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Study Robotics, why & how to study

Robotics fuses technology and engineering to create machines that carry out programmed actions. It’s used in various products, from cars to domestic appliances.

Robotics students preparing a robot for testing

CONTENTS

  1. What’s Robotics?

  2. What Robotics degrees can you study?

  3. What do you need to get onto a Robotics degree?

  4. What topics does a Robotics degree cover?

  5. How will you be assessed?

  6. Why study Robotics?

  7. What do Robotics graduates earn?

  8. What jobs can you get as a Robotics graduate?

  9. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

  10. Similar subjects to Robotics

  11. Have any questions?

What’s Robotics?

Robotics is a branch of mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering, and computer science. It’s all about the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. It’s also the computer systems for their control, sensory feedback and information processing.

With rapid development and vast applications, Robotics offers plenty to explore. You could be immersed in quantum technologies or energy-efficient communications networks, for instance.

The market is expanding and so are university Robotics departments – it's an exciting time to get involved.

Check out university rankings for:

What Robotics degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees tend to be BSc (Bachelor of Science) or BEng (Bachelor of Engineering). Your course may have an integrated master’s, where you earn an MSc or MEng. Examples of Robotics degrees:

Robotics Engineering BEng/MEng

You can focus your studies on the engineering elements of Robotics. You’ll learn through hands-on activities and practical work, by building and testing robotic systems.

Search for Robotics Engineering courses.

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics BSc/MSc

This degree brings a focus on the rapidly advancing field of AI. You’ll gain expertise in areas like machine learning, computer vision and human-robot interaction. Courses give you insight into what industries AI and robotics can benefit, such as healthcare.

Find Artificial Intelligence and Robotics courses.

Mechatronics and Robotics BEng/MEng

Similar to Robotics Engineering, this degree teaches you to design, build and control systems and devices. You’ll cover areas like mechanisms, algorithms, automation and instrumentation.

Search for Mechatronics and Robotics courses.

Other options

Courses often include:

  • An integrated foundation year
  • Professional placements
  • Study abroad opportunities
  1. GO TO
  2. Find a Robotics undergraduate degree
  3. Types of undergraduate degrees

What do you need to get onto a Robotics degree?

Typically, entry to an undergraduate Robotics degree requires between 96–144 UCAS points. Some courses may have lower or higher requirements, and not all unis base their offer on UCAS points.

Qualifications may include:

  • A Levels: A*AAA–CCE
  • BTECs: DDD–MMP
  • Scottish Highers: AABBB–ABBB (Advanced Highers: AA–BB)
  • International Baccalaureate: 39–29
  • Universities will sometimes ask that you’ve studied A Level/Higher maths

Other good subjects to have studied include:

  • Further mathematics, physics, computer science
  • General subjects may not be accepted (this could include business studies or ICT)

Experience that would look good on your application:

  • Show that you're passionate about the subject. You could have your own coding, or build small-scale robots. Alternatively, take part in competitions or get involved with a robotics club
  • Work experience or shadowing in a technology or engineering company
  • Knowledge of the sector. Check websites of the UK-RAS Network (Robotics and Autonomous Systems), Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
  • Engineering or STEM summer schools such as Sutton Trust or UNIQ, if eligible

Other requirements for this subject include:

  • An admissions test such as the Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) may be required
  • If taking a science at A Level, a pass will be required in the practical element
  1. GO TO
  2. Entry requirements
  3. About UCAS points
  4. Alternatives to A Levels

What topics does a Robotics degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

  • Mechanics for mechatronics and robotics
  • Engineering mathematics
  • Electronic circuit design
  • Intelligent systems and robotics
  • Systems engineering applications
  • Digital and state space control
  • Materials and manufacturing processes
  • Technical drawing and computer-aided design
  • Industrial automation systems
  • Business and project management

How will you be assessed?

Courses are assessed through a mixture of:

  • Coursework
  • Essays
  • Exams
  • Group working
  • Online programming tests
  • Posters
  • Software demonstrations
  • Technical presentations
  • Written reports

Why study Robotics?

Robotics is already a big part of modern life. It offers plenty of specialisations, from robots in sub-sea exploration to supply chain automation. You’ll also gain skills applicable to non-engineering roles.

Career-specific skills:

  • Practical skills in mechanical and electronic engineering, with competence in robotics, mechatronics and control systems
  • Design, programming, technical and collaborative skills
  • Knowledge of technical applications, from autonomous vehicles to manufacturing systems

Transferable skills:

  • Numeracy and digital literacy
  • Problem-solving and analytical thinking
  • Innovative and creative approaches
  • Presentation
  • Research and evaluation
  • Effective communication
  • Teamwork
  • Project management

Professional accreditation:

Degrees may be accredited by:

  • Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
  • Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
  • BCS (the Chartered Institute for IT)

Your degree may include registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), and partial registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

It may also meet the academic requirements towards registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

  1. GO TO
  2. Six reasons to study Robotics

What do Robotics graduates earn?

Robotics is an expanding market. Graduate robotics engineers may earn £27,500 when starting out. This could rise to £55,000 or more if you have chartered engineer status, the right experience, or expertise in a niche area.

  1. GO TO
  2. See what students do and earn after graduation

What jobs can you get as a Robotics graduate?

The global robotics market is predicted to be worth over $200 billion by 2025, so students can look forward to a fruitful graduate job market. Particular areas of employment for Robotics graduates include:

  • Technical robotics
  • Computer programming
    Sales and marketing
  • Software engineering
  • Clinical and laboratory research
  • Applied process engineering

Roles could include:

  • Senior supervising engineer
  • Senior robotics technician
  • Cyber analyst
  • Software engineer
  • Account manager
  • Test engineer
  • Renewable energy engineer
  • Application engineer
  • Control system engineer
  • Electronics engineer
  • Firmware engineer
  • Technical author

See what the highest paid degrees are in the UK.

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Postgraduate opportunities tend to build on related areas. For example, aeronautical engineering, drone technology and medical robotics and instrumentation. Examples include:

  • Aerial Robotics MSc
  • Medical Robotics & Image-Guided Intervention MRes
  • Robotics & Computation MSc
  • Robotics & Autonomous Systems MSc/PhD
  • Robotics & AI MSc
  1. GO TO
  2. Find postgraduate courses for Robotics
  3. Type of postgraduate degrees

Similar subjects to Robotics

Robotics combines computer science with engineering subjects; other areas that could appeal may include:

Search undergraduate Robotics courses now!

Have any questions?

Do you have any questions about studying Robotics? You can email us at ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you!

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