Masters Degrees in Robotics & Cybernetics

This theoretical and practical MSc Engineering (Cybernetics and Communications) course combines computer science, electronic engineering, mechanical engineering and management to enable greater understanding of cybernetics and communications.

An innovative and distinctive feature of the course is the cross-disciplinary group design project, which provides a challenging, simulated environment in which to work as a member of a team. The project will encourage you to develop your imagination, creativity and innovation in design solutions. You will also build on your leadership, team building and communication skills, all of which are attractive to potential employers.

Modules

• Mobile networks
• Robotics and cybernetics
• Wireless communications
• Group design project
• Research methods
• Major project
• Global business management
• Entrepreneurial leadership and project management
• Software engineering 1

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Visit us on campus throughout the year, find and register for our next open event on http://www.ntu.ac.uk/pgevents.

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IN BRIEF:

• Gain a firm grounding in control engineering and intelligent systems concepts
• This course has a particular emphasis on advanced robotics, where robots are designed to operate with a degree of intelligence
• Projects supported by internationally-leading research
• Part-time study option
• International students can apply

COURSE SUMMARY

This course is for students who already have a strong engineering background and wish to specialise in robotics and automation. This course has a particular emphasis on advanced robotics, where robots are designed to operate with a degree of intelligence.

You will gain a firm grounding in control engineering and intelligent systems concepts, along with the ability to comprehend and fully specify integrated automation systems embodying intelligence, robotic and automation hardware and software, and virtual reality (VR)/simulation technologies.

The course also provides a suitable background for research in advanced autonomous systems with reference to robotics.

TEACHING

You will be taught via a series of lectures and workshops with many of the modules taught via extensive hands-on practical lab-based sessions.

Practical experience includes the use of robotics platforms to produce a software system using the MATLAB toolboxes or the C programming language or to produce a finished hardware/software based mobile robotics system.

ASSESSMENT

70% coursework and 30% examination.

FACILITIES

There are dedicated labs and facilities for Robotics and Automation students, including: Industrial robots, flexi-picker, manipulators (Hitachi, KUKA) humanoid robots plus many mobile robots. Plus dedicated computing facilities

And if you do your MSc Project with an aerospace company, as many of our students do, then you will also have access to their facilities.

EMPLOYABILITY

Graduates from this course can expect to find employment in a range of industries. Robotics and automation are continuously developing topics that present many career opportunities in areas such as robotic design, control systems integration and design, factory automation, engineering management and research.

LINKS WITH INDUSTRY

Many of our students work on final year projects in conjunction with aeronautical companies associated with the University.

FURTHER STUDY

Many of our students go on to further study at the Centre for Advanced Robotics which is very closely linked with this course.

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About the course

Taught by experienced research staff from the Centre for Computational Intelligence (CCI), an internationally recognised centre highly rated in the most recent Government Research Assessment Exercise, you gain a professional qualification that gives substantially enhanced career and research prospects in both traditional computing areas and in the expanding area of computational intelligence.

Computational Intelligence encompasses the techniques and methods used to tackle problems not well solved by traditional approaches to computing. The four areas of fuzzy logic, neural networks, evolutionary computing and knowledge based systems encompass much of what is considered to be computational (or artificial) intelligence. There are opportunities to use these techniques in many application areas such as robot control and games development depending on your interests.

Modules include work based on research by the Centre of Computational Intelligence. With an established international reputation, their work focuses on the use of fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, evolutionary computing, mobile robotics and biomedical informatics, providing theoretically sound solutions to real-world decision making and prediction problems. Past students have published papers with their CCI project supervisors and gone on to PhD study.

Reasons to Study

• Internationally recognised reputation
our internationally recognised Centre of Computational Intelligence (CCI) inputs into the course allowing you to understand the current research issues related to artificial intelligence

• Benefit from our Research Expertise
modules include work-based on research by our Centre for Computational Intelligence (CCI) and focus on the use of fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, evolutionary computing, mobile robotics and biomedical informatics; providing theoretically sound solutions to real-world decision making and prediction problems

• Flexible study options
full-time, part time or distance learning study options available; making the course suitable for recent graduates and professionals in work

• Dedicated robotics laboratory
have access to our Advanced Mobile Robotics and Intelligent Agents Laboratory. The laboratory contains a variety of mobile robots ranging from the Lego Mindstorms and Pioneers to the Wheelbarrow robot for bomb disposal

• Employment Prospects
artificial Intelligence is a growing industry worldwide, employment opportunities exist in areas such as games development, control systems, software engineering, internet businesses, financial services, mobile communications, programming, and software engineering

Course Structure

Modules

• Computational Intelligence Research Methods
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programming
• Mobile Robots
• Fuzzy Logic
• Artificial Neural Networks
• Evolutionary Computing
• Applied Computational Intelligence
• Intelligent Mobile Robots
• Individual Project

Optional placement
We offer a great opportunity to boost your career prospects through an optional one year placement as part of your postgraduate studies. We have a dedicated Placement Unit which will help you obtain this. Once on your placement you will be supported by your Visiting Tutor to ensure that you gain maximum benefit from the experience. Placements begin after the taught component of the course has been completed - usually around June - and last for one year. When you return from your work placement you will begin your project.

Teaching and Assessment

The course consists of an induction unit, eight modules and an individual project. The summer period is devoted to work on the project for full-time students. If you choose to study via distance learning, you would normally take either one module per semester for four years or two modules per semester for four years plus a further year for the project.

Teaching is normally delivered through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, discussions and e-learning packages. Assessment is via coursework only and will usually involve a combination of individual and group work, presentations, essays, reports and projects.

Distance learning material is delivered primarily through our virtual learning environment. Books, DVDs and other learning materials will be sent to you. We aim to replicate the on-site experience as fully as possible by using electronic discussion groups, encouraging contact with tutors through a variety of mediums.

Contact and learning hours

On-site students will have the lessons delivered by the module tutors in slots of three hours. In the full-time route, you can expect to have around 12 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, with approximately 28 additional hours of independent study. There are also three non-teaching weeks when fulltime students can expect to spend around 40 hours on independent study each week.

To find out more

To learn more about this course and DMU, visit our website:
Postgraduate open days: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/open-evenings/postgraduate-open-days.aspx

Applying for a postgraduate course:
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/entry-criteria-and-how-to-apply/entry-criteria-and-how-to-apply.aspx

Funding for postgraduate students
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/postgraduate-funding-2017-18/postgraduate-funding-2017-18.aspx

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About the course

This advanced course focuses on enabling you to become proficient in communicating across a range of different disciplines and delivering optimised engineering solutions using an integrated multidisciplinary mechatronics approach. You will be exposed to a broad range of engineering disciplines, be able to solve multidisciplinary mechatronics problems and develop the skills to apply a mechatronic approach to the solution of technical problems.

Reasons to Study

• Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
ensuring you will benefit from the highest quality teaching, and graduate with a recognised qualification

• Graduate employability
Mechatronic engineers are in high demand as more industries seek to apply advances across a range of engineering disciplines

• Enjoy access to state-of-the-art facilities
including dedicated mechanical, electrical and electronic laboratories especially suited for mechatronics, as well as an for the manufacture of student designs

• Industry placement opportunity
you can chose to undertake a year-long work placement, gaining valuable experience to enhance your practical and professional skills further

• Work with leading research groups
you will be offered opportunities to work on projects with research groups within the faculty, including the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Processes and Mechatronics, that are engaged in high-class, research and industrial collaboration and consultancy

• Course content relevant to modern day practice
our research informs our teaching, ensuring the course content covers current industry topics and issues

• Excellent graduate prospects
graduates enjoy exciting career opportunities in a range of fields such as robotics and automation, manufacturing, aerospace, material processing, energy and power.

Modules

First semester (September to January)

• Electromechanics
• Mechatronic Systems - Engineering and Design
• Engineering Business Environment and Energy Studies
• Programming and Software Engineering

Second semester (February to May)

• Machine Vision, Robotics and Flexible Automation
• Engineering Systems: Dynamics and Control
• Microprocessor Applications and Digital Signal Processing
• Research Methods

Individual Project (Stage three)

This research can be industrially-based or linked to an industrial partner, attached to one of the mechatronic-related research teams within the faculty or in other collaborating institutions. The research project should be in an area relevant to Mechatronics, where clear evidence of the ability to solve a real multidisciplinary problem is demonstrated. The project assessment involves a formal presentation, production of a technical paper and a thesis.

Optional placement
We offer a great opportunity to boost your career prospects through an optional one year placement as part of your postgraduate studies. We have a dedicated Placement Unit which will help you obtain this. Once on your placement you will be supported by your Visiting Tutor to ensure that you gain maximum benefit from the experience. Placements begin after the taught component of the course has been completed - usually around June - and last for one year. When you return from your work placement you will begin your dissertation.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is delivered through a variety of methods including lectures, tutorials and laboratories. You will be expected to undertake self-directed study.

Contact and learning hours

For taught sessions you will attend eight modules with a total of 48 hours (four hours per week for 12 weeks each), with eight hours per module per week of average additional self-directed study. For the individual project you normally will spend 13 weeks working five days (eight hours per day) a week to complete it, and have one hour per week contact time with your supervisor.

Academic expertise

Research is carried out by the Mechatronics Research Centre, which holds a considerable number of UK and EU research project grants and has collaborative research links with more than 100 national and international organisations. The group is internationally regarded and specialises in machine design, control and simulation, fluid power systems and motion control.

As part of your studies, you will be offered opportunities to work on projects with research groups within the faculty that are engaged in high-class, leading-edge research and industrial collaboration and consultancy.

During the project element of the course, the Intelligent Machines and Automation Systems (IMAS) Research Laboratory provides access to dedicated research facilities

To find out more

To learn more about this course and DMU, visit our website:
Postgraduate open days: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/open-evenings/postgraduate-open-days.aspx

Applying for a postgraduate course:
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/entry-criteria-and-how-to-apply/entry-criteria-and-how-to-apply.aspx

Funding for postgraduate students
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/postgraduate-funding-2017-18/postgraduate-funding-2017-18.aspx

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Be inspired to innovate and develop the robots, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems of tomorrow’s world. Gain advanced theoretical and practical knowledge from our world-leading experts in interactive and intelligent robotics, and graduate ready to pursue an exciting career in anything from home automation to deep sea or space exploration. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain invaluable industry experience and cultivate professional contacts on an integral work placement.

Key features

-Enhance your employability and grow your professional network with an optional integral work placement. You can choose to work in the UK, or overseas in countries including France, Germany or Japan.
-Get up-to-date with the latest developments in artificial life and intelligence, adaptive behaviour, information visualisation, neural computation and dynamic systems, as well as remote access and monitoring systems. Our seminars series with speakers from industry and academia gives you the opportunity to keep ahead in this fast moving field.
-Give yourself the edge. Our programme distinguishes itself from other robotics masters programmes, in the UK and abroad, by ensuring a deeper theoretical and practical knowledge of interactive and intelligent robotics.
-Expand your skills with first-class facilities including 3D rapid prototyping systems, in-house PCB design and assembly tools, and our award winning Plymouth Humanoid robots.
-Get expert training from members of the Marine and Industrial Dynamic Analysis (MIDAS) research group and the Centre for Robotics and Neural Systems (CRNS).
-Become a professional in your field – this programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
-Benefit by combining disciplines that are traditionally taught separately. You’ll graduate ready with the expertise and joined-up knowledge to design and develop fully integrated mechanical, electronic, control and computing systems.

Course details

On this programme you’ll gain a solid and broad understanding of the latest developments and issues in robotics. You’ll build theoretical and practical knowledge of control and design as well as covering the interface between real-world devices, autonomous processing and evaluation of acquired information. You’ll investigate user interaction and intelligent decision-making and immerse yourself in an innovative project inspired by the latest developments in technology and society. You’ll have access to a robotics club and to a seminar series so that you can keep up-to-date with advances in the industry and academia.

Core modules
-ROCO503 Sensors and Actuators
-BPIE500 Masters Stage 1 Placement Preparation
-PROJ509 MSc Project
-AINT511 Topics in Advanced Intelligent Robotics
-MECH533 Robotics and Control
-SOFT561 Robot Software Engineering
-AINT513 Robotic Visual Perception and Autonomy
-AINT512 Science and Technology of Human-Robot Interaction

Optional modules
-BPIE502 Electrical/Robotics Masters Industrial Placement

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

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The European Masters in Computer Vision and Robotics (VIBOT) is a collaboration between the three leading European institutions, the Universitat de Girona (Spain), the Université de Bourgogne (France) and Heriot-Watt University (Scotland). It aims to meet the needs of industry for quality control and automation of industrial processes, and those in the field of health with the increasing importance of medical imagery in all its forms.

In recent years, the amount of digital information to be stored, processed and distributed has grown dramatically. The generalisation of the use of digital images, in video surveillance, biomedical and e-health systems, and remote sensing, create new, pressing challenges, and automated management tools are key to enable the organisation, mining and processing of these important knowledge resources.

The key subject areas are computer vision and robotics. Research in these areas are dynamic and relevant to a wide range of sectors, such as the car industry, the agro-alimentary field or the domain of health, with the active development of e-Health solutions. The course is over two years, students spend the first semester in France, the second in Spain and the third in Scotland. The fourth semester is reserved for Masters thesis.

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About the course

Taught by experienced research staff from the Centre for Computational Intelligence (CCI), an internationally recognised centre highly rated in the most recent Government Research Assessment Exercise, you gain a professional qualification that gives substantially enhanced career and research prospects in both traditional computing areas and in the expanding area of computational intelligence.

Computational Intelligence encompasses the techniques and methods used to tackle problems not well solved by traditional approaches to computing. The four areas of fuzzy logic, neural networks, evolutionary computing and knowledge based systems encompass much of what is considered to be computational (or artificial) intelligence. There are opportunities to use these techniques in many application areas such as robot control and games development depending on your interests.

Modules include work based on research by the Centre of Computational Intelligence. With an established international reputation, their work focuses on the use of fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, evolutionary computing, mobile robotics and biomedical informatics, providing theoretically sound solutions to real-world decision making and prediction problems. Past students have published papers with their CCI project supervisors and gone on to PhD study.

Reasons to Study

• Internationally recognised reputation
our internationally recognised Centre of Computational Intelligence (CCI) inputs into the course allowing you to understand the current research issues related to artificial intelligence

• Benefit from our Research Expertise
modules include work-based on research by our Centre for Computational Intelligence (CCI) and focus on the use of fuzzy logic, artificial neural networks, evolutionary computing, mobile robotics and biomedical informatics; providing theoretically sound solutions to real-world decision making and prediction problems

• Flexible study options
full-time, part time or distance learning study options available; making the course suitable for recent graduates and professionals in work

• Dedicated robotics laboratory
have access to our Advanced Mobile Robotics and Intelligent Agents Laboratory. The laboratory contains a variety of mobile robots ranging from the Lego Mindstorms and Pioneers to the Wheelbarrow robot for bomb disposal

• Employment Prospects
artificial Intelligence is a growing industry worldwide, employment opportunities exist in areas such as games development, control systems, software engineering, internet businesses, financial services, mobile communications, programming, and software engineering

Course Structure

Modules

• Computational Intelligence Research Methods
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programming
• Mobile Robots
• Fuzzy Logic
• Artificial Neural Networks
• Evolutionary Computing
• Applied Computational Intelligence
• Data Mining
• Individual Project

Optional placement
We offer a great opportunity to boost your career prospects through an optional one year placement as part of your postgraduate studies. We have a dedicated Placement Unit which will help you obtain this. Once on your placement you will be supported by your Visiting Tutor to ensure that you gain maximum benefit from the experience. Placements begin after the taught component of the course has been completed - usually around June - and last for one year. When you return from your work placement you will begin your project.

Teaching and Assessment

The course consists of an induction unit, eight modules and an individual project. The summer period is devoted to work on the project for full-time students. If you choose to study via distance learning, you would normally take either one module per semester for four years or two modules per semester for four years plus a further year for the project.

Teaching is normally delivered through lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, discussions and e-learning packages. Assessment is via coursework only and will usually involve a combination of individual and group work, presentations, essays, reports and projects.

Distance learning material is delivered primarily through our virtual learning environment. Books, DVDs and other learning materials will be sent to you. We aim to replicate the on-site experience as fully as possible by using electronic discussion groups, encouraging contact with tutors through a variety of mediums.

Contact and learning hours

On-site students will have the lessons delivered by the module tutors in slots of three hours. In the full-time route, you can expect to have around 12 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, with approximately 28 additional hours of independent study. There are also three non-teaching weeks when fulltime students can expect to spend around 40 hours on independent study each week.

Academic expertise

Taught by experienced research staff from the Centre for Computational Intelligence (CCI), an internationally recognised centre highly rated in the most recent Government Research Assessment Exercise, you will gain a professional qualification that gives substantially enhanced career and research prospects in both traditional computing areas and in the expanding area of computational intelligence.

To find out more

To learn more about this course and DMU, visit our website:
Postgraduate open days: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/open-evenings/postgraduate-open-days.aspx

Applying for a postgraduate course:
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/entry-criteria-and-how-to-apply/entry-criteria-and-how-to-apply.aspx

Funding for postgraduate students
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/postgraduate-funding-2017-18/postgraduate-funding-2017-18.aspx

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NOTE

This programme will not have a 2016 intake as the content is being extensively improved.

OVERVIEW

The programme aims to offer a rational, flexibly structured
and coherent postgraduate study in Automatic Control. While
providing advanced general knowledge in Electronic Engineering, the programme is specifically focussed on nonlinear control principles, measurement instrumentation, simulations and implementation of feedback control.
The programme is designed to provide specific skills for individuals who wish to become a control engineer in manufacturing or research and development in industry sectors, or to pursue a PhD in control engineering.

With a track record of 20 years, the research group Control & Intelligent Control Systems Engineering at the University of Hull has an international reputation for its initiatives in the field of fault diagnostics of dynamic systems. This expertise along with its staff’s teaching experience in control engineering supports the masters programme.

OBJECTIVES

The course will provide students with:
• advanced knowledge of control principles including
multivariable feedback control and nonlinear control
systems,
• essential knowledge of control systems configuration,
algorithm design and evaluation,
• a general knowledge of advanced computer simulation
and measurement instrumentation,
• skills in the software and hardware implementation of
control the latest computer modelling and simulation
techniques,
• research experience in control applications in the
engineering field,
• experience of undertaking a significant relevant
research project

SUBJECTS COVERED

• Multivariable feedback control
• Robotic manipulator control
• Machine vision
• Applied Optoelectronics
• Time Signal Processing and Integrated Circuit Design
• Low Power/Voltage Design and VHDL
• Advanced Digital Systems Design
• Microwave Devices, Techniques and Measurements
• Communication Systems
• Intellectual property rights
• Research skills and project planning

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The School has a strong international reputation for research in this area and this expertise influences this course which explores current research and practice in artificial intelligence and robotics. This MSc can lead to a career such as a designer of intelligent systems or in research. The core modules are: artificial life with robotics, neural computation and machine learning, theory and practice of artificial intelligence.

Why choose this course?

-This MSc is available with an optional one year industry placement. The 'with placement' programmes give you additional industrial experience by applying the skills you have learned throughout your studies
-One of a range of advanced courses within our postgraduate Master's programme in Computer Science, this particular course provides you with a specialism in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
-Advanced topics studied include artificial life with robotics, neural computation and machine learning, theory and practice of artificial intelligence
-Taught by a highly-regarded and long-established computer science department
-Sixty percent of our research impact in Computer Science and Informatics at the University of Hertfordshire has been rated at world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014

Careers

Our master's programme is designed to give Computer Science graduates the specialist, up-to-date skills and knowledge sought after by employers, whether in business, industry, government or research.

This particular course will prepare you to take up a challenging job or to pursue further research in specific AI fields. Typical career opportunities include researcher or designer for intelligent systems.

Teaching methods

Classes consist of lectures, small group seminars, and practical work in our well-equipped laboratories. We use modern, industry-standard software wherever possible. There are specialist facilities for networking and multimedia and a project laboratory especially for master's students.

In addition to scheduled classes, you will be expected a significant amount of time in self-study, taking advantage of the extensive and up-to-date facilities. These include the Learning Resource Centres, open 24x7, with 1,500 computer workstations and wifi access, Studynet our versatile online study environment usable on and off campus, and open access to our labs.

Work Placement

All our one year full time Computer Science Masters programmes are available with an optional one year industry placement. The 'with placement' programmes give you additional industrial experience by applying the skills you have learned throughout your studies.

They offer you the opportunity to work for one year in a highly professional and stimulating environment. You will be a full time employee in a company earning a salary and will learn new skills that can't be taught at University. During the placement, you will be able to gain further insight into industrial practice that you can take forward into your individual project.

We will provide excellent academic and personal support during both your academic and placement periods together with comprehensive careers guidance from our very experienced dedicated Careers and Placements Service.

Although the responsibility for finding a placement is with you, our Careers and Placements Service maintains a wide variety of employers who offer placement opportunities and organise special training sessions to help you secure a placement, from job application to the interview. Optional one-to-one consultations are also available.

In order to qualify for the placement period you must maintain an overall average pass mark of not less than 60% across all modules studied in semester ‘A’.

Structure

Year 1
Core Modules
-Professional Issues
-Investigative Methods for Computer Science
-Artificial Life with Robotics
-Neural Networks and Machine Learning
-Theory and Practice of Artificial Intelligence
-Preparation for Placement
-Professional Work Placement for MSc Computer Science

Optional
-Professional Issues
-Investigative Methods for Computer Science
-Data Mining
-Mobile Standards, Interfaces and Applications
-Human Computer Interaction: Principles and Practice
-Advanced Databases
-Programming Paradigms
-Measures and Models for Software Engineering
-Programming for Software Engineers
-Software Engineering Practice and Experience
-Distributed Systems Security
-Secure Systems Programming
-Network System Administration
-Multicast and Multimedia Networking
-Wireless, Mobile and Ad-hoc Networking
-Information Security, Management and Compliance
-Digital Forensics
-Penetration Testing

Year 2
Core Modules
-Artificial Intelligence with Robotics Masters Project

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This is an MSc course in Embedded Systems with contributions from the fields of mechatronics and robotics.

Embedded systems are microprocessor-based systems within a larger mechanical or electrical system that performs a dedicated function or task. They encompass a wide variety of products ranging from small mobile phones to large process automation installations. A practicing engineer in the field of embedded systems needs to have a specialised expertise in more than one of the engineering subjects of this multi-discipline subject.

Our MSc is tailored to provide you with advanced learning in microprocessor systems that are at the heart of embedded systems, with additional contributions from the fields of mechatronics and robotics. This approach reflects the needs of the industry and is well supported by the range in expertise we have in our Department.

The Department of Engineering and Design covers the full gamete of teaching in electronic, telecommunication and computer networks engineering as well as mechanical engineering and product design.

Our academics are a cohesive group of highly skilled lecturers, practitioners and researchers. You'll benefit from your choice of supervisors to support a wide range of modern and multi-discipline Masters-level projects. Our teaching is supported by well-equipped laboratory workshops, using mostly the latest hardware and software available in universities.

Modules

In each of the semesters 1 and 2 you will be required to take two core and one optional module from the lists below:

Semester 1:

•Robotics (20 credits)
• Microprocessors and Control (20 credits)

Optional modules (Semester 1):

• Pattern recognition and machine learning (20 credits)
• Technical, research and professional skills (20 credits)
• Advanced Instrumentation and Design (20 credits)
• Electrical Energy Converters and Drives (20 credits)

Semester 2:

• Digital Signal Processing and Real Time Systems (20 credits)
• Mechatronics and Embedded System Design (20 credits)

Optional modules (Semester 2):

• Electromechanical systems and manufacturing technology (20 credits)
• Technology evaluation and commercialisation (20 credits)
• Cloud Computing (20 credits)
• E-Business Applications (20 credits)

Semester 3

•MSc project (60 credits)

Professional links

The School of Engineering at LSBU has a strong culture of research, extensive research links with industry through consultancy works and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), and teaching content is closely related to the latest research findings in the field.

History and expertise

A strong research tradition and our industrial links has helped shaped the course design, content selection, course delivery and project supervision.

The Department of Engineering and Design has a strong Mechatronics, Robotics and Non-destructive testing research group with a wide national and international profile. This is in addition to excellent research in many areas of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, product design, computer network and telecommunications engineering.

Employability

The course has been designed to help to meet the needs of industry. How much your employability will increase, will depend on your background and the personal contribution you make to your development whilst studying on the course.

Benefits for new graduates

If you are a new graduate in electronic or computer engineering then you benefit from the further advanced topics presented. You'll get an opportunity to cut your teeth on a challenging MSc Project, which will demonstrate your abilities to the potential employers. Alternatively, you could also pursue PhD studies after completing the course.

Benefits of returning to University

If you are returning to University after a period of working in industry, then you'll be able to update yourself with the recent technological progress in the field. You'll gain confidence in your ability to perform at your best and stand a better chance to seek challenging work opportunities. If you are already working in the field, the MSc qualification will enhance your status which will may help with your promotion.

Employment links

We are continually developing links with employers who are interested to provide internship to our students . Examples of this can include small VHDL and DSP designs, ARM based designs, industrial design or correlation research. These projects can be performed as part of the curriculum or as part of a research project.

LSBU Employability Services

LSBU is committed to supporting you develop your employability and succeed in getting a job after you have graduated. Your qualification will certainly help, but in a competitive market you also need to work on your employability, and on your career search. Our Employability Service will support you in developing your skills, finding a job, interview techniques, work experience or an internship, and will help you assess what you need to do to get the job you want at the end of your course. LSBU offers a comprehensive Employability Service, with a range of initiatives to complement your studies, including:

• Direct engagement from employers who come in to interview and talk to students
• Job Shop and on-campus recruitment agencies to help your job search
• Mentoring and work shadowing schemes.

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Medical Robotics and Image-Guided Intervention are two technology driven areas of medicine that have experienced tremendous growth and improvement over the last twenty years, partly driven by the surgical aim of progressively less invasive and harmful treatments.

This course will provide the research experience required to work within the highly innovative field of medical robotics and surgical technology.

This is a multidisciplinary field and is led by three internationally known departments:

The Hamlyn Centre for Medical Robotics (part of the Institute of Global Health Innovation)
The Department of Surgery and Cancer
The Department of Computing

All teaching and research will take place in the brand new facilities of the Hamlyn Centre.

Taught modules include a mixture of engineering and medical topics such as medical robotics and instrumentation, minimally invasive surgery, surgical imaging and optics, image guided intervention, perception and ergonomics.

You will spend nine months working on a cutting edge research project.

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As a graduate mechanical engineer, this MSc course will provide you with an advanced qualification which will enhance your career prospects and extend and update your skills and knowledge. The course actively encourages the understanding and practice of inter-disciplinary systems engineering thinking that brings together mechanical engineering subjects in a way that reflects the needs of industrial and academic problem solving.

The close integration of the case study and project will allow you to explore, in-depth, a chosen topic related to the course. This provides you with an individually tailored programme to meet your needs in a flexible yet focused manner, with the project seen as being the key opportunity to acquire and exercise leading edge mechanical engineering knowledge. You will be given the opportunity to show originality in applying the knowledge you acquire, and will develop an appreciation of how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research. You will be trained to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and will be given the opportunity and encouragement to demonstrate initiative and innovation in solving challenging problems and in designing new components and systems.

The close involvement with industry, particularly at the project stage, ensures that the experience the course provides has both relevance and meaning. Lecturers delivering the modules are working with some of the world's most renowned engineering companies. Partners include Airbus, BAe Systems, Bosch, Tata Steel, Daimler, EADS, Fiat, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Messier-Dowty, Network Rail, TWI, Parametric Technology, Physical Acoustics Ltd, Renault, Renishaw, Rolls-Royce, SAP, Siemens, Silicon Graphics, Stile Bertone, The Highways Agency, TRL, Microchip, and WS Atkins.

This degree course will prepare you for entry into careers in research or industry. In addition to technical skills, you will acquire professional skills such effective communication with technical, management and non-technical audiences, project planning, evaluation and prioritisation.

Structure

This is a one year full time MSc course beginning with a taught section worth 120 credits. The Autumn and Spring semesters utilise taught and research project based material to enable you to progress from a typical bachelor graduate standard at entry to the master’s level. The eight taught optional modules are split between these semesters to provide eighty credits of masters level study. Two twenty credit Case Study modules form both group (semester 1) and individual (semester 2) activities. This prepares you for the third section of the course where you will use your advanced skills to complete an in-depth project and prepare a dissertation in the field of Advanced Mechanical Engineering. The project and dissertation stage of your course are worth a further 60 credits.

A 10-credit module typically represents 100 hours of study in total. This may involve 24–36 hours of contact time with teaching staff. The remaining hours are intended to be for private study, coursework, revision and assessment: all students are expected to spend a significant amount of time (typically 20 hours each week) studying independently. You must keep your personal tutor, project supervisor and the Teaching Office informed of any circumstances or illnesses that might affect your capacity to attend teaching or undertake assessment.

Core modules:

Advanced Mechanical Engineering Group Research Study
Advanced Mechanical Engineering Case Study
Advanced Mechanical Engineering Project

Optional modules:

Measurement Systems
Manufacturing Informatics
Fundamentals of Nanomechanics
Tribology
Artificial Intelligence
Control
Quality and Reliability
Risk and Hazard Management in the Energy Sector
Condition Monitoring, Systems Modelling and Forecasting
Management in Industry
Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 2
Energy Management
Advanced Robotics

Teaching

A wide range of teaching styles and mechanisms will be used to deliver the diverse material forming the curriculum of the programme. You will be expected to attend lectures and participate in tutorial classes. All students must complete 120 credits in Stage 1 in order to progress to the dissertation, for which they are allocated a supervisor from among the teaching staff. Dissertation topics are normally chosen from a range of project titles proposed by academic staff, usually in areas of current research interest, although you are encouraged to put forward your own project ideas.

Assessment

Achievement of learning outcomes in the classroom based modules is assessed by University examinations set in January and May/June. Predominantly examination-based assessment will be deployed in eight modules (80 credits) taken in Stage 1 of the programme. The balance between examination and coursework depends upon the modules selected, with the equivalent of up to six credits being available in coursework elements in individual modules, in addition to two double module (40-credit) case studies.

Award of an MSc requires successful completion of Stage 2, the Dissertation, with a mark of 50% or higher. Candidates achieving a 70% average may be awarded a Distinction. Candidates achieving a 60% average may be awarded a Merit. Candidates failing to qualify for an MSc may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma of Higher Education for 120 credits in Stage 1. Candidates failing to complete the 120 credits required for Stage 1 may still be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate of Higher Education for the achievement of at least 60 credits.

Career prospects

The course provides master’s level training to the standard necessary to practice as a chartered professional mechanical engineer. When you graduate you will be equipped to apply for management level roles across a broad spectrum of mechanical and related engineering fields. The material presented during the course will provide an excellent foundation for any career in mechanical engineering or related discipline.

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MSc Research by Robotics is a fast-developing discipline that combines long-established areas of electronic and mechanical engineering with the latest innovations in computing and life sciences. It's also behind a revolution in industry. Robotic devices now play a part in most sectors, particularly in defence and manufacturing, with emerging applications in personal care, medical intervention and entertainment.

Course detail

This course helps you to apply your creativity and knowledge to design and develop intelligent robots. It will provide you with the critical insight and practical skills to do exactly that, and is also fantastic preparation for a PhD in Robotics.

You'll already have a solid background in design tools, simulation techniques, software development, research methods, and the role of design in a business context. You'll also be familiar with computer-based systems for intelligent product design, development and optimisation.

You will apply your existing knowledge, understanding and creativity towards the context of your project, alongside significant independent study and using appropriate software. The course is designed to guide you towards new ways of working along with critical thinking, analysis, evaluation and problem solving skills.

Structure

The full Masters course comprises 180 credits divided into three 60 credit stages: Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Masters. Students work incrementally through the three stages and must pass all modules at each stage in order to progress to the next.

You'll undertake a substantial research project or dissertation (120 credits), plus four taught modules (15 credits each), one of which is compulsory:

• Research Investigation, Planning and Methods for Change (15 credits): An introduction to various approaches to research methodology in an engineering and technology environment. You will develop the ability to formulate research proposals, select appropriate methods of analysis and prepare and present research outcomes.

Format

You will study a range of core modules designed to enhance what you learn in your practical research training in our research centres. You'll learn through a combination of outside scheduled lectures and tutorials. You will also be encouraged to attend BRL seminars and workshops and to interact with researchers and students on other relevant robotics courses.

Assessment

We normally assess the taught component of the course through project work, assignments and examination.

Careers / Further study

The course provides an excellent route into this increasingly important area of industry, and is ideal preparation for PhD routes in robotics. We enjoy an excellent international studentship, and our alumni are active in related academic and professional roles all over the world.

The partnership between UWE Bristol and the University of Bristol has created a unique centre of excellence for engineering, in the heart of one of the UK's most important hubs for engineering industry especially in the aeronautical and electronics sectors. Bristol is a major base for companies such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Toshiba and Hewlett-Packard, with both universities enjoying close links.
The research project is assessed through a written report, your behavioural system or robot, and through presentation and discussion with a panel of experts.

How to apply

Information on applications can be found at the following link: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/study/applyingtouwebristol/postgraduateapplications.aspx

Funding

- New Postgraduate Master's loans for 2016/17 academic year –

The government are introducing a master’s loan scheme, whereby master’s students under 60 can access a loan of up to £10,000 as a contribution towards the cost of their study. This is part of the government’s long-term commitment to enhance support for postgraduate study.

Scholarships and other sources of funding are also available.

More information can be found here: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/feesandfunding/fundingandscholarships/postgraduatefunding.aspx

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The Robotics MSc allows you to gain specialist knowledge relating to robotics and automation applications by examining the integration of mechanical devices, sensors, electronics and ‘intelligent’ computer-based controllers. You will also explore the latest developments in robotics while completing research and development work for your individual research project. You will complete the course in one year, studying September to September and taking a combination of required and optional modules totalling 180 credits, including 60 credits that will come from an individual project of 15,000 words. You will study robotic systems, computer vision, sensors and actuators, real-time systems and control. There are also opportunities to explore a broad range of optional modules allowing you the freedom to develop your study pathway to reflect your interests.

Key benefits

• Unrivalled location in the heart of London giving access to major libraries and leading scientific societies, including the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution for Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
• Graduates gain experience of designing robotic devices to provide smart engineering solutions.
• Access to speakers of international repute through seminars and external lectures, enabling students to keep abreast of emerging knowledge in intelligent systems and related fields.
• Research-led individual project supervised by leading experts in their fields.
• The Department of Informatics has a reputation for delivering research-led teaching and project supervision from leading experts in their field.

Description

Robotics is a multi-disciplinary activity dealing with the integration of mechanical devices, sensors, electronics and ‘intelligent’ computer-based controllers. The programme is therefore built around core modules such as Robotic Systems, Computer Vision, Sensors and Actuators, Real Time Systems and Control, which are complemented by a wide range of optional modules. The final part of the programme is an individual project that is closely linked with the Department’s research activities.

Course purpose

For graduates in engineering or a related scientific discipline, from this programme you will gain an awareness of the latest developments in Robotics while completing research and development work for your individual research project. This will provide valuable preparation for a career in research or industry.

Course format and assessment

We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the programme. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.

You are expected to spend approximately 150 hours of effort (i.e. about 10 hours per credit) for each module you attend in your degree. These 150 hours cover every aspect of the module: lectures, tutorials, lab-based exercises, independent study based on personal and provided lecture notes, tutorial preparation and completion of exercises, coursework preparation and submission, examination revision and preparation, and examinations.

Assessment

Assessment methods will depend on the modules selected. The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations and coursework. You may also be assessed by practical laboratory examinations, laboratory reports and oral presentations.

Career destinations

Via the Department’s Careers Programme students are able to network with top employers and obtain advice on how to enhance career prospects. Our graduates have continued on to have very successful careers in industry and research, working areas such as manufacturing, automotive and aerospace. Recent employers include Cummins Inc. and Transport Alstom. 

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Gain the advanced knowledge necessary to devise innovative solutions and systems in the broad field of automation and control.

Automation and control are important aspects of modern manufacturing and utility supply. Many manufacturing assembly lines and processes utilise programmable control systems.

It is essential to equip the prospective engineer in this field with the appropriate theoretical and practical knowledge. This course will extend your skills across essential areas in the field of automation and control.

See the website http://www.napier.ac.uk/en/Courses/MSc-Automation-and-Control-Postgraduate-FullTime

[{What you'll learn]]

You’ll use your existing knowledge of engineering theory and practice as the base to build new skills in this field such as embedded systems and control system design.

Using specialist equipment in our dedicated laboratories, you’ll learn to use Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, the industry standard for the development of effective control systems.

Combined with a suitable accredited undergraduate degree, the MSc degree would then satisfy the academic requirements of the UK Engineering Council for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Modules

• Sustainable energy technologies
• Embedded system applications
• Automation and robotics
• Research skills and project management
• Control engineering
• Mechatronic systems
• MSc project

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Careers

Think of any modern manufacturing or utility supply process and you’re seeing automated assembly lines, robotic systems and programmable controls. These services need to be created, updated and maintained by skilled workers with the right qualifications. After graduation future roles include:

• automotive industries
• automation and control industries
• renewable energy industries
• engineering research
• engineering design and development
• engineering management
• engineering consultancy

How to apply

http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/how-to-apply

SAAS Funding

Nothing should get in the way of furthering your education. Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) awards funding for postgraduate courses, and could provide the help you need to continue your studies. Find out more: http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/saas-funded-courses

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