Mechanical Engineering with Robotics

Mechanical engineering with robotics is a degree that combines the foundational discipline of mechanical engineering with the rapidly growing field of robotics, preparing you for roles that span the design of machines and the development of intelligent, automated systems. Mechanical engineering provides the core knowledge of forces, materials, thermodynamics, dynamics, and manufacturing that underpins the design and construction of any physical system. Robotics adds the specific skills of sensor integration, actuator design, control systems, programming, and autonomous behaviour that define modern robotic systems, from industrial automation and surgical robots to autonomous vehicles and service robots.

At the University of Sussex, this three-year programme is designed to make you highly employable across a range of industries, from designing and developing robots to working on autonomous vehicles, automation, mechatronics, automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy projects. You will develop a thorough grounding in mechanical engineering principles alongside the specialist robotics knowledge that distinguishes the degree, giving you the versatility to work across the mechanical and intelligent systems dimensions of modern engineering roles.

The programme includes a foundation year, a sandwich year, a year abroad, and a work placement, giving you substantial professional and international experience alongside your academic studies. These elements develop your practical engineering skills in real industry environments and expose you to different engineering cultures and technology sectors.

Graduates from mechanical engineering with robotics degrees move into roles in robotics and automation engineering, autonomous systems development, mechatronics, aerospace and automotive engineering, renewable energy, and manufacturing. The combination of mechanical and robotics expertise is in growing demand across many sectors as automation and intelligent systems become increasingly central to industrial and commercial operations. Many graduates pursue professional engineering qualifications.

Postgraduate study in robotics, control systems, or mechanical engineering is available for those who wish to develop further.