Online degree BEng (Hons) Robotics

• Introduction to robotics 
  Study the evolution of robotic systems from Robotics 1.0 to Robotics 3.0, covering both industrial and mobile robots. Explore the challenges in designing robots for autonomous systems and learn how robotics engineering shapes industries like manufacturing and healthcare. 

• Mathematics: analysis 
  Gain further maths skills in differential and integral calculus. Learn how these essential tools apply to solving engineering-level mathematics problems in practical projects in both classical and modern contexts. 

• Mathematics: linear algebra 
  Master the principles of vectors, matrices, and linear systems, applying these concepts to solve complex problems in robotics engineering and computer science. 

• Fundamentals of physics 
  Study the fundamentals of mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, and optics – principles that form the engineering bedrock and underpin robotic systems' design and functionality. 

• Introduction to computer science 
  Learn computer science essentials, including algorithms, data structures, and computer architecture. Explore critical concepts for programming robotic systems and how software engineering integrates with hardware. 

• Electrical engineering 
  Study the core concepts of electronic and electrical engineering areas, including DC and AC circuits, electromagnetic fields, and power distribution, and optimise these systems for practical robotics applications. 

• Signals and systems 
  Explore the mathematical methods used to analyse systems and signals in robotics. You’ll learn techniques such as the Laplace Transform and Fourier Transform to solve control engineering problems and improve the performance of robotic systems. 

• Introduction to programming with Python 
  Learn Python, a key language for software programming in robotics, to develop your coding skills. This module focuses on Python syntax, error handling, and its application in data science and robotics systems. 

• Introduction to academic work for IT and technology

  Master the skills necessary for academic research and technical writing in engineering. Learn how to conduct literature reviews, evaluate sources, and present your findings professionally and clearly.

• Sensor technology

  Understand the key characteristics and applications of different sensor types. Learn to select the right sensor technology for a given application and how sensors are integrated into autonomous systems.

• Robot kinematics

  Learn about the motion of robots and apply these concepts to design and simulate autonomous systems. You’ll explore how mathematical models influence the development of control systems in robotics.

• Mechatronic systems

  Learn to design, test prototypes, and implement mechatronic systems. Study robotics that integrates mechanical components with advanced electronics and information processing. Develop the skills and thorough understanding needed to create high-performance robotic systems.

• Robot dynamics

  Delve into the study of motion and forces affecting robotic systems. This module explores kinematics and energy and their application to robot movement and control. You’ll develop skills in analysing and modelling the motion of robots, laying a solid foundation for advanced robotic design.

• Control systems engineering

  Learn how to design and analyse control systems essential for robotics applications. You'll also learn how to develop feedback controllers and optimise systems for dynamic performance.

• Elective A (see electives A section below)

• Elective A (see electives A section below)  

• Safety of industrial plants and machines

  Study the safety measures required for robotics in industrial applications. Learn how to conduct risk assessments, comply with safety directives, and ensure the safe operation of robotic systems.

• Seminar: robots and society

  Delve into the social, ethical, and technological implications of robotics. Explore how robots influence workforce dynamics and healthcare, and consider the future of human-robot interactions.

• Elective B (see electives B section below)

• Elective B (see electives B section below)

• Elective C (see electives C section below)

• Elective C (see electives C section below)

• Bachelor (undergraduate) thesis

  This final-year individual project allows you to choose a topic that reflects your interests and develop a detailed dissertation. You'll be supported under the guidance of an academic supervisor, demonstrating your mastery of relevant subjects in robotics.

• Product development and design thinking

  Explore modern and traditional approaches to product development, focusing on digital and consumer-driven solutions. Examine how Industry 4.0 design allows engineers to simulate both static and dynamic properties of products. The module also covers the shift towards customised mass production.

• Materials science for engineers

  Dive into the four major material classes: metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Explore their structures and properties and learn how they impact real-world material selection, giving you insight into material failure processes and engineering decisions.

• Computer-aided design for engineering

  Master CAD tools to create and interpret technical drawings and 3D models. Focus on enhancing product quality through CAD software, emphasising technical drawing standards and improving communication efficiency.

• Production engineering Industry 4.0

  Learn about the latest advancements in production and manufacturing engineering, including additive manufacturing and the digitisation of production facilities. Understand how Industry 4.0 is revolutionising the manufacturing process.

• Systems simulation

  Master the principles of systems simulation, including event-driven and continuous-time simulation. Apply problem-solving methods to engineering scenarios and improve systems performance.

• Embedded systems

  Develop expertise in designing and programming embedded computer systems. Learn how these systems are integral to modern robotics and automation technologies.

• Programming with C/C++

  Study the core programming concepts of C and C++, languages essential for robotics, and learn how to write efficient code for robotic applications.

• Sustainability and quality management

  Understand the importance of sustainability in engineering. Learn strategies for integrating sustainable practices into product design and manufacturing, focusing on reducing environmental impact.

• Self-arranged internship I (*)

  Gain practical and analytical skills by securing and completing an internship, enhancing your employability. In preparation tutorials, explore workplace dynamics and set personal goals for your placement year.

• Self-arranged internship II (*)

  Building on your first experience, this self-arranged internship lets you apply academic and practical skills in a real-world robotics engineering setting. Focus on refining your communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills.

*You'll be responsible for arranging a suitable internship in your field. Once placed, please complete an application to the internship module via myCampus to ensure that your internship can be recognised and credited towards your course requirements.

Industrial robotics

• Electrical drive technology

  Explore the key components of electric drives in both steady-state and transient operations. Understand thermal management and speed control techniques and learn how to optimise electric drives for industrial robotics applications. This module prepares you to tackle real-world challenges in electric drive systems used in various robotic and industrial systems.

• Project: robot control

  Apply your knowledge in a hands-on project focused on robot control. You’ll design and implement controllers, use simulation environments to evaluate performance and optimise robotic movements. This project challenges you to integrate control systems theory with practical application, giving you transferable skills for future work in electronics laboratories.

Mobile and service robotics

• Mobile robotics

  Learn the fundamentals of mobile robot design, kinematics, and navigation systems. Study the dynamics of wheeled, legged, and aerial robots and simulate their behaviour using industry-standard tools. This module teaches you to develop autonomous mobile robots that navigate complex environments.

Cognitive robotics

• Introduction to NLP (Natural Language Processing)

  Discover how robots can process and understand human language. This module introduces the foundational concepts of natural language processing and explores its application in human-robot interaction, enabling robots to communicate effectively with people in natural language.

• Introduction to computer vision

  Study the principles of computer vision and image processing. Learn how robots can analyse visual data, perform object recognition, and interpret scenes using machine-learning techniques. This module helps you develop skills for implementing visual systems in robots.

Artificial intelligence and data

• Introduction to data protection and cyber security

  Explore the critical areas of data protection and cybersecurity in the context of robotics. Learn how to secure robotic systems from cyber threats and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. This module prepares you to implement security protocols and protect sensitive data in AI-powered robotic systems.

• Artificial intelligence

  Examine the core concepts of AI, including machine learning, reinforcement learning, and AI ethics. Learn how to apply AI techniques to enable robots to make decisions and solve problems autonomously. This module prepares you for integrating AI in robotics, helping you create smarter, more efficient robotic systems.

Industrial robotics

• Automation technology

  Gain insight into modern automation systems used in industrial robotics. Study the design and implementation of automated systems, focusing on efficiency and precision. This module covers the integration of sensors, actuators, and control technologies to create fully automated robotic processes in industrial settings.

• Project: applied robotics with robotic platforms

  Work on a practical project where you’ll develop and control a robotic platform. From concept to execution, you’ll integrate control systems, sensors, and actuators to create functioning mechanical engineering systems. This project allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world robotics challenges, developing advanced technical skills.

Mobile and service robotics

• Soft robotics

  Explore the emerging field of soft robotics, which focuses on creating flexible, adaptive robots inspired by biological systems. Learn how soft materials and innovative design principles enable robots to perform delicate tasks in complex environments. This module prepares you to develop robots suited for close human interaction and challenging conditions.

Cognitive robotics

• Seminar: human-robot interaction

  Engage in discussions on the current trends and challenges in human-robot interaction. Study the design of social robots and explore the emotional and cognitive aspects of robotics. This seminar prepares you to create robots that can effectively interact with humans, both emotionally and functionally, in various environments.

Artificial intelligence and data

• Project: data analysis

  Apply your data analysis skills in a project-based module focused on robotics. Use AI and machine learning techniques to interpret large datasets and provide actionable insights for robotic systems. This project gives you hands-on experience with real-world data challenges in the robotics industry.

• Project: artificial intelligence

  Develop an AI-driven robotics project where you’ll design and implement intelligent systems capable of autonomous decision-making. This module encourages creativity and innovation, enabling you to apply AI techniques to real-world robotics challenges.

You can find more details about your BEng Robotics course in these PDF files:

• Programme specification

Once enrolled, you will be expected to meet LIBF's policies and standards.

Yes, robotics engineering is in high demand across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. Robotics engineers create automation solutions that increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve productivity. With artificial intelligence and machine learning advancements, the demand for skilled robotics engineers will only grow. When you study robotics engineering at LIBF, you’ll finish your degree with the expertise and knowledge required to enter this rapidly evolving field. 

Both fields offer exciting career opportunities, but robotics engineering focuses more on the technical development of robotic systems and automation solutions. On the other hand, engineering business management combines technical knowledge with project management skills, preparing you for more strategic roles.  

If you're passionate about designing and working with robotics, our online robotics degree will prepare you for a hands-on career in this cutting-edge field. But if you want to combine technical skills in engineering with management and leadership, then explore our BEng Industrial Engineering and Management course. 

According to Indeed, the average salary for a robotics engineer in the UK is £44,906*. Depending on experience, senior robotics specialists in sectors such as aeronautical engineering and healthcare often command higher salaries exceeding £70,000*.

By completing an online Robotics degree at LIBF, you'll graduate with the skills and qualifications needed to secure competitive roles in this in-demand field. 

*Salary information from uk.indeed.com is correct as of Sept 2024. 

Graduating with a BEng (Hons) Robotics degree launches you into a world of opportunity and innovation. As the field of robotics continues to expand, so does the variety and depth of career prospects available. Here is a selection of roles that you might find yourself excelling in:  

• Robotic systems engineer  

• AI and robotics ethics advisor  

• Automation technology consultant  

• Robotics software developer  

• Robotics research scientist  

• Human-robot interaction specialist 

• Medical robotics engineer  

• Agricultural robotics specialist 

Graduates from robotics engineering programmes have diverse career options. Your practical skills mean that you can work in aeronautical engineering, healthcare, defence, automotive, and tech sectors, focusing on artificial intelligence and robotics innovation.  

Robotics engineers are also in demand for research and development roles in creating new robotic systems or improving existing technologies. Additionally, there are opportunities in the growing field of service robotics, which includes designing robots for healthcare, logistics, and even home automation.