A student experiments with the Sawyer robot.

BSc (Hons) Robotics & Artificial Intelligence

Prepare for a career working with intelligent systems, from domestic appliances to robots, on a degree which introduces you to a variety of cutting-edge technologies and carries initial accreditation by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

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

    Overview

    Covid-19 - Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Essential Information

    View essential information and videos about the changes to teaching and learning and campus facilities from September 2020
    UCAS Code: GH76
    Course Length: 3 Years Full-Time, Typically 4.5 Years Part-Time
    Start Dates: September 2021
    Subjects: Computer Engineering
    Computing and IT
    Location: Edge Hill University
    Example Offers: BBC-BBB (A Level) or DMM (BTEC)
    View full entry criteria

    The word ‘robot’ is derived from the Czech word ‘robota’, meaning ‘forced labour’, and fiction writers have always had fun with the idea. In reality, robotics and artificial intelligence presents one of the great intellectual opportunities of the 21st century, transforming how we live, work, travel and learn as we develop artificial systems such as robots for the home and entertainment, robots for assisting those with additional needs, agricultural robots, and systems used in supply chain management. On this degree you will develop specialist expertise, explore the inter-related commercial disciplines used to create artificial systems, and gain fundamental skills in programming, operating systems, software design, applied mathematics and network architecture. On graduation you will be prepared for a future career working with intelligent systems ranging from domestic appliances and search engines to robots exploring Mars.

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    In Depth

    What will I study?

    In Year 1 you will gain a solid foundation for the second and third years of your degree. You will study a balanced range of current computing topics, from fundamentals of analysis and programming to computer architecture and networking. Part of your first year studies will look at career options within the industry to help you select your second and third-year modules.

    The focus in Year 2 is on operating systems, algorithms and data structures, mechatronics and robotics, reasoning and agents. You will also learn more about the ideas and techniques involved in different approaches to artificial intelligence, the basics of knowledge representation and key aspects of data analysis. There is also a dedicated module on enhancing your employability and developing essential skills for the workplace. 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.

    In Year 3 you will enhance your expertise in autonomous systems and different approaches to artificial intelligence, while investigating reasoning in uncertain systems, computer vision, behaviour modelling and neural networks. The latest developments in established and emerging areas will be covered in-depth, from bio-inspired computing and adaptive intelligence, to virtual reality, games technology, computer simulation and machine processing of speech, images and text.

    How will I study?

    The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, student-led seminars, workshops, group tutorials, practicals and technology enhanced learning. Classes are highly interactive, with the practical application of concepts a key factor, including cases drawn from real-life.

    You will also have the opportunity to develop your employability profile through a work placement.

    How will I be assessed?

    A variety of assessment methods will be used on this degree including formal examinations, lab practicals and project reports.

    Throughout the programme, you will also be assessed using coursework, worksheets, in-module tests, example sheets, problem-solving exercises and presentations.

    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 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.

    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 computer laboratories are equipped with 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

    Level 4 (Year 1 of Full-Time Programme)

    CIS1107Foundations of Computer Science (20 credits)

    Foundations of Computer Science introduces you to the concepts and practices of problem solving through a series of innovative class seminars and individual experiments.  You will learn to identify a problem, analyse it, and produce a structured solution. Exploring common issues within computing, you will also see how all of the separate areas merge, overlap and depend on each other in order for a robust computing system to be developed.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    CIS1109Digital World: Computer Architecture and Networks (20 credits)

    Digital World: Computer Architecture and Networks explores how the world of the 21st century is underpinned by computing technology while challenging you to envision your future developments as a Computing professional. The module discusses how current and modern computer architectures operates. It also analyses the technology on which computer architecture depends, starting with current central processing units (CPUs) and their instruction sets and progressing to the principles of modern multitasking operating systems that are supported by the underlying hardware architectures. An important aspect of modern computer technology is networking. The module introduces and covers basic principles of networks, their interconnecting components and protocols used in enabling reliable communications.


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

    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%.

    CIS1112Programming: Concepts to Construction 2 (20 credits)

    Programming: Concepts to Construction 2 provides a practical introduction to the fundamentals of an object-oriented approach to software development. You will explore and develop object-oriented modelling techniques and receive an introduction to programming through event-driven program design and graphical user interfaces.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    SUG1021Mathematical Proof and Logic (20 credits)

    Mathematical Proof and Logic presents the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding of reasoning and proof, exploring rich mathematical situations and solving problems. Mathematical logic and proof is fundamental to the foundations of mathematics. You will be challenged to use the methods taught in the module to explore and solve problems in geometry, numeracy and algebra. The mathematics required to engage with the problems will be fixed at a level appropriate to your knowledge to allow you to demonstrate learning around the key aspects of proof and logic.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    SUG1023Understanding Continuous Functions (20 credits)

    Understanding Continuous Functions allows you to use a mixture of numerical and analytical techniques to help you to achieve a deeper understanding of key features of continuous functions. The module also extends the range of continuous functions you are likely to have met in previous study. An understanding of continuous functions is a key area of mathematics, used both in pure mathematics and most importantly in a variety of applications.


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

    Level 5 (Year 2 of Full-Time Programme)

    CIS2149Object-Oriented Programming (20 credits)

    Object-Oriented Programming focuses on the object-oriented concepts which underlie the modern system design paradigm. The module presents the concepts behind the object model and its use in modelling and implementing computer applications. You will gain an in-depth understanding of object-oriented modelling concepts and acquire skills in object-oriented programming.


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

    CIS2158Software Engineering (20 credits)

    Software Engineering equips you with an in-depth knowledge of the software engineering processes and development models. You will learn about the principles and methods of software engineering, including current and emerging software engineering practices and support tools. The module will also examine the development of software products from an industry perspective, including generation of appropriate documents, under tight schedules and limited resources.


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

    CIS2162Employability (20 credits)

    Employability simulates, as accurately as possible, what it’s like to work in a given Computer Science specialism. You will be introduced to the ‘world of work’ via a simulated work environment, as part of a team representing a fictional company, but which need to produce real products or engage in realistic work-related activities. A 15-day placement will also enhance essential employability skills and provide you with the opportunity to relate theory to practice, build on your transferable skills and evaluate your learning.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    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%.

    CIS2173Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (20 credits)

    Knowledge Representation and Reasoning enhances your programming skills in developing efficient expert systems for addressing a wide range of different complex tasks, such as automated reasoning, theorem provers, natural language understanding and question-answering. You will be introduced to fundamental computational methods for knowledge representation and reasoning such as first-order logic, ontology engineering and propositional and predicate logic. The module will enable you to design, implement and evaluate knowledge representation and reasoning methods and analyse the strengths and limitations of these methods.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    Level 6 (Year 3 of Full-Time Programme)

    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%.

    CIS3138Autonomous Secure Systems and Smart Devices (20 credits)

    Autonomous Secure Systems and Smart Devices deepens your theoretical foundations of ubiquitous computing methods together with the practical aspects of developing secure, smart and autonomous digital devices, from smart phones and wearable devices to household controllers. You will be introduced to the underlying theory underpinning the design and implementation of autonomous secure systems and smart devices. This includes modelling key ubiquitous computing properties, smart architecture models, data analytics and machine learning methods on sensor data, and security management of smart devices such as encryption support for confidentiality and authentication. The practical aspects of the module will enable you to design, implement and evaluate a software system that can be embedded into a smart and secure digital device and critically analyse the strengths and limitations of the developed software system.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    CIS3140Research and Development Project (40 credits)

    Research and Development Project provides you with the opportunity to show individual creativity and originality and apply appropriate knowledge and skills taught throughout the programme. The module requires you to demonstrate investigative, problem-solving, communication, management and other transferable skills as you undertake an individual  project. You will conduct in-depth work on a substantial problem. This will include researching and analysing the problem and identifying and achieving a solution.


    Assessment: Coursework: 25%, Practical(s): 75%.

    CIS3146Embedded Systems (20 credits)

    Embedded Systems introduces you to the principles of embedded systems as essential tools for enabling many other advanced technologies that we see or experience around us. The basics of the hardware and software unique to microcontrollers, as core components of embedded systems, are introduced. You will have the opportunity to program a microcontroller and apply this skill to communicate with, or control, external devices.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    CIS3161Research and Development Methods (20 credits)

    Research and Development Methods prepares you to undertake a software development project or dissertation. The module will enhance your ability to manage an individual project and act autonomously with limited supervisor guidance. You will be introduced to the main methods of research and the contexts in which they are conducted and enhance your understanding of the principles and perspectives of research. Building your practical experience and confidence in using a range of research methods, the aim is to demystify research and recognise the everyday skills and techniques which are involved.


    Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

    Optional modules provide an element of choice within the programme curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements.

    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, for which no specific subjects are required, plus GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).

    Please note, for all programmes in the Department of Computer Science, a level 2 numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.

    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.

    Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?

    If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack: Preparation for Higher Education course could be for you. This free, seven-week programme provides a great opportunity to enhance your study skills and subject knowledge and demonstrate that you are ready to study a particular subject with us, in lieu of achieving the UCAS Tariff points in the entry criteria.

    Upon successful completion of a Fastrack course, you will be well placed to progress onto a corresponding Edge Hill University degree, although additional entry requirements may apply and the availability of specific programmes cannot be guaranteed. For more information, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.

    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?

    Robotics and intelligent systems range from domestic appliances and Internet search engines to robots exploring Mars.

    As a Robotics & Artificial Intelligence graduate, you will be equipped with the necessary underpinning knowledge to embark upon a career in emerging artificial systems. These include robots for the home and entertainment purposes, or for use in social care environments assisting those with additional needs, agricultural robots, supply chain management systems, robots used in medical practice, and robots in space, on land and at sea.

    You will also be well placed to secure employment in other areas of the IT industry, from start-ups to international organisations, in sectors including computer games, technology, retail, finance, science, engineering, public authorities and consultancies.

    The programme has received initial accreditation from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. Initial accreditation is granted to new programmes which are yet to have a graduating cohort. Successfully completing an accredited honours degree is the first step to full BCS membership and to being awarded chartered status.

    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;
    • Erasmus+ and Study 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 on a full-time basis in academic year 2021/22, the tuition fee will be £9,250 per annum (subject to final Government approval).

    Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme on a full-time basis in academic year 2021/22 are £12,500 per annum. Exemptions apply for EU students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, who may be eligible for the UK full-time tuition fee rate.

    If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a part-time basis in academic year 2021/22, the tuition fee will be £77 per credit, i.e. £1,540 per 20 credit module (subject to final Government approval). 360 credits are required to complete an undergraduate degree. EU students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK part-time 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

    Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this undergraduate degree can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the programme may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.

    For comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students joining this programme in academic year 2021/22, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2021/22 guide for your intended mode of study.

    EU students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals should apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).

    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.

    24th September 2020 - Change of Accreditation Status

    The programme has received initial accreditation from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. Initial accreditation is granted to new programmes which are yet to have a graduating cohort.

    18th February 2020 - Clarification of Entry Requirements

    Please note, for all programmes in the Department of Computer Science, a level 2 numeracy qualification is not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in Mathematics.

    12th February 2020 - Change to Entry Requirements

    112-120 UCAS Tariff points are required to join this programme with effect from September 2021 entry.

    27th June 2019 - Withdrawal of Module

    It is no longer possible to study a Language module as an integrated part of this degree. You can still learn a language as additional study, however, through our Language Steps classes.

    23rd January 2019 - Change to Entry Requirements

    120 UCAS Tariff points are required to join this programme with effect from September 2020 entry.

    Covid-19 - Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Essential Information

    Robotics & Artificial Intelligence Course Statement

    Our blended delivery involves a mix of online and face-to-face sessions in computing laboratories. We introduce theoretical concepts by building on concrete practical activity. Sessions are highly interactive, with practical application of concepts a key factor, as well as cases drawn from real-life. Workshops, seminars, group tutorials, supervised support sessions and practical exercises provide opportunities for you to work with your peers and develop the essential people skills to complement your technical ability. Studying on a full-time basis, you will be required to attend a mix of online and face-to-face sessions for up to four days a week. You will be assessed through a combination of practical exercises, coursework, portfolios, reports, essays, presentations, or examinations. We want you to develop the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, therefore assessment includes some small group activities, though the emphasis is strongly on individual work.

    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.