Mechatronics and Robotics MEng, BEng

Robotics is at the forefront of progression across a whole host of large industries globally including transport, healthcare, entertainment and energy. The demand for unique and innovative advances in technologies to deliver sustainable solutions for the future is evergrowing — meaning mechatronics and robotics couldn’t be more relevant than they are today.

This multidisciplinary course is delivered alongside the Schools of Mechanical Engineering and Computing and 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.

Here at Leeds, our mechatronics and robotics courses are quality assured, being industrially accredited by two separate institutions: The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). This means that you will graduate with an industry-recognised qualification that will set you apart when it comes to pursuing your career.

You’ll also have access to cutting-edge research being carried out in the EPSRC National Facility for Innovative Robotic Systems, alongside industry-standard software and lab facilities, right here on campus. Additionally, we offer exciting opportunities like studying abroad and industrial work placements to ensure you have the best grounding to head out into the professional world.

Why study at Leeds:

• Take advantage of the School’s world-leading research here at Leeds. With over 100 years of research history, our research activity has been responsible for engineering new technologies and creating pioneering industry-driven developments, many of which have impacted an array of industrial sectors.
• Experience expertise teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics and researchers at the forefront of the industry who specialise in robotics and a variety of other product engineering disciplines.
• Enjoy a more practical approach to learning, with access to our specialist facilities during your project work, including lecture theatres and labs featuring industry-standard equipment and the latest technology.
• Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with our paid industrial work placement opportunities. Our close industry links have given previous students the chance to work at — and build professional relationships with — major organisations such as Amazon, Rolls-Royce and Sony.
• Gain invaluable life experience and advance your personal development with our exciting study abroad programmes, spanning across universities worldwide.
• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our electrical and electronic engineering society ShockSoc where you can meet more of your coursemates, attend high-quality technical visits, enjoy social events and get the chance to put theory into practice by building a fighting robot.

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Accreditation

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.

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.

This multidisciplinary course gives you the chance to broaden your knowledge and skills, exploring many exciting aspects of electronics, mechanical design and artificial intelligence.

You’ll learn the fundamental concepts of the field, alongside new innovations currently trending in the field of mechatronics and robotics.

You can choose to study either the four-year Integrated Masters (MEng, BEng) or the three-year Bachelor’s (BEng) degree. It’s also possible to transfer to the four-year Integrated Masters (MEng, BEng) degree up until the end of your second year.

Years 1 and 2

You’ll study a wide variety of core modules in your first two years, giving you a solid foundation across different disciplines. Topics may include circuit theory, analysis and design, digital electronics, programming, artificial intelligence, 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.

Year 3

You’ll build on your knowledge in a more specialised direction. You may study machine learning and key issues in robotics and machine intelligence, as well as choosing from modules that apply your knowledge to areas such as electric machines and additive manufacturing. An individual project will allow you to focus on an engineering problem in depth.

Year 4 (MEng)

You’ll be introduced to different applications of robotics and mechatronics and benefit from an even broader choice of modules. You could focus on power electronics and drives, medical electronics and E-health, or aerial robotics amongst others. You’ll also develop your understanding of the industry through a major individual project, and complete a substantial team project.

You’ll have the opportunity to work with your supervisors throughout the project, who’ll be experts in their particular research area.

Recent projects include:

• Autonomous search-and-rescue robot
• Quadrocopter surveillance drone
• Multiple antenna transmission and OFDMA for WiMax
• Surgical inspection robot
• Assistive exoskeletons

Project work

Every year of your 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.

One-year optional work placement or study abroad

To advance your skill set and boost your experience, you can apply to take up an industrial placement or study abroad at one of the many universities we’re in partnership with worldwide. Both of these options will extend your degree by 12 months.

Engineering ethics

Ethics plays an integral role in the engineering practices of today, which is why you’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course. You’ll be taught by academics from the Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre, as well as your lecturers, covering a wide range of topics such as professionalism and codes of conduct, corporate social responsibility, engineering and responsibility, ethics in innovation and research ethics.

The ethics training will advance your critical thinking, communication and creative problem-solving skills which are crucial to employers, but it will also help you identify and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas that you may encounter in your professional life in the engineering industry.

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Mechatronics and Robotics MEng, BEng in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Learning and teaching

As an engineering student at Leeds, we ensure that you benefit from a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, small group tutorials and practical lab work.

Laboratory classes and project work allows 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, key practical skills and transferable skills that will help you secure a graduate job. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

You’ll be assigned an academic personal tutor to guide you through your studies, and you’ll receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme. Peer mentors are students who are on your course but are in Years Two or Three. They’ll help you when you arrive at University and throughout your first year. You’ll meet your peer mentors during your first week for a social activity.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Watch our taster lecture to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• Why do we need 5G and IoT?

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

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

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 (EPQ), International Project Qualification (IPQ) and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (ASCC): We recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, and where an applicant offers an A in the EPQ, IPQ or ASCC 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. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

• 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.

• 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.

  Please note – there may be different requirements for the older QCF BTEC’s, please contact Admissions.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, D3, D3 including Mathematics.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall with 18 points at Higher level to include 5 in HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or 6 in HL Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2, including Mathematics.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AA at Advanced Higher level, including Mathematics and AABBB at Higher Level.

• 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.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB including Mathematics and dependant on successful completion of the Access to Leeds Scheme.

For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

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. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK 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.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

UK: £9,250

International: £27,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee 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 undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.

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.

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.

Because of the nature of the industry, the demand for high calibre engineering graduates is huge and far-reaching, with the potential to take you all over the world.

University of Leeds students are also among the top five most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2022, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Qualifying with a degree in mechatronic and robotics from Leeds will set you up with the core foundations you need to pursue an exciting career across a wide range of industries, including:

• Energy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Healthcare
• Transport
• Construction
• Utilities
• Automotive
• Gaming
• Telecommunications
• Electronics and technology
• Manufacturing

The breadth of knowledge and experience, along with the teamwork, design, problem-solving, communication and numerical and analytical skills taught on the course are widely transferable and desirable to a whole host of employers.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our graduates have obtained:

• Consultant, Accenture
• Graduate Systems Engineer, ABB
• Operations Area Manager, Amazon
• System Design Lead, BAE Systems
• Instrumentation and Protective System Engineer, BP
• RDD Manager, Dyson Ltd
• Systems Engineer, Emerson Electric
• Teacher, Ministry of Education
• Race Engineer, Redbull F1
• Senior Software Developer, Yorkshire Water Services Ltd
• Quality Assurance Engineer, Toshiba
• Principal Engineer, JCB
• Vehicle Systems Manager, BAE Systems
• Mechatronics Engineer, ALTINAY Robot Technologies Inc.

Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our students are working.

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You will be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you will be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

The graduate recruitment market is highly competitive so it’s important that you stand out. An industrial placement could be the opportunity you need to impress potential employers and improve your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• All placements are salaried
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability

If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• Electrical Engineering Intern, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited
• Electronics Student Placement, Red Bull Technology Limited
• Hardware Engineering Intern, GE Aviation Systems Limited
• Technical Program Management Intern, Amazon UK Services Ltd
• PE - Electronics & Complex Systems - Undergraduate, Jaguar Land Rover
• Software Intern, Sony
• Undergraduate Applications/Support Engineer, Beckhoff Automation Limited
• Game/XR Production Intern, Unity Software Ltd
• Placement student in the Integrated Components & Solutions team, Caterpillar Inc.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.