Automation and Robotics
Design, engineer, program and use conventional and modern automation and robotics systems.
You can choose to study this course part-time, and start in September or January. The course durations vary slightly: 2 years (September starts) or 28 months (January starts). Course content and modules remain the same.
in the region for postgraduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: Graduate Outcomes Survey 2026
Prepare for the fourth industrial revolution: gain the expertise required to design and develop intelligent automation and robotics systems. You’ll specialise in the hardware and software that promotes, manages, and scrutinises intelligent techniques for automation and robotic systems in various disciplines and industrial applications.
You’ll work on real-world automation and robotics engineering projects involving design, function, coding, analysis, optimisation and manufacturing systems. The course emphasises digital tools for smart engineering and manufacturing.
Please note this course is subject to validation and some details, including modules, may change.
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Learn to design and programme PLCs, robotics arms, pneumatic and electro-pneumatic systems, and PID controllers
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Use the Robotics Lab at Arise Chelmsford, a hub for advanced manufacturing businesses
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Dive into real-world automation and robotics projects, covering everything from design and coding to manufacturing
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Make professional connections and share ideas at Arise’s regular networking sessions
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Get an entrepreneurial education. You’ll look at automation and robotic applications concentrating on commercialisation, getting research and employability experience by collaborating with industry.
You’ll think critically and develop confidence for taking responsibility in your future career, with the opportunity to:
- Enhance your advanced technical and problem-solving knowledge in automation and robotic systems, control engineering systems, industrial robotics, and artificial intelligence.
- Acquire the skills to apply control system principles, manipulate system behaviour, design estimators, and optimisation.
- Comprehend essential concepts and principles of automation and robotics and demonstrate the knowledge through implementation.
- Apprehend programming languages.
Teaching and modules
You’ll gain theoretical and practical competency in manufacturing automation and robotics, learning through laboratory activities and hands-on exercises with machines and devices. You can build a system from scratch and practice your skills using ARU's professional Robotics lab.
Gain expertise in autonomous and intelligent systems, robotics design and manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and develop critical transferable skills, including problem-solving, innovative thinking, data analysis, project management and teamwork.
You’ll frequently work and take various roles in teams, presenting and defending your projects. You’ll develop a deep understanding of engineering problems and software, and advanced collaborative and communication tools for effective personal development.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Industrial Process Control (15 credits)
- Dynamics and Control systems design and theory
- Sensing and Sensors Fusion (15 credits)
- Robotics Design and Manufacturing
- Machine Learning and Computer Vision
- Programming Methods for Robotics
- Sustainable Environmental Design and Engineering Management Systems (15 credits)
- Engineering Major Project (60 credits)
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Facilities
Enjoy a range of facilities designed to support your studies and career development.
These include extensive library and IT resources, and careers support through our Employability Service. After you graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to our Alumni Career Centre.
You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, health and wellbeing, and more.