Program Overview

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Robotics and Automation

Overview

The rise of robotic intelligence is reshaping our world. From transport to healthcare to manufacturing, organisations are discovering ways to improve task delivery and solve complex challenges. Join the revolution with our MSc Robotics and Automation postgraduate degree.

Course Details

Course Delivery

Drawing on our position as a leading UK robotics research centre, our MSc Robotics and Automation course is delivered through a range of highly-focused modules. The 180-credit MSc award comprises four taught modules, plus a research dissertation. The 120-credit PgDip comprises four taught modules. This programme is designed to meet the requirement of the Engineering Councils Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP).

Flexibility is at the heart of our learning approach. You can choose to study this postgraduate course full-time or part-time on campus, with start dates in January and September:

• As a full-time student, you will complete four 30-credit taught modules in each of the first two semesters on campus. You will complete a 60-credit research project during your final semester
• As a part-time student, you will complete two 30-credit modules in semesters across the first two years of study. Across a further year of study, you will complete a 60-credit research project

Learning Experience

The course approaches robotics by providing a grounding in control engineering and intelligent systems concepts with practical experiences in hardware/software-based mobile robotics. Led by a research-active academic and technical team, the course is delivered in our advanced robotics laboratories. Practical experiences enable you to use robotics platforms, MATLAB toolboxes and programming languages, to produce hardware or software-based mobile robotics.

Current course topics include automation control systems, interactive visualisations, artificial intelligence and mobile robotics. The dissertation module is your opportunity to plan, manage and implement a robotics or automation project.

Course Team

The Robotics and Automation postgraduate course is delivered by an academic team with exceptional research experience and extensive professional connections.

• Course leader: Dr. Theo Theodoridis

Modules

Semester One

• Automation and Robotics
  • You will be provided with comprehension knowledge and understanding in robotics theory and practices including classical robotic manipulator kinematics, PID-based robotic manipulator control, and ABB Industrial Robot Programming and Simulation.
• Mechatronics
  • Gain a comprehensive knowledge of the core mechatronic engineering discipline. On this module, you will explore a range of closely-related subjects and applications, such as electro-mechanical system modelling, technological advances and usage of sensors and actuators, Real Time concepts and embedded systems, and robot control algorithms.

Semester Two

• Artificial Intelligence
  • The aim of this module is to give you a comprehensive understanding of the role of artificial intelligence in control applications, and provide you with practical experience of using techniques such as fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, and evolutionary computing in engineering applications.
• Mobile Robotics
  • This module will teach you to critically review and analyse current autonomous intelligent robots, consolidate and extend knowledge in robotics applications and provide a practical understanding of robotic navigation and locomotion.

Trimester Three

• MSc Project/Dissertation (Robotics and Automation)
  • You will work under the direction of an academic supervisor to carry out an advanced research or development project related to robotics and/or automation.

Assessment

Assessment strategies are designed to develop your skills for future employability and assessment success. Feedback is regularly provided.

• The typical assessment approach for this course is coursework (70%) and examinations (30%).

Employment and Stats

Employment

At the heart of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), robotics and automation is rapidly developing, and adoption across a wide range of sectors and industries, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing and logistics, is gathering pace.

There is huge career potential in areas of robotic design, control systems integration and design, factory automation, and engineering management. As a robotics postgraduate, you can expect to find new and emerging engineering, technical and operational-based roles.

Further Study

You might also choose to take your subject interest further with postgraduate research. Home to PhD and Research Master’s opportunities, our Autonomous Systems and Advanced Robotics (ASAR) Centre has internationally recognised research excellence in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI).

Requirements

Applicant Profile

This course is recommended for engineering-based graduates and experienced professionals who are fascinated by robotics, and want to be part of shaping how they will be part of our future.

English Language Requirements

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, however we do accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

International Applications

Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.

Standard Entry Requirements

• Undergraduate degree: A 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in engineering or science.
• International student entry requirements: We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.

Alternative Entry Requirements

• Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL): We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.

Fees

• Type of study | Year | Fees
  • Full-time home | 2025/26 | £10,350 per year
  • Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,000 per year
  • Part-time | 2025/26 | Calculated on a pro rata basis

Additional Costs

You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

International Student Scholarships

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Learn more about our latest international scholarships.