Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering BEng Honours

Your first year serves as the bedrock of your engineering education, introducing you to the core principles and practical applications that underpin the field, such as mathematics in engineering, fundamentals of electronic engineering, hands-on experience with programming and computing platform, along with collaborative projects that foster creativity and innovation, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical engineering challenges.

This module gives you a comprehensive understanding of electronics fundamentals and practical skills essential for constructing electronic circuits successfully. Through the exploration of analogue and digital systems, you will gain knowledge in basic electric circuit theory, standard electronic components, and circuit analysis techniques. You will also learn to design and apply standard analogue and digital circuits, including voltage dividers, amplifiers, logic gates, and sequential circuits. The module will focus on practical applications of electronics, such as interfacing analogue and digital signals, electronic system design, and embedded application design.

This module enhances your knowledge and understanding of the design process and project management principles in engineering contexts. By exploring a range of modelling and prototyping processes and techniques, you will learn the skills necessary to successfully execute engineering projects. Through practical application, you will develop proficiency in prototype development and utilise project management tools to effectively plan, organise, and execute project tasks. The projects undertaken in this module serve as a platform for you to apply problem-solving skills, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application.

This module introduces you to fundamental computational concepts and programming constructs relevant to physical computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). Through exploration of various programming languages and environments, you will develop problem-solving skills using code to interact with hardware components. This module equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop computer programs tailored to specific requirements, integrating software solutions with physical devices and processes effectively. Through practical exercises and projects, you will learn to use programming languages and tools to create innovative solutions that bridge the gap between software and hardware domains.

This module equips you with a robust foundation in mathematical principles and tools essential for modelling and comprehending complex engineering problems. Through theoretical understanding and practical applications, you will gain the skills to analyse, interpret, and effectively communicate results, empowering you to make informed decisions and design solutions as competent engineers.

Building on the foundational knowledge from the first year, the second year focuses on integrating and specialising in key areas of engineering. You will explore the interdisciplinary field of mechatronics, which combines mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science and control engineering with sensors and actuators. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of robotics, including the design, operation and application of robots. You will also learn the broader context of engineering projects, including environmental, social and economic factors, and develop skills in designing solutions that meet real-world needs. 

This module develops your understanding of the commercial, legal, financial, ethical and environmental context of design and engineering processes and their impact on society. We will cover issues such as sustainability goals, recognition of obligations to the society, the professional practice and a commitment to professional standards and code(s) of conduct relevant to your discipline (such as the Engineering Council). The module also covers other wider issues such as materials and their impact on environmental factors, waste management, ethics, EDI in a workplace, enterprise and entrepreneurship, security concerns, globalisation (global manufacturing, operating in global markets, cultural issues, financial concerns, risk etc) and its impact on business operations.

This module will help you develop an understanding of the concepts and theory of operation that lie behind mechatronic devices and systems and gain an experiential understanding of the effect that design has on these devices through construction, programming, demonstration and analysis. The module also develops realisable solutions to real-world situations and needs, practical capability in the design and realisation of mechatronic systems using appropriate hardware and software along with a wider knowledge of the application of mechatronics in the real world. 

This module will provide knowledge and practical skills in robotic systems. You will acquire the knowledge to formally describe a robotic system so they can plan and control a robot’s movement. You will learn about mobile robots and manipulators, the similarities and differences in the problems that need to be solved when using them, as well as techniques to use them together in a robotic system. You will also gain experiences using robot simulators and physical hardware along with the sensors used with them. 

This module will provide knowledge and understanding of the components of a typical control system involving sensors and actuators and how these can be controlled in applications such as level, position and speed control. This will involve developing knowledge of key aspects of classical control theory and their applications to engineering problems. You will use common industry standard software applications in modelling, analysing and prototyping control systems.

This module will strengthen, extend and apply the knowledge, skills and experiences you would have gained from your course in the context of a working environment, and to complement, stimulate, reinforce and encourage the development of discipline-specific technical knowledge, and your transferable skills. 

In your final year, you will tackle advanced topics and engage in a major project that showcases your expertise and readiness for professional practice. You will explore the cutting-edge field of AI and its applications in robotics, learning how to integrate intelligent systems into robotic platforms. You will study the latest advancements in mechatronic systems and the impact of Industry 4.0, focusing on the integration of cyber-physical systems and the Internet of Things (IoT) in industrial settings. Finally, you will undertake a major project that synthesises you're learning and demonstrates your ability to solve complex engineering problems. 

This module will provide you with knowledge and practical skills of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques used in robotics. The module will cover different types of autonomous robots in a variety of fields and applications. You will acquire knowledge and practical skills on robot sensory processing, particularly vision, and on the use of machine learning methods and algorithms, and how these are applied to real life autonomous robotic applications.

This module gives you the opportunity to synthesise prior learning and develop your planned graduation trajectory through a self-selected, self-initiated and self-directed major project and complementary professional practice components including EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) principles. The direction of the project is a personal choice supported by appropriate staff to help you best synthesise your course experiences into a project that develops your working practice and professional profile to a quality and in a direction suited to your exit trajectory. You will develop a body of coherent and detailed knowledge of project development, management and communication frameworks and methods in an appropriate professional sector.

This module will provide knowledge and understanding of the broad aspects of digital enterprise solutions within the scope of Industry 4.0. This module will develop your ability to analyse and critique mechatronics systems and to optimise such systems with the use of digital twin modelling and the integration of networking infrastructure. 

You will gain knowledge through a dynamic mix of teaching methods designed to actively engage you and enhance your understanding:

• Interactive Learning: Participate in seminars, group tutorials, and collaborative exercises to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and application of theory to real-life challenges.
• Hands-On Experience: Engage in laboratory activities, experiments, and simulations to reinforce theoretical knowledge and gain practical skills.
• Guided and Independent Study: Benefit from a combination of formal instruction and self-directed study, supported by resources such as key concept videos and a global perspective on topics.
• Industry Preparation: Develop practical abilities, teamwork, and decision-making skills, while preparing for industry-specific tasks through simulation tools and work-based learning.

You will receive guidance from academic advisors, fostering an inclusive environment and connecting you with work-based learning and industry opportunities. Your learning will also emphasise health and wellbeing, ensuring a balanced approach to your academic and professional growth.

Teaching vs independent learning

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking self-directed research, self-directed, resource-based learning, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Here is an indication of how you will split your time.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of 4 blocks of 3 hours of workshops (a total of 12 hours of contact time per week).

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Academic advising plays a crucial role in this holistic educational approach, guiding you through your academic journey, fostering an inclusive learning environment, and highlighting opportunities for work-based learning and engagement with industry.   
You will develop your skills within a stimulating and diverse teaching and learning framework, designed to nurture practical abilities, critical thinking and teamwork.   
Utilising state-of-the-art simulation tools and engaging in testing activities, you will gain insights into the practical aspects of their field, from conceptual design to tangible outcomes, preparing them for industry-specific tasks and decision-making.

This course is 100% coursework-based, with a variety of assessment methods to evaluate your knowledge and skills:

• Interactive Assignments: These include presentations, formal reports, and portfolios, allowing you to showcase your understanding through structured dialogues.
• Real-World Scenarios: Assessments are based on industry-relevant problems, project work, and tasks that reflect current industry standards.
• Practical Laboratory Tasks: Engage in scientific inquiry by applying theoretical knowledge to experiments, interpreting data, and drawing meaningful conclusions.
• Continuous Feedback: You’ll receive ongoing formative feedback, ensuring support throughout your learning and enhancing the effectiveness of the assessment process.

A key component of our assessment approach is the provision of continual formative feedback, ensuring you will be continuously guided and supported in your learning, enhancing the authenticity and effectiveness of the assessment process.  

Students opting for the industry-year placement will complete this at the end of Year 2. It will be between 36 to 48 weeks long.

A dedicated Employability Advisor from MDXworks Careers and Employability Service helps in the search for an appropriate employer and provides you with appropriate placement. They also provide you with appropriate guidance and support in preparation for, during and after placement. The placement forms the basis for an assessed report based on the organisation. At the start of the placement, you are allocated an individual supervisor who provides support and advice for the duration of the project.  

On completion of the placement on TKSW mode you will receive an additional qualification referred to as a Diploma of Industrial Studies.