Overview

This MSc will provide you with the ability to understand, design and implement modern robotic systems. Robotics is increasingly prominent in a variety of sectors, for example, manufacturing, health and remote exploration of hostile environments such as space and the deep sea, and as autonomous and semi-autonomous systems that interact with people physically and socially.

This programme exposes you to a wide range of advanced engineering and computer science concepts. It offers the opportunity to carry out a practical robotics research project and to make use of the resources at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, one of the UK's most comprehensive robotics innovation facilities and a leading centre of robotics research.

The programme is jointly awarded and jointly delivered by the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England, both based in Bristol, and therefore draws on the combined expertise, facilities and resources of the two universities. The Bristol Robotics Laboratory is a collaborative research partnership between the two universities with a vision to transform robotics by pioneering advances in autonomous robot systems that can behave intelligently with minimal human supervision.

Please note that teaching for this programme is delivered at both the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England campuses. Students attending the programme will be given free transport passes to travel between the two universities.

Programme structure

The programme comprises a number of core and optional units.

During your second term, you will start working on a substantial piece of research work that will make up one third of your overall MSc. It is possible to work on this project with researchers based at Bristol Robotics Laboratory or in conjunction with one of our many industrial partners. Within the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, there are a number of themes from which projects may be chosen.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Robotics.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any subject. All applicants must demonstrate programming experience in either C/C++, Java or Python. This can be demonstrated by a module titled in either C/C++, Java or Python, work experience or can be self taught. For degrees that do not contain a specific module in one of the required languages, applicants must provide a written programming statement to outline their experience using C/C++, Python or Java.ion.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant, relevant work experience;
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

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.

Go to admissions statement

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
£15,100 per year
UK: part-time (two years)
£7,550 per year
Overseas: full-time
£32,900 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.

Funding for 2024/25

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Robotics is a vast field spanning areas such as electronics, mechanics, software engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, psychology and biology. Career opportunities include diverse professions, including careers in the automotive industry, aerospace industry, advanced manufacturing, deep sea exploration, space exploration, food manufacture, the health sector, pharmaceutical production and industrial quality control.