Robotic Engineering and Artificial Intelligence MEng/BEng (Hons)
Subject and course type
- Computing, Cyber and AI
- Engineering: Mechanical and Electronic
- Undergraduate
Focus on the core principles of robotic engineering and applied AI on our Robotic Engineering and Artificial Intelligence MEng/BEng (Hons) course. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in the rapidly evolving industrial, commercial and domestic sectors.
You are reading:
Solve real-world robotics challenges using artificial intelligence
Take advantage of the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
On our Robotic Engineering and Artificial Intelligence MEng/BEng (Hons), you’ll explore autonomous systems, machine learning, computer vision and intelligent control systems. This is all while working alongside peers from various cultural, social and professional backgrounds on team-based projects. As a result, you'll develop an appreciation for diverse perspectives which is essential for future engineering professionals.
You will be also able to take full advantage of the wide range of facilities available for practical work at our Roehampton Vale campus. Our applied approach to teaching is supported by our dedicated laboratories. These include state-of-the-art facilities for rapid prototyping and manufacturing, a fully equipped materials laboratory, and a modern electronics and robotics lab.
Other technology and industry-standard equipment you will have access to includes:
- electronics and robotics labs
- 3D design studio and workshop
- mechanical engineering workshop
- rolling roads
- automotive testing facilities
- a Lotus Exige
- cars and motorcycles built by engineering students
Why choose this course
Robotic Engineering and Artificial Intelligence stand at the cutting edge of technological progress to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society today. These fields encompass innovations, such as industrial robotic arms, autonomous vehicles, aerial drones and space robots. As a student on this course, you will acquire the vital skills and knowledge required to thrive at the intersection of these two potent fields and make a significant impact on a global level.
Our hands-on course will equip you with the Future Skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Discover how to harness the power of artificial intelligence and other state-of-the-art technologies to develop intelligent systems and innovative solutions that can make a positive impact on society.
Throughout this course, you will also learn how to integrate the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals into your professional endeavours, actively contributing to their achievement.
Our diverse and inclusive curriculum, crafted to meet the needs of varied communities, is delivered by academics from diverse backgrounds. This unique learning experience allows students to engage with people from different cultures and perspectives, enriching their understanding and broadening their horizons.
Course content
Please note: An Engineering Foundation course with pathways in Mechanical Engineering is also available.
Year 1
Core modules
15 credits
This module will introduce you to scripting in one of the most popular programming languages in industry, which is widely used for data processing, automation of tasks and more recently for machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) specifically in the engineering industry. The module will cover all the fundamentals of programming, which will provide you with a valuable transferrable skill set that can provide the essential skills needed for scripting in other computer languages in future modules. It will also provide the crucial foundations for you to investigate applications involving both ML and AI as you progress through the course.
30 credits
This module is designed to introduce you to both the operation and functionality of microcontrollers and the techniques used to interface them to sensors and transducers, with the aim to monitor and control a closed loop system. Interface circuitry, operation of sensors and actuator control are covered in depth, along with the inclusion of devices to extend the number of analogue and digital port lines on a microcontroller.
30 credits
This module will provide you with the key aspects involved in planning an electromechanical project from start to finish. You'll design processes that incorporate a sustainability agenda, building an awareness of the interactions across various disciplines, regulatory frameworks and health and safety procedures.
You will be introduced to fundamental electronic components, their application in the design of electromechanical systems, and communication of engineering design ideas through integrating engineering drawing and 3D solid modelling. This module encourages the use of simulation tools for the design and analysis of the systems to enhance analytical as well as employability skills. The module also involves the IMechE Design Challenge as a part of the curriculum, giving you an opportunity to work in a team to produce engineering artefacts that are capable of accomplishing tasks, as well as developing interpersonal skills in order to enhance your employability.
15 credits
This module provides you with a comprehensive introduction to the field of robotics, including actuators, sensors and manipulators, and how they contribute to the overall functionality of a robot. Through hands-on programming exercises and projects, you'll develop your digital competency and technical skills in robotics. You'll gain practical experience in using programming languages and tools relevant to robotics, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and preparing you for careers in various industries.
15 credits
On this module you'll be introduced to your course learning aims and consider your anticipated learning targets from induction to graduation. You'll be guided to identify and take ownership of your personal academic journey through the development and application of academic skills aligned to KU Graduate Attributes and their discipline-specific professional body learning outcomes. You'll be tutored in a range of 'learning to learn' techniques, and will be introduced to assessment for learning and the role of feedback, reflection and feedforward as an integrated part of your learning journey. This will be supported through active engagement in the KU Navigate Programme, enabling you to understand and begin to develop a design thinking approach to Future Skills development.
15 credits
This module will provide you with a thorough background in engineering mathematics and give you the mathematical skills essential for solving engineering problems. The topics introduced will serve as basic tools for studies in many engineering subjects, including algebra, functions, statistics and probability, trigonometry, calculus, differential equations and vectors. You will be empowered to understand and be able to use the language and methods of mathematics in the description, analysis and design of engineering systems. The emphasis is on using mathematical tools to solve engineering problems. The computing software used will typically include MATLAB and Excel.
Optional modules
0 credits
This module is a zero-credit module designed to develop your knowledge through the Formula Student Artificial Intelligence (FS-AI) competition. By exploring essential elements of the competition - autonomous vehicle design, real-world autonomous integration, and autonomous driving missions - this module aims to cultivate your skills in line with industry demands.
Year 2
Core modules
30 credits
This module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of designing and building robots, with a focus on sensors, actuators, and modeling. You will learn essential concepts and industry-standard software necessary for designing complex robotic systems. Through a project-based assessment approach, you will collaborate in teams to develop technical reports that encompass the design, modeling, cost analysis, and manufacturing details of different robot subsystems. The module emphasises the application of technical drawing standards, British design practices, and design for manufacturing and assembly techniques to enhance students' employability in the engineering sector. Regular project reviews, a design report, and group presentations facilitate the development of innovative ideas and effective teamwork.
30 credits
This module is designed to equip you with an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of computer vision and the role machine learning (ML) can play in optimising its functionality. You will gain insight into the principles of computer vision systems and the incorporation of ML into these systems. You will learn how to model and analyse the behaviour of dynamic computer vision systems. You will grasp the concepts of image analysis, pattern recognition and the effects of ML integration in a computer vision system. You will apply computer vision techniques to solve real-world image analysis problems, and you will learn the concepts of ML approaches used in computer vision systems. Python, along with libraries such as OpenCV and TensorFlow, is used to reinforce the concepts learned in the module through software simulations.
15 credits
This module is designed to enhance the concepts and apply the fundamental principles of control system engineering to solve real world control engineering problems. It enables you to develop skills to model, interpret and control dynamic behaviour of structures and systems with multi degree of freedom. MATLAB is used to reinforce the concepts learned in the module through simulation. This module is rich in technical content to enhance analytical as well as employability skills.
15 credits
This is a core module for all Level 5 students on engineering programmes. You will demonstrate a developing awareness of the skills required to operate as a professional in their subject area. This module will scaffold Future Skills from Level 4 Navigate to Level 6 Apply.
This module considers the principles and practices for the design and management of engineering projects. The nature of engineering project management is discussed in the context of constraints on quality, time, risk, and sustainability. The module broadens the student's knowledge of how organisations undertake and monitor projects.
15 credits
The module focuses on kinematics and dynamics, enabling you to map motion from joint to Cartesian space and offering you the tools useful to design model-based control algorithms with superior performance. Topics covered include direct and inverse kinematics, differential kinematics, Lagrangian and Newton-Euler dynamics, dynamic parameter identification, design of model-based (e.g. hybrid, impedance, adaptive) controllers.
15 credits
This module aims to equip you with mathematical skills that are crucial for comprehending engineering subjects effectively. The topics covered in the module will serve as fundamental tools for studying various engineering subjects. You will be empowered to comprehend and utilise the language and techniques of mathematics in describing, analysing, and designing engineering systems. The primary focus is on utilising mathematical tools to resolve engineering problems, especially on mechanical systems, robotics, control systems, and signal processing.
Year 3
Core modules
30 credits
In this module you will research and study in detail a topic in your chosen field of study which is of personal interest.
You'll be able to show high levels of responsibility and organisational capability (through arranging meetings with supervisors, setting project goals and meeting appropriate deadlines) as well as demonstrate effective communication with others. The module encourages you to recognise, question and deal with the ethical dilemmas that are likely to occur in research and professional practice. You can further enhance the independence and employability skills the industry is looking for in graduates, especially those seeking professional recognition as a chartered engineer.
30 credits
This module is designed to provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. The module covers a range of topics, including advanced robotics techniques, trajectory planning, planning in joint space with imposed conditions, planning in cartesian space, orientation trajectories, and the integration of computer vision and artificial intelligence in robotics applications. You will gain a deeper understanding of how to design and implement robotic systems that can perform complex tasks efficiently and intelligently. You will also explore current research and industry developments related to the deployment of intelligent robots. This technical as well as research-informed module will enhance your analytical and employability skills. Additionally, it provides you with the opportunity to enhance your research, interpersonal and presentation skills.
15 credits
This module covers a comprehensive study of the design principles and computational modelling and simulation techniques for soft robotics which is a rapidly growing field that seeks to create robots that mimic biological organisms in flexibility, adaptability and complex motion. The module introduces you to the key aspects of this exciting field, including principles of soft robotics design, computational modelling and simulation techniques and their applications in biologically inspired designs. At its core, the module emphasises the importance of computational modelling and simulation in soft robotics. As soft robots are often composed of flexible and deformable materials, accurately modelling and simulating their behaviour under various conditions is critical. The module exposes you to a range of computational tools and methods, including finite element analysis and dynamic system simulation and machine learning techniques. You will gain hands-on experience in utilising these tools to model and simulate various aspects of soft robotics, from actuation mechanisms to control strategies.
15 credits
This module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of advanced signal processing techniques and their applications. Through lectures and seminars, you will learn about key concepts such as advanced digital signal analysis, filter design, and implementation, and digital signal processing algorithms. You can expect to gain knowledge in areas like Fourier analysis, spectral estimation, wavelet transforms, and time-frequency analysis. The module covers real-world applications of digital signal processing, such as audio, image and video processing, biomedical signal processing, communication systems, and control systems. You will also engage in practical implementation and simulation exercises, using software tools like MATLAB and Python. In addition to technical skills, the module fosters attributes such as digital competency, adaptability, collaboration, questioning mindset, and resilience.
15 credits
This module enables you to identify and develop skills in the solution of problems relating to the creation of mechatronic systems and robotic automation. You will be introduced to the techniques and knowledge required to design and embed microcontrollers, linked to a range of sensors and actuators, into a system to sense, process, control and display real world events, similar to those encountered within an industrial engineering, or commercial environment. The module covers topics such as advanced programming, state-of-the-art sensors and actuators, data logging, microcontroller selection and use of commercial shields (expansion boards) as building blocks to extend system functionality using a modular approach to the design process.
15 credits
You will demonstrate the ability to apply your developing professional skills competencies in your chosen area and will ensure you have a broad understanding of the business environment in which professional activities are undertaken. The module will develop your technical, management and interpersonal skills required to perform in a team environment and prepare you for employment and entrepreneurship.
You will participate in Kingston University's Bright Ideas competition where you will work in a team to develop a business idea of your group's choice. To do this you will need to interact with relevant stakeholders outside the University.
Year 4 (MEng)
Core modules
30 credits
The MEng Team Project is a module which runs throughout the final year of the MEng programme. It provides a capstone element to the course by providing an opportunity for you to work on a major engineering design problem in a team in a way which closely parallels a real-world project. The groups are assigned to a particular project which has an outline project description, specification, or customer requirements provided by the teaching team. It is your group's job to develop the specification in detail, to convert it to a technical specification and then carry out the tasks necessary to complete the project. This module provides an opportunity for you to further develop academic skills delivered earlier in the programme. In order to successfully complete the module, you must establish a plan and work schedule, perform the technical tasks necessary to fulfil the plan, monitor progress, manage the team activities, hold and minute formal team design meetings, and resolve any problems that arise.
15 credits
This module provides you with the knowledge of the basic principles of human-robot interaction (HRI), exploring the fundamentals of a new area of research related to robotics, focusing on the physical, cognitive, and social interaction between humans and robots. This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of HRI principles, theories, and practical applications. You will learn to design, evaluate, and implement effective HRI systems that enable seamless communication and collaboration between humans and robots.
15 credits
This module explores the synergy between robotics and bio-inspired design, deriving design principles from living systems to enhance understanding in key areas such as mechatronic systems and sensor/actuator technologies. You will engage with a comprehensive learning journey encompassing lectures, tutorials and hands-on lab exercises. These formats will facilitate a deep understanding of the adaptability and autonomy present in animal life, and how these principles can be applied to robotics. The module offers you a valuable opportunity to develop and showcase your innovative prowess in the creation, construction and critical assessment of new robotic applications. The focus is on surpassing existing designs in adaptability, manoeuvrability, resilience and energy efficiency. You can expect to bolster your problem-solving abilities as you deal with complex design challenges. You will also develop critical thinking skills as you evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of their designs. Communication skills will be honed during a team-based project and presentation.
15 credits
This module is designed to expand your knowledge and skills in the fields of artificial intelligence, in particular, deep learning applied to robotic applications. The module covers a range of topics, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs). You will gain a deeper understanding of how to design and implement robotic systems that can perform complex tasks efficiently and intelligently such as responding to human behaviour and navigating autonomously in complex and dynamic environments.
15 credits
This module delves into the kinematic and dynamic models of wheeled and aerial robots, starting with fundamental concepts like nonholonomic constraints for wheeled robotics. You'll learn about dynamic models, path planning, regulation and tracking, artificial potential fields for obstacle avoidance, and control techniques. Aerial robotics introduces different vehicle definitions, along with altitude, attitude, and position control strategies for efficient vehicle manipulation. The significance of visual servoing techniques in aerial robotics is also highlighted. Throughout the module, you'll engage in practical exercises, simulations and hands-on projects to reinforce your theoretical knowledge. You will be equipped with the skills necessary to design and implement control systems for unmanned vehicles, enabling you to contribute to the advancement of autonomous robotics in various industries.
30 credits
This module encompasses a range of related fields, such as control, advances electronics and embedded implementation for robotics, introducing classical design and tools for analysis of control systems. Time domain design methods are followed by frequency domain design methods. Although the module mainly deals with continuous-time systems, discrete-time systems are also discussed. Your learning is supported by practical exercises where you'll design and implement embedded control systems using computer-aided design tools and embedded microcontroller-based robotic platforms. In addition to the theoretical concepts, the focus of this module is on implementation, providing you with a set of skills that will enhance your employability.
Extended degree with foundation year
If you would like to study one of our engineering degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready for Year 1 of an undergraduate course, a foundation year is ideal.
Future Skills and career opportunities
You'll graduate ready for a successful career in industry, having gained hands-on experience, practical, professional and technical skills.
Careers and recruitment advice
The Faculty has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.
The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the chance to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.
Boost your employability
Embedded within the Computer Science BSc (Hons) course and throughout the whole Kingston experience is our Future Skills programme. The Future Skills programme was developed to respond to the ever-evolving demands from modern day employment.
It will help you obtain the skills most valued by employers, such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability, and learn how to apply these skills in different scenarios. You’ll also learn how to articulate to employers how being able to do so gives you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it
For more information on how Kingston prepares you for the future job market, visit our Future Skills page.
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials. It may also include placements, project work, workshops, workshops in computer labs, and laboratory workshops.
Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- Year 1: 30.92% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 2: 26.33% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 3: 20.25% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 4 (MEng): 23.83% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 90 students and lecture sizes are normally 80-100. However this can vary by module and academic year.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | £9,535* |
| International | |
| Year 1 (2025/26): | £18,500 |
| Year 2 (2026/27): | £19,200 |
| Year 3 (2027/28): | £19,900 |
| Year 4 (2028/29): | £20,700 |
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2025/26 the fees for this course are above.
For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed in our Fees and Funding section. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.
* The fees shown above apply for Year 1 of the degree from 2025/26 onwards (fees may rise in line with inflation for future academic years). For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying this course at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year. A £10 voucher will be supplied to help cover the cost of the safety boots when purchasing with our supplier Activity Work Wear. Safety boots can range in cost between £25 and £100.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. These costs could be up to £2,000.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
Key information
The scrolling banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
