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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate MEng
Robotics and Automation
Make machines come to life by learning how to program and control robots to solve a variety of real-life problems.
Course Overview
-
671H -
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
4 Years -
19 Sep 2022
Be part of the robotics revolution - make robots come 'alive' and develop their ability to think and make decisions that assist human activity.
This integrated master’s is studied over four years and combines undergraduate and postgraduate study in one course.
As part of your course, you’ll:
- Work hands-on with robotics
- Learn how to program hardware and software for real-life case studies, such as a discovery robot that will navigate and interact with its environment through a range of sensors, including infra-red, sonar, cameras and GPS
- Gain problem-solving skills that are crucial to engineering
As well as a year in industry, you’ll have the opportunity to make site visits and attend industry conferences. This will help build your network of contacts and give you an insight into the latest advancements in robotics engineering.
Our dedicated onsite engineering and automation labs house the very latest industry-standard hardware and software for you to use, such as Lab View, Siemens STEP 7 and ELVIS boards. You’ll also be able to make use of the facilities at Premier Farnell, thanks to our collaborative relationship with this Leeds-based global technology company.
Why study Robotics and Automation at Leeds Beckett University...
- Fantastic placements and sandwich year opportunities
- Specialist facilities including Stäubli Robotic Arm and Automation and Embedded Systems labs
- Opportunity to network with industry professionals
- Professionally experienced expert teaching team
- Manufacturer visits, to view the latest automated systems in action
- Gain a Masters level degree at the end of your course
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.
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
128
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
We have now welcomed students from over 140 countries across the globe. If you are interested in studying with us you can find your country and get all the information you'll need about entry requirements and how to apply.
Entry requirements
128
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 128 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)).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs:
GCSE English Language and Maths at grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma:
Pass overall with a minimum of 128 UCAS tariff points.Scottish Awards:
Minimum of 5 subjects at grade B at Higher Level.Irish Leaving Certificate:
Minimum of 5 subjects at grade C1 or above at Higher Level of which at least 3 must be at B2.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.
International baccalaureate
27 Points
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.
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 leaver on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants)
Our place as an Anchor Institution:
Leeds Beckett University is in the top 10 universities nationwide for being representative of our local community. To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.
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 now welcomed students from over 140 countries across the globe. If you are interested in studying with us you can find your country and get all the information you'll need about entry requirements and how to apply.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
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.
International baccalaureate
27 Points
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.
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.
Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
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
Gain the skills and knowledge needed to develop and test digital electronics circuits and systems.
Study fundamental engineering principles, using a top-down approach to analyse a range of engineering systems and sub-systems. You will become familiar with engineering terminology and literature, develop your scientific understanding of the technologies involved and 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.
Develop your understanding of manufacturing and production engineering and the software and computer tools available to engineers.
Combining a series of lectures with a large number of practical workshop sessions, you will be introduced to the basic engineering design process and use electronics / robotics kits as a starting point to design, build and test a working prototype with a range of functionalities.
Build an understanding of the principles, tools, methods and application of mathematics within the discipline of electrical and electronics engineering.
What you'll learn
Gain an understanding of how mathematical techniques can be implemented in computer-based tools. You'll apply computer-based tools, concepts and methods to solve relevant engineering problems in specific problem domains.
Enhance your proficiency in analysing and developing simple analogue electronic circuits.
Apply the theory of robotics within the field of an automation/industrial setting and develop strategies for the implementation of a robotic/automation system within a given scenario.
Apply the theory of device control in a variety of systems. You will investigate the theory, properties and fundamentals of control systems, research the variety of sensors and actuators that are used within control systems, and program devices using control strategies and selected sensors and actuators.
Explore embedded systems and the variety of applications they can be used in. You'll investigate the design and implementation of embedded systems through a series of practical laboratories.
Design, build, and test a working prototype with a range of functionalities. You'll experience real-world engineering project constraints, for example those associated with cost-benefit analyses, ethical considerations, health and safety provision, and assessment of potential risks associated with the project processes and outcomes.
This module will introduce the principles of operating systems in relation to robotics. You'll use GNU/Linux and associated shell and scripting tools, following the Unix principle of composability, to link different pieces of code to control robotics systems.
Develop your mathematical, general engineering, and academic study skills required by the credit bearing modules in year two.
What you'll learn
Develop your understanding of manufacturing and production engineering, discovering where and how computer simulation can benefit an organisation and examining its role in the design, planning and control of production systems.
An introduction to management accounting and information systems theory and techniques, you will examine the support systems for information management and the contribution of the accountant in providing information for decision-making.
An opportunity to develop a product, ideally for an external client. You will research, generate ideas, design, create, implement and evaluate your product, reflecting on your own performance throughout the process.
Option modules may include
Study an overview of digital signal processing and its applications, looking at practical examples from a range of areas, including communications, data compressing and audio processing.
Investigate the theory, design and implementation of computer controlled industrial systems.
Develop your understanding of the simulation tools available to an engineer to take a design from concept idea to market.
Develop an understanding of the basic principles of modern industrial networks that are built on variations of ethernet over TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol).
Power electronics plays a great role in processing and controlling the flow of electric energy by supplying voltages and currents that are optimally suitable for user loads. You'll gain a firm understanding of the application of the solid-state electronics for the control and conversion of electric power.
What you'll learn
An opportunity to engage in research or advanced scholarship in a subject area that is of particular interest to you. You will carry out an in-depth research project, which will be discussed in a formal dissertation.
This module will introduce some of the fundamental elements that allow the design and operation of intelligent systems. You'll study the theoretical principles and practical techniques used to build such intelligent and autonomous systems.
Develop a product, ideally for a client external to the course team. You'll research the requirements for the product, synthesise information, ideas and practices to create a design and then implement the product. You'll evaluate both the product and your own performance throughout the process.
Develop the skills required to initiate, plan, execute, manage and sign off a project. You will focus on appropriate methodologies, standards, legislation and the nine core knowledge areas associated with project management.
Enhance your awareness of the methods and skills which are required to carry out masters-level research successfully and reflect critically on their own development. You will prepare a research proposal that will identify the work you will undertake during the Dissertation module.
This module will introduce image processing and computer vision in the context of robotics. You'll study the core concepts and theories used by intelligent and autonymous systems to identify, track and ‘understand’ objects in the real-world. You'll also examine the key techniques involved in image capture, optics and noise removal.
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
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee which is yet to be confirmed.The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee which is yet to be confirmed.Fees & Funding
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee which is yet to be confirmed.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
- 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
- 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.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one additional support or scholarships, follow the links below:
The tuition fees for the 2022/23 academic year are not yet confirmed.
Sandwich Year
You will normally spend a whole year in placement. For this year you will be charged a reduced fee which is yet to be confirmed.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
- 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
- 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.
Additional information
For further information on financing your studies or information about whether you may qualify for one additional support or scholarships, follow the links below:
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.
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
Supporting you into employment Our Careers Fair, attended by over 25 major employers from the Civil Engineering, Construction, Architecture and Planning sectors gives you the opportunity to secure graduate roles, placements and part-time employment.
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.
industry links - premier farnell
We have close links with Premier Farnell, a global technology leader and an engineering solutions provider. The company's labs are based close to our Headingley Campus, and in your first and second years you will work on your engineering design projects at the company, giving you the practical hands-on skills for your future career.
Career Prospects
The expansion of robotics and automation into everyday life means you could be making your mark in food engineering, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, defence technology or agriculture. With plenty of experience and a real understanding of the hardware and software typically used in working environments, you will fit right into robotics and computer engineering companies both big and small. Your ability to design and control bespoke pieces of equipment could see you set up your own business, providing tailored solutions to companies in need of efficient programmable robotic machines.
- Automation designer/engineer/operator
- Robotics designer/engineer/operator
- Embedded system designer/engineer
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
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.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
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