Systems and Control
Winter intake start date
2027-02-01
Winter intake deadline
2026-10-15
How do we keep satellites in orbit, stabilise the energy grid, or design safe autonomous vehicles? What does it take to control complex systems in a rapidly changing technological world? If you are interested in how systems interact with their environment from robotics and energy networks to biomedical devices and spaceflight, the Master's degree in Systems and Control at the University of Groningen provides the tools to analyse, design, and manage these systems.
What to expect from the Master's in Systems and Control
✔ Analyze and design dynamical systems in engineering, biology, and beyond
✔ Master mathematical modelling, control theory, and systems engineering
✔ Apply your knowledge to real-world challenges in research and industry
✔ Study in a highly international and multidisciplinary environment
The Master’s degree in Systems and Control focuses on understanding and controlling complex dynamical systems by breaking them down into networks of simpler components. You will learn how inputs (via actuators) and outputs (via sensors) shape the behaviour of systems across fields such as robotics, energy, healthcare, and transportation. The programme is grounded in mathematics and engineering, and it is interdisciplinary with connections to biology, medicine, economics, and the social sciences.
This international two-year programme trains you in both theory and application, preparing you for careers in high-tech industry, research and innovation, or doctoral study.
Cambridge C1 CAE or Cambridge C2 CPE Certificate with a min. score of 180
IELTS (Academic): overall score 6.5 (min. 6.5 in every category)
TOEFL iBT*: overall score 90 (min. 21 in Reading, Listening, and Speaking, 24 in Writing)
TOEFL iBT*: overall score 4.5 (min. 4 in Reading and Speaking, 4.5 in Listening, 5 in Writing)
Holders of a comparable diploma (as determined by the Admissions Board) from other universities are also admissible. They may request an individual admission decision. Students that enter the master's degree programme in Systems and Control should have sufficient knowledge of mathematics, basic control theory, and engineering, are expected to know some programming as well as a minimal level of English.
A Master’s degree in Systems and Control opens up many interesting job opportunities. Your ability to analyse complex systems or networks in a multidisciplinary environment and your knowledge of available methods to control such systems make you a highly sought-after employee in both established high-tech companies and technology start-ups. You could also deepen your theoretical knowledge by pursuing a PhD in Systems and Control at the University of Groningen or at another internationally-leading university in the field of systems and control
Examples of companies regularly hiring students with a systems and control background are ASML, Philips, Tennet, and many companies within the Innovation Center Drachten. Examples of research institutions are National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) and TNO.
