A student experiments with the Sawyer robot.

BEng (Hons) Intelligent Automation & Robotics

Develop specialist engineering skills in modern control systems, industrial automation techniques and robotics, while discovering how intelligent automation has transformed modern manufacturing and the utility supply process.

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      • Studying Abroad Option Available
      • Sandwich Year Option Available
      • International Students Can Apply
      • Work Placement Opportunity

      Overview

      Covid-19 - Intelligent Automation & Robotics Essential Information

      View essential information and videos about the changes to teaching and learning and campus facilities from September 2020
      UCAS Code: H671
      Course Length: 3 Years Full-Time, Typically 4.5 Years Part-Time
      Start Dates: September 2022
      Subjects: Computing and IT
      Engineering
      Location: Edge Hill University

      Intelligent automation is a multi-disciplinary subject that is central to the digital transformation of operational processes across a wide range of industrial sectors. It has particular importance in IT, manufacturing and production and combines the diverse and rapidly expanding areas of automation, robotics, control instrumentation, mechanics, software and signal processing. During this industry-guided degree you will gain expertise to actively manage and participate in the design and development of intelligent automation systems. Specialising in the software that controls and monitors automated systems you will develop key engineering skills as well as transferable skills including problem solving, creative thinking, data analysis, project management and teamwork. You will graduate ready to meet the industrial strategies of UK government and beyond, equipped with the ability to design, exploit and deploy automation and robotic systems in a range of engineering, IT, manufacturing and industrial applications.

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      In Depth

      What will I study?

      In Year 1 you will study a set of modules that provide a solid foundation for the second and third years of your degree. You will study a balanced range of current engineering topics from fundamentals of the design, analysis, and construction of systems to the foundations of engineering mathematics and professional practice. These subjects are focused on the key principles that underpin electrical and electronic engineering, digital circuitry and logic, computation and programming, and the mathematical principles that underpin engineering.

      The Year 2 curriculum provides a more specialised focus. You will further explore the principles of mathematics for engineering and the foundations of robotics, as well as be introduced to topics encompassing industrial automation, control systems and signal processing. The application of artificial intelligence techniques and principles, from biological systems to robots, will also be examined to see how they influence control behaviour and sense environments. A simulated work environment or project will enable you to respond to live briefs, deliver real products, and engage in other realistic work-related activity as part of a team.

      On completion of the second year, you have the option of undertaking a 12-month industrial placement or year abroad before beginning your third year.

      Year 3 provides opportunities to develop advanced knowledge and skills as you discover how to model and analyse human and robot behaviour in an algorithmic way. You will tackle human-robot interaction and collaboration challenges and learn how to design user-friendly human-robot interaction systems. Gaining the key practical skills that are required for the development of smart digital autonomous technologies, you will also be introduced to agent-based modelling, as well as machine intelligence for automated decision making and planning. You will develop expertise in engineering management and enterprise and complete a capstone research and development project which will involve the creation of an appropriate piece of software or hardware. The emphasis at this level is on the development of independent study skills.

      How will I study?

      Teaching methods are designed in consultation with leading employers in the region. Many classes are based in computing and engineering laboratories, focusing on student activity as a means of learning. We introduce theoretical concepts by building on practical activity.

      Classes are highly interactive, with the practical application of concepts and cases drawn from real-life being key factors. Workshops, seminars, group tutorials and practical activities provide opportunities for you to work interdependently.

      To enhance your employability, you will be given opportunities to work together and develop the essential people skills to complement your technical ability.

      How will I be assessed?

      You will be assessed through a combination of practical exercises, reports, essays, presentations and examinations. We want you to develop the ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team, therefore assessment includes both of these forms, though the emphasis is strongly on individual work.

      Who will be teaching me?

      You will be taught by staff who are passionate about student learning and development. The programme team are specialists in engineering and computing and active researchers in areas including artificial intelligence, machine learning, intelligent systems, mobile computing and distributed systems. Academic staff are regular contributors to conferences and journals, engaging with the wider business and academic environment in disseminating knowledge and delivering impact.

      Guest lectures, delivered by industry experts, as well as academics from other disciplines, will broaden your outlook and ensure you benefit from a wide range of knowledge and experience.

      A Great Study Environment

      Two students with rucksacks walk in front of the Tech Hub.

      The Department of Computer Science is based in the state-of-the-art £13m Technology Hub. This purpose-built development offers highly contemporary suites of outstanding facilities for Computer Science students.

      Our modern computing and engineering laboratories are equipped with comprehensive test and measurement equipment, high-specification computers, high-resolution screens and the latest hardware and software.

      A four-screen CAVE (Computer Augmented Virtual Environment) provides a super immersive 3D virtual environment, enabling users to immerse themselves in a virtual room and experience real life scenarios in 4K resolution.

      There are also specialist laboratories for networking and games programming, in addition to a specialist research laboratory, open access laboratory, a Harvard style lecture theatre, and ‘The Hatchery’, a working space for new business ideas.

      Learning resources include robots and a robotics simulator, wired and wireless networking hardware, graphics software, web development tools, software development environments, big data servers, eye trackers, giant 3D interactive teaching screens, and other specialist software required for studying forensics and internet security techniques.

      The department has strong links with industry and the curriculum is kept current and highly relevant through input from our Employer Advisory Panel.

      Modules

      Expand All

      Year 1

      CIS1008Electrical and Electronic Engineering Fundamentals (20 credits)

      Electrical and Electronic Engineering Fundamentals provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals of electrical and electronic engineering. You will explore concepts covering voltage and current, as well as characterisation of resistance, capacitance and inductance. You will also investigate the operation and performance characteristics of electronic components, such as operational amplifiers, diodes and transistors, using analytical and experimental techniques.


      Assessment: Coursework: 40%, Written Exam(s): 60%.

      CIS1111Programming: Concepts to Construction 1 (20 credits)

      Programming: Concepts to Construction 1 provides a practical introduction to the fundamentals of an object-oriented approach to software development. You will be introduced to the analytical techniques and processes that are essential for specifying, designing and implementing applications.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS1113Computer-Aided Engineering (20 credits)

      Computer-Aided Engineering immerses you in computer-based techniques that support the processes of design and simulation applied to engineering problems. This module provides you with an opportunity to develop an understanding and experience of commercially available engineering software and its practical applications to solve complex engineering problems. You will investigate the use of computer-aided design and simulation tools for a variety of engineering applications and develop skills in a variety of computer-aided design and simulation programs.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS1607Circuits and Logic (20 credits)

      Circuits and Logic introduces you to logic level models, logic gates and the design and application of digital logic circuits. Digital logic circuits are an essential component of every electronic device including computers, smartphones, and tablets. They are used to build engineering designs that deliver various computational outcomes. This module introduces you to the operation, design and application of simple combinational and sequential digital logic circuits. You will gain an understanding of how digital logic circuits are analysed, designed, verified and tested. You will also develop the capability to use digital logic circuits to solve simple engineering problems.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS1608Foundations of Engineering Mathematics (20 credits)

      Foundations of Engineering Mathematics provides an overview of the most important mathematical concepts and methods which are relevant to engineering. Mathematics is an essential component of engineering and it is at the core of many engineering analysis techniques and concepts. The module focuses on mathematical methods in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, complex numbers, differential and integral calculus, and matrices. You will explore real-world, cutting-edge applications and methods of mathematics from engineering to physics and mechanics.


      Assessment: Coursework: 70%, Written Exam(s): 30%.

      CIS1609Professional Practice in Engineering 1 (20 credits)

      Professional Practice in Engineering 1 provides a fundamental starting point for engineering students. Building a base of knowledge to begin your journey to becoming a professional engineer, you will receive a grounding in how professional bodies underpin their practice. You will be introduced to the engineering profession and basic laboratory skills, gaining hands-on experience with equipment. You will also be made aware of relevant regulatory requirements governing engineering activities in the context of particular areas of specialisation.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      Year 2

      CIS2171Foundations in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)

      Foundations in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence recognises exciting innovations are being built which increasingly automate our world. The foundations of the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence have roots in the work of Alan Turing, investigating the boundary between human intelligence and computers. This module examines how artificial intelligence techniques and principles from biological systems can be applied to robots to control behaviour and sense environments. You will develop an understanding of the theoretical problems, for example behaviour and basics of learning techniques, inherent in robotics and use pre-built robots to design, implement and test different control and perceptual systems. You will develop your expertise in various aspects of robotic programming, including using multi-sensors to collect environmental measurements, designing control strategies and making smart decisions by finding optimal solutions.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS2172Applied Industrial Automation (20 credits)

      Applied Industrial Automation develops your expertise in various aspects of robotic programming in industrial applications, including using multi-sensors to collect environmental measurements, designing control strategies and making smart process decisions by finding optimal solutions. Furthermore, you will gain a practical understanding of the key concepts of robotic programming including its hardware, architecture and software solutions.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS2178Control Systems and Instrumentation Engineering (20 credits)

      Control Systems and Instrumentation Engineering is designed to produce engineers who are knowledgeable about, and competent to employ, new and emerging technologies that are crucial to maintaining modern society’s competitive industries, many of which rely heavily on the use of systems and equipment that are powered by mechanical principles, electronics, computers and control systems. Increasingly, engineers are required to design and develop machinery with computer, mechanical and electronic controls. This module will equip you with a range of skills required to design and maintain innovative solutions to automated modern industrial systems. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of integrated circuit engineering, intelligent design and control systems, the Internet of Things and other topics relevant to a multidisciplinary field which combines electronics, instrumentation, software and control engineering.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS2181Applied Mathematics for Engineering (20 credits)

      Applied Mathematics for Engineering provides a comprehensive overview of the important mathematical concepts and methods relevant to engineering. Mathematics is an essential component of engineering and is at the core of many engineering analysis techniques and concepts. Mathematical methods in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, complex numbers, differential and integral calculus and matrices will be introduced, with emphasis on how they relate to a variety of real-world problems in engineering, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.


      Assessment: Coursework: 70%, Written Exam(s): 30%.

      CIS2608Signal Processing (20 credits)

      Signal Processing explores the technologies which have become essential assets for building the future smart world, where interaction between smart devices heavily relies on reliable and efficient communication signal processing technologies. The module  introduces you to the fundamental principles of signal processing, from the underpinning theories and mathematics to practical applications, with an emphasis on developing problem-solving techniques via seminar/laboratory activities. Beginning with signal analysis to help you understand the signal representations in both the time and frequency domain, you will go on to explore various modulation schemes for analogue and digital-signal transmissions, evaluating their performance in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, bandwidth requirement and error logs. A central theme throughout the module will be the security aspects surrounding the technologies.


      Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Written Exam(s): 40%.

      CIS2609Professional Practice in Engineering 2 (20 credits)

      Professional Practice in Engineering 2 fosters professional practice and  employability skills. This will be achieved by simulating, as accurately as possible, what it’s like to work in a given engineering specialism. You will be introduced to the world of work via a simulated work environment or project. This will involve being given live briefs and/or being placed into teams that represent fictional companies and being asked to produce real products or engage in realistic work-related activity. This employer-derived simulation or project will enable you to experience working as part of a large team, including the challenges that can occur when trying to complete high-quality, complicated engineering work to schedule.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      Year 3

      CIS3004Engineering Research and Development Methods (20 credits)

      Engineering Research and Development Methods ensures that you are fully prepared for undertaking an engineering research and development project. The module will equip you with various skills and techniques which will help you plan and proceed with the project with confidence. You will be shown how to discover work that is relevant to your project and critically appraise its relevance. The World Wide Web is a rich source of information and you will be shown how to tap into the valuable resources that are in the public domain. You will learn how to organise and disseminate your findings to as wide an audience as possible. To conclude, you will present your work in a written report and give an oral presentation to your peers.


      Assessment: Coursework: 90%, Practical(s): 10%.

      CIS3137Advanced Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)

      Advanced Robotics and Artificial Intelligence presents an overview about how to model and analyse human and robot behaviour in an algorithmic way. The module also focuses on how to tackle the human-robot interaction and collaboration challenges under the framework of artificial intelligence and robotics. You will develop an understanding of the basic principles about how to design user-friendly human-robot interaction systems, integrate what you have learnt to understand the impact of applications of human-robot interaction systems to modern society, and develop skills in individual thinking, algorithm implementation and teamwork.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS3139Autonomous Systems (20 credits)

      Autonomous Systems equips you with the theoretical foundations and practical skills relevant to the development of smart digital autonomous technologies. You will be introduced to advanced computational methods, such as agent-based modelling and machine intelligence for automated decision-making and planning, that underpin the implementation of intelligent autonomous systems. The practical aspects of the module will enable you to design, develop and evaluate real-world autonomous systems using relevant programming platforms.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS3165Engineering Research and Development Project (40 credits)

      Engineering Research and Development Project gives you the opportunity to show individual creativity and originality, apply your knowledge and skills, and demonstrate the ability to undertake an individual project through investigative research, problem-solving, effective communication and management. The project will be executed independently under the guidance of a supervisor. In exceptional circumstances group projects may be permitted as long as individual deliverables are clearly identified and this has been agreed with the Module Leader and Supervisor. You will conduct in-depth work on a substantial issue, including researching and analysing the problem and finding and realising a solution.


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS3168Engineering Management and Enterprise (20 credits)

      Engineering Management and Enterprise equips you with a practical understanding of engineering management techniques and the necessary systems and philosophies for successful project implementation. You will gain a detailed understanding of the actions that an organisation needs to take to deal with opportunities, threats, challenges and unexpected events emerging from and within their external and internal environments. The module provides an understanding of how quality engineering techniques can be implemented throughout the product and manufacturing life cycle, while also offering a wider view of the context in which state-of-the-art products are designed and subsequently proceed into the market or the work environment. In addition to this, you will gain an overview of how total quality management (TQM) can be used to strategic advantage to exceed customer requirements and facilitate process improvement.


      Assessment: Coursework: 50%, Written Exam(s): 50%.

      Timetables

      Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.

      Disclaimer

      Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information, however our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

      Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

      Entry Criteria

      Entry Requirements

      Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points. This must include A Level Mathematics at Grade C or above or equivalent. GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or equivalent, is also required.

      Example Offers

      Some examples of how you can achieve 112-120 UCAS Tariff points are detailed below.

      • A Level: BBC-BBB;
      • BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM);
      • International Baccalaureate (IB): We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points;
      • Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

      Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

      As long as you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as the Welsh Baccalaureate and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven’t been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

      For further information on how you can meet the entry requirements, including details of alternative qualifications, please visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/offers.

      EU students can get country-specific information about the University’s entry requirements and equivalent national qualifications at www.edgehill.ac.uk/eu.

      International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international for information on the entry criteria for overseas applicants.

      English Language Requirements

      International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

      If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

      Recognition of Prior Learning

      Edge Hill University recognises learning gained elsewhere, whether through academic credit and qualifications acquired from other relevant courses of study or through recognition of an individual’s professional and employment experience (also referred to as ‘experiential learning’). This may include credit or learning undertaken at another university.

      Previous learning that is recognised in this way may be used towards meeting the entry requirements for a programme and/or for exemption from part of a programme. It is your responsibility to make a claim for recognition of prior learning. For guidance, please consult the University’s academic regulations (sections C7 and F3.1) or contact the faculty in which you are interested in studying.

      Career Prospects

      What are my career prospects?

      Intelligent Automation & Robotics graduates have the essential skills to enter a broad choice of career paths, with a skillset particularly well suited to working as a software automation engineer, control engineer or electrical engineer.

      Relevant opportunities are typically offered across a range of sectors including the automotive industry, aerospace, automation and control, process and petrochemical, biomedical, manufacturing and energy.

      Our dedicated Employability team, who works closely with the University’s Careers Centre, support students to find highly skilled employment. You will also benefit from timetabled employability sessions, ongoing support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

      How can I enhance my employability?

      It is useful to consider, even before you apply, how you will spend your time while studying and make the most of your university experience.

      Optional, additional activities may be available on this degree which could help to prepare you for a stimulating and rewarding career. These include:

      • Sandwich Years – you may have the opportunity to apply to complete a sandwich year placement, usually as the third year of a four year degree, and gain highly relevant work experience;
      • Studying Abroad – you may have the opportunity to apply to spend time studying or working abroad, usually as the third year of a four year degree, enabling you to immerse yourself in a different culture;
      • Learning a Language – you may be able to participate in Language Steps classes, delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, as additional study.

      Please note, the availability of these additional activities cannot be guaranteed for all students. Depending on availability and the number of students wanting to participate, there may be a competitive application process for sandwich year placements or studying abroad opportunities or you may be required to secure a relevant placement yourself.

      Finance

      Tuition Fees

      If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree in academic year 2022/23, the tuition fee is still to be announced. You are advised to check this page regularly and once the position has been confirmed we will update this information. Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme on a full-time basis in academic year 2022/23 are £15,000 a year.

      EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

      The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

      Financial Support

      Financial support arrangements for eligible UK students joining this programme in academic year 2022/23 are still to be announced. You are advised to check this page regularly and once the position has been confirmed we will update this information.

      EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals should ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please see www.edgehill.ac.uk/eufinance for further details.

      Financial support information for international students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/international/fees.

      Scholarships

      Ten scholarship winners sitting together in a lecture theatre at the Scholarship Awards Evening.Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships with a competitive application process for prospective full-time undergraduate students.

      These scholarships aren’t linked to academic success and celebrate determination, talent and achievement beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity, enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.

      An additional scholarship, which you may qualify to receive, rewards outstanding A Level and BTEC grades.

      To find out more about scholarships, to assess your eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

      Apply

      How to Apply

      If you wish to study full-time, apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.com. Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyucas to find out more about the application process.

      If you wish to study part-time, apply directly to Edge Hill University at www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply-part-time.

      Further information for international students about how to apply is available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/applyinternational.

      Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

      Visit Us

      If you are considering applying to study at Edge Hill University, the best way to gain an insight into student life is to discover our stunning campus for yourself by attending an open day. You can view dates and book your place at www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays.

      Alternatively, if you are unable to attend an open day, you can find out more about our full range of events for prospective students, including campus tours and virtual activities, at www.edgehill.ac.uk/visitus.

      Request a Prospectus

      If you would like to explore our full range of degrees before you apply, you can order an undergraduate prospectus at www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradprospectus.

      Get in Touch

      If you have any questions about this programme or what it’s like to study at Edge Hill University, please contact:

      International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk with any queries about overseas study.

      A prospective student and her parents read a printed open day guide while stood on a bridge near the Catalyst building.

      Course Changes

      Expand All This page outlines any material changes to course content, programme structure, assessment methods, entry criteria, and modes of study or delivery, implemented in the past two years.

      18th June 2021 - Change to Entry Requirements

      GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or equivalent, is required.

      Covid-19 - Intelligent Automation & Robotics Essential Information

      Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2020

      In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, answers your questions and explains how teaching will work when you join us at Edge Hill University in September.

      Campus Facilities at Edge Hill University in 2020

      In this video Pro Vice-Chancellor, Lynda Brady, explains how we’re preparing the campus for your arrival in September and the facilities that will be available.