Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BEng (Hons)
Robotics and Automation
Design and build robots and AI systems on this accredited course. You’ll connect to the Internet of Things (IoT) and be ready for industry 5.0.
Course Overview
-
H671 -
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
16 Sep 2024
What is robotics and automation?
Building a sustainable future for everyone relies on doing more with what we have. Consequently, robotics and automation lie at the heart of every modern system - from smart homes, through lean and agile manufacturing and production, to smart cities and technologies. Emerging developments in AI, software engineering, machine learning, and advanced control systems are also moving industries and technologies in new directions. As a robotics and automation specialist, you’ll seek to solve ever-more complex problems, to address the global challenges of tomorrow.
On this course, you’ll build on your core skills in the design of electronic systems by:
- Studying the theoretical principles behind robotics and automation and putting these principles into practice in our specialist labs
- Spending time in the lab learning the foundations of electronics, programming, and systems engineering
- Developing knowledge in AI and machine learning to understand and solve more complex and sophisticated systems used in industry
- Building your own robots in two separate engineering design projects
- Refining your skills in designing, building and testing embedded systems
- Using our specialist control labs to model and apply the engineering knowledge required in advanced factory automation
Professionally recognised
This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.
Real-world experience
Industry visits and case studies will develop your understanding of how robotics and automation work in the real world, from their application in the production of food and drinks, to the development of autonomous vehicles. Previous students have visited a Coca-Cola bottling plant and Yorkshire Tea to discover how robotics play a part in the modern food industry.
Teaching expertise
You’ll be taught by expert staff with practical knowledge underpinned by deep theoretical understanding. The course team all have extensive industry experience that will enhance your learning and ensure your knowledge is relevant.
Specialist facilities
Our automation and control facilities use industry standard equipment. This will enable you to put theory into practice so you’re ready to apply your skills in the workplace. You’ll learn skills such as:
- Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA)
- Embedded systems development
- Building AI and machine learning for autonomous robots
- The design of programmable logic controller (PLC) and highly automated control systems
You’ll also have access to a workshop and build space to design, test and create your own solutions.
Why study Robotics and Automation at Leeds Beckett University...
- Fantastic placements and sandwich year opportunities, with career support even after you graduate
- Specialist facilities including Stäubli robotic arm and automation and embedded systems labs
- Connect with industry professionals - through guest lectures and an experienced expert course team
- Manufacturer visits, to view the latest automated systems in action and develop your cutting-edge industry knowledge
Electronic & Electrical Engineering and Robotics & Automation at Leeds Beckett Find out more about our BEng (Hons) Electronic & Electrical Engineering and BEng (Hons) Robotics & Automation courses. Hear from Course Director David, and students Mohsan and Jess, as they talk through what the courses involve, what opportunities are available and what careers they can lead to.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
120
points required
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
120
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 120 points required.
(Minimum 80 from 2 A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies. This must include 40 points from a Maths or Science related subject. If you are studying Biology, Chemistry or Physics to meet this requirement you must also achieve a `Pass' in the practical assessment, where that practical assessment is separated (from 2017)).
GCSEs
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points to include 15 merits in science or maths.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core in a relevant subject.Scottish Awards
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above to include at least 40 points from maths or science subjects.Irish Leaving Certificate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above to include at least 40 points from maths or science subjects.International baccalaureate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above to include at least 40 points from maths or science .IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Our commitment to help every student succeed
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
International baccalaureate
120 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above to include at least 40 points from maths or science .IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study – the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.
What you'll learn
This module will build the skills and knowledge you'll need to develop and test digital electronics circuits and systems. You'll Identify key building blocks in complex digital systems and begin to analyse their operation. You'll gain an understanding of timing issues in synchronous and asynchronous circuits. Current semiconductor device fabrication technologies will be compared, and you'll appreciate trends in areas such as speed, power-consumption, gate density and cost. By the end of this module, you'll be able to simulate, construct, test and evaluate simple digital electronics systems.
Study fundamental engineering principles, using a top-down approach to analyse a range of engineering systems and sub-systems. This module will help you to become familiar with engineering terminology and literature. You'll develop a scientific understanding of the technologies involved. Furthermore, you'll learn to appreciate the ingenuity of design of widely used sensors and typical system components.
Learn to analyse and develop simple analogue electronic circuits.
Develop the mathematical, general engineering, and academic study skills required by the credit bearing modules in year one. You'll study mathematical topics such as matrix algebra, vectors and vector analysis and the fundamentals of calculus. Additionally, you'll cover discipline areas including semiconductors and digital electronics. Finally, you'll learn academic skills such as report writing, referencing and data sourcing, and time management and planning.
Develop your understanding of manufacturing and production engineering and the software and computer tools available to engineers. You'll boost your problem-solving and technical skills and be able to apply your knowledge to computer-based solutions in relation to operation, maintenance, and reliability.
Combining a series of lectures with practical workshop sessions, this module will introduce you to the basic engineering design process. You'll use electronics and robotics kits as a starting point to design, build and test a working prototype with a range of functionalities.
Study the principles, tools, methods and application of mathematics within the discipline of electrical and electronics engineering. This module will enable you to demonstrate your understanding of the scientific principles that support current technologies and their historical evolution. You'll boost your knowledge of mathematics and gain an awareness of the statistical methods required to support the application of key engineering principles. Furthermore, you'll learn to apply mathematical techniques, tools, concepts and methods to solve relevant engineering problems.
What you'll learn
Apply the theory of robotics within the field of an automation or industrial setting. You'll develop strategies to implement a robotic or automation system within a given scenario. During this module, you'll also analyse various industrial processes and determine types of automation most suitable to these processes, from plant layout to engineering costing. Additionally, you'll develop and assess a robotic solution for the successful automation process, including specification, programming, and cell design.
Develop your mathematical, general engineering, and academic study skills required by the credit bearing modules in year two. You'll study mathematical topics such as complex numbers and analysis, fourier series and laplace transforms. Additionally, you'll cover discipline abilities including filter design, motors and microcontrollers and microprocessors. Finally, you'll learn academic skills such as report writing, referencing and data sourcing, and interpretation of engineering standards.
Building on the knowledge gained in your first year, you'll enhance your ability to analyse and develop electronic and electrical systems. This module will teach you how to use complex numbers in the analysis of series, parallel and series-parallel AC circuits. You'll learn how to apply network analysis techniques to complex AC circuits and use simulation software to examine more complex networks.
This module will introduce you to the principles of operating systems in relation to robotics. You'll use GNU, Linux and other shell and scripting tools, following the Unix principle of composability, to link disparate pieces of code to control robotics systems. You'll also be introduced to dedicated robotics operating systems, such as the Robot Operating System (ROS), which you'll have the opportunity to use.
Apply the theory of device control in a variety of systems. You'll investigate the theory, properties and fundamentals of control systems. You'll learn to program devices using control strategies and selected sensors and actuators. In addition, you'll begin to understand the underlying scientific, mathematical, and statistical principles used in system design.
Enhance your proficiency in analysing and developing simple analogue electronic circuits.
Gain an understanding of core mathematical techniques and how these have been used across engineering disciplines over their evolution. You'll apply computer-based tools, concepts and methods to solve relevant engineering problems in specific problem domains.
What you'll learn
Develop your understanding of manufacturing and production engineering. You'll discover where and how computer simulation can benefit an organisation. You'll also examine its role in the design, planning and control of production systems. By the end of this module, you'll be able to identify the key elements of lean and agile engineering and recommend possible solutions to scenarios.
This module will introduce you to management accounting and information systems theory and techniques. You'll study the support systems for information management and the contribution of the accountant in providing information for decision-making and corporate control. You'll also examine the wider social, legal, ethical and sustainability landscape in which engineering decisions are taken.
This module will provide the opportunity for you to develop a product, ideally for an external client. You'll research, generate ideas, design, create, implement, and evaluate your product, reflecting on your own performance throughout the process. By the end of this module, you'll be able to plan, design, build, test and evaluate a significant product to a professional standard.
Option modules may include
Discover the simulation tools available to engineers for building dynamic models of a factory or production system. You'll have the opportunity to test "what if" scenarios to see what works in the real world. You'll analyse data to improve product flow through a production process, investigating time, space, variability, and the complicated relationships within the system. This module will also include access to 3D environments, where you'll represent real-world scenarios and rationalise your results, including the use of financial data and modelling.
This module will empower you to critically engage with the strategic drivers in the design and implementation of DSP solutions. From real-world problem definition through to coding and implementation, you'll compare and contrast the key constraints in designing solutions. Furthermore, you'll learn to evaluate DSP silicon options and associated platforms for simulating, prototyping, and validating DSP designs.
Investigate the theory, design and implementation of computer controlled industrial systems.
Power electronics plays a great role in processing and controlling the flow of electric energy. It supplies voltages and currents that are optimally suitable for user loads. You'll gain a firm understanding of the application of solid-state electronics for the control and conversion of electric power.
Understand the basic principles of modern industrial networks that are built on variations of Ethernet over Transmissions Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). This module will introduce you to the historic standards in widespread use, TCP/IP networks using different data links, and physical layer protocols for specialist networks. By the end of this module, you'll be able to critically analyse the design of proposed and actual networks to identify key security threats and areas of weakness.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘sandwich’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree, typically making your course four years in total.
Students who choose the sandwich route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.
£16,000
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £1385.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- All software used on the course if a student version is available
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs
Optional Costs
- Field trips/site visits; your travel and entry costs will be covered for an annual field trip. You will need to cover other costs that are dependent on details and location, for example lunch
- Laptop running Windows 10; you can borrow a laptop from the university free of charge should you choose not to purchase your own, and all computer labs at the university run the operating system you will need
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,000
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee of £2400.Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- All software used on the course if a student version is available
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs
Optional Costs
- Field trips/site visits; your travel and entry costs will be covered for an annual field trip. You will need to cover other costs that are dependent on details and location, for example lunch
- Laptop running Windows 10; you can borrow a laptop from the university free of charge should you choose not to purchase your own, and all computer labs at the university run the operating system you will need
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Student view Discover what it’s like to study the ever expanding area of Robotics and AI and the fantastic career opportunities this course can open up for you. Hear from Thomas whilst on his sandwich year placement with Siemens Gamesa, as well as second year student, Lewis.
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing Careers Fair Our School holds a Careers Fair which is attended by over 25 major employers from the Civil Engineering, Construction, Architecture and Planning sectors giving you the opportunity to secure graduate roles, placements and part-time employment.
Career Prospects
There is an increased demand for experts in this area, driven by the arrival of AI and machine learning and the huge impact of digitisation, automation and artificial intelligence on our economy. Your knowledge of how to make machines interact with their environment could take your career in a variety of directions. You could work in the aerospace and food industries, the development of ambient assisted living, new internet and mobile technologies or automotive production.
A variety of job roles will be open to you, including:
- Automation designer, engineer, or operator
- Robotics designer, engineer, or operator
- Embedded system designer or engineer
I enjoyed my experience studying BEng Robotics & Automation. The teachers were very supportive and have plenty of experience but more importantly, passion for what they do. The industry is quickly developing, so the course is very diverse subject wise. You get to learn a bit of everything which really shapes what direction you want to go to after you graduate. The engineering showcases opened up lots of opportunities to network, which helped me land many contacts and my first job in the industry.
Maja Dobrowolska
BEng (Hons) Robotics & Automation
Engineering is the often invisible glue that binds our world together - it forms the foundation on which we live, work, play and care for each other. So what I love about engineering is that even if you pick a small field in which to specialise, you can hop around a whole variety of different projects, industries and subjects. You are always learning, and there is always a new challenge that no one else has quite figured out yet.
Dr David Love
Course Director
Dr Mark Judge
Senior Lecturer / School Of Built Environment, Engineering And Computing
Dr Mark Judge is a Senior Lecturer in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Electronics. He holds degrees in electronics, computer science, and AI. Mark also has qualifications in Microsoft Server administration and Cisco networking. His research interests are in the areas of AI, Robotics and all forms of Intelligent Systems.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
BEng (Hons) Robotics & Automation Student Xuekun Li discusses his project that was featured at the school’s student showcase event.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Leeds - Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast*
From music venues and art galleries to parks, shopping and transport – we’ve got it all. We also have the best-paying jobs outside of London.
*The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
