MSc Robotics

University of Manchester

Course description

Robotics is a multi-disciplinary subject which will have a profound impact on society over the next 50 years. It has already revolutionised the manufacturing industry and it has the potential to have similar impacts in areas such as green energy, social care, transport and logistics and the exploration of hostile environments both terrestrial and extra-terrestrial.

This course will provide students with an encompassing education in robotics and autonomous systems by incorporating the mechatronic aspects (mechanical and electronic) with computer science. The course is underpinned by world-leading facilities and researchers and emphasises students gaining practical robotic experience using state-of-the-art cyber-physical systems to help address real-world challenges.

The field of robotics is currently one of the most rapidly developing technologies that offers exciting and ample career paths for suitably qualified engineers and scientists. In recent years The University of Manchester has established itself as one of the leading UK and international institutions in the field of robotics, both in terms of fundamental research (such as cognitive robotics, AI, sensors) and also applications (such as nuclear, offshore wind, health and social care), including a significant and wide-ranging portfolio of industrial collaborations.

The MSc Robotics course will offer a truly interdisciplinary course at The University of Manchester. There are four strategic themes that will be followed in this course including:

a) mechatronics and control; verification, security and trust in autonomous systems;
b) human-robot interaction and cognitive robotics;
c) artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science;
d) ethics and human-centred robotics issues.

This course offers a unique opportunity to blend fundamental aspects with robot system design and integration. The course will be a practically-oriented course with an emphasis on real-world applications of robotics in various real-life scenarios.

Aims

• Provide an advanced education in robotic systems engineering.
• Give students the education, knowledge, and theoretical as well as practical skills they need to make sound decisions in the rapidly changing robotics industry.
• Provide a sound understanding of the principles, design techniques, and applications of robotic systems.
• Enable students to appreciate the broad knowledge of the issues and problems faced by robotic systems engineers.
• Enhance students' ability to engage in independent project work both in software and hardware.

Career opportunities

Graduates from the course will be employed in a variety of industries, from start-ups and supply chain companies through to end users. The adoption of robotics is expanding significantly in areas such as nuclear, offshore-wind, transport infrastructure (rail, highways), logistics, automotive (driverless cars), construction, social care, manufacturing, healthcare (surgery), and agriculture.

The MSc can also be used as a springboard for postgraduate research.?There are still many fields within robotics that require significant research to develop further.?