MSc Cybernetics

Course length: Full-time (1 year), part-time (2 years) or flexible-modular (up to 5 years)

Accreditation: Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

The course aims at providing a thorough postgraduate Master's education in Cybernetics. The MSc in Cybernetics aims to provide its participants with:

1. An integrated, interdisciplinary view of Cybernetics, combining both the technological and biological aspects of Cybernetics, thus reflecting Wiener's definition: "control and communication in animal and machine".
2. An appreciation of technological and biological systems.
3. Knowledge of relevant modern technologies and theories and the ability to apply this knowledge to variety of real world situations.
4. A strong systems grounding to allow them to work in an academic, research or industrial environment.
5. An appreciation of the environment within which Cybernetics occurs.
6. A detailed appreciation of Cybernetics as applied to a specific discipline or environment.
7. Direct experience and practice of the process of Cybernetics through a relevant research project.

Course content

The course is divided into a taught component and a research project; students can choose from a large list of optional modules: please following the links to find out more about each module.

Part 1 - taught component

Students choose up to 30 credits from the following

• State Space
• Measurement Systems
• Virtual Reality
• Modern Heuristics
• Non Linear and Optimal Control
• Bionics
• Mechatronics
• Mechanical Design
• Machines in Motion
• System Identification and Control

And at least 90 credits of the following

• Advanced Control
• Mind as Motion
• Terahertz Technology
• Biomechanics
• Manipulator dynamics and haptics
• Advanced Neural Networks
• Signal Processing
• Medical Image and Signal Processing
• Swarm Intelligence and Artificial Life
• Practice of Entrepreneurship

Part2 (six months full time or 18 months part-time)

• MSc dissertation

Career prospects

Career prospects for Cybernetists tend to be good as the courses are very relevant to today's high technology society and, because the courses are not dependent upon any one industry, graduates are employed in a variety of areas. Most graduates are employed in a technological capacity, either in a large company or a smaller company or consultancy; whereas others choose to further their research interests either in the School or at other Universities.

Course brochure

For a full description of this course please download the MSc in Cybernetics brochure.