Process Automation : PgDip

The significance of automation in the chemical and process industries has grown and continues to increase inexorably. That growth has been partly driven by developments in control and information technology with the control systems themselves having evolved in both flexibility and functionality. However, the primary driver has been economic, recognising that the technology can deliver substantive benefits in terms of operability, productivity, quality, reliability, safety, sustainability and viability.

Modern automation systems are complex and designing them, putting them together, getting them to work, operating and maintaining them is challenging. It requires a breadth and depth of knowledge across a range of disciplines involving a variety of theory and techniques, technology and practice, skills and knowhow.

This programme will develop your expertise in the design and development, application, operation and management of control and related systems. It is an exciting area to work in with no shortage of opportunities.

It can be taken as a Postgraduate Diploma or an MSc. We also offer an MSc degree apprenticeship where funding may be accessible through your employers Apprenticeship Levy.

Applicants should be employed in the chemicals/process sector of industry which will normally be either by an end-user (operating company), contractor (or systems integrator), or system supplier (vendor), with a job function in the area of instrumentation, control, and automation.

Modules

We offer a rolling programme of modules with various start dates throughout the year, which means you can enrol and start at any time.

For both the MSc and PGDip, you will select eight modules from the wide range offered. This flexibility allows you to tailor your studies to suit your interests, needs and background. Each module takes approximately three months to complete, consisting of a 1-week block of teaching followed by an assignment and an exam. Students will typically study two or three modules per year. There is a five-year time limit for completion of the MSc which includes the industrial project, and a four year limit for the PGDip.

Students enrolled on the Postgraduate Diploma may transfer to the MSc upon successful completion of four modules.

We place great emphasis on interactive learning, and you will learn from our academic experts and leading industrialists. We provide a balance of theory and practice, technology and techniques, information and understanding. Modules will typically include group discussions, demonstrations, presentations, problem-solving, case studies, practical work and simulation exercises.

The programme has previously been accredited by three professional bodies: IChemE, IET and InstMC. They have been approached about re-accreditation of the programme for further learning to Masters level at Lancaster.

Subject to the requirements of relevant experience and a position of responsibility, for those admitted with an accredited BEng degree, the award of the MSc degree should lead to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Bachelor degree, four years of study, GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale

1. Choose your pathway from a selection of undergraduate and postgraduate options.
2. Check your entry requirements and find out whether you have the necessary academic and English skills to join us.
3. Apply online with our easy to use form and help from our expert team.
4. Submit your supporting document either when you complete the form or at a later date.
5. Read our terms and conditions.
6. Receive a response from your specialist Student Enrolment Advisor within just 48 hours, who will support you throughout the rest of your application.