Turning my passions into a career through a Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering degree at Middlesex

Rekindling a childhood dream

My journey to engineering was not as straightforward as you might expect. Before studying Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering, I had applied to study Pharmacy twice and received offers both times. However, both times I found myself questioning whether it was really what I wanted to do. Although pharmacy is a respected profession, I realised it was not something I was genuinely passionate about.

When I thought back to the times I had most enjoyed learning, one memory stood out above everything else. As a child in Year 4 in Iran, I took part in robotics classes and robot combat competitions. I still remember spending entire days building and improving my robot, completely losing track of time. I would work from morning until night without even thinking about food or anything else around me. I was fully focused on creating something that worked better than it did the day before. Looking back, that was probably the first sign that engineering was what I truly wanted to pursue.

Why robotics at Middlesex?

When it came time to choose a university, I found that only a small number of universities in London offered degrees related to robotics. After comparing the available options, I decided to join Middlesex University because its Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering course offered a combination of robotics, automation, electronics, programming and mechanical engineering. I felt that studying Mechatronics alongside Robotics would give me a broader skill set and open more opportunities in the future.

From my first year, I knew that I had made the right decision. The course combined theory with practical work, allowing us to apply what we learned through laboratory sessions, projects and engineering challenges. As the years progressed, I became increasingly interested in automation and control systems.

Passionate lecturers

A turning point came during my second year when we began studying more advanced mechatronics and automation modules. I found the subjects fascinating, but what had an even bigger impact on me was seeing the enthusiasm and passion our lecturers had for the material they were teaching. Their passion for engineering made me even more motivated to learn and develop my own skills.

By my third year, I realised that although I had originally chosen the course because of robotics, I had developed an even stronger interest in the mechatronics and automation side of engineering. I particularly enjoyed working with PLCs, industrial control systems, automation software and digital manufacturing technologies.

Hands on learning

My final year project allowed me to bring together everything I had learned throughout my degree. I designed and developed an automated order handling system using FESTO modular stations, Siemens NX Mechatronics Concept Designer, TIA Portal and PLCSIM Advanced. The project involved creating a digital twin of an automated production system capable of automatically sorting, storing and retrieving workpieces. I also designed and implemented a custom turning station to detect and correct incorrectly oriented parts before they entered the storage process.

The project challenged me to apply skills from multiple areas of engineering, including PLC programming, automation design, virtual commissioning, system integration, troubleshooting and digital twin development. It was incredibly rewarding to see the system evolve from an initial concept into a fully functioning solution.

Building confidence

One of the proudest moments of my university journey was being selected as the recipient of the Didactic Services Student Project Award. Having my work recognised by industry professionals was a great honour and reinforced the confidence I have gained throughout my time at Middlesex.

Looking back, Middlesex University gave me much more than a degree. It helped me discover where my true passion lies, provided access to industry-standard technologies and allowed me to develop the practical skills needed for a career in engineering. As I prepare to graduate, I feel confident, motivated and excited for the next chapter of my professional journey.

About the author

Arash Bazrafshan graduated from BEng Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering in 2026 and received the Didactic Services Student Project Award.

Find out more about the BEng Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering course at Middlesex University.