Computer Science (Robotics)

Computer Science (Robotics)

Combine computing with intelligent machines - our BSc Computer Science (Robotics) equips you to design, and program robots that interact with the world.

We’ve worked closely with leaders in robotics, automation, and AI to design this course with your career in mind. You’ll start with the fundamentals of computing – from programming and software engineering to systems design – and reinforce your learning through hands-on robotics labs and simulations. You’ll also gain a solid foundation in mathematics, so even those without a maths A level can quickly build the skills needed to design and program intelligent machines.

You’ll study on a campus known for its supportive, collaborative community, guided by staff who are shaping the next generation of intelligent systems. Your learning is powered by Kent’s world-class research in robotics, artificial intelligence and human–computer interaction, ensuring you’re always close to the latest breakthroughs.

In your final year, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned through advanced modules. You’ll work on projects that bring robots to life – from autonomous vehicles to assistive technologies – and you’ll have the option to boost your prospects with a paid year in industry, gaining real-world experience with organisations driving innovation in robotics and automation.

Year in Industry

Take a year in industry and gain paid practical experience and a real advantage in the graduate job market. Our dedicated placement team supports you through the process.

Your Future
Our graduates have gone on to work in:

• software engineering

• mobile applications development

• systems analysis

• networking

• finance and insurance

• education

• healthcare.

Recent graduates have gone on to develop successful careers at leading companies such as:

• BAE Systems

• Cisco

• IBM

• The Walt Disney Company

• Citigroup

• BT

Year 1

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Year 1 compulsory modules currently include the following:

• Programming I - The module is a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on exercises with the Python programming language. The skills you acquire will help you learn other programming languages such as Java and C++, to name a few.

• Programming II - In this module, you’ll learn how an object-oriented approach to software development allows us to think in a particular way about solving problems. This approach increases the likelihood that our code will be well-written and reliable.

• Internet Technologies - In this module you’ll examine the fundamental technologies that make modern web applications work.  You’ll learn to use operating and cloud systems to deploy, configure, and monitor software. You’ll dive into networking, from the basic principles of network latency and bandwidth to addressing and transmitting at different layers, from the datalink to the HTTP application layer. You’ll also develop a foundational frontend web development skill set, learning how to structure web pages using HTML, style them using CSS, and develop interactive web pages using JavaScript.

• Human Computer Interaction - Throughout this module, you will learn about design quality and the need for a professional, integrated, and user-centred approach to interface design and development.

• Foundations of Computing - This module demonstrates the role of mathematics in Computer Science with relevant examples. Starting with algebra, reasoning and proof, set theory, functions, statistics and computer arithmetic, you’ll progress to the more abstract topics of matrices, vectors, differential calculus and probability.

• Computer Systems - You’ll learn about the fundamental hardware and software components of a computer system, and how these components cooperate to execute software programs. You’ll deepen your knowledge of computer systems from the lowest level of abstractions in hardware to the highest level of abstractions of modern programming languages. For example, you’ll explore how logic circuits, machine language, programming language implementations, and high-level languages build on one another to enable useful software applications.

For more detailed information about these modules, please visit our website.

Year 2

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Year 2 compulsory modules currently include the following:

• Algorithms - Throughout the module you will develop the skills to read and interpret problem descriptions, and the knowledge you need to solve these problems. Your deepened understanding of algorithms from runtime, to executable programmes will set you up for an exciting and successful career in rapidly expanding digital industries.

• Database Systems - This module introduces you to the theory and practice of database systems. You’ll model, design, implement, and use database systems, gaining valuable skills you will need in your career as a software developer.

• Web Development - Designed to empower aspiring developers with the skills needed to thrive in today's digital landscape, this module offers a deep dive into the foundations of both front-end and back-end web development. From crafting captivating user experiences with the latest browser technologies to mastering server-side programming, databases and sound design principles, the curriculum equips you with the proficiency to build robust and scalable web applications. Join us and unlock the keys to shaping the future of the internet.

• Software Development - You will learn about the best practices for developing such software within a team using the agile methodology. You’ll discover the importance of customer involvement for identifying requirements, writing automated tests for verifying functionality, and code reviews for improving the quality of the codebase. You’ll also work with your peers to develop a software product incrementally.

• Cognitive Robotics - Whether or not you have previous background in robotics, you will become familiar with core areas in robotics and principles of robotic programming, by engaging in interactive practical activities with real mobile robots and virtual simulators. You will be introduced to common software development environments to operate mobile robots in navigating a physical and virtual map or to manipulate simple objects.

Optional modules may include the following:

• Fundamentals of AI - In this dynamic module, you will be introduced to the essential concepts of AI, setting the stage for a profound exploration into more advanced realms such as machine learning and bio-inspired computations. Through engaging weekly classes, your understanding will evolve, seamlessly transitioning from foundational principles to the intricacies of advanced concepts.

• Fundamentals of Cyber Security - The knowledge you will gain on this module provides a strong foundation to guide and inform security efforts within an organisation. Prepare to embark on a journey where every click, every byte, and every line of code matters – and where you knowledge can make a real difference.

• Functional Programming - You’ll learn the core tenets of functional programming in a general setting and deepen your understanding of what it means to solve problems with a computer. This will enable you to be a better programmer in any language. You’ll also gain insight into foundational topics in computer science and draw deep connections between other modules in the degree. For many, functional programming is a crucial ‘aha!’ moment in their journey towards being skilled in the art, science, and engineering of computer systems.

For more detailed information about these modules, please visit our website.

Year in Industry

You spend a year working in an industrial or commercial environment between Stages 2 and 3.

Our students go to a wide range of companies including:

• IBM

• Vodaphone

• Holiday Extras

• Bank of America

They have also been to overseas employers in locations including Amsterdam, Hong Kong and the US.

Although it is your responsibility to find a suitable placement, the School of Computing’s dedicated Placement Team will help to identify suitable opportunities, assist with your application and prepare you for interviews.

Year 3

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Year 3: You will take either the Group Project or the Research Project, and then choose 2 optional modules from the list.
Compulsory modules currently include the following:

• Deep Learning - You'll look into modern deep neural networks starting from the fundamentals of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). You'll start by learning what is an artificial neuron and architectures like multilayer perceptron, expanding on algorithms for training ANNs such as gradient descent and backpropagation.

• Group Project - Engaging in group projects is a crucial aspect of your computer science studies as it provides you with valuable opportunities to work collaboratively with your peers. In the field of software development, teamwork is indispensable for achieving success as most projects require the combined effort of multiple individuals with diverse skills and expertise.

• Research Project - Engaging in a research project is a fantastic opportunity for computer science students as it offers the chance to work closely with an expert supervisor in a specific discipline. This experience not only allows you to delve deeper into a subject of interest but also helps you develop essential research skills that are transferable across various fields.

• Reinforcement Learning and Computer Vision - You will gain an understanding of the principles of RL, including policies, value functions, and reward-driven behaviour, while also learning the essentials of computer vision, from image processing to object detection and scene understanding. The module emphasises how these two domains complement each other: RL provides adaptive control and decision-making strategies, while vision systems supply the sensory input that grounds those strategies in physical environments.

Optional modules may include the following:

• Natural Computation

• Embedded Systems and IoT

• Blockchain and Distributed Systems: Foundations, Security and Applications

• Information Security Management

• Software Engineering Practice

• Video Games Development

• Computing Law and Professional Responsibility

• Computational Intelligence in Business, Economics and Finance

• Theory and Practice of Concurrency

• Signal, Image and Data Analysis

• Cognitive Robotics

• eHealth

• Machine Learning Algorithms

• Computer Networks and Communication

• Computing in the Classroom

• Natural Language Processing

• Programming Language Implementation

• Computational Creativity and Creative AI

• Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery

• Semantic Technologies and Graph Analytics

• Internet of Things

• Programming Languages: Applications and Design

• Introduction to Quantum Computing and Quantum Cryptography

• Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

• Image Analysis and Applications

For more detailed information about these modules, please visit our website.