Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering

Robotics and mechatronics engineering is the discipline that brings together mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science and control systems to design, build and integrate intelligent automated systems. A robot is the physical embodiment of a complex interplay between sensors, actuators, control algorithms and the mechanical structures that give it form, and mechatronics is the engineering discipline that addresses all of these elements as an integrated whole rather than as separate specialisms. As automation and intelligent systems become central to manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, energy and transport, engineers who can work across these boundaries are in growing demand.

At the University of Brighton, this four-year full-time degree builds your competence across the full range of engineering fundamentals that robotics demands: mechanical design, electronics and embedded systems, programming, signal processing, sensors, actuators and control theory. You will work on practical design and build projects throughout the programme, developing the hands-on engineering skills that employers value alongside your theoretical understanding. The degree includes a sandwich year with work placement opportunities, giving you extended professional experience in an engineering or technology environment before you complete your studies.

This direct industry exposure develops your professional skills and often leads to graduate employment with the placement organisation. Typical entry is around 88 UCAS tariff points.

Graduates from robotics and mechatronics programmes go on to careers in automation and advanced manufacturing, medical devices and surgical robotics, autonomous vehicles, warehouse and logistics systems, defence technology, aerospace, renewable energy and research. The combination of mechanical, electronic and software skills makes mechatronics graduates particularly versatile, able to contribute across the development cycle of complex automated systems. Further study at masters or doctoral level is common for those who want to specialise in robotics research, machine learning for autonomous systems or advanced control engineering.