Edinburgh Napier University

MSc Robotics and Autonomous Systems Engineering

This exciting course is suitable for engineering, computing, and physical science graduates who are interested in working in areas where robots are used for many important applications including industrial manufacturing, transport, logistics, automobile manufacture, autonomous driving, space exploration, surveillance, emergency, and rescue, education and health care. The adoption of robots in industries worldwide has increased significantly in recent years. With current innovations and the rate of growth, we will likely see robots replace many manual tasks and generate opportunities for more qualified jobs.

This MSc will cover two major aspects (hardware and software) of robotics and autonomous systems. The two core modules (Wireless Sensors and Mobile Communications and Automation and Robotics) aim to cover three components of autonomous robots: sensors, controllers, and actuators. The other two core modules (IoT and Autonomous Systems and Advanced Embedded Systems) aim to cover the theoretical fundamentals and practical applications of decision-making, problem-solving, and learning abilities in software tools used for robots.

This course consists of five compulsory core modules and two optional modules.

Core Modules

• Automation and Robotics (MEC11107)
• Wireless Sensors and Mobile Communications (ELE11119)
• IoT and Autonomous Systems (ELE11118)
• Advanced Embedded Systems (ELE11120)
• MSc Project (ENG11100)

Optional Modules

Two modules are to be selected from the following list.

• Human-Robot Interaction (CSI11102)
• Modelling and Computation for Smart Places (ELE11117)
• Network Security (CSN11111)
• Research Through Design (CSI11101)
• Mechatronic Systems (MEC11114)
• Research Skills and Project Management (MEC11117)

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

• Advanced Embedded Systems ( ELE11120 )
• Automation and Robotics ( MEC11107 )
• Introduction to Human-Robot Interaction ( CSI11102 )
• IoT and Autonomous Systems ( ELE11118 )
• MSc Project ( ENG11100 )
• Mechatronic Systems ( MEC11114 )
• Modelling and Computation for Smart Places ( ELE11117 )
• Network Security ( CSN11111 )
• Research Skills and Project Management ( MEC11117 )
• Research Through Design ( CSI11101 )
• Wireless Sensors and Mobile Communications ( ELE11119 )

*These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Assessments

A wide range of assessment methods is used, including traditional exams, coursework, oral presentations, critical self-assessments, scientific literature, and group projects. Coursework provides opportunities for independent study, enhancing student knowledge and experience, and analysis and problem-solving. These activities are supported by tutorials, seminars, and class projects. The MSc project integrates a range of transferable skills engineering knowledge and expertise.

This course is technology-focused and will create several opportunities for acquiring and applying technical skills and expertise in robotics and autonomous systems. This one-year postgraduate degree will equip its graduates with skills that will be of immediate use and will also develop them for senior technical and research leadership roles in the future. With the growing demand for highly skilled professionals within worldwide market manufacturers, completing this course will provide a distinctive skill set that graduates will find useful in securing employment globally.

From manufacturing units to experimental robotics for medical, military, and automotive industries, the future of robotics finds tremendous opportunities for its budding professionals. Robotics Engineering is considered a high-end professional career worldwide. A Robotic engineer can be employed in manufacturing plants, laboratories, medical fields, mining, the automation sector, life sciences, aerospace engineering, agricultural engineering, etc. There is a great demand for robotic engineers in the gaming industry and manufacturing units as well. This field can offer jobs like service and repair as well as designing and creating interfaces and systems. It’s a multi-disciplinary field with growing opportunities as the industry expands.

This MSc can provide career opportunities, including jobs in the automotive industry, aerospace industry, medical robots, offshore energy, and advanced industrial quality control.

There are two trimesters of taught modules, followed by an individual MSc project during the third trimester. You will study six taught modules. A standard module is equivalent to 200 hours of learning and on successful completion of each module you will achieve 20 credits towards your chosen award.

This is a full-time course and is split up into three trimesters. You can choose to start in either January or September.

Duration:

• September starts: 12 months
• January starts: 15 months with a three-month break over the summer (after the first taught trimester)