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Robotics with Industrial Application at Heriot-Watt University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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Course summary

Overview MSc Robotics with Industrial Application at Heriot-Watt University provides you with industry-relevant training in core elements of modern robotics and autonomous systems. This postgraduate master’s degree in Robotics is linked to the United Kingdom’s (UK's) National Robotarium and will equip you to work in industry and wider society in areas where robots can be used to improve productivity, transform transportation, work in extreme environments, and improve quality of life. Studying MSc Robotics will allow you to:

  • be trained in core robotics techniques, from basic kinematics to robot control, robot navigation, robot planning, machine vision, and human-robot interaction, and in enabling technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NPL), machine learning (ML), and Internet of Things (IoT)
  • receive an extensive training in robot programming, especially using the robotic operating system (ROS), and practical implementation of solutions on real robots
  • apply skills in various applications through major robotics projects, relevant to research and industry, and involving systems such as autonomous vehicles, underwater robots, humanoid and social robots, advanced manipulators for compliant control, and novel robot designs
  • obtain access to staff from leading research groups to mentor their development and guide their research projects
Why study robotics? Robotics and AI are seen as key technologies for the future and the subject of massive commercial investment. There is a rapidly growing worldwide demand for graduates with the technical skills and industry awareness to create an innovation pipeline from academic research to global markets in the field of robotics. Key application areas include manufacturing, assistive and medical robots, offshore energy, environmental monitoring, search and rescue, defence, and support for the aging population. Apple, Google, Uber, Amazon and Facebook all have major ongoing research programs in robotics. In the UK, Dyson, 5AI and a plethora of SMEs and start-ups are trying to grasp the huge market opportunity that is foreseen. Predictions of the worldwide economic impact of Robotics and Autonomous Systems range from US$1.7 trillion to US$4.5 trillion by 2025. Our expertise Our MSc Robotics draws upon the world class research carried out by Heriot-Watt as part of the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (CDT-RAS). The centre is leading in the UK effort to realise the potential of Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) technology, by producing a new generation of highly skilled researchers, trained to take a leading role through technical skills coupled to industry and marketing awareness. Your learning environment During your studies, you’ll benefit from and have access to our specialist equipment, software and laboratories used by professional electrical, electronic, and robotic engineers. You will have the opportunity to work on real-world problems, and work across disciplines to deliver practical solutions with global impact in our state-of-the-art GRID (Global Research Innovation and Discovery) facility. This specifically designed centre gives you access to innovative labs and facilities for electronics, electrical power, computing, embedded systems, communications, robotics, and mechanical prototyping. Accreditation Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to fully meet the CEng registration educational requirements.

Modules

Year 1 Mandatory September -Robotics Systems Science -Intelligent Robotics Optional September -Embedded Systems -Biologically Inspired Computation -Data Mining and Machine Learning -Human Robot Interaction -Internet of Things -Optimisation & Deep Learning for Imaging and Vision I Mandatory January -Machine Vision -Robotic Mechanical Systems Optional January -Embedded Software -Critical Analysis and Research Preparation -Image Processing -Conversational Agents and Spoken Language Processing -Optimisation and Deep Learning for Imaging and Vision II -Systems Thinking and Analysis -Research Methods and Project Planning Year 2 Optional May -MSc Project -Masters Project and Dissertation Mandatory AY -Industrial Placement for Engineering and Physical Sciences -Entrepreneurship & Creativity

Assessment method

You will be assessed by coursework, exams, and your research project, and will receive support and feedback throughout the programme.

How to apply

International applicants

If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Entry requirements

A first class or upper second honours degree in mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science or other relevant disciplines with a numerate background and sufficient computer programming experience. Equivalent overseas qualifications will also be considered. We can consider a 2:2 in relevant subject areas in conjunction with 3 or more years of relevant work experience. We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details. English language requirements If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5. If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £12344 Year 1
Northern Ireland £12344 Year 1
Scotland £12344 Year 1
Wales £12344 Year 1
International £28056 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Fees are payable for each year of this degree. Fees for second year (Industry Placement), UK and overseas: £3,000.

Sponsorship information

Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

Robotics with Industrial Application at Heriot-Watt University - UCAS