Students apply their knowledge of programming to the Sawyer robot.

MEng (Hons) Intelligent Automation & Robotics

Discover how intelligent autonomous systems are transforming modern manufacturing and the utility supply process, while developing advanced knowledge of emerging technologies, computer vision and Internet of Things security concepts.

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      • Studying Abroad Option Available
      • Sandwich Year Option Available
      • International Students Can Apply
      • Work Placement Opportunity


      Covid-19 - Intelligent Automation & Robotics Essential Information


      UCAS Code: H672
      Course Length: 4 Years Full-Time
      Start Dates: September 2022
      Subjects: Computing and IT
      Example Offers: BBC-ABB (A Level) or DMM-DDM (BTEC)
      View full entry criteria

      Intelligent automation is a rapidly evolving, multi-disciplinary subject that is central to the digital transformation of operational processes across a wide range of industrial sectors. It has particular importance in engineering, IT, manufacturing and production and combines the diverse and rapidly expanding areas of digital electronics, automation, robotics, control, power systems, image processing and the Internet of Things. During this industry-guided and research-informed integrated Masters degree, you will gain in-depth expertise to actively manage and participate in the design and development of intelligent automation systems. Specialising in the hardware and software that enables, controls and monitors intelligent automated systems, you will acquire advanced engineering skills that are in demand from industry, as well as important transferable skills including problem solving, creative thinking, data analysis, project management and teamwork. You will gain valuable experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating on a substantial engineering project that will broaden your knowledge and develop your group working skills. You will graduate ready to meet the industrial strategies of UK government and beyond, equipped with the ability to design, exploit and deploy automation and robotic systems in a range of engineering, IT, manufacturing, and industrial applications.

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      In Depth

      What will I study?

      In Year 1 you will study a set of modules that provide a solid foundation for the second and third years of your degree. You will study a balanced range of current engineering topics from fundamentals of the design, analysis, and construction of systems to the foundations of engineering mathematics and professional practice. These subjects are focused on the key principles that underpin electrical and electronic engineering, digital circuitry and logic, computation and programming, and the mathematical principles that underpin engineering.

      The Year 2 curriculum provides a more specialised focus. You will further explore the principles of mathematics for engineering, as well as the foundations of robotics, and be introduced to topics encompassing industrial automation, control systems and signal processing. The application of artificial intelligence techniques and principles, from biological systems to robots, will be examined to see how they influence control behaviour and sense environments. A simulated work environment or project will enable you to respond to live briefs, deliver real products, and engage in other realistic work-related activity as part of a team.

      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.

      Year 3 provides opportunities to develop advanced knowledge and skills as you discover how to model and analyse human and robot behaviour in an algorithmic way, as well as broadening your experience in other related disciplines through project work. Gaining the key practical skills required for the development of smart digital autonomous technologies, you will be introduced to agent-based modelling, as well as machine intelligence for automated decision making and planning. You will also develop expertise in engineering management and enterprise. A substantial multidisciplinary project will provide valuable experience of working in a team on an exciting engineering challenge.

      Year 4 provides the opportunity to further extend your knowledge in specific areas. The emphasis at this level is on the development of independent study and learning. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of topics covering intelligent autonomous systems. This will involve considering relevant case studies, addressing themes such as autonomous vehicles and smart manufacturing, as well as critically evaluating the suitability of emerging technologies to new scenarios and analysing ethical issues related to their use. You will also acquire project management skills in preparation for embarking on a significant capstone research and development project which may take the form of either an appropriate piece of software or hardware.

      How will I study?

      Teaching methods are designed in consultation with leading employers in the region. Many classes are based in computing and engineering laboratories, focusing on student activity as a means of learning. We introduce theoretical concepts by building on practical activity.

      Classes are highly interactive, with the practical application of concepts and cases drawn from real-life being key factors. Workshops, seminars, group tutorials and practical activities provide opportunities for you to work interdependently.

      To enhance your employability, you will be given opportunities to work together and develop the essential people skills to complement your technical ability.

      How will I be assessed?

      You will be assessed through a combination of practical exercises, reports, essays, presentations and examinations. We want you to develop the ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team, therefore assessment includes both of these forms, though the emphasis is strongly on individual work.

      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 engineering and 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.

      Guest lectures, delivered by industry experts, as well as academics from other disciplines, will broaden your outlook and ensure you benefit from a wide range of knowledge and experience.

      A Great Study Environment

      Two students with rucksacks walk in front of the Tech Hub.


      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.



      Learning resources include 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.



      Expand All

      Year 1

      CIS1008Electrical and Electronic Engineering Fundamentals (20 credits)

      Electrical and Electronic Engineering Fundamentals provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals of electrical and electronic engineering. You will explore concepts covering voltage and current, as well as characterisation of resistance, capacitance and inductance. You will also investigate the operation and performance characteristics of electronic components, such as operational amplifiers, diodes and transistors, using analytical and experimental techniques.


      CIS1111Programming: Concepts to Construction 1 (20 credits)


      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS1113Computer-Aided Engineering (20 credits)

      Computer-Aided Engineering immerses you in computer-based techniques that support the processes of design and simulation applied to engineering problems. This module provides you with an opportunity to develop an understanding and experience of commercially available engineering software and its practical applications to solve complex engineering problems. You will investigate the use of computer-aided design and simulation tools for a variety of engineering applications and develop skills in a variety of computer-aided design and simulation programs.

      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS1607Circuits and Logic (20 credits)

      Circuits and Logic introduces you to logic level models, logic gates and the design and application of digital logic circuits. Digital logic circuits are an essential component of every electronic device including computers, smartphones, and tablets. They are used to build engineering designs that deliver various computational outcomes. This module introduces you to the operation, design and application of simple combinational and sequential digital logic circuits. You will gain an understanding of how digital logic circuits are analysed, designed, verified and tested. You will also develop the capability to use digital logic circuits to solve simple engineering problems.

      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS1608Foundations of Engineering Mathematics (20 credits)

      Foundations of Engineering Mathematics provides an overview of the most important mathematical concepts and methods which are relevant to engineering. Mathematics is an essential component of engineering and it is at the core of many engineering analysis techniques and concepts. The module focuses on mathematical methods in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, complex numbers, differential and integral calculus, and matrices. You will explore real-world, cutting-edge applications and methods of mathematics from engineering to physics and mechanics.

      Assessment: Coursework: 70%, Written Exam(s): 30%.

      CIS1609Professional Practice in Engineering 1 (20 credits)

      Professional Practice in Engineering 1 provides a fundamental starting point for engineering students. Building a base of knowledge to begin your journey to becoming a professional engineer, you will receive a grounding in how professional bodies underpin their practice. You will be introduced to the engineering profession and basic laboratory skills, gaining hands-on experience with equipment. You will also be made aware of relevant regulatory requirements governing engineering activities in the context of particular areas of specialisation.

      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      Year 2

      CIS2171Foundations in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)

      Foundations in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence recognises exciting innovations are being built which increasingly automate our world. The foundations of the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence have roots in the work of Alan Turing, investigating the boundary between human intelligence and computers. This module examines how artificial intelligence techniques and principles from biological systems can be applied to robots to control behaviour and sense environments. You will develop an understanding of the theoretical problems, for example behaviour and basics of learning techniques, inherent in robotics and use pre-built robots to design, implement and test different control and perceptual systems. You will develop your expertise in various aspects of robotic programming, including using multi-sensors to collect environmental measurements, designing control strategies and making smart decisions by finding optimal solutions.

      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS2172Applied Industrial Automation (20 credits)

      Applied Industrial Automation develops your expertise in various aspects of robotic programming in industrial applications, including using multi-sensors to collect environmental measurements, designing control strategies and making smart process decisions by finding optimal solutions. Furthermore, you will gain a practical understanding of the key concepts of robotic programming including its hardware, architecture and software solutions.

      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS2178Control Systems and Instrumentation Engineering (20 credits)

      Control Systems and Instrumentation Engineering is designed to produce engineers who are knowledgeable about, and competent to employ, new and emerging technologies that are crucial to maintaining modern society’s competitive industries, many of which rely heavily on the use of systems and equipment that are powered by mechanical principles, electronics, computers and control systems. Increasingly, engineers are required to design and develop machinery with computer, mechanical and electronic controls. This module will equip you with a range of skills required to design and maintain innovative solutions to automated modern industrial systems. You will be introduced to the fundamentals of integrated circuit engineering, intelligent design and control systems, the Internet of Things and other topics relevant to a multidisciplinary field which combines electronics, instrumentation, software and control engineering.

      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS2181Applied Mathematics for Engineering (20 credits)

      Applied Mathematics for Engineering provides a comprehensive overview of the important mathematical concepts and methods relevant to engineering. Mathematics is an essential component of engineering and is at the core of many engineering analysis techniques and concepts. Mathematical methods in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, complex numbers, differential and integral calculus and matrices will be introduced, with emphasis on how they relate to a variety of real-world problems in engineering, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.


      CIS2608Signal Processing (20 credits)

      Signal Processing explores the technologies which have become essential assets for building the future smart world, where interaction between smart devices heavily relies on reliable and efficient communication signal processing technologies. The module  introduces you to the fundamental principles of signal processing, from the underpinning theories and mathematics to practical applications, with an emphasis on developing problem-solving techniques via seminar/laboratory activities. Beginning with signal analysis to help you understand the signal representations in both the time and frequency domain, you will go on to explore various modulation schemes for analogue and digital-signal transmissions, evaluating their performance in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, bandwidth requirement and error logs. A central theme throughout the module will be the security aspects surrounding the technologies.

      Assessment: Coursework: 60%, Written Exam(s): 40%.

      CIS2609Professional Practice in Engineering 2 (20 credits)

      Professional Practice in Engineering 2 fosters professional practice and  employability skills. This will be achieved by simulating, as accurately as possible, what it’s like to work in a given engineering specialism. You will be introduced to the world of work via a simulated work environment or project. This will involve being given live briefs and/or being placed into teams that represent fictional companies and being asked to produce real products or engage in realistic work-related activity. This employer-derived simulation or project will enable you to experience working as part of a large team, including the challenges that can occur when trying to complete high-quality, complicated engineering work to schedule.

      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      Year 3

      CIS3004Engineering Research and Development Methods (20 credits)

      Engineering Research and Development Methods ensures that you are fully prepared for undertaking an engineering research and development project. The module will equip you with various skills and techniques which will help you plan and proceed with the project with confidence. You will be shown how to discover work that is relevant to your project and critically appraise its relevance. The World Wide Web is a rich source of information and you will be shown how to tap into the valuable resources that are in the public domain. You will learn how to organise and disseminate your findings to as wide an audience as possible. To conclude, you will present your work in a written report and give an oral presentation to your peers.

      Assessment: Coursework: 90%, Practical(s): 10%.

      CIS3137Advanced Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (20 credits)

      Advanced Robotics and Artificial Intelligence presents an overview about how to model and analyse human and robot behaviour in an algorithmic way. The module also focuses on how to tackle the human-robot interaction and collaboration challenges under the framework of artificial intelligence and robotics. You will develop an understanding of the basic principles about how to design user-friendly human-robot interaction systems, integrate what you have learnt to understand the impact of applications of human-robot interaction systems to modern society, and develop skills in individual thinking, algorithm implementation and teamwork.

      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS3139Autonomous Systems (20 credits)

      Autonomous Systems equips you with the theoretical foundations and practical skills relevant to the development of smart digital autonomous technologies. You will be introduced to advanced computational methods, such as agent-based modelling and machine intelligence for automated decision-making and planning, that underpin the implementation of intelligent autonomous systems. The practical aspects of the module will enable you to design, develop and evaluate real-world autonomous systems using relevant programming platforms.

      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS3168Engineering Management and Enterprise (20 credits)

      Engineering Management and Enterprise equips you with a practical understanding of engineering management techniques and the necessary systems and philosophies for successful project implementation. You will gain a detailed understanding of the actions that an organisation needs to take to deal with opportunities, threats, challenges and unexpected events emerging from and within their external and internal environments. The module provides an understanding of how quality engineering techniques can be implemented throughout the product and manufacturing life cycle, while also offering a wider view of the context in which state-of-the-art products are designed and subsequently proceed into the market or the work environment. In addition to this, you will gain an overview of how total quality management (TQM) can be used to strategic advantage to exceed customer requirements and facilitate process improvement.


      CIS3306Multidisciplinary Group Design Project (40 credits)

      Multidisciplinary Group Design Project provides you with the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team on a substantial engineering project which reflects the complexity of the working environment. The multidisciplinary nature of the project delivers a breadth of knowledge in other areas of engineering and technology. This will allow you to better understand the nature and technical challenges encountered when designing sustainable engineering solutions to meet the needs of modern society. The module develops teamwork and group skills and includes researching and analysing a given task and then finding and realising a practical engineering solution. You will work in a small team and be given a project which will typically take the form of a global engineering challenge. The project is an opportunity for you to investigate in some depth an issue of particular interest, while also contributing more widely to your group’s common goals. The module offers an element of specialisation to demonstrate the integration of skills, group work and technical knowledge.

      Assessment: Coursework: 80%, Practical(s): 20%.

      Year 4

      CIS4015Intelligent Autonomous Systems (20 credits)

      Intelligent Autonomous Systems explores the technologies associated with the implementation of intelligent autonomous systems, including robotics, the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning, 5G wireless solutions and the Internet of Things. You will gain an advanced understanding of the specific functionalities of intelligent autonomous systems, including the ability to learn and adapt to situations, and how to make decisions based on reasoning. You will conclude by developing case studies, highlighting how intelligent autonomous systems may be applied to different sectors such as driverless vehicles, smart manufacturing, and drone-enabled applications.


      CIS4114Research and Development Project (60 credits)

      Research and Development Project provides experience of designing and executing a substantial project in a limited time, based on a project plan, employing practical skills, problem solving and underpinned by relevant research. You will apply and extend skills and knowledge learned in taught modules and demonstrate your competency to construct and complete a coherent project as a Computing professional.

      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.

      CIS4116Emerging Technologies (20 credits)

      Emerging Technologies equips you with an advanced understanding of emerging technology and develops the appropriate skills to critically evaluate their suitability, impact and applicability to new scenarios. As computing is constantly changing , with advances in hardware, software and methodologies resulting in new systems being constantly developed and new application areas being discovered, this module exposes you to a range of current issues of importance. The module also strengthens your ability to identify and analyse ethical issues related to the use of new technology for both development and research purposes, including an overview of the professional and legal constraints within which computing specialists operate.


      CIS4126Project Management (20 credits)

      Project Management provides an in-depth understanding of what project management involves. The module will equip you with an awareness that projects have to be managed effectively if they are to succeed and that project management is a complex activity and demands a professional approach. Emphasis is placed on the importance of project planning, monitoring and control in the management of large scale projects. The module not only explores the techniques which can be applied, and the tools which can be used, but also the ‘softer’ human factors which must be taken into account in managing large project teams such as people management and team leadership.

      Assessment: Coursework: 100%.






      Entry Criteria

      Entry Requirements

      Typical offer 112-128 UCAS Tariff points. This must include A Level Mathematics at Grade C or above or equivalent. GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or equivalent, is also required.

      Example Offers

      Some examples of how you can achieve 112-128 UCAS Tariff points are as follows:

      • A Level: BBC-ABB;
      • BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM) or Distinction, Distinction, Merit (DDM);
      • Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit, 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit, or 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.






      English Language Requirements



      Recognition of Prior Learning



      Career Prospects

      What are my career prospects?

      MEng (Hons) Intelligent Automation & Robotics graduates have the essential skills to enter a broad choice of career paths, with a skillset particularly well suited to working as a software automation engineer, control engineer or electrical engineer.

      Relevant opportunities are typically offered across a range of sectors including the automotive industry, aerospace, automation and control, process and petrochemical, biomedical, manufacturing and energy.

      Our dedicated Employability team, who works closely with the University’s Careers Centre, support students to find highly skilled employment. You will also benefit from timetabled employability sessions, ongoing support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

      How can I enhance my employability?


      Optional, additional activities may be available on this integrated Masters 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 five year integrated Masters 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 five year integrated Masters degree, enabling you to immerse yourself in a different culture;



      Tuition Fees

      If you are a prospective UK student who will be joining this integrated Masters degree in academic year 2022/23, the tuition fee is still to be announced. You are advised to check this page regularly and once the position has been confirmed we will update this information. Tuition fees for international students enrolling on the programme in academic year 2022/23 are £15,000 a year.



      Financial Support

      Financial support arrangements for eligible UK students joining integrated Masters degrees in academic year 2022/23 are still to be announced. You are advised to check this page regularly and once the position has been confirmed we will update this information.


      Financial support information for international students can be found at







      How to Apply

      Apply online through UCAS at

      Visit to find out more about the application process.

      Further information for international students about how to apply is available at


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      Course Changes


      18th June 2021 - Change to Entry Requirements

      GCSE English Language at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or equivalent, is required.

      2nd March 2021 - Change of Modules

      CIS3306 Multidisciplinary Group Design Project (40 credits) replaces CIS3165 Engineering Research and Development Project (40 credits) as a compulsory module in Year 3.

      CIS4126 Project Management (20 credits) replaces CIS4301 Research Methods (20 credits) as a compulsory module in Year 4.

      Covid-19 - Intelligent Automation & Robotics Essential Information

      Teaching and Learning at Edge Hill University in 2020


      Campus Facilities at Edge Hill University in 2020
