Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
Robotics and artificial intelligence is a field at the frontier of technology, concerned with creating systems that can perceive their environments, make decisions, and act autonomously or in collaboration with humans. From industrial automation and surgical robots to self-driving vehicles and intelligent software agents, the technologies developed in this field are already transforming what is possible in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, defence, and countless other sectors. At the University of Hull, the BSc Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with Foundation Year runs over four years of full-time study, with the foundation year providing the mathematical and computing preparation that students need before entering the main degree.
As the current programme description notes, the programme is hands-on and gives you direct experience with physical robotic systems including mobile robots, drones, and humanoid robots, alongside the programming and theoretical frameworks of artificial intelligence. You will study machine learning, computer vision, sensor systems, control theory, and the software engineering skills needed to build and deploy robotic systems in real environments. The mathematical foundations of AI, including linear algebra, calculus, and probability theory, are developed alongside practical programming skills.
The foundation year ensures that students from a range of educational backgrounds can access the programme and succeed in it. The field moves rapidly, and the degree develops not just current technical skills but the capacity to continue learning as the technology evolves.
Robotics and AI graduates are in exceptional demand. Technology companies, manufacturing and industrial automation, healthcare technology, defence and security, automotive engineering, logistics, and academic and industrial research are all significant employers. Roles include robotics engineer, machine learning engineer, AI researcher, software engineer in autonomous systems, computer vision specialist, and systems engineer.
The field offers strong salary levels and genuine career progression as the industries that deploy these technologies continue to expand and mature. Some graduates go on to postgraduate study, including master's and doctoral research in robotics, artificial intelligence, or machine learning. The combination of practical engineering experience and theoretical AI knowledge that the programme develops is a strong foundation for a career at the technological frontier.