Robotics BEng (Hons) (with Foundation Year)

The Foundation Year is a great opportunity if you have the ability and enthusiasm to study for a degree, but do not yet have the qualifications required to enter directly onto our degree programmes. A significant part of the Foundation Year focuses upon core skills such as academic writing at HE level, becoming an independent learner, structuring academic work, critical thinking, time management and note taking.

Successful completion of the Foundation Year will enable you to progress into the first year (Level C) of your chosen honours degree. Further details can be found here.

In the first year, you will develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that underpin Robotics.

• Introduction to Programming: This module explores the foundational concepts of programming and data structures, focusing on Java and Python, and examines how skills in structured coding, object-oriented programming, and core algorithms support the design of efficient, maintainable solutions to computational problems.
  
  
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: In this course, we will explore the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), starting with foundational concepts and progressing through its diverse applications and implications. We begin by understanding what AI is, its history, and core principles such as machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing. The course also covers key AI techniques such as supervised and unsupervised learning, data analysis, and algorithm development. We will look at the applications of these techniques in engineering and real-world scenarios. In addition, we will examine the ethical and societal impacts of AI technologies, particularly in fields such as automation and data privacy. Throughout, we will link AI concepts with engineering mathematics and applications and differential equations to enhance problem-solving approaches.
  
  
• Data Fundamentals: The Data Fundamentals module introduces the concept of data and its collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation, while exploring storage systems such as relational databases and the end-to-end lifecycle of data in real-world contexts.
  
  
• Fundamentals of Computational Science: This module introduces the foundations of computer science by weaving together mathematics, C programming, cryptography and scientific computing. Students begin with sets, logic, and proofs to build the habits of abstract reasoning and formal problem-solving. These mathematical tools naturally flow into programming, where they gain practical competence in C, learning to manage variables, control flow, memory and debugging while building an appreciation for efficient and reliable code. The curriculum expands into applied domains, showing how mathematics and programming underpin security and scientific analysis. Students implement and break classical ciphers, apply public-key principles and tackle numerical methods such as matrix operations, integration and error analysis. Integration is central, in that through collaborative projects and simulations, students see how these themes combine to support secure, optimised and interdisciplinary problem-solving across computer science.

In the second year, you will develop a broader understanding and knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of Robotics. Topics include the following:

• Robotics Platforms: You gain hands-on experience with real robots, learning how to programme them and you will develop a robotics project. You will also study autonomous robotics, sensors and actuators for robots.
  
  
• Robot Operating System (ROS): ROS is the industry standard software architecture for the control of robots and you will gain practical hands on experience.
  
  
• Kinematic and Mechanics: You study the motion of an object in 3D which leads to understanding the relationship between a robot's joint coordinates and its spatial layout in robotics kinematics.
  
  
• Microcontrollers: Microcontrollers are everywhere and are fundamental to your course. Being able to program microcontrollers and interface them to sensors and actuators are critical skills. 
  
  
• Control theory: Dive into the world of computer network infrastructure and protocols. From understanding the roles of clients and servers to exploring physical media and the various types of networks, you'll gain insights into how data seamlessly travels across the digital realm.
  
  
• Computer vision: You will study how machines interpret and understand visual information from the world. Learn the foundational techniques and algorithms that enable computers to process, analyse, and make decisions based on visual data, bridging the gap between human and machine perception.
  
  
• Professional Skills: This topic equips you with a diverse set of skills essential for the professional realm. From communication to problem-solving, you'll be prepared to navigate the challenges of industry.
  
  
• Applied electronics: In this block of study you will learn about electronic semiconductor devices and application circuits, sensors and signal conditioning, signal conversion and sequential logic.

Your third year helps you develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical aspects of Robotics and be able to critically select appropriate tools and techniques to solve problems. Topics will include the following:

• Machine learning: You will learn the principles of intelligent systems and their application to computer science and the types of algorithms and programming languages used to solve real-world problems.
  
  
• Engineering and Manufacturing Principles: You will explore the engineering and manufacturing principles essential for designing, developing and producing robotic systems. Studying topics such as production and manufacturing systems, quality control in manufacturing systems, industrial robotics, 3D printing technologies, designing and integrating robot hardware and software.
  
  
• Electronics systems: This course will prepare you to be able to develop and programme electronics based systems using appropriate tools and language studying topics such as systems, amplifiers, further power electronics and systems design
  
  
• Internet of Things (IoT): This module introduces you to the interconnected world of IoT. You'll learn how everyday objects can communicate over the internet and will have access to modern tools to develop and test your ideas.
  
  
• Robotics systems: You will study advanced sensors and actuators and human-robot interaction.
  
  
• Embedded systems: This topic will prepare you to be able to develop and programme embedded systems using appropriate tools and languages , studying topics such as further microcontrollers, programmable logic and System On a Chip (SoC).