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School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

BEng (Hons) Robotics

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UCAS tariff 112 - 128 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code H675
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth

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.

Careers with this subject
Discover employment and further study opportunities that you could consider once you graduate 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 facilities .
  • Students in engineering, science and the arts have access to a range of specialist equipment and innovative laboratories in our new engineering and design facility .
  • Work in a world-class research environment with staff internationally renowned for conducting cutting-edge service and cognitive robotics research.
  • 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.
  • Capitalise on the opportunity to take a work placement in your third year, putting your robotics skills into action in the real world.
  • 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 Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme (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

    BPIE112
    Stage 1 Electrical/Robotics Placement Preparation 0 credits

    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.

    ELEC141
    Analogue Electronics 20 credits

    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.

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

    ELEC142
    Digital Electronics 20 credits

    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.

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

    ELEC144
    Electrical Principles and Machines 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    PROJ100
    Embedded System Design and Build 40 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    MATH191
    Engineering Mathematics 20 credits

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

    70% Coursework

    30% Examinations

  • 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

    BPIE212
    Stage 2 Electrical/Robotics Placement Preparation 0 credits

    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.

    MATH237
    Engineering Mathematics and Statistics 20 credits

    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.

    80% Examinations

    20% Coursework

    ROCO219
    Control Engineering 20 credits

    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.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    ROCO224
    Introduction to Robotics 20 credits

    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.

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

    PROJ200
    Real Time Systems Project 40 credits

    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.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    ROCO226
    Sensors and Actuators for Robotic Systems 20 credits

    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.

    60% Coursework

    40% Examinations

  • 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

    BPIE332
    Electrical Industrial Placement

    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

    ELEC351
    Advanced Embedded Programming 20 credits

    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.

    60% Coursework

    40% Examinations

    PROJ300
    Individual Project 40 credits

    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.

    70% Coursework

    30% Practicals

    ROCO321
    Computer Vision 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    ROCO351
    Machine Learning for Robotics 20 credits

    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.

    70% Examinations

    30% Coursework

    ROCO318
    Mobile and Humanoid Robots 20 credits

    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.

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

Course-specific academic regulations

This course has unique rules relating to:

  • Passing a module
View the full regulations for this course
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.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

112 - 128

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level
To include grade C in A-level Mathematics and grade C in a second relevant subject. Relevant subjects include Chemistry, Computing, Design and Technology, Electronics, Engineering, Physics, Further Maths, Pure Maths, Use of Maths and Statistics.
BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM – DDM in a relevant Science, Engineering or Technology subject, to include Merit in a relevant Mathematics unit.
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 to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 33 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinction, including 12 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Mathematics and 12 Level 3 credits at Merit in a second relevant subject.
International Baccalaureate
28 to 32 points overall to include 4 in Higher Level Mathematics and 4 in a second relevant Higher Level science/technology subject. English and mathematics must be included.
Irish Leaving Certificate
112 to 128 UCAS tariff points, including H4 in Maths and H4 in a second relevant science subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within.
SQA Advanced Higher
112 to 128 UCAS tariff points, including grade C in Advanced Higher Maths and grade C in a second relevant Advanced Higher subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within.
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
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
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.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

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.

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

The Tamar Engineering Project

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.
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.

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

 

Benefit from specialist facilities

Our robotics facilities and specialist laboratories enable a hands-on approach to learning.
As a robotics student, you'll have use of both custom in-house and industrial robots during your studies. We also have a range of robots and platforms that can be used for student projects, including robot dogs and drones.
Robot platform outside Babbage building

Showcasing your work

Each year, students from robotics are involved in our Student Showcase event.
This event offers students an opportunity to demonstrate their passion to lecturers and their fellow students, as well as to industry professionals and potential employers.
"I've had the opportunity to meet multiple people in the industry, all of them have seemed very interested in my project which was a great relief as the nature of my project is quite niche and I was curious about the actual industry applications"

Support for students

As well as support you'll receive from academic staff, we have a team of technicians who assist you with projects and research.
Senior Robotics Technician, Jake, talks about his work with students.
"I would say be as ambitious as you want, you can almost guarantee you can make it, you just have to be determined"

Apply to the Tamar Engineering Project

Open for applications to 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. 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.

Meet some of your lecturers

Work placements

You'll have the option to undertake a work placement in your third year. 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.

Where could robotics take you?

Learn more about the diverse range of successful career pathways our robotics graduates take after completing the course

Matthew Preston

Matthew Preston
Matthew works as a Robotics Engineer for MSubs Ltd

Jane Sheard

Jane Sheard
Jane has been working as a graduate systems engineer at Chess Dynamics

Joel Gibbard, with the robotic hand he made for his final year project

Joel Gibbard
Joel works as an Applications Engineer at National Instruments

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