Gas Turbine Control – (M.Sc.)

This modular advanced MSc course is designed to prepare students for work in the field of gas turbine control by exposing them to the latest science and technology within this field.

The requirements for engine control systems are amongst the most challenging for aerospace products, including stringent safety, availability and reliability targets. To produce these products cost-effectively companies need good processes and tools - but the most crucial factor is having a highly skilled workforce. The MSc in Gas Turbine Control is a key tool in developing these skills within the workforce of companies developing such projects.

Many practitioners have considerable experience in developing control systems - but, so far as we can ascertain, few have directly relevant formal education. This is largely because one of the key skills - systems engineering - is not widely taught at undergraduate level, and is not common even at postgraduate level. Also, there have been substantial new developments in recent years, thus there is a need for CPD even for those with a relevant degree. Thus a key aim of the MSc and the other courses is to provide understanding of the principles underlying good industrial practise, to enable practitioners to work more effectively and efficiently.

The core activities in developing control systems are systems engineering and system integration, but there are many specialisms, including:

* Safety and reliability;
* Control theory;
* Computer and software engineering;
* Electronic engineering;
* Hydro-mechanical (unit) engineering;
* Electrical engineering.

This MSc is designed to cover core topics which should be understood by all Control Engineers. There is also the ability to focus on particular specialisms, beyond the core material.

Discussions are currently ongoing to allow this course to be used as part of a Continuing Professional Development programme for Institution of Engineering and Technology or British Computer Society members or the IMechE.

Any of the modules listed for this course can also be taken as an individual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course.

Aims
The course aims to provide participants with a thorough grounding and practical experience in the use of state-of-the-art techniques for development of gas turbine control systems; together with an understanding of the principles behind these techniques so that they can make sound engineering judgements during the design and deployment of such a system. Graduates completing the course will be equipped to play leading and professional roles in control systems engineering related aspects of industry and commerce. New areas of teaching will be developed in response to new advances in the field as well as the requirements of the organisations that employ our graduates.

The programme aims to equip students with knowledge, understanding and practical application of the essential components of Gas Turbine Control, to complement previously gained knowledge and skills. A York Gas Turbine Control graduate will have a solid grounding of knowledge and understanding of the core areas, as represented by the mandatory modules. The optional modules give students the opportunity to gain knowledge in other areas which are of interest to them and which are taught by recognized experts in those areas.

Transferable Skills
Information-retrieval skills are an integrated part of many modules; students are expected to independently acquire information from on-line and traditional sources. These skills are required within nearly all modules, are an essential part of project work.

Numeracy is required and developed in most modules, which are often taught using a theoretical, mathematical basis. Time management is an essential skill for any student in the programme. The formal timetable has a substantial load of lectures and labs. Students must fit their private study in around these fixed points. In addition, Open Assessments are set with rigid deadlines which gives students experience of balancing their time between the different commitments