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Mechatronics and Robotics BEng Honours

Learn how to design robots and Artificial Intelligence and get ready for an innovative career in Tech
Code
H712
Start
September 2024
Duration
3 years
Attendance
Full-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Quoc-Tuan Vien

The BEng Mechatronics and Robotics programme offers a strong understanding of Artificial Intelligence, automation systems, Industrial Internet of Things as well as mechatronics for real-time systems through practice-based learning.

Why choose Mechatronics and Robotics BEng at Middlesex?

Learn how to build robots and design machines which are functional and efficient. Studying both robotics and mechatronics will give you a greater understanding of both engineering roles and their connections.

Get to grips with the latest digital systems and software being used and gain a strong understanding of Artificial Intelligence, automation systems, the Industrial Internet of Things and mechatronics for real-time systems.

Guided by guest lecturers and experienced engineers and designers you will receive support to work on real-world projects, build your own professional portfolio and network with the industry.

Collaborating closely in teams, you will develop confident communication skills, and problem-solving skills required to develop projects quickly within a fast-paced industry.

Our north London location gives you access to industry contacts, work experience opportunities and the chance to showcase your work at design engineering competitions. You will also have the option to work in the industry with a paid, year-long work placement.

What you will gain

Our degree opens up career opportunities wherever engineering automation is involved.

You will have gained get a broad understanding of robotics, design, electronics, mechatronics and networking solutions. And you will have developed confident interpersonal and communication skills, problem-solving and teamwork skills required by the industry.

Our graduates leave fully equipped with the technical and analytical skills they need to secure jobs in this growing field.

This degree will be accredited by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) as we've done successfully with our other engineering programmes.

We have over 145 years of experience delivering professional, creative and technical education that prepares students – like you – for success in global careers, so find out more today.

Accreditations

We are seeking accreditation by the Institution of Engineering Designers (IED). Meeting the requirements of the IED will mean this degree will fully meet the academic standards of Chartered Engineer (CEng), which enables you to apply for CEng status after gaining suitable experience in an engineering role.

What you will learn

To get a broad understanding of robotics, design, electronics, mechatronics and networking solutions, you will explore all aspects of engineering

Most of your learning will be project-led in specialist labs and workshops in the Ritterman Building. It is equipped with industry-leading equipment where you can develop your practical skills in areas that interest you.

Using the latest hardware and software, including LabVIEW, MATLAB, SolidWorks, NX and STEP-7, you will also learn to develop systems that control physical motion – such as the ones you’ll find in robotic applications and industrial automation.

The course provides a range of practical skills and knowledge required for mechatronics and robotics engineering, including how to engineer systems and develop sensory processing for autonomous robotics.

You will extend your learning, skills and experience by:

  • Entering prestigious design engineering competitions to enhance your experience and career prospects
  • A series of weekly guest lectures delivered by some of the UK's leading design experts and companies
  • An optional year-long work placement allowing you to solve and reflect up real-world problems and gain industry experience.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • A placement year
    Gain valuable work experience and start making connections through a one-year placement and work experience
  • State of the art facilities
    Study in our new Ritterman Building, using industry-standard equipment in electronics, mechatronics, robotics and networking solutions
  • Learn on the latest software
    You will use the latest software including LabVIEW, SolidWorks and STEP-7.

This is a three year full-time degree. Your full-time study years are structured like this:

Year 1

All of our engineering courses share a common first year of study. This allows you to get a grounding in all aspects of engineering. Then depending on your interests, you can then continue with this course or transfer to the BEng Design Engineering degree.

Year 2

You will specialise in the area of automation; learning how to model, simulate, design and programme a wide range of mechatronics and robotic systems while gaining an in-depth experience of the industry-specific software architectures used for complex industrial systems.

Year 3

You will learn how to build and analyse in-depth mechatronic and robotic systems. You'll develop the practical skills needed to apply AI and machine learning methods/algorithms in different types of autonomous robots for practical applications. You'll also have the opportunity to apply what you have learned throughout the programme in the major project.

Modules

  • Year 1

    • Design Engineering Projects 1 (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module will develop knowledge and understanding of a range of modelling and prototyping processes and techniques in order for students to successfully complete a number of projects. They will learn to use a range of tools to accomplish this. The projects will require students to develop and use a variety of problem solving skills and to utilise knowledge gained from other taught modules.

    • Fundamentals of Electronics (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The aim of this module is to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of electronics. Students will develop a range of practical skills, attitudes and techniques required to construct electronic circuits successfully.

    • Programming Paradigms for Physical Computing (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to expose students to the fundamentals of computing and programming paradigms, and enable students to write computer programmes in response to a given brief which respond to software and physical devices and processes.

    • Engineering Mathematics and its Applications (30 credits) - Compulsory

      The module aims to provide students with the mathematical knowledge and tools to model and understand particular problems in engineering, and to interpret these results to provide information relevant to designs and decisions they will make as engineers.

  • Year 2

    • Engineering in Context (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to explore and demonstrate the role and responsibilities of the engineer in various contexts outside their subject specialism. These would cover issues such as recognising obligations to society, the profession, the environment and commitment to professional standards. The module will also cover other wider issues such as materials and their impact on the environmental factors, ethics, EDI in a workplace, globalisation (global manufacturing, operating in global markets, cultural issues, financial concerns, risk etc) and its impact on business operations.

    • Control Systems (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to provide knowledge and understanding of control systems and explains the principles of feedback control. The module also develops the student’s ability to analyse techniques for designing and modelling controllers to solve real world problems based on block diagrams and transfer functions and to use such techniques in the context of engineering design.

    • Robotic Systems (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to provide knowledge and practical skills in robotic systems. Students will acquire the knowledge to formally describe a robotic system so they can use robotic frameworks to make calculations about a robots movement. They will learn the differences between mobile robots and manipulators, the similarities and differences in the problems that need to be solved when using them, as well as techniques to combine them and use them together. Students will gain experience using robot simulators, and physical hardware, and widen their experience of the sensors used with them.

    • Mechatronic Systems (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to provide knowledge and understanding of the broad aspects of digital enterprise solutions. The module will develop the student’s ability to analyse and critique mechatronics systems with a view to optimising such systems with the use of digital twin modelling and the integration of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) infrastructure.

  • Year 3

    • Mechatronics and Industrial Internet of Things (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to develop understanding of the concepts and theory of operation that lie behind mechatronic devices and systems, and gain experiential understanding of the effect that design has on these devices through construction, programming, demonstration and analysis. The module also develops realisable solutions to real world situations and needs, practical capability in the design and realisation of mechatronic systems using appropriate hardware and software along with a wider knowledge of application of mechatronics in the real world.

    • Artificial Intelligence in Robotics (30 credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to provide students with knowledge and practical skills of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques used in robotics. The module will cover different types of autonomous robots in a variety of fields and applications. Students will acquire knowledge and practical skills on robot sensory processing, particularly vision, and on the use of machine learning methods and algorithms, and how these are applied to real life autonomous robotic applications.

    • Major Project (60 credits) - Compulsory

      This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake a major piece of self-directed engineering design using the knowledge and skills learnt throughout the programme. Students are expected to provide a significant personal contribution to all phases of the engineering design and development process, appropriate to the goals of their programme.

To find out more about this course, please download the Mechatronics & Robotics specification (PDF).

We review our courses regularly to improve your experience and graduate prospects so modules may be subject to change.

  1. Teaching and independent learning
  2. Assessment and feedback

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can the Mechatronics & Robotics BEng support your career?

This course opens the door to a variety of career options. Our degree prepares you for work in both mechatronics and robotics engineering as well as several areas including design engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering.

We encourage you to develop a commercial approach to engineering via supported live projects with industrial partners. You could be working in a variety of sectors from manufacturing to agriculture, transport healthcare and defence to space exploration.

Graduate job roles

Below are just a few examples of the types of careers that you could pursue after graduating with us:

Automation engineer

An automation engineer’s role may include designing, programming, simulating and testing automated machinery and processes to complete a task precisely.

Mechanical engineer
A mechanical engineer works on the design, development and maintenance of mechanical components, systems and machinery. A mechanical engineer can work in a range of industries where mechanical systems are used.

Design and development engineer
A design engineer’s role includes researching and developing ideas for new products and systems, and improving those that already exist. Design engineers work in a wide range of industries on a variety of products and services.

CAD technician/officer for BIM or PD
A computer-aided-design (CAD) technician/officer uses software to develop design plans such as floor plans, buildings plans and exhibition layouts as part of the Building Information Management (BIM) system. CAD specialists may also work on product designs (PD) which are then sent to engineers to create prototypes.

Electrical engineer
Electrical engineers work on designing and developing electrical products and components. This can include electrical machinery, control systems and equipment in a number of industries from transport, to telecommunications, to the armed forces.

Graduate employers

As a BEng Mechatronics & Robotics graduate, you will have excellent career prospects.

Some of our graduates have gone on to work at Titan Motorsport, Ashridge Engineering, Tevva eTrucks and more. Many have started their own business in engineering design and/or production and be a part of the automation boom. Some graduates also choose to continue further their studies, and this degree has provided a strong foundation for this work.

Transferable skills

  • Problem-solving – think critically and creatively in order to find solutions that are both effective and efficient
  • Communication – explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise way
  • Teamwork – collaborating effectively with others in order to achieve common goals.
  • Leadership – to motivate and inspire others, and to make sound decisions under pressure.

MDXworks

Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:

The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023 

A top 10 university for producing CEOs  – Novuana, 2023

MDXcelerator Student Start-Up Support

Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

Work placements

Placements and internships can greatly improve your future job prospects after you graduate. They usually boost your confidence and academic results by giving you the opportunity to practice what have learned in a professional setting.

You can opt to extend this degree course by a year (without paying additional tuition fees) and spend your third year doing a paid work placement of between 36 and 48 weeks, which we will help you to find.

By making a good impression during your placement year, you greatly increase your chances of securing a job with the company after graduation.

Our specialist employability service will also help you find placement opportunities.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year.

UK students1

Full-time: £9,250

International students2

Full-time students: £16,600

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free access to everything on your reading list
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Scholarships and bursaries

To help ensure uni is affordable, we’re doing everything we can to support our students.

  • The MDX Student Starter Kit can help some students with up to £1,000 of goods including a new laptop or iPad.
  • Our MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students.
  • Our Regional or International Merit Awards reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Dr Quoc-Tuan Vien
Programme leader

Dr Vien joined the Department in 2013 and is currently the programme leader of BEng Design Engineering/Mechatronics & Robotics programmes. He is actively involved in research areas related to signal processing, wireless communications and networking.

Dr Eris Chinellato

Dr Chinellato has expertise in autonomous robotics, artificial intelligence, computational modelling and cognitive sciences. He is also the programme leader for MSc Robotics.

Dr Tao Geng

Dr Geng is actively involved in several research projects in the areas of intelligent robots, soft robotics, and medical robotics with emphasis on legged robotics and neuromorphic robotics.

Dr Vaibhav Gandhi

Dr Gandhi is involved in research areas as brain-computer interfaces, biomedical signal processing, use-centric graphical user interfaces, assistive robotics and Traffic prediction models to build an Intelligent Transport system.

  • Aniket Saxena

    BEng Mechatronics

    Mechatronics is a very hands-on course with many projects and laboratory experiments. There are many advanced modern-day facilities and resources at university that build up the learning experience as a student advances. This course also provides a wide understanding of various fields like programming, product design and electronics. The best part is the 3D engineering workshop with multiple large-scale engineering machines and students have free access to these mighty beasts. Throughout my study, I have taken multiple ideas from paper into working prototypes. This was possible because the course teaches everything from ideation, design, prototyping to the more technical side of things like mathematics, control systems, and programming. Overall, Mechatronics is a very fun and creative course to take on at Middlesex University.

  • Devarsh Ketulkumar Patel

    BEng Mechatronics

    I have worked on quite a few workshop projects which I have thoroughly enjoyed. The course has the adequate mix of theoretical and practical experience involved with it. The course also offers the opportunity to work on automation and control of some complex systems in theory and apply them in the projects. I have thoroughly enjoyed the way of learning is based on understanding theory first and then work in a project to have an experience of it in real-life world. The laser-cutting machine, lathe machine and 3-D printers are very useful for the students to understand how things work in reality. The professors in the course have an excellent teaching technique to make sure the students gain something after every lecture.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

Other courses

Design Engineering BEng

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years full-time with placement

Code: H150

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