Robotics and Autonomous Systems including optional three-month placement (Taught)

***Learn how to design and develop autonomous systems, embedded artificial intelligence and robotics, using tools and techniques found in industry. ***
Our master’s is for graduates with backgrounds in electronic, electrical, or mechanical engineering or related areas looking for careers working in robotics. Combining engineering principles and advanced theory with practical application, you’ll explore robotics engineering, robotics software, machine learning, and autonomy.

With a focus on project work and practical learning, you’ll learn how to solve complex engineering problems. You’ll use industry-standard platforms, tools, and software to give you hands-on experience and develop skills valuable to working in the sector. You’ll also think about your stakeholders’ needs and wider factors such as technical, economic, environmental, and social. This whole-systems approach helps you understand how to design and implement effective robotics and autonomous systems.

Key benefits

• Project-based learning: get hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and sustainable design practices.

• Industry engagement: study a course that draws on our partnerships with industry to make sure content reflects sector needs

• Professional growth: develop skills for your career such as problem-solving, teamwork, communications, leadership, and analytical capabilities.

• Shape your degree: complete your studies with the choice between a research project or group consultancy project with industry.

Learn from experts in the field
You’ll learn from academics in our Departments of Computer Science, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Your learning experience will benefit from their expertise in our Centre for Autonomous Robotics (CENTAUR), where they are advancing research and building international collaborations in this area.

Use specialist facilities
Project work gives you access to facilities and workshops in our departments of Electronic & Electrical, Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering. These cover a range of areas including:

• rapid prototyping (3D printers, laser cutting, additive manufacturing)

• advanced electronics systems design

• power electronics

• electric vehicles, robotics and autonomous systems

• advanced CNC machines and manual machining

• real-time digital simulation

• Nimbus cloud supercomputer facility

From course to career
You’ll graduate with the skills to innovate and deliver resource-efficient practices and solutions for robotic and autonomous systems. Your knowledge will prepare you for a career in the engineering sector or for further postgraduate study and research. Our graduates work at companies including Thyssen Krupp, Unique Group, CMR Surgical, Ocado Technology and Small Robot Company.

Semester 1
Compulsory units

• Robotic platform engineering
• Robotics software
• Autonomous systems engineering
• Humans and intelligent machines
• Embedded systems design

Semester 2
Compulsory units

• Autonomous systems navigation, guidance and communications
• Conceptual design group activity
• Project unit 1
  2 optional units (You’ll be able to choose two optional units in your second semester. Here are some of the proposed optional units.)
• Artificial intelligence
• Reinforcement learning
• Electronic communications systems

Semester 3

• Individual project

Summer

• Professional practice placement

Placement
As part of your course, you’ll go on a three-month industrial placement after semester 2. This gives you the chance to apply your knowledge in industry. You could go on placement with one of our partner companies or businesses such as Intel. You'll have the opportunity to do your individual project at your placement company or at the University.

We will do our best to help you find a placement and support and guide you through the process. Our placements team runs workshops in CV writing and interview techniques to prepare you for applying. However, we cannot guarantee you a position. If you are unable to secure a placement, you’ll carry out your individual project during the summer period instead.