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Robotics at Heriot-Watt University - UCAS

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2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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Course summary

Overview of Programme MSc Robotics at Heriot-Watt University provides you with industry-relevant training in core elements of modern robotics and autonomous systems. This one-year 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 (Artificial Intelligence) 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 Small and Medium Enterprises (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 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. Industry The prevalence of industry and research, through the National Robotarium and the CDT-RAS, on campus means that your learning will be directly informed by current and emerging trends, technologies and techniques as used by professional robotics and autonomous systems academics. As a result, you’ll gain the right blend of knowledge, practical skills, and soft skills to set you up for life after graduation.

Modules

Mandatory courses: Robotic Mechanical Systems

  • Machine Vision
  • Robotics Systems Science
- Intelligent Robotics

Assessment method

Coursework, Exams, Dissertation.

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.

English language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.

HWU English Language Requirements

https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £10736 Whole course
Northern Ireland £10736 Whole course
Scotland £10736 Whole course
Wales £10736 Whole course
EU £26976 Whole course
International £26976 Whole course
Channel Islands £26976 Whole course
Republic of Ireland £26976 Whole course

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

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Sponsorship information

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. View our full range of postgraduate scholarship on our website.

Robotics at Heriot-Watt University - UCAS