Overview
Course In Depth
Modules
Entry Criteria
Careers and Employability
Finance
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Overview
UCAS Code: | GH76 |
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Course Length: | 3 Years Full-Time, Typically 4.5 Years Part-Time |
Start Dates: | September 2022, September 2023 |
Subjects: | 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.
This degree is also available as a 4-year programme with an integrated foundation year.
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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, while also receiving a grounding in calculus and discrete mathematics.
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.
Facilities
The Department of Computer Science is based in the state-of-the-art £13million Tech Hub. This purpose-built development offers highly contemporary suites of outstanding facilities for Computer Science and Engineering 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
Learning resources include digital oscilloscopes, signal generators, 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.
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.
Modules
Expand AllYear 1
Compulsory modules:
MAT1001Differential Calculus (20 credits)
CIS1109Digital World: Computer Architecture and Networks (20 credits)
MAT1000Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics (20 credits)
CIS1107Foundations of Computer Science (20 credits)
CIS1111Programming: Concepts to Construction 1 (20 credits)
CIS1112Programming: Concepts to Construction 2 (20 credits)
Year 2
Compulsory modules:
CIS2172Applied Industrial Automation (20 credits)
CIS2162Employability (20 credits)
CIS2171Foundations in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)
CIS2173Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (20 credits)
CIS2149Object-Oriented Programming (20 credits)
CIS2158Software Engineering (20 credits)
Year 3
Compulsory modules:
CIS3137Advanced Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)
CIS3138Autonomous Secure Systems and Smart Devices (20 credits)
CIS3146Embedded Systems (20 credits)
CIS3161Research and Development Methods (20 credits)
CIS3140Research and Development Project (40 credits)
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.
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);
- T Level: Overall grade of Merit;
- 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.
If 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 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 or one 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?
With effect from September 2022 entry, if you would like to study this degree but do not meet the subject-specific entry requirements, you may wish to apply to study the programme as a 4-year course with integrated foundation year. The foundation year will equip you with key transferable skills and subject knowledge. Upon successful completion of the integrated foundation year, you will be able to progress onto Year 1 of this degree.
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;
- 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 on a full-time basis in academic year 2022/23, the tuition fee will be £9,250 a year. Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme on a full-time basis in academic year 2022/23 are £15,000 a year.
If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this undergraduate degree on a part-time basis in academic year 2022/23, the tuition fee will be £77 per credit. This is equivalent to £1,540 per 20 credit module. 360 credits are required to complete an undergraduate degree.
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
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 2022/23, together with details of how to apply for potential funding, please view our Money Matters 2022/23 guide for your intended mode of study.
- Money Matters 2022/23 Full-Time: www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2022
- Money Matters 2022/23 Part-Time: www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2022pt
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
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.
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:
- Course Enquiries
- Tel: 01695 657000
- Email: [email protected]
International students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email [email protected] with any queries about overseas study.
Course Changes
Expand All This tab 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. Future material changes will be added here as amends are made to course information.22nd January 2021 - Change of Modules
24th September 2020 - Change of Accreditation Status
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.