BEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Exeter is ideal for students who want to shape the future through intelligent technologies, combining robotics, artificial intelligence, and engineering to solve real-world challenges. The programme builds a strong engineering foundation before progressing to advanced topics such as autonomous systems, machine learning, robot sensing, and intelligent robotics, with the option to gain valuable professional experience through a Year in Industry.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
The first year introduces the core principles of engineering while developing the mathematical, scientific, and technical skills needed for robotics and AI. Students study modules including Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Fundamentals of Electronics, and Fundamentals of Materials, building a strong foundation in engineering while developing teamwork and practical problem-solving skills.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on the technologies behind modern robotics and artificial intelligence, giving students practical experience in intelligent systems and programming. Modules such as Python and ROS for Robotics, Microcontroller Engineering, Analogue and Digital Electronics Design, Communication and Networking Technologies, Control Engineering, and the Robotics and AI Challenge Project help students design, program, and control robotic systems while developing their technical and analytical skills.

Year in Industry:
Students can choose the BEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with Year in Industry pathway, spending a year working with an engineering or technology organisation before returning for their final year. This placement provides valuable professional experience, allowing students to apply their technical knowledge in the workplace, develop industry skills, and build strong connections with potential employers.

Final Year:
The final year allows students to explore advanced robotics and artificial intelligence while completing an independent engineering project. Students undertake the Individual Project alongside modules such as Machine Learning and AI, Distributed Algorithms for Robotics, Mechatronics, Communications Engineering, and Optimisation Methods, preparing them to develop intelligent technologies that address complex engineering challenges.

Focus Areas

Robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, machine learning, intelligent robotics, robot sensing, control engineering, mechatronics, embedded systems, communication technologies, optimisation methods, microcontroller engineering, engineering design, and practical project development.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to design, program, and control intelligent robotic systems while applying artificial intelligence techniques to solve complex engineering problems. The programme also builds programming, analytical thinking, teamwork, communication, research, and practical engineering skills, preparing graduates for careers in fast-growing technology and engineering industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

As a new programme introduced in 2025, the University of Exeter has developed the course in collaboration with industry and in consultation with professional engineering bodies. The university intends to seek accreditation from the relevant engineering professional institutions once the programme becomes eligible.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter has a strong reputation for engineering education, with General Engineering ranked 9th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2027. Students also benefit from research-led teaching, with 92% of Engineering research rated internationally excellent or world-leading in REF 2021, supported by modern engineering laboratories, workshops, and specialist teaching facilities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Exeter gives students plenty of opportunities to apply what they learn through practical projects, laboratory work, and hands-on engineering activities. From the first year, students work with modern engineering facilities and industry-relevant technologies while building skills in robotics, programming, electronics, and intelligent systems. Students can also choose the Year in Industry pathway, gaining valuable professional experience with an engineering or technology organisation before completing their final year.

Students build practical skills through a wide range of facilities, projects, and industry-focused experiences:

Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project: Students work in teams to solve real engineering problems, developing technical expertise while strengthening teamwork, communication, leadership, and project management skills.
Robotics and AI Challenge Project: Students design, build, and program intelligent robotic systems, applying robotics and artificial intelligence concepts to practical engineering challenges.
Python and ROS for Robotics: Students gain hands-on programming experience using Python and the Robot Operating System (ROS) to develop software for robotic control, automation, and intelligent systems.
Microcontroller Engineering Laboratories: Students work with embedded systems and microcontrollers, learning how hardware and software work together to control robotic devices and autonomous technologies.
Electronics Design Laboratories: Through Analogue and Digital Electronics Design, students design, build, and test electronic circuits used in robotics and AI applications.
Control Engineering and Mechatronics: Practical activities help students integrate sensors, actuators, electronics, and control systems to create intelligent engineering solutions.
Engineering Laboratories and Workshops: Modern laboratories, specialist workshops, and engineering teaching spaces provide opportunities for experimentation, prototype development, testing, and practical engineering design.
Digital Engineering Tools: Students use programming environments, engineering simulation software, computational modelling tools, and digital design technologies to develop, analyse, and optimise robotic systems.
Individual Engineering Project: In the final year, students complete an independent project focused on robotics or artificial intelligence, applying research, design, programming, and engineering analysis to solve a complex technical challenge.
Year in Industry Placement: Students can choose the four-year pathway that includes a professional placement with an engineering or technology organisation. This experience helps them apply their academic knowledge, strengthen workplace skills, and build valuable industry connections before graduation.
Research-Informed Learning: Students learn from academics carrying out research in robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, embedded technologies, machine learning, and intelligent engineering, giving them insight into the latest developments in the field.
Industry Engagement: Developed in collaboration with industry, the programme gives students exposure to current technologies, employer expectations, and engineering practices that reflect the rapidly evolving robotics and AI sector.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Exeter prepares graduates for exciting careers in one of the fastest-growing areas of engineering and technology. Students graduate with expertise in robotics, autonomous systems, machine learning, programming, and intelligent engineering, opening opportunities for roles such as Robotics Engineer, Artificial Intelligence Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Software Engineer, Automation Engineer, and Robotics Systems Developer. The programme combines practical project work, industry-focused learning, and the optional Year in Industry to help graduates enter the job market with confidence.

The programme supports students in building successful careers through professional guidance, practical experience, and strong industry engagement:

Career Zone Support: The University of Exeter's Career Zone provides one-to-one career advice, CV and application guidance, interview preparation, careers fairs, networking events, employer presentations, placement support, and access to graduate vacancies, helping students prepare for successful careers in engineering and technology.
Year in Industry Preparation: Students who choose the Year in Industry pathway receive dedicated support through the Employability and Placement Preparation for Engineers module. This helps students secure a professional placement, develop workplace skills, and gain valuable industry experience before graduating.
Excellent Career Prospects: Graduates are well prepared for careers across robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, manufacturing, software development, autonomous systems, and advanced engineering. The programme develops technical expertise alongside programming, analytical thinking, teamwork, and project management skills that are highly valued by employers.
University–Industry Connections: Developed in collaboration with industry, the programme includes practical projects inspired by real engineering challenges. Students may also have opportunities to contribute to projects involving self-driving vehicles, advanced robotic manipulators, and the Formula Student AI competition, helping them gain valuable hands-on experience.
Professional Accreditation Value: As a programme introduced in 2025, the University of Exeter intends to seek accreditation from the relevant engineering professional bodies once the programme becomes eligible. This demonstrates the university's commitment to maintaining recognised professional standards.
Graduate Outcomes: Graduates leave with strong knowledge of engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, mathematics, and computer science, together with practical experience gained through laboratories, programming activities, and engineering projects. These skills prepare them to contribute to the development of next-generation intelligent technologies across a wide range of industries.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, students can progress to the MEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence to build advanced technical expertise through higher-level study and a major engineering project. Graduates may also continue with postgraduate study in robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous systems, computer science, data science, or engineering research through an MSc, MPhil, or PhD.