MSc/PgDip Robotics and Automation

Program Overview

The MSc/PgDip Robotics and Automation program equips graduates with specialized knowledge and skills in robotics and automation, emphasizing practical learning through laboratory sessions and hands-on experience with robotics platforms. The program covers topics such as control engineering, intelligent systems, mobile robotics, and artificial intelligence, preparing graduates for careers in robotics design, engineering, and software development. It is supported by research-active academics, advanced robotics laboratories, and industry collaborations, providing opportunities for cutting-edge research and real-world project involvement.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

This postgraduate program delves into the rapidly evolving field of robotics and automation, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills to contribute to its growing impact across various industries. It offers a strong foundation in control engineering and intelligent systems concepts, supplemented with practical experiences in hardware/software-based mobile robotics.

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with specialized knowledge and skillset to shape the future of robotics.
• Provide practical experience with robotic navigation, locomotion, and control algorithms.
• Empower graduates to critically review and analyze current robotic technologies and practices.
• Prepare graduates to plan, manage, and implement research or development projects in robotics and automation.

Program Description:

The program boasts a well-structured curriculum, including four taught modules in the first year, followed by a research dissertation in the final semester. It emphasizes practical learning through extensive laboratory sessions, providing hands-on experience with robotics platforms, MATLAB toolboxes, and computer programming languages.

Outline:

Program Content:

• Automation and Robotics: Covers industrial control technology, programmable logic controllers, supervisory control and data acquisition, and distributed control systems.
• Interactive Visualization: Explores the science and technology behind virtual reality systems, including design, development, and critical evaluation of applications.
• Mechatronics: Delves into the core principles of mechatronic engineering, exploring closely-related subjects like electromechanical system modeling, sensors, actuators, and control algorithms.
• Artificial Intelligence: Introduces the role of AI in control applications, providing practical experience with techniques like fuzzy logic, neural networks, and evolutionary computing.
• Mobile Robotics: Focuses on autonomous intelligent robots, covering navigation, locomotion, control algorithms, and research and industrial applications.
• MSc Project/Dissertation (Robotics and Automation): Culminates in a research or development project under academic supervision, requiring planning, management, implementation, literature review, critical assessment, and result presentation.

Structure:

• Full-time: 180 credits (four taught modules + dissertation)
• Part-time: 120 credits (four taught modules)
• Semester 1: Automation and Robotics, Interactive Visualization, Mechatronics
• Semester 2: Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Robotics
• Final semester: MSc Project/Dissertation

Schedule:

• Full-time: Taught modules in first two semesters, dissertation in final semester
• Part-time: Taught modules spread over two years, dissertation in third year
• Start dates: January and September

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Coursework (70%)
• Examinations (30%)
• Dissertation/project

Assessment Criteria:

• Understanding and application of key concepts
• Critical analysis and evaluation
• Problem-solving skills
• Research and communication abilities
• Project management and implementation

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures and workshops
• Hands-on laboratory sessions
• Individual and group projects
• Dissertation supervision

Faculty:

• Research-active academics with extensive professional connections
• Experienced technical team

Unique Approaches:

• Focus on practical application and real-world problem solving
• Access to advanced robotics laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment
• Strong industry collaboration and research partnerships
• Opportunity to work on real-world projects and contribute to cutting-edge research

Careers:

Career Paths:

• Robotics designer
• Robotics engineer
• Software developer
• Control systems engineer
• Robotics operator

Opportunities:

• Roles in robotic design, control systems integration and design, factory automation, and engineering management.
• New and emerging engineering, technical, and operational-based positions in various industries.

Outcomes:

• Graduates equipped to contribute to the advancement of robotics and automation across various sectors.
• Potential for further research opportunities in the field.
• The program is aligned with the Engineering Councils Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP).
• The University is a National Advanced Robotics Research Centre since 1987.
• The program is supported by the Autonomous Systems and Advanced Robotics (ASAR) Centre.
• The program provides opportunities for industry collaboration and research.
• The program is open to international students, with specific application deadlines.

Full-time home 2024/25 £9,990.00per year Full-time international 2024/25 £16,380.00per year Part-time 2024/25 £1,665 per 30 credits Full-time home 2025/26 £10,350.00per year Full-time international 2025/26 £17,000.00 per year