School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

BEng (Hons) Robotics with Foundation Year

Develop a solid grounding in robotics and electronics, and set yourself up for success. This four year degree route (incorporating a foundation year) covers applied mathematics, physics and electronic engineering and successful completion allows you to progress to any of our degrees in robotics or electronic engineering. This course is suitable if your qualifications don't allow you to enter the first year of our robotics degrees, or if you've been out of formal education for some time.

You will advance with a course with some of the highest satisfaction rates in the UK. You will experience being part of the University from the start, taught by staff who’ll teach you on your degree courses. You’ll immerse yourself in hands-on laboratory sessions. You will develop highly practical skills and learn through doing. You’ll discuss with your lecturers which degree to select towards the end of your first year of study.

Have you considered...

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

  • Develop your skills with a variety of modules including analogue and digital electronics, microprocessors, electrical power systems and programming in the context of eco-focused embedded systems. We have a strong emphasis on both hardware design and software development.
  • Draw on our strong industry links and benefit from industry participation in course development, delivery and project sponsorship.
  • Develop highly practical skills and learn through doing.
  • Immerse yourself in a degree accredited by the Institution for Engineering and Technology (IET) and meet the educational requirements for becoming a chartered engineer (CEng).
  • Benefit from free IET membership while you are on the course.
  • Take advantage of our flexible course, allowing you to switch between electronics and robotics until your final year, as your interests develop.
  • Advance with a course with some of the highest satisfaction rates in the UK. Highlighted by consistently excellent scores in the National Student Survey and the Key Information Statistics.
  • Take part in our final year student project open day, showcasing the excellence of the engineering skills development and the high levels of achievement of our undergraduates, with many industrially sponsored prizes awarded.
  • Immerse yourself in hands-on laboratory sessions and a final year project module.
  • Make use of our well-equipped undergraduate laboratory space, one of the largest undergraduate laboratories in the country.
  • 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.
  • There is a possibility of transfer to BEng after the first year and MEng after the second year, subject to you demonstrating satisfactory progress.
  • Progress towards becoming a chartered engineer with appropriate professional training and experience.
  • Experience being part of the University from the start, taught by staff who’ll teach you on your degree courses.
  • Take advantage of one-to-one mathematics support during term with our SUM:UP scheme.
  • Develop an innovative engineering or robotics project. Examples of previous projects include building an FM frequency bug, a small robot with on-board computer, and an electronic synthesiser.
  • Discuss with your lecturers which degree to select towards the end of your first year of study.
  • 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.
  • The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree. Completion of the foundation year will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but will provide access to Year 1 of your degree.

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • Taught by University lecturers on campus, you’ll be part of the University of Plymouth from day one. You'll study six modules over the foundation year, including mathematical methods, applied mathematics (mechanics), physics and electronics. The year is geared towards helping you to progress onto one of our degrees in electronic engineering or robotics. You’ll take about 17 taught hours per week, and put in at least the same amount of time in independent study.

    Core modules

    • Mathematical Methods I (MATH051)

      This module is intended to show how mathematics is a fundamental part of the world of engineering, science and computing as well as of the world around us. Assuming a base of GCSE grade C, the lectures and assessments are designed to lead to an understanding of the application of mathematics to GCE A Level grade C and above.

    • Mathematical Methods II (MATH053)

      This module is intended to show how mathematics is a fundamental part of the world of engineering and science as well as of the world around us. It extends the mathematics taught in MATH051 to include complex numbers, differential equations and numerical methods.

    • Applied Mathematics (MATH058)

      This module provides an introduction to applied mathematics. The focus of the module is on the use of mechanics to solve basic problems of an engineering and scientific nature in the real world. Topics studied are: modelling; forces; vectors; kinematics in one and two dimensions; Newton's laws; moments and energy.

    • Physics I (PHYS050)

      This module provides an introduction to physics and its applications in science and engineering. This module assumes little previous knowledge of physics.

    • Physics II (PHYS051)

      This module continues the work in Physics I, providing an introduction to physics and its applications in science and engineering.

    • Robotics (ROCO051)

      The module introduces basic electronics with applications to control of robotics. Lectures, laboratory measurements and practical construction experience underpin the learning. Lecture materials have a close link with practical works in the laboratory.

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 Robotics With Foundation Year ProgrammeSpecification 6585

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

32 - 48

A level: from minimum of 2 A levels. Excluding general studies.

BTEC
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP.
12 Unit BTEC National Certificate/QCF Diploma: MP.

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.

All Access courses: pass Access course (preferably from a science/technology subject) (including GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above or equivalent). For candidates that do not have a science, electrical or technology background please contact: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for further advice.

T level: Pass – Science/Technology pathways only.

International Baccalaureate: 24 overall– English and mathematics must be included.

GCSE: mathematics and English at grade C/4 or above.

Mature students with appropriate work experience are encouraged to apply. For those who do not meet the requirements, please enquire for further details.

English language requirements.

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

Fees, costs and funding

The UK is no longer part of the European Union. EU applicants should refer to our Brexit information to understand the implications.

New Student 2021-2022 2022-2023
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £14,200 £14,600
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.

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 and equipment 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

After successfully completing the foundation year you can progress directly onto year one of any of the electronic engineering or robotics degrees.

Find out more about progression
Laboratory space - The general laboratory facilities provide power supplies, soldering facilities and compiler facilities for a hands-on student experience.

Welcome to robotics at Plymouth

Dr Phil Culverhouse and some of our current students discuss what it’s like to study here and show you some of our facilities.

Watch and discover more about studying robotics at the University of Plymouth.

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>
<p>circuit board</p>

Electrical and electronic engineering and robotics

Our department offers strong teaching and research and we're very proud of the support we offer our students. Our facilities are world class, with bespoke laboratories and workshops where you will put your learning into practice.

Our satisfaction ratings are among the highest in the UK and 90 per cent of our graduates are in professional or managerial roles after six months.*

The student view

BEng (Hons) Robotic Engineering with Foundation Year* student Harry talks about the foundation year and how it has prepared him for the first year of his degree with the University of Plymouth.

*Course renamed BEng (Hons) Robotics with Foundation Year.

Current Student - Deanna Harries

"After starting my foundation year in Robotics, I’ve received so much amazing support. Not having a background in mathematics or science hasn’t been a problem as lecturers are always friendly and on hand to help. The quality of online learning has been excellent, and I have been easily able to access help with course content through zoom revision sessions and emails."

<p>Deanna Harries - BEng (Hons) Robotics with foundation year</p>

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.

Read more about Josh's journey, and how you can launch your own career
<p>Student Placements - Josh Sullivan</p>

UK Robotics Week with the University of Plymouth

To celebrate Robotics Week, the University of Plymouth organised an afternoon comprising presentations, lab demonstrations and a discussion on robotics and artificial intelligence.

The event was organised by the Centre for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS).

Range of robots at the University of Plymouth

The Tamar Engineering Project

Funding and mentoring for high achievers who might not otherwise consider higher education as a route to a career in computing and engineering.

Learn if you are eligible for this scholarship at the University of Plymouth through the Tamar Engineering Project.

Successful applicants will receive:

  • £3,000 towards living costs per year of study
  • £1,500 course fee waiver per year of study
  • one-to-one mentoring from an industry expert.

<p>Tamar Engineering Project students </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

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