(Full time) 2020 start
Mechatronics and Robotics MEng, BEng
Overview
Mechatronics integrates electronics with mechanical design to create intelligent systems. The transport, health, entertainment and service industries are among many that are benefiting from advances in the field.
This unique multidisciplinary course offers you the opportunity to study the most exciting aspects of electronics, mechanical design and artificial intelligence and apply them to the design and manufacture of sophisticated intelligent systems.
It’s delivered jointly by the schools of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computing, building on the cutting-edge research being carried out in the EPSRC National Facility for Innovative Robotic Systems, which we host on campus. You’ll use industry-standard software and lab facilities and undertake project work in every year, equipping you with the knowledge and skills for a professional career in this exciting sector.
We're Top 5 in the UK for Electrical and Electronic Engineering according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, Guardian University league table and the Complete University Guide 2020.
You can choose to take either the four-year Integrated Masters (MEng, BEng) or the three-year Bachelor’s (BEng) degree on this course.
Find out more about the MEng, BEng and BEng.
The £5 million EPSRC National Facility for Innovative Robotic Systems specialises in assistive robotics, surgical technologies, exploration robotics and smart cities. This research feeds directly into teaching, meaning you can benefit from access to the latest developments in your subject.
Find out more about the EPSRC National Facility for Innovative Robotic Systems.
Specialist facilities
You’ll have the chance to gain experience of a wide range of industry-standard software and hardware, including ABB industrial robot arms, RobotStudio, LabVIEW in the National Instruments Academy, SolidWorks3D design in the CAD suite, and electronic design and testing in the Keysight Technologies laboratory and the ARM Embedded Systems laboratory.
Accreditation
Institute of Mechanical Engineers
This course is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.
Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students. An accredited mechanical engineering course must meet the quality standards set by the IMechE.
The MEng, BEng course is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Once you have graduated with your MEng degree, you will usually be required to have a minimum of three years industrial experience before you can apply for your chartered status.
The BEng is accredited as partially satisfying the educational base for CEng status. A course of accredited further learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng.
Institution of Engineering and Technology
The MEng, BEng is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
The BEng is accredited by the IET on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students. For this course, these are the quality standards set by the IET.
Course content
You’ll study a wide variety of core modules in your first two years, giving you a solid foundation across different disciplines. Topics will include circuit theory, analysis and design, digital electronics, solid mechanics, design and manufacture, embedded systems and power electronics, among others. You’ll also see how mechanics, electronics, computer engineering and intelligent control can come together in the development of mechatronics and robotic systems.
In Year 3 you’ll develop this knowledge in a more specialised direction. You’ll study embedded systems and key issues in robotics and machine intelligence, as well as choosing from optional modules that apply your knowledge to areas such as computer vision or biomedical engineering design. An individual project will allow you to focus on an engineering problem in depth.
If you continue to Year 4 for the MEng qualification, you’ll be introduced to different applications of robotics and mechatronics and benefit from an even broader choice of optional modules. You could focus on automotive driveline engineering, machine learning, electric drives or medical robotics among others. You’ll also develop your understanding of the industry through a dissertation, and complete a substantial team project.
Projects
Every year of the course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem-solving, communication and teamwork.
Find out more about projects.
Engineering ethics
You’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of your study. Visit our engineering ethics webpage to find out more.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Programming for the Web 10 credits
- Circuit Analysis and Design 20 credits
- Communications for Robotics 10 credits
- Digital Electronics and Microcontrollers 20 credits
- Engineering Mathematics 10 credits
- Further Engineering Mathematics 10 credits
- Electronic Design Project 10 credits
- Introduction to Mechatronics and Robotics 10 credits
- Mechanics for Mechatronics and Robotics 20 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Artificial Intelligence 10 credits
- Electronic Circuit Design 10 credits
- Power Electronics 10 credits
- Control Systems 10 credits
- Embedded Systems Project 20 credits
- Microprocessors and Programmable Logic 20 credits
- Sensors, Actuators and Mechanisms 20 credits
- Design & Manufacture for Mechatronics & Robotics 20 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- Professional Studies 10 credits
- Embedded Systems 20 credits
- Individual Engineering Project 50 credits
- Robotics and Machine Intelligence 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Intelligent Systems and Robotics 20 credits
- Electric Machines 10 credits
- Electric Power Systems 10 credits
- Biomedical Engineering Design 20 credits
- Vehicle Design and Analysis 20 credits
Year 4
Compulsory modules
- Modern Industry Practice 15 credits
- Team Project 60 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Bio-Inspired Computing 15 credits
- Power Electronics and Drives 15 credits
- FPGA Design for System-on-Chip 15 credits
- Control Systems Design 15 credits
- Embedded Microprocessor System Design 15 credits
- Medical Electronics and E-Health 15 credits
- Aerial Robotics 15 credits
- Biomechatronics and Medical Robotics 15 credits
Broadening your academic horizons
At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. On this course you broaden your learning through core and/or optional modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
You’ll benefit from our integrated style of learning and teaching. Laboratory classes, project work, and industrial visits allow you to gain first-hand experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real life work situations. Together they will equip you with in-depth knowledge and key practical skills that will put you in a good position to compete in science and technology-related careers. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.
Our personal tutorial system will provide academic and pastoral support. You will have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds. He or she will be an academic member of staff: you will have weekly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first year, in your tutor group (of typically 5 students), as well as one-to-one meetings twice per semester.
In addition, our excellent student support team is based close to where you’ll work and study to help with anything from academic advice to timetabling and project submission enquiries.
Assessment
Most modules are assessed by more than one component. These components can include written examinations held at the end of each year, in-class and online tests, example sheets, assignments, and coursework in the form of reports, projects, presentations and posters.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA including Mathematics.
Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.
Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.
Extended Project Qualification - We recognise the value, effort and enthusiasm applicants make in the Extended Project, and where an applicant offers an A in the EPQ we may make an offer of AAB at A-Level (any required subjects such as Mathematics must still be at grade A).
GCSE: English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, with Distinction - to include Mathematics, Calculus, Further Calculus and Physics – plus a diagnostic maths test.
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BTEC
DDD with Distinctions in all Mathematics units plus grade A in A Level Maths. Mathematics units must usually include Further Maths and/or other appropriate Maths units. Some may be optional on your BTEC but are required by the Faculty. Please contact us for further information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, D3 including Mathematics.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall, with 18 points at higher level to include 5 points in Mathematics.
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2, including Mathematics.
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AA at Advanced Higher level, including Mathematics and AABBB at Higher Level.
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Other Qualifications
Engineering Diploma: A (plus A level Mathematics at grade A or above).
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Applicant days
Suitable applicants will be invited to an applicant day, for which we strongly encourage attendance as this gives you the opportunity to meet our students, academic and admissions staff, and find out more about your course. You’ll take part in a practical electronics activity, see a taster lecture, have a question and answer session with current students, and see the School’s laboratories. The school foyer will have student projects on display so you can get an idea of what you can work towards in the future.
During the day you’ll get a chance to ask questions of an academic member of staff to check it’s the right course for you and your career plans and find out more about studying at the University of Leeds.
After you apply we will send you a link to book your place on the applicant day. Please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend, so your place can be allocated to another applicant.
Please note, if the entry requirements for your qualification include a diagnostic mathematics test, attendance at an applicant day is required.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Policy
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £23,750 (per year)
Tuition fees for 2020 entry
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Scholarships
The School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering awards a range of scholarships.
Career opportunities
Graduates are in great demand, with exciting career opportunities in an exceptionally wide range of industry sectors such as manufacturing, energy, transport, healthcare, security and defence, aerospace, emergency services, agriculture, even the entertainment and creative industries.
You will find our graduates in positions such as graduate engineers, development engineers and project engineers within organisations such as the Government Communication Service Headquarters (GCHQ), JN Bentley, Oilger Towler Ltd, Airbus UK, Avesta, Crosslee PLC, ABB Ltd, Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), Ricardo, APV Baker, Toshiba, S.K Robotics, Microlab Devices, Unilever and Jacobs Engineering.
Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our students are working.
Careers support
You’ll have access to our dedicated Employability team, located centrally in our Employability Suite, who will provide you with specialist face-to-face support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and year-in-industry placements, as well as graduate positions.
You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, ongoing support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers. The team also works closely with the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Find out more about careers support and employability
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
If you choose to take the MEng course, you can apply to spend your third year studying at a university overseas. We’ll advise you on finding a university of your choice, which will need to offer similar modules to the ones you would study in Leeds, and the Programme Leader will approve appropriate matches.
Find out more about Study abroad.
Work placements
With the help and support of our faculty Employability Team, you can choose to undertake a placement at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your degree by 12 months and on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your unique expertise to future employers.
Find out more about work placements.