Robotics Masters/MSc

This programme is designed for graduates of numerate disciplines who also have experience of programming. You will explore theories of intelligent robotic control and software tools required to implement standard algorithms in mobile robots and robot manipulators.

This, along with the chance to learn from world leaders in their field and to develop research and transferable skills, will effectively prepare you to either work in industry or pursue a research degree in robotics.

Emmanuel Johnson

Emmanuel Johnson

MSc Robotics

“I chose the University of Birmingham because it was one of the few schools internationally that would allow me to pursue a degree specifically in Robotics. This was very important to me as most degree programmes offer Robotics as a specialty or concentration. Through those programmes, you end up taking many unnecessary courses.”

Course details

This is a one year full-time programme. You will take compulsory modules in which you will study robotics to an advanced level. You will also work on at least one mini-project. Here you will work one-to-one with one of our research-active staff to explore an area in great depth – analysing the problem and existing solutions, developing new ideas and building or evaluating prototype systems.

You will develop your skills in analysis, research, technology and also in presenting and explaining your work clearly and effectively. In addition, you will be able to take several optional taught modules from various fields. All students work on a research project in an area of robotics over the summer, again with expert one-to-one supervision.

Professor Jeremy Wyatt on the course

Why study this course

Birmingham is one of the leading universities in the country for postgraduate study in computer science, and we are proud to deliver outstanding programmes that offer a range of exciting career opportunities for students from around the world.

Why choose Birmingham?

  • State-of-the-art, multi-million-pound facilities include dedicated laboratories for Computer Science students, a teaching laboratory for Robotics, and research laboratories for Security, Medical Imaging and Intelligent Robotics
  • Our Security and Privacy Group is recognised as an EPSRC/GCHQ Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research and we have a strong collaboration with the Centre for Computational Biology (CCB)
  • The University is home to the Centre of Excellence for Research in Computational Intelligence and Applications (CERCIA), The Human-Computer Interaction Centre (HCI), and the Centre for Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Robotics (CNCR)
  • Our teaching is consistently ranked highly in all reputable league tables and guides and we have the highest possible rating from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education
  • We are ranked 8th in the UK for research, as measured by the combined volume and quality of our research (research intensity)

Award-winning development

At the School of Computer Science we are not just renowned for teaching and research excellence. We also produce novel solutions for real-world applications, including:

  • Working with Jaguar Land Rover to make their vehicles more secure
  • Contributing to the development of the Trusted Platform Module which makes many of our computers capable of secure cryptographic operations
  • Deploying autonomous, intelligent robots in security and health support facilities
  • Developing a revolutionary, award-winning method for diagnosing skin cancer

Modules

This course comprises 180 credits. In your first two semesters you will study the core compulsory modules (90 credits), and select from a wide range of optional modules (30 credits). In your final semester you will work on a research project (60 credits).

Compulsory modules

Optional modules

30 credits must be chosen, examples of optional modules are listed below:

  • Advanced Aspects of Nature Inspired Search and Optimisation (Extended) - 20 credits
  • Computer-Aided Verification (Extended) - 10 credits
  • Distributed and Parallel Computing (Extended) - 10 credits
  • Intelligent Data Analysis - 10 credits
  • Neural Computation (Extended) - 10 credits
  • Teaching Computer Science in Schools (Extended) - 10 credits
  • Second Semester Mini-Project
  • Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) 
  • Current Topics in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 

For a full list of modules available including any pre-requisite knowledge please visit the Computer Science webpage.

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees for 2019/20:

  • UK/EU students: £9,810
  • International students: £22,260

Learn more about fees and funding.

Scholarships and studentships

We offer a range of postgraduate scholarships for taught programmes and research opportunities to ensure the very best talent is nurtured and supported at postgraduate level.

Additional scholarships can be found in the funding database.

Contact the department for further information.

For further information about scholarships for our postgraduate taught programmes visit www.cs.bham.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate-taught/scholarships/

For students applying for the 2020/21 academic year

The UK Government has confirmed that EU students will continue to be eligible for 'home fee status' for entry in September 2020, and will continue to have access to financial support available via student loans for the duration of their course. For more information take a look at the gov.uk website.

Entry requirements

A 2:1 Honours in a relevant subject (eg, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Mechanical Engineering or another science or engineering subject with a significant computing content). Learn more about entry requirements. 

International students:

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries – learn more about  international entry requirements

English language

For students whose first language is not English, one of the following English language qualifications are required:

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall, with 5.5 minimum band score
  • TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing
  • PTE Academic: 51 in all four skills

Further information about postgraduate English language requirements, including alternative qualifications considered and Pre-Sessional English.

How to apply

International applicants

Please note that applications to this programme from students who are international for fees will close at midnight on 02 June 2019. Any applications that have already been submitted before 03 June will considered as normal. 

Places are still available for the MSc Computer Science programme at our Dubai Campus. Please visit this page to find out about the programme and make an application.

Applications will reopen for 2020 in October 2019. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full, early applications are encouraged.

UK/EU applicants

The application deadline is Thursday 12 September 2019. Applications will reopen for 2020 on Monday 30 September 2019.

Before you make your application

You may wish to register your interest with us to receive regular news and updates on postgraduate life within this Department and the wider University.

Making your application

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

OverviewLearning and teaching

Learning is via small lecture classes, problem-based workshops and one-to-one supervision.

There will be some group work as part of the taught modules and there may be opportunities for some industry-based projectwork. Most importantly, you will be part of a small, highly qualified group of students working closely with researchers within the Robotics lab.

Assessment is by both practical and written coursework and examination. Projects are assessed on the basis of a practical demonstration and a written report.

Course detailsEmployability

Through the course you will become a specialist in robotics. Our graduates are well equipped for software development roles in the robotics industry or research and development roles, and many go on to pursue a research degree in robotics.

University Careers Network

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge.

If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.

Learning and teaching