Robotics MSc

Program Overview

The University of Sheffield's Robotics MSc equips students with comprehensive knowledge in machine and artificial intelligence, robotic sensing and perception, control and planning, and robotic devices. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, assignments, and a major research project, the program prepares graduates for careers in software engineering, robotics development, project engineering, and research. The program's industry connections and research focus give students an advantage in the competitive robotics industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc program in Robotics aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become experts in robotics and autonomous systems. The program focuses on key areas such as:

• Machine and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Understanding the principles and applications of AI in robotics.
• Robotic Sensing and Perception: Learning about sensors, data acquisition, and how robots perceive their environment.
• Control and Planning: Developing skills in robot control, motion planning, and decision-making.
• Robotic Devices and Systems: Gaining knowledge about the design, construction, and operation of robotic systems.
The program emphasizes practical application of these concepts through industry-standard CAD and hardware tools, allowing students to design and analyze mechatronic systems.

Outline:

The program is structured as a 1-year full-time course, delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, individual assignments, and a major research project.

Core Modules:

• Data Modelling and Machine Intelligence: This module explores the principles of machine learning, including neural networks and other methods, and their application in solving engineering problems.
• Mechatronics for Robotics: This module focuses on the development and analysis of integrated mechanical, electrical, computational, and control systems within mechatronic systems.
It includes practical sessions and a project involving the development of a functional mechatronic system.
• Manipulator Robotics: This module explores robotic manipulators, covering their types, applications, modeling, simulation, sensing, actuation, and control.
It also emphasizes practical applications and ethical considerations.
• Machine Vision: This module introduces image and video processing models and methods, equipping students with skills to embed them in autonomous systems.
• Robotics Project and Dissertation: This module allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a specific problem, developing independence and project management skills.

Optional Modules (Examples):

• Deep Learning: This module explores the principles and applications of deep learning, including its impact on image, video, speech, and audio processing, as well as intelligent agents and deep reinforcement learning.
• Industrial Training Programme (ITP) in Computational Intelligence: This module provides practical experience through industry-relevant project work in collaboration with an industrial partner.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of:

• Coursework Assignments: Practical assignments to demonstrate application of knowledge and skills.
• Project Dissertation: A research-level project to showcase independent research and problem-solving abilities.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Delivering theoretical concepts and foundational knowledge.
• Seminars: Interactive discussions and presentations on specific topics.
• Tutorials: Guided practice sessions to reinforce learning and address individual questions.
• Individual Assignments: Practical tasks to apply theoretical knowledge and develop problem-solving skills.
• Major Research Project: A substantial research project to delve deeper into a specific area of robotics.
The program is taught by faculty members with expertise in robotics and related fields, who are actively involved in research and industry collaborations.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in various sectors, including:

• Software Engineering: Developing software for robotic systems and applications.
• Robotics Development: Designing, building, and testing robotic systems.
• Project Engineering: Managing and overseeing robotics projects.
• Research: Pursuing further research in robotics and related fields.
• The Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering is the only department in the UK dedicated to Control and Systems Engineering.
• The department has strong research collaborations with major institutions like the European Space Agency and industrial partners.
• Students have opportunities to participate in student-led teams and societies, such as SunrIde, MarsWorks, and Sheffield Bionics, which provide practical experience and develop valuable skills.

Home (2024 annual fee) : £13,000 Overseas (2024 annual fee) : £29,700