Robotics with a Foundation Year MEng

Program Overview

This five-year MEng Robotics with a Foundation Year program provides a comprehensive understanding of mechatronic and robotic engineering. Through a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and core engineering principles, students develop skills in robotics design, programming, and control. The program features practical projects, advanced research collaboration, and industry partnerships, preparing graduates for successful careers in the robotics industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MEng Robotics with a Foundation Year program is a five-year, full-time course designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of mechatronic and robotic engineering. It is tailored for students who lack the necessary scientific or mathematical background for traditional engineering degrees.

• To develop practical skills in robotics design, programming, and control.
• To prepare students for a successful career in robotics and related fields.

Program Description:

The program consists of a foundation year followed by a four-year MEng degree. The foundation year focuses on building a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering fundamentals. Upon successful completion of the foundation year, students progress to the MEng degree, where they delve into advanced topics such as:

• Year 1: Control of robotic systems, programming (C++), mechanical design, and intelligent systems.
• Year 2: Practical project involving the design and building of robots using 3D CAD tools and the iForge Makerspace.
• Year 3: Specialist modules covering robotics, machine learning, and other areas, allowing students to tailor their degree with optional study areas.
• Year 4: Advanced project involving collaboration with a world-leading academic to embed technical knowledge and expertise in areas such as deep learning, machine vision, and cybersecurity.

Outline:

Foundation Year:

• Further Foundation Mathematics (MAS004): Covers advanced principles of algebra, geometry, and calculus.
• Foundations of Physics (PHY009): Provides a foundation in physics, covering topics such as dynamics, electricity, magnetism, thermal physics, oscillations, waves, optics, properties of matter, and atomic and nuclear physics.
• Foundations of Physics with Computing: Introduces essential concepts in mechanics and electronics in the context of computer science.
• Foundation Core and Enhanced Mathematics: Builds on A-level mathematics, covering topics in pure mathematics, statistics, probability, and numerical methods.

Years 1-4 (MEng Degree):

• Year 1: Modules covering control of robotic systems, programming (C++), mechanical design, and intelligent systems.
• Year 2: Practical project involving the design and building of robots using 3D CAD tools and the iForge Makerspace.
• Year 3: Specialist modules covering robotics, machine learning, and other areas, allowing students to tailor their degree with optional study areas.
• Year 4: Advanced project involving collaboration with a world-leading academic to embed technical knowledge and expertise in areas such as deep learning, machine vision, and cybersecurity.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Examinations
• Coursework
• Assignments
• Lab work
• Online tests
• Reports
• Group projects
• Presentations

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical activities
• Coursework
• Assignments (including oral, video, and poster presentations)
• Online resources
• Faculty:
• The academic staff have direct research experience in the robotics industry and specialize in programming, intelligent systems, and cybersecurity.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Professional engineers in various industries, including manufacturing, power generation, and sustainable energy.
• Roles in robotics design, development, and implementation.
• Research and development positions in robotics and related fields.
• Opportunities:
• Placement opportunities in industry during the summer or as a year in industry.
• Study abroad opportunities for a full year or as part of a summer school.
• Extracurricular projects involving the design and building of rockets, submersible robots, autonomous payloads for satellites, rovers, and more.
• Research projects with academics over the summer period.
• Outcomes:
• Graduates are highly employable and work for companies such as Arup, Rolls-Royce, Boeing, Jaguar Land Rover, Thales, and IBM.

Other:

• The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institute of Measurement and Control (InstMC).
• The MEng degree meets all the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
• The department is the only one in the UK dedicated to Control and Systems Engineering.
• The department has research contracts with major institutions like the European Space Agency and numerous academic and industrial partners.
• The department's facilities include a robotics and automation lab, a control and power systems laboratory, and a state-of-the-art electronics and control lab in the Diamond.

• Home students 2024 annual tuition fee: £9,250
• Overseas students 2024 annual tuition fee: £29,110