MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
MSc Robotics and Autonomous Systems (with an industrial placement year)
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Robotics and Autonomous Systems (with an industrial placement year) at the University of Sussex offers a cutting-edge curriculum designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the fast-evolving field of robotics. With a strong emphasis on both theoretical concepts and practical applications, this program prepares students to design, develop, and implement robotic systems and autonomous technologies. The program incorporates an industrial placement year, giving students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience and work with industry professionals on real-world projects. This exposure enables students to refine their technical abilities while making meaningful contributions to the robotics and automation industries. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue careers in robotics, autonomous vehicles, AI-driven systems, and other technology sectors that rely on robotics and automation.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc Robotics and Autonomous Systems program is structured to provide both foundational knowledge and advanced technical skills. Core modules focus on robotics fundamentals, including robot kinematics, dynamics, control systems, and the integration of sensors and actuators in robotic systems. Students learn about autonomous systems, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, which are key to the development of intelligent robots capable of performing complex tasks in dynamic environments. Modules such as "Robotic Systems Design," "Autonomous Systems," "Robot Perception," and "AI for Robotics" are complemented by practical lab-based work, where students gain hands-on experience in designing and programming robots. The inclusion of the industrial placement year allows students to apply what they have learned in a professional environment, gaining insight into real-world challenges in the robotics industry. Additionally, students can choose from elective modules to tailor their studies to their specific areas of interest, such as robot vision, autonomous vehicles, or human-robot interaction.
Research Focus: The University of Sussex is renowned for its research excellence in robotics and autonomous systems, with a focus on advancing technologies that combine AI, machine learning, and robotics. The research focus of the MSc Robotics and Autonomous Systems program is grounded in the exploration of intelligent systems that can operate autonomously and adapt to changing environments. Research areas include robot perception, autonomous navigation, human-robot collaboration, swarm robotics, and multi-robot systems. The program provides opportunities for students to engage with ongoing research projects, collaborate with faculty, and contribute to innovations in the field of robotics. Sussex’s research centers and collaborations with industry partners also provide students with access to the latest advancements in robotics, allowing them to explore cutting-edge technologies and push the boundaries of what autonomous systems can achieve.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a critical component of the MSc Robotics and Autonomous Systems program. The inclusion of an industrial placement year provides students with the opportunity to work directly with leading companies in the robotics and automation sectors. This year-long placement allows students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, collaborating with industry professionals to solve practical problems and contribute to the development of innovative robotic systems. The University of Sussex has established strong connections with a wide range of industry partners, including robotics companies, automotive manufacturers, and tech firms specializing in AI and autonomous systems. These partnerships help students gain access to internships, networking opportunities, and collaborative research projects that are essential for building a successful career in robotics and autonomous systems.
Global Perspective: The MSc Robotics and Autonomous Systems program at the University of Sussex offers a global perspective on the field by preparing students to work in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world. The program attracts students from diverse backgrounds and countries, providing a rich and international learning environment. Students benefit from the global research collaborations at Sussex, which engage with universities, research institutions, and industry leaders around the world. The curriculum is designed to reflect global trends in robotics and automation, with a focus on applications that have the potential to transform industries worldwide, including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and service industries. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in a variety of global contexts, equipped with the technical expertise and cross-cultural understanding needed to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by robotics on a global scale.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 30000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduating with an MSc in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (with an industrial placement year) from the University of Sussex opens up a wide range of career opportunities in one of the most exciting and rapidly advancing fields in technology. Robotics and autonomous systems are transforming industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and defense. By gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience through the industrial placement year, graduates are well-equipped to embark on successful careers in various sectors, working with cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future.
Robotics Engineer: Robotics Engineers design and develop robots and robotic systems that can automate tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance human capabilities. As a graduate of the MSc program, students are equipped to work as robotics engineers, developing solutions for a wide range of applications, from manufacturing robots to service robots. They work on designing, building, testing, and maintaining robotic systems, ensuring that robots function autonomously and interact effectively with their environment. Robotics engineers play a pivotal role in advancing the automation of industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
Autonomous Systems Engineer: Autonomous Systems Engineers are responsible for designing and implementing systems that can operate independently without human intervention. These systems are essential in applications such as self-driving cars, drones, and industrial robots. Graduates of the MSc program can work in the development and optimization of autonomous systems that use sensors, machine learning, and AI to navigate and make decisions in real-time. Autonomous systems engineers work in industries ranging from automotive (for self-driving vehicles) to aerospace (for drone navigation and control systems).
Robotics Researcher: For those interested in academic or industrial research, the role of a robotics researcher offers the opportunity to explore new frontiers in robotics technology. Robotics researchers focus on developing new theories, algorithms, and systems that improve the functionality, performance, and efficiency of robots. Graduates with a strong interest in research can work in university departments, research labs, or private research institutions, contributing to the advancement of robotics technologies such as robot perception, motion planning, and multi-robot systems. Many robotics researchers are also involved in publishing papers and presenting their work at international conferences.
AI and Machine Learning Engineer: Many robotics systems rely on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to improve their decision-making abilities. AI and machine learning engineers develop the algorithms and models that enable robots to learn from data, adapt to new situations, and make intelligent decisions. MSc graduates with a focus on AI in robotics are well-positioned to work in industries that integrate AI into robotic systems, such as autonomous vehicles, healthcare, and consumer electronics. This role involves deep technical skills in machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and neural networks.
Robotics Software Developer: Robotics software developers are responsible for creating the software that powers robotic systems. They write code that controls the movement, actions, and interactions of robots, allowing them to perform tasks autonomously. Software developers in robotics must be proficient in programming languages such as Python, C++, and ROS (Robot Operating System). Graduates can work in sectors such as industrial automation, robotics for healthcare applications (e.g., surgical robots), and AI-driven robots for entertainment or consumer use.
Systems Engineer: Systems engineers in robotics focus on integrating various components of robotic systems, including hardware, software, and control systems. They ensure that all parts of a robot or autonomous system function together seamlessly to achieve the desired outcomes. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, a deep understanding of engineering principles, and the ability to work with multidisciplinary teams. Systems engineers are in demand in industries such as robotics manufacturing, aerospace, and energy, where complex systems must be integrated and tested for efficiency.
Drone Engineer: Drones, which rely heavily on autonomous systems, are used in a wide range of applications, including surveying, agriculture, delivery services, and surveillance. Drone engineers design and develop drones that are capable of autonomous flight, obstacle avoidance, and real-time data collection. With expertise in robotics and autonomous systems, MSc graduates can specialize in the engineering of drones, working on both hardware (e.g., propulsion systems, sensors) and software (e.g., flight control algorithms). This field is growing rapidly, with applications in logistics, emergency services, and environmental monitoring.
Robotics Consultant: Robotics consultants advise organizations on how to integrate robotics into their operations to improve productivity, efficiency, and innovation. Graduates of the MSc program can work as consultants, helping businesses understand how to implement robotic solutions in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and retail. Consultants analyze business needs, recommend appropriate robotic systems, and guide organizations through the design, deployment, and maintenance processes. This role requires both technical expertise and strong communication skills to bridge the gap between engineering teams and business stakeholders.
Human-Robot Interaction Specialist: Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) specialists focus on improving how robots interact with humans in collaborative environments. This is particularly important in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and customer service, where robots work alongside human operators. MSc graduates with an interest in HRI can design robots that are easy for humans to use, ensuring that the robots understand and respond appropriately to human behavior. This involves working on user interfaces, safety protocols, and improving the social and emotional aspects of robot interactions.
Autonomous Vehicle Engineer: Autonomous vehicles (AVs), including self-driving cars, trucks, and delivery robots, rely on robotics and autonomous systems to navigate safely and efficiently. Graduates of the MSc Robotics and Autonomous Systems program can work as engineers designing and optimizing the systems that power AVs. This involves work in areas such as sensor fusion, real-time decision-making, path planning, and vehicle control. Autonomous vehicle engineers are employed by companies in the automotive industry, tech companies working on autonomous driving technologies, and startups focusing on innovative transportation solutions.
