- Home
- Subject Guide
- Study Robotics, why & how to study
Study Robotics, why & how to study
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.
CONTENTS
-
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
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.
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:
- Aerial Robotics MSc
- Medical Robotics & Image-Guided Intervention MRes
- Robotics & Computation MSc
- Robotics & Autonomous Systems MSc/PhD
- Robotics & AI MSc
Similar subjects to Robotics
Robotics combines computer science with engineering subjects; other areas that could appeal may include:
- Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- General Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Have any questions?
If you’ve got any questions about studying Robotics, you can email us at ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’d love to hear from you!
- GO TO
- All subject guides
Related articles
Russell Group Universities 2023
Learn more about this group of universities in the UK and why you might want to choose to...
Preparing for your university Clearing call
Calling universities about Clearing can be daunting, but with proper preparation and...