MSc Mechatronics and Robotics

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

De Montfort University

Program Overview

This MSc is designed to equip students with the advanced multidisciplinary skills needed to merge mechanical, electrical, electronic and software systems into intelligent robots and automated equipment. It suits graduates with a STEM background (engineering, electronics, computing, physics) who want to move into robotics, automation, machine vision or mechatronic systems rather than purely software or mechanical engineering roles.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time, 1 year duration – with optional placement route)
In the first phase, students orient themselves with foundational modules such as “Embedded Systems & System Integration” and “Programming and Software Engineering”, which develop hardware-software interplay skills and programming for mechatronic devices.
Following that, they explore specialised modules like “Machine Vision, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence” and “Digital Signal Processing, Control and Instrumentation”, where they learn to design, model and control robotic systems, apply sensors/actuators, employ computer vision and build integrated systems.
The final component is the “Individual Project”, where students carry out a substantial piece of work—either research-based or industry linked—applying the full suite of skills to a real-world mechatronics/robotics challenge.

Focus areas

Mechatronic system design · Robotics & automation · Machine vision & AI for robotics · Embedded control & signal processing · Integration of mechanical-electronic-software sub-systems

Learning outcomes

Graduates will be able to design and implement integrated mechatronic and robotic systems, apply sensor/actuator/control theory in automation contexts, evaluate and utilise machine-vision and AI techniques for robotics, and manage projects that span multi-discipline engineering challenges in industrial or research settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), meaning students graduate with a recognised qualification aligned with professional engineering standards.

Reputation (employability rankings)

DMU’s engineering school emphasises practical, industry-relevant teaching and strong links with employers, giving graduates in this field good employability prospects in sectors such as robotics, automation, aerospace, manufacturing and vision systems.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students enrolled in the MSc Mechatronics and Robotics at De Montfort University (DMU) acquire hands-on, multidisciplinary engineering experience that spans mechanical design, electronics, software, and intelligent control. They learn to prototype, integrate and operate smart mechatronic systems using the university’s advanced laboratories and simulation tools, working directly on industry-relevant problems rather than purely theoretical coursework.

Here’s how experiential learning unfolds for this programme at DMU:

Access to specialised mechanical, electrical and electronic laboratories, and dedicated spaces for manufacturing and testing student-designed systems.
Use of industry-standard software and hardware tools: for example, the Digital Signal Processing, Control and Instrumentation module makes use of MATLAB for control-systems design and simulation.
Coverage of embedded systems and real-time control: the Embedded Systems & System Integration module covers C programming for microcontrollers, interrupts, RTOS, and introduces design and validation of complete mechatronic systems.
A module in Machine Vision, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence that explores applied robotics, machine vision and AI in the context of mechatronic systems—bringing intelligent behaviour into engineered machines.
Significant project-work including a major individual or team-based engineering project, where students design, integrate and test a mechatronic system under supervision – putting into practice theory, simulation and hardware prototyping.
Integration of business and research skills: The Engineering Business Environment and Research Methods module equips students with the tools to manage engineering projects, understand supply chains and respond to sustainability, legislative and economic challenges in modern engineering contexts.
Option for industry placement: The course includes a full-year work placement variant, giving students a chance to embed in industry, apply their skills in a real-work setting and build professional networks.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Mechatronics and Robotics at De Montfort University are prepared to become multidisciplinary engineers capable of designing advanced robotic systems, intelligent machines and embedded solutions—opening pathways into careers such as Robotics Engineer, Mechatronics Systems Engineer, Control & Automation Engineer and Embedded Systems Architect.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University services: Students benefit from the university’s careers and employability support which includes dedicated engineering-industry links, placement year options and project-based modules informed by faculty whose research engages with industry consultancy.
Employment stats & salary figures: For engineering graduates at DMU, typical earnings 15 months after graduation average around £28,000 (with a typical range ~£28,500-35,000). Also, about 55% of engineering graduates report being in highly-skilled work at 15 months.
University–industry partnerships: The MSc programme is delivered by the School of Engineering Sciences at DMU, where students access advanced laboratories (mechanical, electrical, electronics, robotics) and benefit from projects informed by active industrial consultancy and research.
Long-term accreditation value: The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and is designed to meet the multidisciplinary engineering skill-shortage.
Graduation outcomes: The curriculum covers modules such as Embedded Systems & System Integration, Machine Vision, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Control, Instrumentation & DSP, and finishes with an individual project—equipping graduates with hands-on design, integration and systems thinking skills.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may move on to doctoral study (e.g., PhD in Robotics, Autonomous Systems or Mechatronics) or professional engineer chartership routes (CEng) via the IET/IMechE pathway; they may also pursue postgraduate certificates in niche areas like mobile robotics, autonomous vehicles, soft robotics or industrial automation systems.