Robotics and Mechatronics

Year 1

Stage 1 is common across all engineering degrees and provides a strong foundation in core engineering principles. You will develop essential skills in mathematics, physics, programming, and electrical and mechanical systems. Through hands-on labs and team-based projects, you’ll begin to apply theory to practice while building confidence in problem-solving, communication, and design-laying the groundwork for more specialised study in robotics and related disciplines in later stages.

Year 2

In Stage 2, you'll build on core knowledge through a mix of general engineering modules and robotics-specific topics such as embedded systems, control, and automation. You'll also choose from a range of electives offered across the School, allowing you to tailor your learning. Successful completion of Stage 2 opens up opportunities for industry placements or study abroad, helping you gain valuable real-world experience and broaden your academic and professional horizons.

Year 3

In Stage 3, you'll deepen your expertise through advanced robotics modules, with a strong focus on control systems, machine vision, and artificial intelligence. Alongside these specialist subjects, you'll continue to study general engineering topics and have the flexibility to choose electives from across the School. This stage sharpens your technical skills and prepares you for the demands of modern robotics, while continuing to build toward your professional and academic goals.

Year 4

Stage 4 offers full immersion in robotics, with Semester 1 focused entirely on specialist and elective modules tailored to your interests and career goals. You’ll explore advanced topics at the cutting edge of robotics and automation. In Semester 2, you'll undertake a substantial individual capstone project, applying your knowledge to solve a real-world engineering challenge-demonstrating your innovation, technical ability, and readiness for professional or academic advancement.

Learning Methods

Teaching and assessment methods on the Robotics & Mechatronics course are built around active, project-based learning, designed to reflect real-world engineering practice. You’ll engage in hands-on labs, team-based design challenges, and industry-informed projects that develop both technical and professional skills.

Emphasis is placed on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, helping you build a strong portfolio of experience. Collaborative learning, peer feedback, and interdisciplinary projects ensure you're prepared not just to understand robotics - but to innovate within it. Learning is supported by expert staff and cutting-edge facilities.

Access to our virtual learning environment, Moodle, is also provided giving you access from home to learning materials (including videos, e-books and journals).

How long is a Robotics & Mechatronics course?

A BEng Robotics & Mechatronics degree can be successfully completed in 4 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained. 

Activity Summary

You will generally study four modules each Term, each varying in contact type. Typically you will have 3 hours per-module per-week in a mixture of lectures to the whole class, tutorials, laboratories, workshops and computer laboratories to learn specialist software.

Your course resources will be available on Moodle, where you will find course notes, tutorials, coursework assignments and much more.

Year 4

• Lectures - approximately 20 students per group, 3 hours per week
• Project Supervision - approximately 20 students per group, 9 hours per week
• Independent Study - 30 hours per week

Independent Study

Independent study forms a major part of each module, allowing you to deepen understanding through guided reading, problem-solving, and project work. You’ll consolidate material from lectures and labs, prepare for assessments, and explore specialist topics, developing the self-directed learning and critical thinking skills essential for professional engineering practice.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each term through portfolios of evidence covering: Practical laboratory activities, Project outputs, reports.

Year 1

• 6 portfolios

Year 2

• 8 portfolios
• Capstone project

Staff Delivering on This Course

The Robotics Engineering course is delivered by an experienced team of academics, researchers, and professional engineers with expertise spanning mechanical design, electronics, control systems, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. Many staff are active researchers engaged in cutting-edge projects in areas such as renewable energy, subsea robotics, and intelligent manufacturing, ensuring teaching is informed by the latest technological developments. The team maintains strong partnerships with local and international industry, bringing real-world insight into the classroom. Students benefit from a supportive and collaborative environment where approachable staff provide academic guidance, technical mentorship, and opportunities for research and professional engagement.

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of submission of coursework.

Placements

Placements provide students with the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a professional engineering environment, gaining valuable insight into real-world robotics and automation practice. Typically undertaken after Stage 2, placements may range from a few months to a full academic year and can be based locally, nationally, or internationally. Students develop key professional skills, including teamwork, communication, and project management, while building industry contacts and enhancing employability. The School maintains strong partnerships with a wide range of employers across sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and technology, helping students secure placements that align with their interests and career aspirations.

What is needed for the BEng (Hons) Robotics & Mechatronics course?

Standard Entry Requirements

• SQA Higher: BBCC to include Maths and either Engineering Science, Chemistry, Physics or Technological Studies. English at National 5 grade C or above is required if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: CCC to include Mathematics and one from Physics, Design Technology, Electronics, Chemistry or Engineering. GCSE English at grade 5/C or above is required if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3 to include Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Technological Studies. English at grade O3 or above is required if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma: 26 to include Higher Level Maths and  Physics at grade 5. English is required at a minimum of Standard Level grade 4

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

• SQA Higher: CCCC to include Maths and either Engineering Science, Physics, Chemistry or Technological Studies. English at National 5 C is required if not held at Higher. 

Applicants from Partner Colleges

Appropriate HNC or HND may allow entry to Stage 2 or Stage 3. These are considered on an individual basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.