Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Masters Degree - MSc/PgD/PgC

Compulsory modules:

• Advanced AI in Robotics (20 credits)
  
• 3D Bio-Inspired Robot Design (20 credits)
  
• Mobile Robotics (20 credits)
  
• Applications for Social and Service Robots (20 credits)
  
• Vision with Deep Learning (20 credits)
  
• Project Part 1: Research Methods Technology (20 credits)
  
• Project Part 2: Technology Dissertation OR Internship (40 credits)
  

Optional modules:

• Sensors and Actuators (20 credits)
  
• Frontiers in Technology (20 credits)
  
• Programming for Data Analysis (20 credits)
  
• Information Security (20 credits)
  

To obtain an MSc degree, you must follow and successfully complete a total of 180 credits. PgC (60 credits) and PgD (120 credits) may be awarded as standalone or exit awards.

The programme will be delivered through an appropriate combination of studios, workshops and seminars with industrial experts to provide insights into their research or business activity. There will be a thoughtful blend of face-to-face learning and Moodle, Microsoft Teams and various educational technologies. 

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. 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 expertise. Students are expected to further develop their knowledge and understanding through directed self-study and reflective independent learning time - in additional to the timetabled delivery. 

Students have the opportunity to experience state-of-the-art facilities and specialist equipment in the EUREKA Robotics Centre – such as humanoid service robots, an industrial-grade robotic arm, and 3D printers with advanced applied artificial intelligent features. 

Short Term Mobility and ERASMUS+ opportunities are available for students to apply for field trips to countries such as China, Malaysia and the EU to build a robotics career network and gain knowledge and insights from international global robotics leaders. An industrial panel and partners of the EUREKA Robotics Centre support the industrial standard of curriculum design and in addition, partners are invited to deliver guest lectures and contribute to assessment and feedback. 

Students are also encouraged to publish their work on blogs, EUREKA Robotics website, robotics apps stores, social media & press, and academic conferences to exchange knowledge and share learning & research outcomes. Critical peer review or expert reviews will be the development process towards generating new robotics design, problem solving, error debugging and failure recovery. 

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. The EDGE (Ethical, Digital, Global and Entrepreneurial) educational environment is embedded into every module, and most senior academic staff are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and Chartered IT Professionals (to-be) with real-world industry experience, coupled with the UK’s world-class quality of teaching. These are the profiles of some key teaching staff:

• Dr Esyin Chew, Reader in Robotics & Educational Technologies, Cardiff School of Technologies 
• Dr Wai-keung Fung, Senior Lecturer, Cardiff School of Technologies
• Dr Simon Thorne, Senior Lecturer, Cardiff School of Technologies
• Dr Barry Bentley, Senior Lecturer, Cardiff School of Technologies
• Dr Shadan Khan Khattak, Senior Lecturer, Cardiff School of Technologies
  
• Dr Ahmed Khalifa, Lecturer, Cardiff School of Technologies
  

Assessments take the form of research papers, practical assignments, presentations, individual and group reports, as well as individual and team projects. Through the use of formative assessment with frequent, short-term feedback early in the course and during the weekly workshops, presentations, class-based peer assessment and academic support in library, the assessment strategy is designed to encourage students and to build their confidence. 

Summative feedback will be given in the consistent form on Moodle and Turnitin-GradeMark Feedback Studio, with the variety features of rubrics, in-text and general feedback. 

In designing the assessment format for modules of the MSc in Robotics and AI, the following factors are considered:

• The module learning outcomes at postgraduate level, with particular emphasis on the student’s ability to analyse, synthesise, evaluate and communicate information derived from module content; learned knowledge from other areas/qualifications; work experience; Independent systematic information-seeking strategies.
• Assessment performance criteria.
• Encouraging students to apply their skills to specific real-world computing and technology problems.
• The validity and reliability of the assessment methods, which are monitored and verified by module leaders, field groups and programme teams.
• The need for assessment to allow for review and reflection by the student.
  

The need for trained experts in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence is growing globally. 

The learning, teaching, assessment and feedback of the MSc in Robotics and AI are designed to develop a professional portfolio of project work and robotics & AI artefacts as students move into graduate employment. 

This innovative programme is built with emphasis on work-based learning towards employability, ethical and social entrepreneurship. It aims to develop professionals and entrepreneurs with a global knowledge of a wide range of robotics and AI theories and scientific applications through the lenses of social entrepreneurship. 

Opportunities for short term mobility and internships will provide an enhanced learning experience and a portfolio of real-world projects that graduates can take into their chosen careers.

Applicants should have an Honours degree at least 2:2 or its equivalent in a relevant area e.g. Robotics, Artificial intelligence, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics or an appropriate Engineering specialism. 

Relevance shall be determined by the Programme Director with reference to the applicant’s transcript, and, if required, via an interview. 

Equivalence shall be determined by:

• International Office for applicants from outside the European Union.
• The Programme Director for applicants who present professional qualifications such as from the BCS. Such an applicant would be interviewed by the Programme Director to establish suitability. 

International Applicants:
Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.0 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website. 

Students with extant level 7 qualifications wishing to enter the course may apply on the basis of RPL for admission with Credit. In such cases the regulations detailed in the Academic Handbook will apply and allows for a maximum RPL of 120 credits on a Master’s programme. In this case the remaining 60 credits would consist of the research methods module and the dissertation. If you are interested in using credit from another institution, or have obtained qualifications and/or experience to study for a course at Cardiff Met, you can find further information on this as well as information on how to apply on the RPL page.

How to Apply:

Applications for this course should be made direct to the university via our self-service facility. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.

International Applicants:

Before making an application, international students should contact the International Office at Cardiff Met to discuss the necessary procedures in relation to studying with us. For further information visit www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/international.

Tuition Fees and Financial Support:

For up to date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available. Please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.

Part-time fees:
Charges are per Single Module unless specified:
Undergraduate = 10 Credits; Postgraduate = 20 Credits

Generally we find most students will complete 60 credits per year for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate study; to obtain a true costing please clarify this by contacting the Programme Director directly. 

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

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Director, Dr Shadan Khattak: SKhattak@cardiffmet.ac.uk