Robotics and Artificial Intelligence BEng (Hons)
Apply algorithms and engineering skills to build smart and efficient applications, processes and machines.
Key information
UCAS code:
H671
Typical offer:
112-120 points from 2 or 3 A levels
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Build and train smart machines to solve problems and perform tasks without human intervention. In this Robotics and Artificial Intelligence degree, you’ll focus on the practical use of automation and machine learning, enhancing efficiency in an automated Industry 4.0 world.
You’ll build your programming skills, apply the algorithms underlying machine learning, and design physical robot systems to solve problems drawn from industry. As you explore the moral and mathematical issues in the field, you’ll understand ways that AI and robotics can be used responsibly for innovation in sectors such as manufacturing, government, research and power generation.
Through practical work with robotics kits and AI tools in computing labs, you’ll get to grips with the sector’s professional tools. You’ll have the opportunity to visit industry partners, through field trips or a work placement, and draw on up-to-the-minute research in this vibrant sector.
Course highlights
- Explore industry revolutionising work and life, with an ethical focus on practical innovation
- Access cutting-edge facilities including a £5.8 million investment with our state-of-the-art Robotics and Automation Laboratory
- Engage in hands-on learning with practical sessions to emphasise hardware and software development, getting you ready for a career in the industry
- Experience a course taught by leading researchers who apply AI in diverse fields, from manufacturing and environmental prediction to medical systems
- Specialise in the aspects of robotics and artificial intelligence that most appeal to you, from manufacturing and medical innovation to autonomous vehicles and assistive robotics
- Focus on using artificial intelligence to work on solutions to complex, real-life problems
- Meet the demands of an increasingly automated world by developing your critical problem-solving skills while fostering creativity as you discover the interplay between robotics and AI
- Hear from guest speakers from the energy generation who will share their industry experiences and showcase innovative projects you could one day work on
- Enhance your studies with extracurricular activities including participation in worldwide competitions
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
BEng (Hons) Robotics and Artificial Intelligence degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- 112-120 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Facilities and specialist software
Maths Café
No problem is too small or too tough for our Maths Café tutors, who are on hand every day during term-time to help you if you get stuck or need something explained.
Robotics and Automation Laboratory
Get hands-on with collaborative robots and program artificial intelligence machines to put your skills into practice with real-life demos in state-of-the-art facilities.
Additive Manufacturing and X-Ray Microscopy Laboratories
Inspect 3D objects with high precision and turn your multi-dimensional models into physical objects including high performance components. You'll be able to design and produce your prototypes with our multi-material polymer jetting printer.
Careers and opportunities
With rapidly advancing technology and exciting government initiatives progressing the possibilities of AI and robotics, you'll graduate from this degree with your skills in high demand.
A degree in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence will give you a range of career options - whether you want to specialise in areas of Robotics, or demonstrate the hands-on methods from your study, working to develop machine learning models for AI applications.
What jobs can you do with a robotics and artificial intelligence degree?
Depending on your interests, you'll have a wide range of career options in areas including:
- Robotics Engineer: Design, build, and maintain robots for various applications.
- Data Scientist: Analyse complex datasets to inform business decision-making and develop predictive models using AI.
- Computer Vision Engineer: Specialise in creating algorithms and systems that enable computers to interpret and understand visual information from the world.
- Robotics Process Automation (RPA) Developer: Design and implement software robots that automate repetitive tasks within organisations to improve efficiency.
- AI Ethics Consultant: Address ethical considerations related to AI and robotics technologies.
You can also look to continue your studies with a Master's or PhD course in Robotics and AI or combine your learning with Business and Management degrees.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Placements (optional)
After your second or third year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in industry.
A placement year gives you an advantage over other graduates who may understand theory but won't have the experience of applying their learning to a working environment. We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations, and you’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
Through project-based and practical, hands-on learning, you'll learn about the practical aspects of printed circuit board design, manufacture, assembly and testing.
You'll learn about the software development life cycle and the tools used to build software programs, getting to grips with how to identify system requirements and convert a written specification to a procedural software design and quality metrics.
You'll also learn how to analyse a problem and formulate an algorithm for solving it.
You'll explore the static and dynamic analyses of the robots, and think about their mechanical components, including linkages, bearing, shaft and gear, as well as technical drawing (2D and 3D CAD).
You'll also cover the application of artificial intelligence in enhancing robotic systems' efficiency and capabilities, such as machine learning for autonomous decision-making and sensor data interpretation.
In this module, you'll learn mathematical techniques that you can use for intricate engineering problems.
Over a full year, you'll work through topics including algebra, calculus, matrices and complex numbers, learning to recognise when an engineering problem calls for a given method.
You'll also learn efficient strategies for breaking down and solving multifaceted problems, applicable in both mathematical and engineering activity.
You'll start by grasping the essential theory behind combinational and sequential logic, Boolean algebra, and other core concepts.
Then you'll directly apply this knowledge as you analyse, design and implement digital circuits and systems using microcontrollers.
Through hands-on practical sessions and projects, you'll reinforce your learning, while developing crucial real-world engineering skills.
By the end, you'll be able to confidently identify key digital components, understand microcontroller architecture, and describe assembly language commands - ready for advanced study and career opportunities across electronics and computer engineering.
You'll explore programmable logic controllers and process control systems, before designing a PLC based system for process control.
Core modules
You'll work in the lab and attend lectures to learn all about the construction and characteristics of different types of electrical machines, and single and three phase power transformers.
In this team-based module, you'll work through the full product design process, considering economic, social and sustainability aspects at each stage.
You'll learn how to adopt an inclusive approach, make group decisions, and report on your processes. You'll also identify and take up professional development opportunities to get yourself career-ready.
You'll analyse and develop complex, sequential systems to meet specified requirements, using microcontrollers, interfacing systems and programming skills.
Through a module-long project, you'll explore the uses and limitations of sequential systems, apply your understanding in a design-led solution, and prepare for careers across digital electronics and computer engineering
You'll explore the measurements of different physical quantities, such as temperature, liquid level and flow rates.
You'll also investigate the various sensors for the measurement of physical quantities, and analyse the characteristics of instruments and the uncertainty of measurements.
You'll learn the fundamental knowledge and tools needed for modelling, design, planning, and control of robot systems, getting an introduction to applications including serial robots, parallel robots and mobile robots.
You'll formulate a smart business plan in this career-driven module, covering viability, licensing, funding, launch, and growth.
Working in groups, you'll use risk management principles to protect your plans, identify ethical issues and relevant regulations, and develop your ability to sell your vision to investors.
Core modules
With guidance from an expert supervisor, you'll identify a challenge that excites you and develop an approach to investigating it.
As you apply your analytical and creative skills to the project, you'll build self-confidence and resourcefulness alongside your new engineering capabilities.
You'll also learn to showcase your work professionally through reports and presentations that demonstrate your readiness for an engineering career after university.
You'll learn some of the important technical and problem solving skills sought after in the fields of signal processing and data analysis.
You'll be introduced to a range of topics that will include making use of concepts and knowledge from other subjects, including mathematics.
Additionally, you'll explore how artificial intelligence can be applied in signal processing and data analysis to enhance traditional methods.
You'll gain both a theoretical foundation and a practical insight into AI principles and their applications in robotics.
You'll cover the integration of AI algorithms into robotic control systems to enhance perception and decision-making capabilities, focusing on real-world applications and drawing on case studies of AI-driven robotic solutions in select industries.
You'll also consider the ethical considerations of AI in robotics.
Optional modules
You'll determine system requirements and design relevant controllers in this module, using industry-standard computer aided engineering packages.
You'll also explore the relative stability of systems, apply function identification to live data, and analyse the effects of changing parameters in a control system.
You'll review the static and the dynamic characteristics of sensors, as well as the measurement of physical quantities, such as flow, liquid-level, temperature and pressure, using different types of sensors.
You'll explore signal conditioning, signal processing, data acquisition, and signal transmission in a sensing system.
You'll also investigate the integration of Artificial Intelligence techniques with sensor technologies to enhance autonomous robotic perception and decision-making capabilities.
On this course, you can do an optional study abroad or work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years, or after your 3rd year, to get valuable experience working in industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study in one-on-one and group sessions.
They can help you:
- master the mathematics skills you need to excel on your course
- understand engineering principles and how to apply them in any engineering discipline
- solve computing problems relevant to your course
- develop your knowledge of computer programming concepts and methods relevant to your course
- understand and use assignment feedback
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £20,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – H671
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.