MEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

MEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Exeter is designed for students who want to combine engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence to develop the intelligent technologies transforming industries around the world. You'll build a strong foundation in mechanical, electronic, and materials engineering before specialising in autonomous systems, machine learning, intelligent robotics, robot sensing, and AI-driven decision-making through practical projects and advanced study. Students can also choose the MEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with Year in Industry pathway, which includes a paid industrial placement during the third year of the five-year programme (between Years 2 and 3 of academic study), giving valuable professional experience before returning to complete the final two years of the degree.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year builds a solid engineering foundation, introducing the core principles behind robotics and artificial intelligence. You'll study modules such as Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, and Fundamentals of Electronics, alongside Fundamentals of Mechanics, Fundamentals of Materials, and Fundamentals of Engineering to develop practical, technical, and analytical skills.

Year 2
In the second year, you'll begin specialising in robotics and AI while strengthening your programming, electronics, and systems engineering knowledge. Core modules include Python and ROS for Robotics, Robotics and AI Challenge Project, Microcontroller Engineering, Communication and Networking Technologies, and Control Engineering, giving you hands-on experience in designing and programming intelligent robotic systems.

Year in Industry (Optional – Industrial Experience pathway)
Students who choose the MEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with Year in Industry pathway complete a paid 120-credit industrial placement during the third year of the five-year programme. This placement allows you to apply your robotics and AI knowledge in a professional environment, gain valuable industry experience, build professional networks, and enhance your employability before returning to university for the final stages of your degree.

Year 3
After returning from the placement (or in the third academic year of the standard four-year programme), you'll deepen your understanding of advanced robotics and intelligent systems. You'll study modules such as Machine Vision, Embedded Systems, and other advanced robotics topics while further developing your engineering design, programming, and problem-solving skills through practical project work.

Year 4
Your final year focuses on master's-level study, allowing you to explore cutting-edge developments in robotics and artificial intelligence while completing an independent research project. You'll undertake the MEng Individual Investigative Project alongside advanced modules covering autonomous systems, machine learning, intelligent robotics, optimisation, and emerging AI technologies, preparing you for leadership roles in this rapidly growing field.

Focus Areas

Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Systems, Machine Learning, Intelligent Robotics, Robot Sensing, Path Planning, AI-Driven Decision Making, Mechatronics, Control Engineering, Embedded Systems, Communication Networks, Engineering Mathematics, Programming, Research and Innovation

Learning Outcomes

Apply engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence principles to solve complex problems, design and develop autonomous robotic systems, implement machine learning algorithms, program intelligent robotic platforms, integrate hardware and software solutions, conduct independent research, communicate technical solutions effectively, manage engineering projects, collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, prepare for professional engineering practice

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme has been developed in close partnership with industry and in consultation with professional engineering bodies. As a newly launched programme, the University intends to seek accreditation from the relevant professional engineering institutions once eligible.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Top 10 in the UK for General Engineering (Complete University Guide 2027).
92% of Engineering research is internationally excellent (REF 2021).
Supported by a £6.5 million investment in teaching laboratories, workshop spaces, and engineering equipment, giving students access to industry-standard facilities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Exeter, the MEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence programme focuses on developing practical skills alongside technical knowledge, allowing students to apply robotics and AI concepts to real-world engineering challenges. Through specialist laboratories, research-led projects, and industry-focused activities, you'll gain experience in designing, programming, and testing intelligent robotic systems. You will work on practical projects involving autonomous systems, machine learning, robot sensing, and AI-driven decision-making while developing the teamwork and problem-solving skills needed for a career in this fast-growing field. The programme also provides the opportunity to gain professional experience through the optional Year in Industry, allowing you to apply your learning in a real workplace environment:

Access specialist robotics teaching laboratories equipped with modern robotics equipment, where you can experiment with autonomous systems and develop practical engineering skills.
Work on hands-on robotics and AI projects, including developing autonomous vehicles and advanced robotic manipulators to strengthen your programming, design, and problem-solving abilities.
Take part in the Robotics and AI Challenge Project, where you collaborate with other students to design and develop solutions to complex engineering problems.
Develop practical robotics programming skills through Python and ROS for Robotics, gaining experience with widely used robotics software frameworks.
Build expertise in areas such as robot sensing, path planning, machine learning, and AI-based decision-making through practical applications.
Participate in the Formula Student team, where students can contribute to designing and programming autonomous vehicles and potentially compete in the Formula Student AI competition at Silverstone.
Gain valuable professional experience through the optional Year in Industry, which provides a paid placement opportunity in a business or industrial setting during the third year of the programme.
Receive support for securing industry experience through the Employability and Placement Preparation for Engineers module and placement workshops.
Use specialist engineering facilities, including Electronics Laboratories, Fabrication Laboratories, Materials Laboratories, Structures Laboratories, and Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics facilities for practical learning and research activities.
Access the Cooperative Robotics and Autonomous Networks (CRANE) Lab, supporting research and innovation in robotics and autonomous technologies.
Benefit from computing facilities including high-performance computing resources, Raspberry Pi platforms, Linux suites, Mac suites, and 3D visualisation facilities for software development, simulation, and AI-related projects.
Learn in a research-led environment where academic expertise and industry connections support innovative student projects and engineering development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence programme at the University of Exeter prepares graduates for exciting careers in emerging technology fields by developing expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, machine learning, and engineering design. Graduates can progress into roles such as Robotics Engineer, Artificial Intelligence Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Software Engineer, and other technology-focused positions across industries including automation, manufacturing, software development, and advanced engineering. With practical project experience, industry exposure, and strong technical skills, you'll be prepared to help shape the future of intelligent technologies:

Benefit from the University of Exeter’s Career Zone, which provides career guidance, employability workshops, employer events, job opportunities, application support, and career planning resources throughout your studies and after graduation.
Develop highly valued workplace skills through practical projects involving autonomous systems, machine learning, intelligent robotics, programming, and engineering problem-solving.
Gain professional experience through the optional Year in Industry, which includes a paid placement in business or industry during the third year of the five-year programme, helping you develop workplace skills and build professional connections.
Strengthen your career prospects through hands-on projects such as developing self-driving vehicles and advanced robotic manipulators, giving you experience with real-world robotics and AI applications.
Benefit from Exeter’s strong engineering reputation, with the University ranked 9th in the UK for General Engineering in the Complete University Guide 2027 and with 92% of Engineering research rated internationally excellent in REF 2021.
Graduate with skills relevant to a wide range of sectors, including robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, software engineering, manufacturing, product development, and advanced technology industries.
Gain industry insight through employer engagement, practical engineering projects, and industry-focused learning activities that demonstrate how robotics and AI are applied in professional environments.
The programme has been developed in partnership with industry and in consultation with professional engineering bodies. The University intends to seek accreditation from relevant professional engineering institutions as the programme progresses.
Graduates from robotics and AI-related fields can pursue careers such as Robotics Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Specialist, Software Developer, Research Engineer, Automation Engineer, Product Development Engineer, and Systems Engineer.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MEng Robotics and Artificial Intelligence programme, graduates can continue their studies through doctoral-level research such as a PhD in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Autonomous Systems, Computer Science, or Engineering. The integrated master's qualification provides a strong foundation for advanced research, specialist technology development, academic careers, and innovation-focused roles in areas such as intelligent systems, robotics, and industrial research.