Robotics Engineering - BEng / MEng (Hons) Degree

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.

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

Year 2 will build on the topics and themes of year 1 to introduce a number of additional topics designed to give you a deeper view of the techniques and principles of engineering used within robotic systems. You will cover the theory and practice of using software to control hardware. You will have the opportunity to build electronic systems to consolidate theoretical work through the development of hardware projects. The application of mathematics to the design of control systems will give you insight into the accurate positioning and manipulation of automated machinery, including robotic arms. The design and process of manufacturing robotic systems will be a key component of this year. Research skills and project management will also be covered. You will also undertake project work to consolidate your learning by developing systems to solve real-life robotic problems.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Jiaji Yang.
Email: JYang@cardiffmet.ac.uk​​