MSc Biorobotics
Overview
The next frontier in robotics will take inspiration from biology to design robots that are soft, smart, green, and social. From microrobots for cancer treatment, to swarms powering warehouses, soft grippers for manufacturing, and new material interfaces for prosthetics, biorobots will provide solutions to today's global challenges. State-of-the-art robots will in turn power scientific discovery, allowing for the study of living systems in their natural habitats from robots automating experiments in the lab, to artificial fish studying pollution in the deep sea.
This programme brings together life scientists and engineers in an interdisciplinary environment where solutions are co-created with stakeholders in mind. For the life scientists, this will open new horizons powered by robotics and AI, skills in high demand in today's job market. For the engineers, this will go beyond a typical robotics training, towards reinventing the way robots are designed and used with bioinspiration at heart.
This unique combination of biology and engineering will develop core professional skills including working across disciplines and responsible open-ended innovation. The programme centres around a common core in fundamental robotics and life sciences, followed by dedicated taught and project-based biorobotics units that will walk you through latest research and applications, with a hands-on understanding of how to build these systems yourself, and demonstrations of how they can be used for good.
Programme structure
The Biorobotics MSc shares a common core with other world-leading robotics programmes at Bristol and includes the units Robotics Research Technology and Methods (20 credits), Robotics Systems (20 credits), and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (10 credits).
Beyond this common core, students will specialise in biorobotics through bespoke courses, Biorobotics and Biosystems (20 credits), Bio-inspired Artificial Intelligence (10 credits) and Soft Robotics (10 credits).
Throughout the programme students will work towards group projects (20 credits) and a final dissertation (60 credits) related to Biorobotics.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc Biorobotics.
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent, preferably in a STEM subject. Applicants with a lower class degree with relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- UK: full-time
- £14,000 per year
- UK: part-time (two years)
- £7,000 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £28,300 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Bristol Master's Scholarship
£2,000 scholarships available for UK students from underrepresented groups applying for full-time master's programmes. Find out more about the Bristol Master's Scholarships and check your eligibility to apply.
Funding for 2023/24
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Biorobotics MSc students will be at the frontier of bio-inspired robotics. This will make them attractive for the broader robotics and AI industry. Their cross-disciplinary understanding of life sciences will further mean they can work in the life science sector looking to embed robotics and AI in their work flow. Their unique view on robotics and life sciences will also ensure they are well-suited to work in and found start-ups, continue with academic research or work with NGOs interested in deploying robots for good.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk