School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

BEng (Hons) Robotics

Whether you are interested in mechatronics, artificial intelligence or the possibilities for biosensors, the BEng Robotics will encourage you to push your limits. Our emphasis on high level robotics, including mobile and humanoid automation, and our focus on the electronics and hardware that support industrial and service robotics is complemented by the hands-on approach you'll develop in our specialist laboratories.

You will work in a world-class research environment with staff internationally renowned for conducting cutting-edge service and cognitive robotics research. You will take part in robotics competitions offering invaluable opportunities for exciting and highly formative, practical sessions of intense study. You’ll capitalise on the opportunity to take a work placement in your third year, putting your robotics skills into action in the real world.

Opportunities available...

  • A scholarship scheme is available: for more information, see the 'Fees, costs and funding' section, below.
  • Excellence schemes: we may make you a personalised offer if you are a strong candidate – visit our webpage for details.

Careers with this subject

Discover employment and further study opportunities that you could consider once you graduate with a robotics degree.

What can you do with a robotics degree?

Key features

  • Our robotics courses have a large number of laboratory practical sessions embedded in their modules, and this is a strong feature of the robotics teaching in Plymouth. This ensures that you can consolidate theory learned in lectures using real practical tasks, making your understanding of topics much more concrete.
  • Develop in a broad range of subjects ranging from analogue and digital electronics to software programming and artificial intelligence, all in the context of robotics. 
  • Advance your knowledge of electronics, microprocessors, and embedded systems forming the technological core of the course. This is supported by a thorough understanding of robotics concepts, such as control theory, sensors and motors. 
  • Learn by doing in our high specification electronics, communications and robotics laboratories.
  • When our new engineering and design facility is launched, students in engineering, science and the arts will have access to a range of specialist equipment and innovative laboratories.
  • Work in a world-class research environment with staff internationally renowned for conducting cutting-edge service and cognitive robotics research.
  • Take part in robot football and other robotics competitions offering invaluable opportunities for exciting and highly formative, practical sessions of intense study. 
  • Benefit from individual and group projects offering the possibility for you to consolidate your robotics knowledge by building and programming a variety of robots including small wheeled robots, industrial robots and humanoids.
  • Draw on unique opportunities to engage in world-class robotics research, and in a variety of activities (for example, in the humanoid robot football, Federation of International Robot-soccer Association (FIRA) competition).
  • Capitalise on the opportunity to take a work placement in your third year, putting your robotics skills into action in the real world.
  • Join our Robotics Society and take the opportunity to assist robot development for international competitions such as the Robocup humanoid football league and robot athletics. 
  • Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an
    Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
  • Benefit from free IET membership while you are on the course.
  • Work alongside internationally-renowned staff in a leading service and cognitive robotics research environment.
  • To complement your formal learning we offer regular PALS sessions that provide the opportunity for you to learn with and from your peers. Share knowledge, discuss ideas, and ask questions in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Course details
  • Year 1

  • In Year 1, you'll use our well-equipped laboratories to develop your knowledge and practical problem solving skills, learning by doing in a practically focused environment from the outset. Group project work will enable you to develop your problem solving and communication skills, and structured design procedures for both hardware and software are brought together in an integrating robotics project.

    Core modules

    • Stage 1 Electrical/Robotics Placement Preparation (BPIE112)

      This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

    • Analogue Electronics (ELEC141)

      This module provides an overview of analogue circuit characterisation, analysis and design, linking theory to practice. It will examine how common analogue systems are constructed from elementary components.

    • Digital Electronics (ELEC142)

      This is a foundation module in digital electronics and computer control, which introduces digital devices and provides a background in the principles, design and applications of combinational and sequential logic circuits.

    • Electrical Principles and Machines (ELEC144)

      This module gives an introduction to the electrical properties of materials, capacitance, Inductance, and electromagnetism. Basic circuit principles and their application in dc and ac circuit analysis are then applied to electrical machines, transformers and energy conversion.

    • Embedded System Design and Build (PROJ100)

      The module enables students to work collectively to build prototype solutions to real-world problems using both software and hardware. This will include development and verification skills in both hardware and software. 

    • Engineering Mathematics (ENGR104)

      This module provides students with a number of fundamental mathematical skills, and techniques, which are essential for the analysis of engineering problems.

  • Year 2

  • In your second year, you'll develop a greater understanding of underlying engineering principles and circuit design methods. Again, there's an emphasis on teamwork and you will have opportunity to do both group and individual presentations of your projects. You'll have the opportunity to use industrial standard software tools for design and simulation, data monitoring and control, which are good preparation for your final year individual project or for a placement year.

    Core modules

    • Stage 2 Electrical/Robotics Placement Preparation (BPIE212)

      This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (BPIE111) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

    • Engineering Mathematics and Statistics (MATH237)

      This module provides an introduction to mathematical and statistical methods that are important in the study of electronic and communications engineering. The mathematical techniques (transforms) are central to the study of linear, time-invariant systems. As well as introducing descriptive statistics, basic probability distributions, the module also considers the more advanced topics of reliability and quality control.

    • Control Engineering (ROCO219)

      This module introduces basic concepts in how to control systems that have dynamics. This can involve making an unstable system stable, like balancing a Segway transporter to ensure it always remains upright. Or to get a system to follow a desired input and reach the desired goal. For example, controlling a robot arm so it moves directly to a target location without oscillating or overshooting.

    • Introduction to Robotics (ROCO224)

      This module covers the theory and implementation of robotics, for both physical and simulated robots. Industry standard robot kinematics and simulations are used to analyse different robot designs, and are practically experienced through commercial tools. The basic mechanical principles for building physical robots are also covered, as well as the algorithms required for planning and generating movement.

    • Real Time Systems Project (PROJ200)

      The module enables students to build robust and scalable real-time solutions to real-world problems using both Microcontroller and FPGA technologies. This will include both hardware and firmware development skills.

    • Sensors and Actuators for Robotic Systems (ROCO226)

      A systems level study of the principles and design requirements of modern electronic motor systems. Operating performances of various electrical machines are characterised in four quadrants and the requirements of the corresponding power electronic converter topologies are examined. Control strategies are investigated in terms of drive system performance.

  • Optional placement year

  • Your optional work placement experience year gives you opportunities to put the theory into practice, grow your understanding of robotics in the real world and showcase your emerging expertise. We can help you find industrial placement opportunities in the UK, France, Germany or even Japan. Placements will complement your studies with on-the-ground experience and could lead to final year sponsorship. Many of our graduates are offered permanent jobs with their placement company.

    Core modules

    • Electrical Industrial Placement (BPIE332)

      A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.

  • Final year

  • Your final year is an exciting opportunity for an individual project, which will consolidate your knowledge, and encourage you to explore and evaluate new technologies. You'll demonstrate your communication skills in the oral and written presentation of your project and refine the independent learning skills vital for your continuing professional development in your chosen career path. You’ll build a proactive, imaginative and dynamic approach to learning, vital for your future robotics career.

    Core modules

    • Advanced Embedded Programming (ELEC351)

      The module aims to develop programming skills in embedded programming, by making use of advanced features of high-level programming languages and by deepening the knowledge of modern programming techniques in embedded systems. The module has a strong practical bias where students are required to solve various problems by programming existing microcontroller hardware.

    • Mobile and Humanoid Robots (ROCO318)

      This module examines the technology, control and modelling of mobile and humanoid robot systems. Mathematical analysis and computational algorithms underpin practical considerations and case studies.

    • Individual Project (PROJ300)

      Investigate problems from industry or current research, define the problem boundaries, investigate possible solutions and present your results.  You’ll have the chance to demonstrate a wide range of skills in project management, ethics, IP, research, critical thinking, engineering decisions, hardware, electrical/electronic and mechanical, design and simulation, software implementation, schematic capture and testing.

    • Computer Vision (ROCO321)

      The module will provide an advanced knowledge of artificial vision systems for interactive systems guidance and control. It will be underpinned by current theoretical understanding of animal vision systems.

    Optional modules

    • High Speed Communications (ELEC345)

      A circuit and system design module covering analogue and high frequency techniques and their place in modern communications systems.

    • Machine Learning for Robotics (ROCO351)

      This module introduces basic concepts in the area of machine learning, which is a rapidly expanding field that allows computers to learn how to behave and perform complex tasks without being explicitly programmed to do them. Applications range from signal processing, image recognition through to the control of robotics systems.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BEng (Hons) Robotics programme specification_3700

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the changeable nature of the situation and any updates to government guidance, we may need to make further, last minute adjustments to how we deliver our teaching and learning on some or all of our programmes, at any time during the academic year. We want to reassure you that even if we do have to adjust the way in which we teach our programmes, we will be working to maintain the quality of the student learning experience and learning outcomes at all times.
Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

120

A level
To include C @ A level Mathematics and grade C at second relevant subject. Relevant subjects include design technology, electronics, engineering, further mathematics, physics, pure mathematics, statistics, use of mathematics OR chemistry. Excluding general studies. 

BTEC
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DDM in engineering/science/technology BTEC. To include merit in mathematics as a core module: mathematics for technicians, mathematics for engineering.

BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Access
The tutor will look at Access on an individual basis. Please contact the admissions team at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

IB
International Baccalaureate: 30 overall to include 4 at Higher Level maths and 4 at Higher Level relevant second science/technology subject. English and mathematics must be included.

Some double awards and other qualifications accepted - please enquire for further details.

Students may also apply for the BEng (Hons) Robotics with Foundation Year.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2022-2023 2023-2024
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £14,600 £16,300
Part time (Home) £770 £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Scholarships for outstanding School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics applicants

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics Scholarship Scheme recognises and rewards the achievements of high achieving entrants to our undergraduate degree programmes. Scholarships of £1,000 will be automatically awarded to the highest qualified 12 new entrants from across our four disciplines - Engineering, Computing, Mathematics and Navigation. Selection will be based upon entry qualifications and strength of application. Awards will be made during first year of study.
This scheme is open to home students only. 
There are additional subject specific prizes and awards to reward outstanding achievement in later stages of study.

IET Awards and Scholarships

All our electronics and robotics courses are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET); any student embarking on our courses are eligible to apply for a number of IET engineering scholarships. Amounts can vary between £1,000 and £3,000 per annum, and closing dates for applications are usually at the end of June. For more information on the different scholarships available, details on how to apply and confirmed closing dates for applications, please visit IET Awards and Scholarships.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork, equipment and graduation costs.

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 

UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 

To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.


Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

New engineering and design facility

Situated on the western edge of our city centre campus, the landmark new facility will provide a home for the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics and additional space for the School of Art, Design and Architecture.
We have one of the best-equipped undergraduate laboratory suites in the UK, and all courses are highly practical, with an emphasis on design and build. Use our dedicated robotics and communications laboratories to focus on industrial and intelligent robotic systems and high frequency electronics.
<p>New Engineering and Design Facility</p>

Coursework example

Second year BEng (Hons) Robotics students completing coursework in core module ROCO218 Control Engineering

In this ROCO218 Control Engineering coursework task, students implement a state feedback controller to stabilise an inverted pendulum. An inverted pendulum consists of a pole that acts as the pendulum, which is pivoted at one end and attached to a cart.

The cart can travel backwards and forwards on a linear track, and by moving the cart appropriately it is possible to balance the pole and maintain it in its inverted position. The controller is first modelled and designed in Matlab. The design is then ported onto a microcontroller that can read pendulum angle using an encoder, and drive a stepper motor to move the cart. As can be seen, when the controller is running, the pendulum can resist small disturbances and it is possible to balance objects on its endpoint.

Watch our videos below

What our students say

"As a second year robotics student and having talked to all stages of students on the course I would definitely recommend Plymouth. If you are looking at a BEng, there are a number of advantages for Plymouth. Firstly we don't use any store bought robots in the 3 year course, except the industrial arms, and even then it's not a major part. The rest of the time, we either make our own electrical and software designs, mainly in the second and third year; or we use robots made by the university for teaching purposes. This leads to one of the main points over other courses, we actually get to use Bipedal robots (walking). Plymouth provides lots of hands-on learning, and a big lab that anybody on the course can use. As well as that, there is a strong robotics society with strong ties to the course, meaning there is an awful lot available to students."

Ryan, second year robotics student

BEng Robotics first and second year robots

Work placements

A ‘placement year’ is an excellent way to gain a competitive edge. It will set you up for when the graduate schemes launch and help you make better career decisions.
Josh Sullivan gained important skills and career-defining experiences working for Rolls Royce as an electronics engineer.
<p>Student Placements - Josh Sullivan</p>

Inspiring the next generation of girls in robotics

Discover how Emily-Jane Rolley-Parnell's research project experience fuelled a passion to be a role model in the robotic industry. 

Emily-Jane created a robot fish which potential uses include looking at fish population, coral bleaching, and monitoring environmental changes.

“I want to become a role model and it is our responsibility to encourage people to do the things they feel enthusiastic about.”

Find out more about Emily-Jane's story

Women in electronics and robotics

Within the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics there has been a historic and consistent commitment to promote and encourage women in to electronics and robotics.
We are striving to eliminate the gender imbalance that exists nationally in the engineering sector.
<p>Francesca Stramandinoli – PhD in Engineering and Robotics<br></p>
<p>athena swan bronze</p>

Athena Swan Bronze

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was awarded an Athena Swan Bronze award in October 2020 which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all.

Meet some of your lecturers

Final year project

Our final year student project open day showcases the excellence of the engineering skills development and the high levels of achievement of our undergraduates.
Many of our prizes are sponsored by industry partners.

The Tamar Engineering Project

Are you inspired and fascinated by the potential of technological and engineering advancements? Do you want to make a positive difference to the world around you?
The Tamar Engineering Project is for ambitious students who want to embark on a career in engineering and who have shown potential for high academic achievement at A level, but whose background or personal circumstances may be a barrier to university study.
Learn if you are eligible for this scholarship at the University of Plymouth through the Tamar Engineering Project 
Successful applicants will receive:
  • £3,000 per annum towards living costs for the duration of the taught element of their degree (usually three years)
  • £1,500 fee waiver per annum
  • one-to-one mentoring from an industry expert.
<p>Gemma Maynard</p>

Robot football

Since 2005, we have been developing humanoid robots for teaching, research and international competition in both RoboCup football and FIRA athletics events.
We have an 18-strong fleet of 'Drake' Plymouth Humanoids for teaching and we're engineering our first teen/adult size humanoid 'Scott' for competition
New robots about to make their debut for the University Robot Football team. They are recreating Andres Iniseta celebrating scoring a goal in the World Cup Final 2010.

Graduate profiles

Jaroslaw Szostak - student placements

The work placement was very important to me, as I gained experience and confidence. Skills which were invaluable during my final year.
Spinnaker International Ltd, designing intelligent cash protection systems.
Jaroslaw Szostak, Spinnaker International Ltd.

*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni is updated annually in September.