knowledge of engineering theory and practice as the base to build new skills in this field such as embedded systems and control system design. Using specialist equipment in our dedicated laboratories, you’ll learn to use Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition ( SCADA ) systems, the industry standard for the development of effective control systems.

You can start your studies with us in September or January. Please enquire for more information. This course requires an ATAS certificate for international applicants which typically takes 6 weeks.

Therefore, we have the following application deadlines for international applicants: Monday 13 July 2026 for our September 2026 intake Monday 23 November 2026 for our January 2027 intake This course requires an ATAS certificate for international applicants which typically takes 6 weeks. Therefore, we have the following application deadlines for international applicants:

Key highlights

  • Hands-on training with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
  • Learn industry-standard SCADA systems for developing control systems
  • Specialist equipment in dedicated automation and control laboratories
  • Builds skills in embedded systems and control system design
  • September or January start dates available

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:2 — or above

Scholarships

  • Harilela Scholarship

    Successful applicants will be awarded £2,500 towards the cost of their fees, paid directly to the University’s fees office.

    Up to £2,500
  • June Scholarship

    We have partial scholarships available for self-funded international applicants starting a course at Edinburgh Napier in June.

Careers this course leads to

  • Control Systems Engineer
  • Automation Engineer
  • PLC Programmer
  • SCADA Engineer
  • Embedded Systems Engineer
  • Instrumentation and Control Engineer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £8,030 | International: £22,290

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Edinburgh Napier University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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