MSc Robotics

Program Overview

MSc Robotics

Overview

This MSc will provide you with the ability to understand, design and implement modern robotic systems. Robotics is increasingly prominent in a variety of sectors, for example, manufacturing, health and remote exploration of hostile environments such as space and the deep sea, and as autonomous and semi-autonomous systems that interact with people physically and socially.

This programme exposes you to a wide range of advanced engineering and computer science concepts. It offers the opportunity to carry out a practical robotics research project and to make use of the resources at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, one of the UK's most comprehensive robotics innovation facilities and a leading centre of robotics research.

The programme is jointly awarded and jointly delivered by the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England, both based in Bristol, and therefore draws on the combined expertise, facilities and resources of the two universities. The Bristol Robotics Laboratory is a collaborative research partnership between the two universities with a vision to transform robotics by pioneering advances in autonomous robot systems that can behave intelligently with minimal human supervision.

Key Information

• Programme duration: One year full-time; Two years part-time.
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline:
  • Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025
  • Home applicants: 8 August 2025
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location:
  • Clifton, University of Bristol
  • Frenchay Campus, University of the West of England
• Awards available: MSc

Programme Structure

The programme comprises a number of core and optional units.

During your second term, you will start working on a substantial piece of research work that will make up one third of your overall MSc. It is possible to work on this project with researchers based at Bristol Robotics Laboratory or in conjunction with one of our many industrial partners. Within the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, there are a number of themes from which projects may be chosen.

Entry Requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any subject. You must also have a module in C/C++, Java, Python, MATLAB or other similar formal programming languages. Alternatively, experience in these programming languages can also be demonstrated in a CV, personal statement, or a programming statement.

Details about requirements for the programming statement can be found in the Admissions Statement for this programme.

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.

If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:

• Evidence of significant (one year minimum) Robotics-related work experience
• A relevant postgraduate qualification

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time: £15,700 per year
• Home: part-time (two years): £7,850 per year
• Overseas: full-time: £35,400 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

Alumni Discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and Scholarships

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career Prospects

Robotics is a vast field spanning areas such as electronics, mechanics, software engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, psychology and biology. Career opportunities include diverse professions, including careers in the automotive industry, aerospace industry, advanced manufacturing, deep sea exploration, space exploration, food manufacture, the health sector, pharmaceutical production and industrial quality control.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc program in Robotics aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand, design, and implement modern robotic systems. Robotics has become increasingly prevalent in various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and exploration of extreme environments.

Outline:

The program structure consists of core and optional units. During the second term, students embark on a substantial research project that constitutes one-third of the overall MSc. Projects can be conducted in collaboration with researchers at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory or industrial partners. Students receive free transport passes for travel between the two universities.

Careers:

Robotics offers a wide range of career opportunities in diverse fields such as electronics, mechanics, software engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, psychology, and biology. Graduates can pursue careers in the automotive industry, aerospace industry, advanced manufacturing, deep sea exploration, space exploration, food manufacture, the health sector, pharmaceutical production, and industrial quality control.

Other:

The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK, with 94% of its research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent. The program is jointly awarded and delivered by the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England, drawing on the combined expertise and resources of both institutions. The Bristol Robotics Laboratory is a collaborative research partnership between the two universities, focusing on advancing autonomous robot systems with intelligent behavior and minimal human supervision.

UK: full-time £15,100 per year UK: part-time (two years) £7,550 per year Overseas: full-time £32,900 per year