There are plenty of areas to specialise in. Intelligent systems range from independent vehicles in aerospace and robots in sub-sea exploration, to consumer products and the creative arts. Industry forecasters predict massive growth and estimate the service robotics market to increase to an annual $66 billion by 2025. There's money to be made if you know what you're doing.

What qualifications do you need?

Entry requirements depend on the university and course and are subject to change.

What degrees can you study?

BEng Mechatronics and Robotic Systems BSc Artificial Intelligence BEng Robotics

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Study Robotics, why & how to study

Q: What jobs can you get as a Robotics graduate?

Particular job areas include technical robotics, computer programming, sales and marketing, software engineering, clinical and laboratory research, and applied process engineering.

Q: How will you be assessed?

Courses are assessed via a variety of ways, through a mixture of exams and coursework. The best and most rewarding courses place a strong emphasis on a hands-on approach and teach with a mix of lab sessions, lectures, tutorials and projects.

Q: What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of taught MAs and research degrees at postgraduate level include straight MAs in Robotics, as well as master's courses in Artificial Intelligence, Automation Control, Computational Intelligence, Cognitive Robotics and Intelligent Systems.

Robotics is the convergence of technology and engineering to create machines that can carry out programmed actions – used in products from cars to domestic appliances.

CHOOSING A COURSE POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE

Cicely Oliver 18 Nov 2021

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Robotics students preparing a robot for testing

What’s Robotics?
What Robotics degrees can you study?
What do you need to get onto a Robotics degree?
What topics does a Robotics degree cover?
How will you be assessed?
Why study Robotics?
What do Robotics graduates earn?
What jobs can you get as a Robotics graduate?
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Similar subjects to Robotics
Have any questions?

What’s Robotics?

Robotics is a branch of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering and computer science. It deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback and information processing.

With rapid development and a wide range of applications, Robotics offers plenty for the aspiring student, from quantum technologies to energy-efficient communications networks.

What Robotics degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in Robotics include:

Computing (Visual Computing and Robotics) MEng
Mechatronics and Robotics BEng
Robotics, Mechatronics and Control Engineering (with placement year) BEng
Mechanical Engineering with Robotics BEng
Artificial Intelligence and Robotics BSc
Robotics, Autonomous and Interactive Systems BEng

Options for study may include an integrated foundation year, an integrated master’s, or a placement year.

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 usually ask that you’ve studied: A Level/Higher maths, although this isn’t always required

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:

Evidence that shows your passion for the subject, such as your own coding or small-scale robot builds, taking part in competitions or involvement with a robotics club
Work experience or shadowing in a technology or engineering company
Your knowledge of the sector – check the websites of the UK-RAS Network (Robotics and Autonomous Systems), the 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

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 and offers plenty of specialisations, from robots in sub-sea exploration to consumer products or 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 the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and/or BCS (the Chartered Institute for IT)
May include registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), and partial registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)
May also meet the academic requirements towards registration as a Chartered IT Professional

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Read Reasons to study Robotics

What do Robotics graduates earn?

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

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See what students do and earn after graduation

What jobs can you get as a Robotics graduate?

Particular areas of employment for Robotics graduates include technical robotics, computer programming, sales and marketing, software engineering, clinical and laboratory research, and 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

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

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