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School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

BEng (Hons) Robotics with Foundation Year

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UCAS tariff 32 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 H679
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth

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.

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.
  • 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 .
  • 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 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.
  • 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

    COMP060
    Principles of Computing and AI

    This module introduces computer literacy, programming, software design, and cutting-edge computing applications in STEM for academia and industry. It teaches principles, applications and skills to leverage advances in computing and AI for problem solving in science. Students will learn to programme in Python-like languages used in concurrent and later modules and be exposed to industrial applications via guest lectures.

    MATH060
    Foundational Mathematics in STEM

    This module lays the mathematical foundations for students in Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science, showing how maths is fundamental to understanding the real world. It introduces number and algebra, functions, Euclidean geometry, the exponential and logarithm, trigonometry and calculus, focusing on principles, understanding, presentation and effective study. Mathematics students learn basic methods of proof.

    PHYS060
    Physics, Mechanics and Applied Mathematics

    This module teaches how mathematics can be applied to model the real world and analyse data collected from experiment. Led by laboratory investigation, students study applications of maths to motion, static equilibrium, and learn Newton's laws, before proceeding to understand the structure of matter, waves and electricity. Mathematics students learn the geometry underlying mechanics and some probability and statistics.

    SFPT001
    Global Scientific Challenges: Projects and Labs

    Student will work in a group to explore a global scientific challenge facing society and connected to their pathway. Through lab experiments and data analysis they will understand the science behind addressing this challenge and its impact on everyday life. Parallel lectures in statistics and data analysis will be used to support project work and interpret findings, with students reflecting on the group work process.

  • Year 2

  • 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

    ENGR104
    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.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

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

32

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: from minimum of 2 A levels.
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.
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.

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 .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for home undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2025/2026 is £1,905.
The fee for home undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2025/2026 is £1,430.
 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.
 

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"

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

Deanna Harries, current student

Deanna Harries - BEng (Hons) Robotics with foundation year

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

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