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electronics, and artificial intelligence to design and build intelligent machines. From self-driving cars and drones to surgical robots and automated factories, robots are shaping the future of work, healthcare, manufacturing and daily life.
If you’re interested in how machines can sense, think and move, and want to be part of the next generation of technological innovation, a degree in Robotics could be the perfect fit.
What Is Robotics Like at University?
A Robotics degree is interdisciplinary, you’ll draw on knowledge from mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, computer science and mathematics. You’ll learn how robots are designed, programmed and integrated into real-world systems.
You’ll study both the physical side of robotics (sensors, motors, mechanical design) and the digital side (software, algorithms, machine learning). Courses often focus on building functional systems, from small mobile robots to intelligent automation tools - and include a lot of hands-on work.
What Will You Study?
Robotics degrees cover a range of theoretical and practical topics. Typical areas of study include:
Mathematics and Physics for Engineers
You’ll start with a solid foundation in calculus, linear algebra, vectors and mechanics — essential for controlling motion and interpreting sensor data.
Programming and Software Development
You’ll learn coding in languages such as Python, C++ or ROS (Robot Operating System), focusing on software development for control, automation and AI.
Mechanical Design and Mechatronics
You’ll study how to design robot bodies, including kinematics (motion), dynamics (forces), actuators (motors) and mechanical systems.
Electronics and Embedded Systems
You’ll explore how robots are powered and controlled at the hardware level, using microcontrollers, sensors, circuits and communication systems.
Control Systems and Automation
You’ll learn how to make robots move precisely and respond to input using control theory and feedback loops.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Many robotics systems rely on AI for perception, decision-making and autonomy. You’ll explore computer vision, neural networks and learning algorithms.
Sensors and Perception
You’ll work with cameras, lidar, accelerometers, and other sensors that allow robots to perceive and interact with the world.
Human-Robot Interaction and Ethics
You may also explore how robots are designed to work with humans, and study ethical questions around automation, responsibility and safety.
Most degrees include design projects, group work and a final-year capstone or research project where you build or program a working robotic system.
How Long Does It Take and What Are the Options?
In the UK, a Robotics degree is typically offered as a three-year BEng or a four-year MEng (integrated master’s). In Scotland, BEng degrees are four years and MEng degrees five. Many universities also offer options for a year in industry or a study-abroad year.
Robotics may also be offered as a specialism within degrees like Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science, so it’s worth checking course titles carefully. Some degrees are called Robotics and AI, Intelligent Robotics, or Robotic Engineering.
How Will You Be Taught and Assessed?
Teaching usually includes lectures, lab sessions, group projects, coding workshops and design studio work. You’ll be assessed through coursework, exams, programming tasks, lab reports and design projects. The focus is on learning by doing — designing, testing and iterating as you build working systems.
What A Levels or Subjects Do You Need?
Mathematics – essential for nearly all robotics degrees
Physics – often required or strongly preferred
Computer Science – helpful for the programming side
Further Mathematics or Design & Technology – useful depending on the course
Universities typically expect at least two science or technical A levels. Some courses may also accept BTECs or foundation years if you have relevant experience and strong maths skills.
What Skills Will You Develop?
Robotics students graduate with a broad set of technical and creative skills that are highly sought after across technology and engineering sectors. These include:
Programming and software development
Mechanical and electronic systems design
Mathematical modelling and problem-solving
Systems thinking and innovation
Control and automation techniques
Teamwork, project management and communication
Practical experience using sensors, motors and real robots
You’ll also learn how to approach complex, open-ended challenges — a skill that employers value highly.
What Can You Do With a Robotics Degree?
Robotics graduates are in demand in many industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, defence, healthcare and logistics. Career options include:
Robotics engineer or systems developer
Automation or control systems specialist
Embedded systems engineer
AI or machine learning engineer
Computer vision specialist
Mechatronics or hardware designer
Drone or autonomous vehicle developer
R&D engineer in robotics or biotech
Software engineer for intelligent systems
You might work in tech startups, large engineering firms, research labs or robotics companies. Some graduates also go on to study for a master’s or PhD, or work in academic research.
Studying Robotics Abroad
Robotics is a global field, and many top universities around the world offer excellent robotics or related programmes. Here’s what you can expect from key regions:
USA
In the US, Robotics is usually studied within a Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering degree, although some universities now offer dedicated Robotics Engineering programmes. You’ll complete a four-year Bachelor of Science, with general education alongside your major. Top robotics schools include Carnegie Mellon University (widely regarded as the best for robotics), MIT, Georgia Tech and Stanford. Expect strong industry connections, internships, and opportunities in AI, space, medical robotics and autonomous systems.
Canada
Canadian universities are known for applied, industry-focused programmes. You can study Robotics as part of a Mechanical, Electrical or Mechatronics Engineering degree, or through Computer Science with a robotics focus. The University of Waterloo, University of Toronto and McGill offer excellent engineering and robotics research opportunities. Co-op placements are common and provide valuable industry experience during your studies.
European Union
In the EU, many universities offer Robotics and AI or Mechatronics programmes in English, especially in countries like Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and Finland. Degrees usually follow the Bologna structure: three-year BSc followed by a two-year MSc. TU Delft (Netherlands), ETH Zurich (Switzerland, though not EU), and RWTH Aachen (Germany) are strong choices. European robotics degrees often have a strong research and sustainability focus, and students benefit from EU-wide funding, internships and innovation hubs.
Australia
Australian universities offer Robotics as part of four-year Bachelor of Engineering degrees, especially in Mechatronics or Software Engineering. Institutions like the University of Sydney, UNSW and Monash University are known for robotics research, especially in automation, mining technology and robotics for healthcare. Many degrees include industry placements and research projects with real-world applications.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, Robotics is typically part of a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics, Mechanical or Software Engineering. The University of Auckland and University of Canterbury offer relevant degrees with strong lab facilities and a focus on innovation and sustainability. Programmes often highlight small-group learning, accessible faculty support and links with local tech industries.
Studying abroad in robotics can offer valuable exposure to global robotics industries, new languages and cultural perspectives, as well as access to regional specialisations such as space tech (USA), green tech (EU), or mining and agricultural automation (Australia).
Is Robotics the Right Course for You?
If you're fascinated by how machines move, sense and learn, and want to build the future of intelligent automation - Robotics could be the perfect degree. It's ideal for students who enjoy a mix of computing, engineering and innovation, and who like building real things that solve real problems.
