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Postgraduate Diploma in Gas Turbine Control

Overview & Contacts

For general information:

Mr Alex King
Postgraduate Programmes Administrator

Tel: +44 (0)1904 325402
Fax: +44 (0)1904 325599
E-mail: postgraduate@cs.york.ac.uk

For informal discussion:

Dr Ibrahim Habli
Course Organiser

Tel: +44 (0)1904 325566
Fax: +44 (0)1904 325599
E-mail: ibrahim.habli@cs.york.ac.uk

Related Links

Part-Time - This programme is only available part time

12 Assessed Modules - 6 of which are Mandatory (M) and 6 are Optional (O).

Upgrade is possible to the MSc programme.

This modular Diploma 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. All the modules are common with the MSc in Gas Turbine Control.

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 GTC Diploma 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 Diploma 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.

The Diploma is designed to cover core topics which should be understood by all Controls 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 The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or British Computer Society (BCS)members or the IMecheSuitability.

This course is suitable for Control Engineers wishing to renew, refresh and extend their knowledge in the area of Gas Turbine control.

To this end, we present many of the ideas of classical control theory engineering as well as dealing explicitly with the new issues raised by the widespread use of computers in Gas Turbine Control related applications.

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 professional roles in control systems engineering related aspects of the Gas Turbine 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.

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. Open Assessments are set with rigid deadlines which gives students experience of balancing their time between the different commitments.

Modules

The Diploma in Gas Turbine control is a part-time course comprising twelve assessed modules, six of which are mandatory. The remaining six are chosen from the available optional modules. The modules are taken over three years.

Each module is taught full time in York for one week. Its associated assessed exercise, which may be completed on or off site, takes approximately 35 hours in addition. All assessed exercises are open, comprising a report, case study, or documented piece of software. There are no closed examinations.

Each student is allocated a personal supervisor from within the Department who meets the student regularly to discuss progress.

All modules are delivered at York unless otherwise specified.

Timescales, Module and Project Descriptions for 2011/2012:
Module Title Start
Date
Assessment
 Core/
Optional
Hand-out Hand-in Feedback
Msc in Gas Turbine Control Induction (GTI) 26/09/11 - -
 -
 C
Systems Engineering 1 (GSE1) 10/10/11 13/10/11 15/11/11
 27/12/11
 C
Software Requirements and Architectures (SWRE) 31/10/11 03/11/11 20/12/12
 14/02/12
 O
Electronic Systems Design (ESDE) 28/11/11 01/12/11 24/01/12
 06/03/12
 O
Introduction to Control Theory (ICTH) 09/01/12 12/01/12 29/02/12
 24/04/12
 C
Safety Case Development & Review (SCDR) 30/01/12 02/02/12 20/03/12
 15/05/12
 O
Software Testing Analysis and Review (STAR) 13/02/12 16/02/12 03/04/12
 22/05/12
 O
Safety Management Systems (SMSY) 20/02/12 23/02/12 10/04/12
 29/05/12
 O
Computers & Safety (CASA) 26/03/12
 29/03/12 22/05/12
 03/07/12
 C
Control Architecture (COAR) 23/04/12 26/04/12 12/06/12 24/07/12 C
Aircraft Control Systems (ACCS) 28/05/12
 31/05/12
 18/07/12
 04/09/12
 O
Sensors & Effectors (SAEF) 25/06/12
 28/06/12
 21/08/12
 02/10/12
 O

All modules occupy 5 days, starting on Monday.
  • Modules may be cancelled if there are insufficient numbers.
  • Core (C) and Optional (O) modules are assessed.
  • A choice of six Optional modules are to be taken for the Diploma.
  • GTC = Gas Turbine Control.

Please note that this is a proposed timetable and dates may change, for more information please contact postgraduate@cs.york.ac.uk.

How to Apply

Applicants for this Diploma may complete and submit their application electronically using the University's online application system.

Alternatively you can download and complete a paper application form.

Prerequisites

Typically applicants for Diploma gas Turbine Control will have achieved at least a second class degree in a control Engineering or a related discipline with an appropriate mathematical basis. Industrial experience is also useful. This part-time course is specifically directed at those with several years of industrial experience. An appropriate degree is desirable, but many applicants will have reached degree-level knowledge through their work experience.

We welcome students of all backgrounds and circumstances. 

Applicants are required to nominate two referees, of which at least one should be from the applicant's current employer or place of study. Applicants are normally interviewed before acceptance either in person if UK based or by telephone for international students.

The University welcomes international students - read more information specifically for prospective international students. 

Non-English speaking candidates are required to have certain English language qualifications prior to admission.

Fees and Funding

Students take the Diploma course over two years and are normally supported by their employers. The fee for the first year (i.e. 2009/2010) is £4,528 for UK/EU nationals and £5,090 for overseas students. This represents a total fee for the course - at 2009/2010 fee levels - of £9,056 for UK/EU nationals and £10,180 for non-UK/EU students. In all cases, the fee is subject to increase for the second year.

The fees for 2009/2010 have been released. The cost of the diploma is £9416 so a 2 year part-time student will pay £4708 for the year.

Fees all include all relevant course materials, tuition and examinations and are payable in advance. They do not include text books or living expenses. VAT is not applicable. 

Modules on this course can be attended individually as a short course.

* Please email us to find out if you are eligible to qualify as a self financing student.

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