TEF Gold Undergraduate course

BEng (Hons)

Robotics

Explore mechatronics, AI and biosensors with BEng Robotics. Focused on advanced robotics – mobile, humanoid and industrial – plus hands-on experience in specialist labs, you'll push boundaries in hardware, electronics and automation.

Our typical offer

112 UCAS points

Immersive, practical learning

Engage in hands-on learning, with practical elements embedded in nearly every module. From building real-world projects to showcasing functional robots, the experience is deeply applied, research-informed, and aligned with global challenges like AI and renewables.

Connect with emerging industry

With employers attending the final showcase and an active industrial liaison board, the course stays tightly aligned with industry needs. Benefit from expert career coaching, job opportunities and placements.

Step into world-class facilities

Receive a personal electronics toolkit and gains access to cutting-edge labs, including robotics, machine vision and nanotech clean rooms. These facilities support deep exploration and innovation in robotics.
BEng (Hons) Robotics

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About

Robotics engineers lead innovation by designing intelligent systems that power industries – from autonomous vehicles to bio-inspired machines – and address global challenges like sustainable energy, smart cities and advanced manufacturing.
At Plymouth, you'll learn from expert lecturers with strong industry ties. Our robotics programmes emphasise hands-on learning, with practical lab sessions embedded throughout to reinforce theory with real-world application. Through Peer-Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS) sessions, solo and group projects, practical laboratory sessions and exciting work placements, our robotics programmes are designed to challenge and inspire you.
 

This course is for you if...

you are eager to build and programme real robots and explore topics like sensors, motors and intelligent automation
Drone
you aim to master cutting-edge technologies and learn in high-spec facilities
icon representing testing model
you are eager to gain industry-ready skills and experience through placements with top companies
Icon showing hand and cog
you seek to graduate with professional recognition, thanks to IET accreditation
person with lines around their head, depicting experience

Details

 
 
 

Year 1

From your very first year, you’ll be learning by doing in our dedicated robotics and electronics labs. You’ll build the essential foundations for robotics: the maths and physics that underpin engineering, analogue and digital electronics to sense and control the world, and embedded systems that bring it all together. Through projects you’ll design, build and test early robotic systems, gaining confidence in teamwork, problem solving and communication along the way.
Electrical and electronic engineering and robotics

Core modules

BPIE112
Stage 1 Electrical/Robotics Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

ELEC141
Analogue Electronics 20 credits

This module provides an overview of analogue circuit characterisation, analysis and design, linking theory to practice. It will examine how common analogue systems are constructed from elementary components.

60% Examinations

40% Coursework

ELEC142
Digital Electronics 20 credits

This is a foundation module in digital electronics and computer control, which introduces digital devices and provides a background in the principles, design and applications of combinational and sequential logic circuits.

60% Examinations

40% Coursework

ELEC144
Electrical Principles and Machines 20 credits

This module gives an introduction to the electrical properties of materials, capacitance, Inductance, and electromagnetism. Basic circuit principles and their application in dc and ac circuit analysis are then applied to electrical machines, transformers and energy conversion.

100% Coursework

PROJ100
Embedded System Design and Build 40 credits

The module enables students to work collectively to build prototype solutions to real-world problems using both software and hardware. This will include development and verification skills in both hardware and software.

100% Coursework

MATH191
Engineering Mathematics 20 credits

This module provides students with a number of fundamental mathematical skills, and techniques, which are essential for the analysis of engineering problems.

70% Coursework

30% Examinations

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll go deeper into the principles that make robots work. You’ll learn how to control movement, how sensors and actuators give robots awareness and motion, and how to model and simulate robotic systems using industry-standard tools. Projects will see you design and program robots in real time, preparing you for placements and final-year challenges. At this stage, you’ll start to see how the theory connects directly to building intelligent robotic machines.
Computing students working in a group

Core modules

BPIE212
Stage 2 Electrical/Robotics Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (BPIE111) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

MATH237
Engineering Mathematics and Statistics 20 credits

This module provides an introduction to mathematical and statistical methods that are important in the study of electronic and communications engineering. The mathematical techniques (transforms) are central to the study of linear, time-invariant systems. As well as introducing descriptive statistics, basic probability distributions, the module also considers the more advanced topics of reliability and quality control.

80% Examinations

20% Coursework

ROCO219
Control Engineering 20 credits

This module introduces basic concepts in how to control systems that have dynamics. This can involve making an unstable system stable, like balancing a Segway transporter to ensure it always remains upright. Or to get a system to follow a desired input and reach the desired goal. For example, controlling a robot arm so it moves directly to a target location without oscillating or overshooting.

70% Examinations

30% Coursework

ROCO224
Introduction to Robotics 20 credits

This module covers the theory and implementation of robotics, for both physical and simulated robots. Industry standard robot kinematics and simulations are used to analyse different robot designs, and are practically experienced through commercial tools. The basic mechanical principles for building physical robots are also covered, as well as the algorithms required for planning and generating movement.

60% Examinations

40% Coursework

PROJ200
Real Time Systems Project 40 credits

The module enables students to build robust and scalable real-time solutions to real-world problems using both Microcontroller and FPGA technologies. This will include both hardware and firmware development skills.

50% Coursework

50% Practicals

ROCO226
Sensors and Actuators for Robotic Systems 20 credits

A systems level study of the principles and design requirements of modern electronic motor systems. Operating performances of various electrical machines are characterised in four quadrants and the requirements of the corresponding power electronic converter topologies are examined. Control strategies are investigated in terms of drive system performance.

60% Coursework

40% Examinations

Optional placement year

Take the chance to put your skills into action with an industrial placement in the UK or abroad. It’s your opportunity to work with leading companies, gain invaluable experience, and make connections that could shape your career. Many students return with job offers or final-year sponsorships, giving them a head start when they graduate.
Computing, Electronics, Mathematics and Engineering. Getty Images

Core modules

BPIE332
Electrical Industrial Placement

A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.

Final year

In your final year as a BEng student, you’ll study advanced topics such as computer vision, mobile and humanoid robots, and machine learning. You’ll also complete an individual project where you’ll design and develop a robotic solution to a real-world problem, guided by your own interests or research areas in the department. Past projects have ranged from drone navigation systems to assistive humanoid robots. Your work will be showcased at our project open day to visitors from industry and beyond.
Robotics Student

Core modules

ELEC351
Advanced Embedded Programming 20 credits

The module aims to develop programming skills in embedded programming, by making use of advanced features of high-level programming languages and by deepening the knowledge of modern programming techniques in embedded systems. The module has a strong practical bias where students are required to solve various problems by programming existing microcontroller hardware.

60% Coursework

40% Examinations

PROJ300
Individual Project 40 credits

Investigate problems from industry or current research, define the problem boundaries, investigate possible solutions and present your results. You’ll have the chance to demonstrate a wide range of skills in project management, ethics, IP, research, critical thinking, engineering decisions, hardware, electrical/electronic and mechanical, design and simulation, software implementation, schematic capture and testing.

70% Coursework

30% Practicals

ROCO321
Computer Vision 20 credits

The module will provide an advanced knowledge of artificial vision systems for interactive systems guidance and control. It will be underpinned by current theoretical understanding of animal vision systems.

100% Coursework

ROCO318
Mobile and Humanoid Robots 20 credits

This module examines the technology, control and modelling of mobile and humanoid robot systems. Practical considerations and case studies are underpinned by mathematical analysis and computational algorithms.

70% Examinations

30% Coursework

Optional modules

ROCO351
Machine Learning for Robotics 20 credits

This module introduces basic concepts in the area of machine learning, which is a rapidly expanding field that allows computers to learn how to behave and perform complex tasks without being explicitly programmed to do them. Applications range from signal processing, image recognition through to the control of robotics systems.

70% Examinations

30% Coursework

ELEC345
High Speed Communications 20 credits

A circuit and system design module covering analogue and high frequency techniques and their place in modern communications systems.

70% Examinations

30% Coursework

 
 
 
 
 
 

What’s the difference between BEng and MEng?

BEng (Hons)
  • A three year degree, with the potential for it to be four years with a placement year
  • Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
MEng (Hons)
  • A four year integrated masters, with the potential for it to be five years with a placement year
  • Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Course-specific academic regulations

This course has unique rules relating to:

  • Passing a module
View the full regulations for this course

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

Specialist high-tech facilities

Plymouth’s robotics facilities in the Smeaton Building offer a dynamic, hands-on learning environment for you to engage with both custom-built and industrial robots throughout your studies. From robot dogs and drones to humanoid platforms, these advanced tools are available for coursework and student-led projects. 
The labs are equipped with cutting-edge resources such as 3D printers and design software for rapid prototyping, while dedicated research spaces delve into areas like motor learning, artificial intelligence, and sustainable agriculture using state-of-the-art robots including iCub, Baxter, and autonomous farming systems.
Smeaton BuildingFirst and Final year students working with Robots in the labs – bipedal robotics and control engineering 
 
 
 

Showcasing your work

Each year, students from robotics are involved in our Student Showcase event. 
This event offers you an opportunity to demonstrate your passion to lecturers and your fellow students, as well as to industry professionals and potential employers.
“I've had the opportunity to meet multiple people in the industry, all of them have seemed very interested in my project which was a great relief as the nature of my project is quite niche and I was curious about the actual industry applications”
 
 
 

A placement puts learning into practice

Take up the option to undertake a paid work placement in industry during your third year. A placement consolidates and develops your engineering knowledge, is an excellent way to gain a competitive edge and helps with making career decisions – many of our students receive job offers or sponsorship as a result of their placements.
Mechanical engineering - student using a soldering iron
  • Get your career off to a great start by spending a year working professionally as a student engineer between years two and three.
  • You could earn ÂŁ15,000 a year or more, and possibly gain sponsorship through your final year(s) at university.
  • Gain experience that will help you find a job when you graduate and a Certificate of Professional or Work Experience in addition to your degree award.

“Completing the placement year and seeing the different areas where students studying similar degrees worked within the same company has given me more of an idea of which areas I would like to explore further and potentially specialise in.”

 
 
 
 
 

Meet your expert teaching staff

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics is a collaborative and interdisciplinary community of world-leading academics and researchers focused on creating knowledge and innovative solutions that positively impact society.
Dr Ian Howard Associate Professor Computational Neuroscience


Associate Professor Computational Neuroscience

Dr Toby Whitley Associate Head of School (Engagement)


Associate Head of School (Engagement)

Dr Dena Bazazian Lecturer in Robotics and Machine Vision


Lecturer in Robotics and Machine Vision

Show all

Support for students

As well as support you'll receive from academics, we have a team of technical staff who assist you with projects and research. 
Our technicians are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.
Senior Robotics Technician, Jake, talks about his work with students.
“I would say be as ambitious as you want, you can almost guarantee you can make it, you just have to be determined.”
 
 
 

Level up your studies with the Robotics Society

The Robotics Society welcomes all students to explore robotics – collaborating and innovating together and hosting events like Robot Wars to showcase student creations and inspire new members. Throughout the year, the society offer fun socials, peer support and learning opportunities for anyone curious about robotics or needing support with their studies.
Technical college students exchanging ideas. Getty 1455935808.
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
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Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

Emily-Jane Rolley-Parnell holding robot fish

One of the main reasons why I chose to study BEng (Hons) Robotics at Plymouth was because there is a lot of lab time. A lot of time to put our learning into practice. We have a lab dedicated to people doing electronics and robotics and acts as a central hub, so there is always someone around to ask for help.

Emily-Jane
BEng (Hons) Robotics graduate

 
 
 

Where could robotics take you?

Learn more about the diverse range of successful career pathways our robotics graduates take after completing the course

Matthew Preston

Matthew
Matthew works as a Robotics Engineer for MSubs Ltd

Joel Gibbard, with the robotic hand he made for his final year project

Joel
Joel works as an Applications Engineer at National Instruments

Jane Sheard

Jane
Jane has been working as a graduate systems engineer at Chess Dynamics

 
 

Launch your career

Our robotics degrees can open doors to a wide range of exciting and impactful careers. Whether you're designing intelligent machines, developing cutting-edge AI systems, or shaping the future of manufacturing, the possibilities are vast. Our graduates have gone on to become:
  • Junior robotics engineers
  • Machine learning engineers
  • Research and development electronic engineers
  • Product and manufacturing engineers
  • Secondary school teachers
They have joined leading companies like , , , and  â€“ working on real-world innovations that push the boundaries of technology.
From research labs to industry giants, a robotics degree equips you with the skills to thrive in a fast-evolving world.
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    100% of our robotics graduates felt that staff explained things well

  • ĂŠ

    90% of our robotics graduates felt that staff supported their learning well

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
 2026-2027.
Full-time study
ÂŁ9,535 per year
Part-time study
ÂŁ795 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
ÂŁ1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
ÂŁ1,430
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about  fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
ÂŁ18,650 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
ÂŁ1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
ÂŁ1,430
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
ÂŁ19,200 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
To be confirmed
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
To be confirmed
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

The Tamar Engineering Project

The Tamar Engineering Project is for ambitious students who want to embark on a career in engineering and who have shown potential for high academic achievement at A level, but whose background or personal circumstances may be a barrier to university study.
Successful applicants will receive:
  • ÂŁ3,000 per annum towards living costs for the duration of the taught element of their degree (usually three years)
  • ÂŁ1,500 fee waiver per annum
  • one-to-one mentoring from an industry expert.
 

IET awards and scholarships

All our electronics and robotics courses are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET); any student embarking on our courses are eligible to apply for a number of IET engineering scholarships. Amounts can vary between ÂŁ1,000 and ÂŁ3,000 per annum, and closing dates for applications are usually at the end of June. For more information on the different scholarships available, details on how to apply and confirmed closing dates for applications, please visit the for more information on awards, prizes and scholarships.
 
 
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
112 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
Mathematics and English at grade C / 4 or above is required.

A levels
112 points from a minimum of 2 A levels.
To include grade C in A-level Mathematics and grade C in a second relevant subject. Relevant subjects include Chemistry, Computing, Design and Technology, Electronics, Engineering, Physics, Further Maths, Pure Maths, Use of Maths and Statistics.

International Baccalaureate
28 to 32 points overall to include 4 in Higher Level Mathematics and 4 in a second relevant Higher Level science/technology subject. English and mathematics must be included.

BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM – DDM in a relevant Science, Engineering or Technology subject, to include Merit in a relevant Mathematics unit.
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 33 Level 3 credits at Merit or Distinction, including 12 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Mathematics and 12 Level 3 credits at Merit in a second relevant subject. 

Irish Leaving Certificate
112 UCAS tariff points, including H4 in Maths and H4 in a second relevant science subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within. 

SQA Advanced Higher
112 UCAS tariff points, including grade C in Advanced Higher Maths and grade C in a second relevant Advanced Higher subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within. 

Other qualifications
Some double awards and other qualifications accepted – please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for further details.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
Please note: We understand that many applicants remain anxious about meeting the exact terms of our standard conditional offers. We will look again at your application and revise our offer for those applicants who we continue to believe are a good match for our courses, once we have the certainty of your actual results in August.
UCAS course code
H675
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth

    • Other routes into this course

    The following courses are available as routes into this programme.

    BEng (Hons) Robotics with Foundation Year

    Build a strong foundation in robotics and electronics, covering maths, physics and engineering. It's ideal if you're returning to education or don’t meet entry requirements for the 3-year programme.

     

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    112 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
    Short of the entry requirements for this course? Don’t worry you may be eligible for a foundation year to prepare you for possible entry onto this course for the following year.
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    H675
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    3 years
    (+ optional placement)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth

    Other routes to this course

    The offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
    Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
     
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    The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.