MSc Robotics: University of the West of England

Introduction

Robotics is a rapidly developing discipline that combines long-established areas of electronic and mechanical engineering with novel approaches in computing and the life sciences. It is also driving a revolution in industry, where robotic devices are starting to penetrate most sectors, from aerospace (the first use of UAVs for surveillance aircraft in the 1991 Gulf War) to domestic appliances (such as the Dyson DC04 robotic vacuum cleaner) and even toys (such as the Robosapiens toy robot).

The Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL), a multi-million pound partnership with the University of Bristol, strives to understand and develop robotic devices that can behave intelligently without human supervision and intervention.

Content

The course includes taught modules, of which some are core and others optional, and a dissertation. It has been structured to allow you to specialise in an area of particular interest or relevance to your career.

Core modules

• Contemporary Research in Advanced Robotics
• Intelligent and Adaptive Systems
• Embedded Real-Time Systems
• DSP for Real-Time Control Systems
• Contemporary Research in Advanced Robotics
• Industrial & Operational Case Studies

Options

• Electromechanical Systems Integration
• Advanced Control and Dynamics
• Theoretical Concepts in Applied Computer Vision
• Behavioural System Design

Entry requirements

As a general guide, to be successful on this degree you need to have had experience of and a lively interest in the development of robots or embedded processing. You will also need to have some experience in programming in a high level programming language such as C or C++.  Such is the case with all their Master's degrees, the ability to communicate well in writing is required. Typically, students have entered the programme with degrees in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computing, IT and related fields.

English Language requirements

A recognised English Language qualification is required for entry to all programmes. If the medium of instruction of your undergraduate study was not English, you are required to pass such tests as the British Council's International English Language Test (IELTS). All applicants for graduate entry programmes, postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas, Master's and doctorate programmes must achieve a minimum grade of 6.5. Those who have achieved a grade of 6 may attend a pre-sessional English language course to bring their language skills up to the required level.