Cardiff School of Technologies>Courses>Robotics Engineering - BEng / MEng (Hons) Degree

Robotics Engineering - BEng / MEng (Hons) Degree

Entry Year

This integrated degree in Robotics Engineering will give you a broad exposure to one of the most dynamic and growing sectors in technology. The unique design of the degree will offer you the opportunity to study the most exciting aspects of robotics and apply them to the design and development of sophisticated autonomous intelligent systems. You will be exposed to a wide range of robotics engineering theories and scientific applications, with consideration for the ethical issues surrounding the sector.

Hands-on experience with industry standard equipment will give you practical skills. The degree is integrated closely with the EUREKA Robotics Lab at Cardiff School of Technologies. The Lab is recognised by the UK Government as one of only fourteen specialist research centres in robotics in the UK, and the only leading centre specialised in social and service robotics. This gives you the opportunity to use advanced technologies, get involved in ongoing robotics projects, and work with over 30 specialist robots such as drones, robotic arms, and life-size humanoid robots.

You will have access to cutting-edge facilities and to some of the most advanced robots on the market. You will be able to work with social, service and educational humanoid robots with advanced artificial intelligence features, and robotic arms for industrial robotics research and development.

Bridging research and business, the degree includes real-world cases studies and guest lectures from industry experts. You can also take a placement year in industry and join international trips to visit leading companies and research groups. Upon graduation, you will be ideally placed to start a successful career in this booming sector. You will be ready to meet the business needs of companies operating at the cutting-edge of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, across a multitude of sectors and subject areas.

This programme is seeking accreditation with the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer. The course has been designed to meet the needs of accreditation and with a view to back dating the effective date to include all students who graduate from the programme.


Foundation Year

​This degree can be studied as a three-year full-time degree or a four-year degree that includes a year of foundational study. Our foundation year is intended to prepare you for your subsequent years of studying, offering you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence.

The foundation year will be relevant to:

  1. Students who have not achieved the required A-level points (or equivalent) score to enter the first year of the degree programme.
  2. Mature students who have been out of the formal education system for some time.


Find out more about the foundation year.

Please note: You will need to apply using a specific UCAS code if you wish to undertake the 4 years including foundation. Please refer to Key Course Information at the bottom of this page.

Course Content

Year 1

Year 1 will cover a number of topics designed to give a broad underpinning of the techniques and principles of engineering used within electronic and computer systems. You will study the theory and practice of designing analogue and digital systems, and will be introduced to the exciting world of mechanical and electronics systems in combination (mechatronics). Your work will be complimented with instruction in applied engineering mathematics, and the development and organisation of software build solutions. Project work will allow you to consolidate of the material covered by developing systems to solve real world problems.

Modules:

  • Architectures and Operating Systems
  • Principles of Programming
  • Analog and Digital Electronics 1
  • Engineering Mathematics 1
  • Introduction to Mechatronics
  • Explore


Year 2

Bydd Blwyddyn 2 yn adeiladu ar bynciau a themâu blwyddyn 1 i gyflwyno nifer o bynciau ychwanegol sydd wedi’u cynllunio i roi golwg ddyfnach i chi ar dechnegau ac egwyddorion peirianneg a ddefnyddir o fewn systemau robotig. Byddwch yn ymdrin â’r theori a’r arfer o ddefnyddio meddalwedd i reoli caledwedd. Byddwch yn cael y cyfle i adeiladu systemau electronig i atgyfnerthu gwaith damcaniaethol drwy ddatblygu prosiectau caledwedd. Bydd cymhwyso mathemateg i ddylunio systemau rheoli yn rhoi cipolwg i chi ar leoliad a thrin peiriannau awtomataidd yn gywir, gan gynnwys breichiau robotig. Bydd dyluniad a phroses gweithgynhyrchu systemau robotig yn rhan allweddol o’r flwyddyn hon. Bydd sgiliau ymchwil a rheoli prosiect hefyd yn cael sylw. Byddwch hefyd yn ymgymryd â gwaith prosiect i atgyfnerthu eich dysgu drwy ddatblygu systemau i ddatrys problemau robotig go iawn.

Modules:

  • Engineering Mathematics 2
  • Physical Computing
  • Social Humanoid Robotics
  • Control Systems
  • Robotics and Automation Systems
  • Engineering Project Management


Year 3

Year 3 covers a range of topics in greater depth. Having developed programming skills in earlier years, you will go on to apply these skills to programming hardware and specialised microprocessor and controller chips. Work will continue to develop and deepen your understanding of analogue and digital systems, including intelligent and smart control and electronic power systems. In addition to core modules, there are options to study artificial intelligence and how it is applied to robotics and automated control applications; advanced computing architectures; cyber security; as well as technical project management. An individual project will enable you to consolidate your learning by developing systems to contribute towards solving a real-world robotics problem of your choice.

Students also have the option to complete a year-long placement in industry between Years 2 and 3.

Modules:

  • Power Electronics and Systems
  • Autonomous Systems
  • Advanced Control Systems
  • Professional Engineering Practical Project

Optional:

  • Parallel & Distributed Systems
  • Computational Intelligence
  • Digital & Analogue Communications Systems
  • Industrial Work Experience (Placement)


Year 4

Building on a broad and deep understanding of topics covered in the first 3 years of the programme, year 4 will allow you to develop mastery and advanced skills across complex and core topics in electronics and computer processing. A group development project will give you the opportunity to bring together many of the topics covered on the programme, as well as allow investigation of a particular interest or area of development. Outside of these core aspects, there will be opportunities to explore in greater detail topics ranging from artificial intelligence, applications of robotics, sensors and actuators, advanced electromechanical systems design, as well as considering ethical and professional issues of systems design. There is also an opportunity to undertake a short industrial placement, which can often prove very useful in securing future employment.

Modules:

  • Team Development Project
  • The Internet of Things
  • Professional & Ethical Issues in Engineering
  • Advanced AI in Robotics

Optional:

  • Sensors and Actuators
  • Programming for Data Analysis
  • Applications for Social and Service Robots
  • Frontiers in Technology

Learning & Teaching

A student-centred approach to learning and teaching is encouraged through the use of a broad range of teaching strategies, such as technical labs and individual and group projects. This is further enhanced by real world case studies and guest talks from industry experts, and supported by Teams and Moodle, our virtual learning environments.

Due to the nature of the programme, online and campus-based practical workshops are key to developing students’ technical understanding and abilities, underpinned by solid theoretical foundations. Students are expected to further develop their knowledge and understanding through directed self-study and independent learning time - in additional to the timetabled delivery - so as to develop a professional portfolio of project work and software artefacts as they move into graduate employment.

Students are supported academically and pastorally by the Programme Team, led by the Programme Director. Each student is also appointed a Personal Tutor from within the School, who provides a point of contact for general academic and pastoral issues. Students are also supported by Student Coaches; the Student Coach role is for current 2nd, 3rd year and Master’s students who provide peer support in Modules.

Assessment

The assessment strategy for the programme varies to ensure the most appropriate method for each specific module and subject area. Modules are assessed through a combination of methods, such as formal examinations, practical programming assignments, written assignments, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, peer assessments and case studies.

Employability & Careers

Technology underpins modern society. The development and application of innovative technologies is growing exponentially, creating opportunities for disruption. As change agents, engineers sit at the heart of the digital revolution, and careers in engineering can be rewarding and diverse.

The engineering profession in the UK is overseen by professional institutions on behalf of the Engineering Council of the UK. Standards dictate the education, training and experience competences required to be registers as an Incorporated Engineer or a Chartered Engineer. These standards in turn are matched to international qualifications of the same calibre and so are widely recognised globally within the profession. To ensure our students meet the required competences for education, Cardiff Met’s engineering programmes will be seeking accreditation via the most appropriate engineering institution – the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). New programmes are required to present evidence of a full cohort (students successfully progressing to graduation over the 4 years of the course) for scrutiny before full Accreditation is awarded. Once awarded then all students who have attended that course can claim to have attended a recognised programme and so be eligible for full (MEng) or partial (BEng) recognition of the required education standard for professional registration.

Students will be encouraged to undertake an optional year out in industry to complement their studies with real world experience of engineering work in a commercial environment. This will better equip them for entering the workplace on graduation.

Students who do well on the programme are also offered opportunities to study at higher level for postgraduate qualifications in technology and engineering subjects through further taught programmes or through research.

Entry Requirements & How to Apply

Typical Offers

​The following requirements are based on typical offers relevant to entering year 1 of the degree.

If you do not meet these entry requirements, we also offer a Foundation Year which allows progression to Year 1 upon successful completion.​

  • Tariff points: 112-120 (BEng Degree) or 120-128 (MEng Degree)
  • Contextual offer: See our contextual offers page.
  • GCSE: Five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above to include English Language / Welsh First Language, Mathematics / Mathematics – Numeracy.
  • English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent.
  • A level subjects: Minimum three A levels to include Grades BCC, including Grade C in Mathematics or Physics. Welsh Baccalaureate – Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate considered as a third subject.
  • BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM (BEng Degree) or DDM (MEng Degree). To include 6 Merits within Mathematics or Physics modules.
  • T Level: Merit. To include Mathematics or Physics.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma: To include Mathematics or Physics.
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 2 x H5 in Mathematics or Physics.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate: 3 x H2 grades including Mathematics or Physics. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4.
  • Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades CD to include grade C in Mathematics or Physics. Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers.

Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search.

Further information on Overseas qualifications can be found here.

If you are a mature applicant, have relevant experience or RPL that you would like us to consider, please contact Admissions.


How to Apply

Further information on how to apply can be found here.

Contact Us

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Director, ​Dr Jasim Uddin.
Email: JUddin@cardiffmet.ac.uk

We endeavour to deliver courses as described and will not normally make changes to courses, such as course title, content, delivery, and teaching provision. However, it may be necessary for the university to make changes in the course provision before or after enrolment. It reserves the right to make variations to content or delivery methods, including discontinuation or merging courses if such action is considered necessary. Please read our Terms and Conditions for the full information.

Key Course Information

UCAS Codes:
BEng - 3-year degree - G901
BEng - 4-year degree (including foundation year) - G91F
MEng - 4-year degree - G900
MEng - 5-year degree (including foundation year) - G90F

Place of Study: Llandaff Campus

School: Cardiff School of Technologies

Course Length:
3-5 years full-time dependent on following the BEng or MEng route and undertaking foundation year.​

MEET THE TEAM
Jasim Uddin

Dr Jasim has a globally recognised extensive research portfolio in the areas of Electromagnetics, Metamaterials, RF & Microwave Engineering. He applies his expertise to a diverse range of practical applications, including healthcare, defence & space technologies, energy harvesting, and wireless communication. Dr. Jasim holds the prestigious position of a senior member in IEEE and also an active member of IET. He is also recognized and honoured as a distinguished Fellow of advanced HE.

Throughout his career, Dr. Jasim has overseen numerous international projects in collaboration with various institutions from Australia, Malaysia, Canada, and Bangladesh in diverse disciplines including metamaterials, radio frequency (RF), and microwaves. Currently, he serves as the programme director for electronics and computer systems engineering (ECSE). In addition, he actively contributes to the academic community as a member of the accreditation panel committee for Cardiff School of Technologies (CST).

Dr Jasim's expertise is further recognized through his role as a special issue editor in the Symmetry journal, specifically in the area of 'Advancements in Energy Harvesting, Metamaterials, and their Integrated Multifunctional Systems'. His involvement in numerous IEEE international conferences is evident as he holds positions of great responsibility, including technical programme committee (TPC) chair, organizing committee chair, and session chair. Dr. Jasim's remarkable contributions are clearly demonstrated by his authorship or co-authorship of over 40 publications, which have received prominent recognition in esteemed journals, conferences, and book chapters.

Dr Jasim Uddin
Senior Lecturer and Programme Director in Electronics and Computer Systems Engineering at Cardiff School of Technologies

Meet the Team: Esyin Chew

"My research interest is Humanoid Robotics. I was firstly inspired by Astro Boy, a Japanese animated TV series about a powerful android with human thinking and emotions." Meet Dr Esyin Chew, founder of Cardiff Met's EUREKA Robotics Centre and Reader on the BEng/MEng Robotics Engineering.

EXPLORE OUR FACILITIES | VIRTUAL TOUR
A virtual tour of Cardiff School of Technologies

Take a virtual walkthrough of our brand new Cardiff School of Technologies.

STUDENT & GRADUATE EXPERIENCE
What is it like to study Robotics Engineering at Cardiff Met?

Watch this short clip for a glimpse of what you will get up to on the BEng/MEng (Hons) Robotics Engineering.

Developing a Robotic Waiter with Cardiff Met's EUREKA Robotics Centre

Research student Jiaji Yang worked with our EUREKA Robotics Centre on the first robotic waiter in Wales. Learn more about the project in this video.