MEng Robotics
UCAS code: H675
Programme length: 4 years
Programme specification: MEng Robotics
Accreditation: Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET); British Computer Society
Course summary
Robotics focuses on the machine aspects of Cybernetics, especially on embedded autonomous agents (i.e. robots). Whereas Cybernetics deals with control issues in general systems, including human, animal, technical and environmental, Robotics focuses on control issues in machines. Its study brings together several academic disciplines and spans subjects such as robotic systems, computer science, Cybernetics and engineering. Students choose this subject at Reading because of the unique cross-disciplinary nature of our research into the subject and the quality of industrial support we receive.
Course description
Robotics focuses on the design and development of embodied autonomous agents, otherwise known as Robots. Our Robotics degree will teach you how to design, build and control cutting-edge robots, with modules designed and taught by lecturers who have worked with NASA on space exploration, and with facilities that let you control robots over the Internet. WIth practical hands-on teaching in our first class Advanced Robotics Laboratory and support from major blue-chip companies such as Thales, you're given an excellent environment to create technically complex and imaginative mobile intelligent machines.
Course content
The course is divided into 4 Parts (years) with each part comprising a number of modules as listed below (follow the links to find out more about each module).
Part 1 (three terms)
Compulsory Modules
- Programming
- Software Engineering
- Computer Applications
- Engineering Mathematics
- Cybernetics and Circuits
- Fundamentals of Computing
Part 2 (three terms)Compulsory modules
- System Design and Project Management
- Signal Processing
- Embedded Microprocessors and Digital Systems
- Control Systems
- Neural Networks
- Robots and Mechanics
- Robotic Systems
Optional modules:
Part 3 (three terms)
Compulsory modules
- MEng Group Project
- Social, Legal and Ethical Aspects of Science and Engineering
- Law and Management
- Mechatronics
- Machines in Motion
- Image Analysis
Optional modules
Select modules worth 30 credits from:
- System Identification and Control
- State Space
- Modern Heuristics
- Virtual Reality
- Multi Agent Systems
- Evolutionary Computation
- Sustainable Electrical Energy
- Measurement Systems
- Analogue Electronics
- Bionics
Part 4 (three terms)
Compulsory modules
Either:
Or both:
Optional modules
Select modules worth 30 credits from:
- Mind as Motion
- Advanced Neural Networks
- Nonlinear Control
- Optimal Control
- Robust Control
- Medical Image and Signal Processing
- Visual Intelligence
- Computational Robotics
- Practice of Entrepreneurship
Career prospects
Career prospects for the School's graduates tend to be good as the courses are very relevant to today's high technology society and, because the courses are not dependent upon any one industry, graduates are employed in a variety of areas. Some graduates join large companies, often IT based companies; others join smaller companies and consultancies; and some choose to further their research interests either in the School or at other Universities.
Assuming the course becomes accredited, graduates from this programme may, after a period of professional experience, together with other appropriate educational requirements, apply for Chartered Engineer status.