Robotics (with a Year in Industry) BEng (Hons)
 Robotics (with Year in Industry).jpg)
UCAS Code: H672|Duration: 4 years|Full Time|Hope Park
UCAS Campus Code: L46
Work placement opportunities|International students can apply|Study Abroad opportunities
About the course
Robotics is entering an exciting new era, with intelligent robots transforming industries from consumer technology to healthcare. As one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, Robotics is poised to become one of the largest sectors of the coming decade, reshaping the way society interacts with technology and how technology interacts with us.
Our Robotics degree reflects the latest software and hardware advances, equipping you with highly sought-after skills and exposure to cutting-edge research. This Robotics course covers areas such as Embedded Systems, Machine Learning, and Mechatronics, giving you both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience.
You will work with specialist software, hardware interfaces, commercial robots and fabrication facilities, developing practical expertise alongside academic knowledge. Taught by research-active academics with internationally recognised expertise in Robotics and Intelligent Systems, this degree prepares you for a future at the forefront of technological innovation.
Course structure
Teaching on this degree is structured into lectures, where all students are taught together, seminars of smaller groups of around 15-20 students, and tutorials which typically have no more than 10 students. Your third year of study is a compulsory placement year in industry.
During your first year of study, there are approximately 12 teaching hours each week, which reduces to approximately 10 teaching hours in your second and fourth years. On top of teaching hours, you are also expected to spend a number of hours studying independently each week, as well as studying in groups to prepare for any group assessments that you may have.
Assessment and feedback
You will have a number of assessments each year, including exams and coursework.
You will be given written feedback on your assessments, and you will have the opportunity to discuss this with your tutor in more detail.
Year One
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.
Year Two
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. 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
Year Three
You spend your third year on a compulsory placement in industry.
Year Four
Your fourth 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 depend on latest developments, but 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 for Robots: This explores 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.
- 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).
- 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.
Entry requirements
| A-Levels | BBC |
|---|---|
| UCAS Tariff Points | 112 UCAS Tariff points must come from a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent). Additional points can be made up from a range of alternative qualifications. |
| BTEC | DMM |
| Access to HE | 112 Tariff Points |
| IB | 28 |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | 112 Tariff Points from Higher Level qualifications only |
| Welsh Baccalaureate | This qualification can only be accepted in conjunction with other relevant qualifications |
| T-Levels | Merit |
| Subject Requirements | In addition, you need an A Level (or equivalent) in a science or mathematics discipline such as Mathematics, Physics or Electronics, or an appropriate Access Award. |
International entry requirements
| Specific Country Requirements | Select your country |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 overall (with reading and writing at 6.0) and no individual score lower than 5.5. We also accept a wide range of International Qualifications. For more information, please visit our English Language Requirements page. |
Careers
According to the Department for Education Employer Skills Survey 2022, 62% of employers anticipated the need to develop the skills of their workforce in the next 12 months, with 39% identifying the introduction of new technologies or equipment as the reason for this need.
The core themes of embedded systems development, machine learning and AI on this programme along with robotics specific topics, will provide graduates with a rare combination of skills and knowledge that will become increasingly in demand with the rapid move towards embodied AI and “smart”, embedded systems and devices
Enhancement opportunities
Work Placement Opportunities
This degree includes a compulsory year in industry placement, giving you the opportunity to gain real workplace skills highly sought after by employers.
SALA
The Service and Leadership Award (SALA) is offered as an extra-curricular programme involving service-based experiences, development of leadership potential and equipping you for a career in a rapidly changing world. It enhances your degree, it is something which is complimentary but different and which has a distinct ‘value-added’ component. Find out more on our Service and Leadership Award page.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can choose to spend either a semester or a full year of study at one of our partner universities as part of our Study Abroad programme. Find out more on our Study Abroad page.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are £9,535* for full-time undergraduate courses.
If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,535*.
The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.
*subject to Council approval.
Additional costs
You will also need to consider the cost of your accommodation each year whilst you study at university. Visit our accommodation pages for further details about our Halls of Residence.
Scholarships
We have a range of scholarships to help with the cost of your studies. Visit our scholarships page to find out more.
International tuition fees
The International Tuition fees for 2026/27 are £14,500.
Visit our International fees page for more information.