Study information

Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year

BEng (Hons) Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with International Year One

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBEng (Hons) Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with International Year One Programme codeUFN3ENSINT04
Study mode(s)Full Time
Academic year2025/6
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

This is an undergraduate degree programme with a fully embedded International Year One. In the first year of the programme you will develop your English language, academic skills and subject knowledge. Alongside Academic English and Study Skills for Engineers, you will study a number of engineering modules, in line with those studied by other first year undergraduate Engineering students; some of these will be studied alongside other first year students in the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE). In the following year, you will move to ESE and join the second year of your Robotics and AI degree programme.

 

This Programme offers hands-on experience in autonomous systems, machine learning, and intelligent robotics. You will deep dive into topics such as robot sensing, path planning, and AI-driven decision-making. You will engage in projects ranging from developing self-driving vehicles to creating advanced robotic manipulators. You will in dynamic teams, solving real-world challenges, and gaining essential practical skills. This programme also gives you the opportunity to participate in the important Formula Student AI competition. You will prepare to lead and innovate in the rapidly evolving fields of robotics and artificial intelligence.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

The BEng in Robotics and AI with International Year One programme aims to provide international students with additional support to meet the linguistic and academic requirements for progression to the second year of the degree course and to provide the technical, communication and personal skills needed both in your further studies and throughout your professional career. It is designed to deliver all of the required learning outcomes as set out in UK-SPEC for a bachelors degree.  Higher level modules (including projects) are based on research-led teaching methods building upon the expertise of the engineering academic staff.

 

The Robotics and AI programme aims to enable students to become:

(a) flexible and autonomous engineering graduates equipped to adopt key leadership roles within multi-disciplinary robotics, artificial intelligence, engineering design, or research and development teams, contributing innovation, analytical and original thought, and discipline-specific expertise, demonstrating a holistic understanding of the context within which they work, supporting the work of others, and taking full responsibility and demonstrating self-motivation for their own personal and professional development;

(b) academically qualified to become chartered engineers within the appropriate engineering industry at the earliest opportunity;

(c) aware of the environmental, economic, social, and sustainability issues that are an integral part of the professional engineer's role in society;

(d) able to work well in multi-disciplinary groups with experience of communication, organization, planning, and logistics.

 

Through this programme, the Department will provide students with learning opportunities to match their abilities and aspirations, personal academic and pastoral support throughout their university career, appropriate methods of teaching and assessment, and a programme of study that they find demanding, interesting, and intellectually stimulating, while allowing them to enjoy other aspects of university life. The Department will also seek to promote the role of industry and engineering institutions and the benefits that they can provide to undergraduates.

4. Programme Structure

The BEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence is a three-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into three stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.

 

The first stage of the programme will be primarily taught by University of Exeter International Study Centre (ISC) with the subsequent stages being taught by the Engineering department in the University of Exeter’s Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (FESE).

 

You can progress from stage 1 to stage 2 provided that you have passed all modules (with at least 40%) and achieved a mark of at least 50% across the following 90 credits:  INT1113, INT1115, INT1116 (or INT1117) & ENG1005 and 65% in INT0202.

 

Interim / Exit  Awards

With the requisite number of credits, a student may qualify for a Certificate of Higher Education or a Diploma of Higher Education.

 

Note: Guidance on Interim and Exit awards (and the difference between than can be viewed here: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/pma/introduction/#exit-interim

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

Stage 1


 

Stage 1: 120 credits of compulsory modules, 0 credits of optional modules

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
INT0202 English Language and Study Skills for Engineering 30Yes
INT1113 Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing 30Yes
INT1115 Core Engineering 15Yes
INT1117 Fundamentals of Mechanics and Electronics 15No
ENG1005 Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project 30No

Stage 2


Stage 2: 120 credits of compulsory modules, 0 credits of optional modules

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ENG2008 Microcontroller Engineering 15Yes
ENG2009 Modelling of Engineering Systems 15Yes
ENG2017 Communication and Networking Technologies 15Yes
ENG2118 Analogue and Digital Electronics Design 15No
ENS2000 Python and ROS for Robotics 15No
ENS2001 Robotics and AI Challenge Project 30No
ENS2005 Control Engineering 15No

Stage 3


Stage 3: 105 credits of compulsory modules, 15 credits of optional modules

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ENG3012 Mechatronics 15Yes
ECM3166 Communications Engineering 15Yes
ENS3024 Optimisation Methods 15Yes
ECM3175 Individual Project 30No
ENS3000 Distributed Algorithms for Robotics 15No
ENS3001 Machine Learning and AI 15No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
ENG3023 Zero Emission Vehicles 15No
PHY3222 Energy, Materials and Sustainability 15No
ECM3165 Digital Signal Processing 15No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. Operate in English effectively, including in the context of engineering, and with the skills necessary for an academic context.
2. C1-M1 / M1: Apply knowledge of mathematics and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems
3. C2-M2 / M2: Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions
4. C3-M3 / M3: Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems
5. C4-M4 / M4: Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
6. C5-M5 / M5: Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business, and customer needs as appropriate
7. C6-M6 / M6: Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems
8. C7-M7 / M7: Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems and minimise adverse impacts

The International Year One ILO is explicitly addressed during English Language and Study Skills for Engineers in year 1 which employs a variety of learning activities and teaching methods including teacher-led groups, student presentations, seminars and set tasks.

Attending lectures, tutorials and practical workshops.

Undertaking project work under supervision, both individually and as part of a team.

Completing written exercises

Producing and demonstrating software/hardware for Robotics and AI application

Private study

Written coursework

Project presentation

Written examination

Academic English is assessed through a presentation, a seminar, exams and written tasks.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

9. M8: Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct
10. M9: Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks associated with a particular project or activity
11. M10: Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks
12. M11: Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits, and importance of supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion
13. C12-M12 / M12: Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems
14. M13: Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies, and processes, recognising their limitations

Attending lectures and tutorials

Completing written exercises

Private study

Written coursework

Written examination

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

15. M15: Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters
16. C17-M17 / M17: Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences
17. C18-M18 / M18: Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD

Undertaking project work under supervision, both individually and as part of a team.

Giving stand-up presentations

Project report

Written coursework

Project demonstration

Group presentation

Individual presentation

7. Programme Regulations

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

In accordance with University policy a system of personal tutors is in place for all students on this programme.  A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual.  As a student enrolled on this programme you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

 

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network. Additionally, the University has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages.  Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the University and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://ele.exeter.ac.uk/) for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.

 

The Harrison Building has several areas available for quiet study, with separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/facultycases/academicconductandpractice/academicintegrity/) Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

Not applicable to this programme.

18. Final Award

BEng (Hons) Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with International Year One

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

360

ECTS credits

180

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date Date of last revision