Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
MEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence | Programme code | UFX4ECSECS41 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Academic year | 2025/6 | |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the 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
This programme is designed to deliver all of the required learning outcomes as set out in UK-SPEC for an integrated MEng degree.
The 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 MEng Robotics and AI is a four-year full-time programme of study at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into four stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.
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.
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Faculty website:
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Stage 1
120 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory Modules
The first year of the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Engineering programme is shared with all engineering disciplines and strikes a balance between providing core engineering and mathematical knowledge and making the learning experience engaging and exciting. A year-long multi-disciplinary group project provides an over-arching vehicle for PBL and a means of putting core knowledge into practice in a collaborative group setting. Project briefs are developed in response to the core module content. To support the students’ project work they undertake workshops in sketching, report / technical writing and study / research skills. Students develop essential knowledge in Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing through a year-long module. By combining Mathematics and Programming, students develop both the mathematical knowledge that underpins engineering science and also the skills to put this knowledge to use by harnessing the power of programming. The first year also includes three 15-credit modules, 'Fundamentals of Mechanics', 'Fundamentals of Materials', and 'Fundamentals of Electronics'. All modules are delivered using a PBL framework that encourages students to become independent learners.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG1002 | Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing | 30 | Yes |
| ENG1005 | Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project | 30 | Yes |
| ENS1000 | Fundamentals of Engineering | 15 | No |
| ENG1007 | Fundamentals of Mechanics | 15 | Yes |
| ENG1008 | Fundamentals of Materials | 15 | Yes |
| ENG1009 | Fundamentals of Electronics | 15 | Yes |
Stage 2
120 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory Modules
The second year continues in the same vein as the first, with a combination of project work and core modules. A robotic challenge project again provides context and motivation for the theory taught in the second year. This project is robotics and artificial intelligence engineering-specific and centres on the concept of robotics and artificial intelligence design, with project briefs that allow students to draw on the skills and knowledge gained in their first two years. The importance of mathematics in engineering is considered in Modelling of Engineering Systems in Term 1. Term 1 also focuses on the importance of communication and network technologies, along with electronic design principles, which are fundamental in hardware robotics applications. Term 2 is centred on the introduction of control engineering topics, essential to achieve autonomy in AI systems, with also a strong attention to microcontroller engineering.
The practice of developing software knowledge and programming skill in tandem continues in the second year with one module: Python and ROS for robotics in Term 2.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG2008 | Microcontroller Engineering | 15 | Yes |
| ENG2009 | Modelling of Engineering Systems | 15 | Yes |
| ENG2017 | Communication and Networking Technologies | 15 | Yes |
| ENG2118 | Analogue and Digital Electronics Design | 15 | Yes |
| ENS2000 | Python and ROS for Robotics | 15 | Yes |
| ENS2001 | Robotics and AI Challenge Project | 30 | Yes |
| ENS2005 | Control Engineering | 15 | Yes |
Stage 3
105 credits of compulsory modules, 15 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
The focus in year 3 is on acquiring core Robotics and Artificial Intelligence engineering knowledge. Students will take modules in Machine Learning and AI, Distributed Algorithms for Robotics, and Optimisation Methods with strong applications to autonomous intelligent systems. MEng students complete a hands-on design and build project that challenges them to develop, prototype (at scale), and explore the market for a solution to a Robotics and AI Engineering challenge. This project emphasises the combination of commercial awareness and the application of sound engineering knowledge.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG3012 | Mechatronics | 15 | Yes |
| ECM3166 | Communications Engineering | 15 | Yes |
| ENS3024 | Optimisation Methods | 15 | Yes |
| ENS3002 | Robotics and AI Group Project | 30 | Yes |
| ENS3000 | Distributed Algorithms for Robotics | 15 | Yes |
| ENS3001 | Machine Learning and AI | 15 | Yes |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG3023 | Zero Emission Vehicles | 15 | No |
| PHY3222 | Energy, Materials and Sustainability | 15 | No |
| ECM3165 | Digital Signal Processing | 15 | No |
Stage 4
75 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
MEng students in their graduating year complete a 45 credit individual investigate project in collaboration with a specialist academic supervisor. This is the largest individual course element and provides students with the opportunity to develop deep knowledge and understanding in an area of their choice. In contrast to collaborative group projects in earlier years that emphasise the importance of collaboration, individual student effort will determine the success of this final capstone project. The fourth year is structured such that students may follow one of two exciting and topical specialisms that leverage the research expertise of Exeter engineering academics. These streams are the Advanced Control, Computational and Autonomy Stream, and the Communication and Data-Centric Stream. Each stream is defined by a number of core and optional modules that allow students to develop a comprehensive understanding of specialist topics in robotics and autonomous engineering. The fourth year culminates in the Exeter Engineering Conference. An opportunity for MEng students to showcase their work from their third- and fourth-year projects to staff, other students and invited industry guests. This event is both an assessment and an opportunity for students to put their best work forward in front of potential employers.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGM015 | MEng Individual Investigative Project | 45 | Yes |
| ENGM020 | Robotics and Automation | 15 | Yes |
| ENSM002 | Motion Planning | 15 | Yes |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECMM141 | Multivariable State-Space Control | 15 | No |
| ECMM410 | Research Methodology | 15 | No |
| ENGM002 | Advanced Communication Systems | 15 | No |
| ENGM010 | Data-Centric Engineering | 15 | No |
| ENGM018 | Nonlinear Control | 15 | No |
| ENSM004 | Validation and Safe Autonomy | 15 | No |
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. C1-M1 / M1: Apply knowledge of mathematics and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems | 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 |
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: | |
8. M8: Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct | 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: | |
14. M15: Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters | 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.
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
MEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
19. UCAS Code
H111
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/10/2024 |
Date of last revision | 02/10/2024 |
|---|
