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BSc (Hons) Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with foundation year

Award

BSc (Hons)

Start Date

20/09/2027

Duration

4 years

Mode

Full-time

Location

University of Greater Manchester

UCAS Points

48

UCAS Code

G661

Robotics and artificial intelligence are changing how machines perceive, make decisions and interact with the world around them. Our BSc (Hons) Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with foundation year combines strong computer science foundations with practical study of AI, machine learning, computer vision and robotics. You will develop the programming and problem-solving skills needed to create intelligent robotic and autonomous systems and prepare for careers in this rapidly developing field.

Please note:
This course is 'Subject to Approval' and has not yet completed the University’s approvals process. Whilst we are confident that the course will be approved, there is the possibility that the course may not run or may be subject to alterations. This course is due to be validated by October 2026 after which we will write to all applicants who have applied for the course to let them know the outcome and of any changes. In the event that a course is not approved the University will make reasonable efforts to offer an alternative course at the University.

Block Teaching

What does this mean?

Course Overview

This 4-year course includes an integrated foundation year specifically designed to build your confidence, strengthen your knowledge and prepare you for degree-level success.

Robotics is no longer confined to traditional manufacturing. Intelligent and autonomous systems are increasingly being used in areas such as logistics, healthcare, agriculture, transport and smart environments. At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer vision are enabling robots to perceive their surroundings, make decisions and operate with increasing levels of autonomy.

The University of Greater Manchester's BSc (Hons) Robotics and Artificial Intelligence with foundation year provides a strong foundation in computer science alongside specialist study in robotics and artificial intelligence, preparing you for this rapidly developing field. You will begin by developing a strong grounding in programming, mathematics, algorithms, databases and computer systems before progressing to artificial intelligence, computer vision and specialist robotics study.

As the course progresses, you will explore how software, sensors, embedded computing, artificial intelligence, perception and control can be brought together to create robotic and autonomous systems. Practical activities will allow you to develop, test and evaluate robotic solutions using programming, robotics software, simulation environments and physical robotic systems.

In the final year, you will progress to areas including applied machine learning, robotics systems integration and control, robot perception, localisation and mapping, before completing a substantial individual project in robotics and artificial intelligence.
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Highlights

  • Our Computer Science courses are 4th in the UK for Student Satisfaction, according to The Complete University Guide 2027.
  • Combine robotics and artificial intelligence with a strong computer science foundation, developing skills in programming, algorithms, software development and computer systems before applying them to intelligent robotic systems.
  • Explore key areas of modern robotics including robotics programming, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, embedded systems, sensing, control, perception, localisation and mapping.
  • Develop practical experience integrating software, sensors, actuators and intelligent algorithms to create autonomous and semi-autonomous systems.
  • Learn through practical activities, laboratory work, simulation and applied technical projects that encourage you to design, build, test and evaluate solutions.
  • Develop an understanding of the professional, ethical, legal, security, safety, societal and sustainability issues surrounding robotics and artificial intelligence.
  • Complete an individual final-year project providing the opportunity to investigate, develop and evaluate a substantial robotics or artificial intelligence solution.
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Key Features

  • Strong foundations in computer science, AI and robotics – The programme develops core skills in programming, algorithms and computer systems before progressing to artificial intelligence and specialist robotics. The emphasis is on the software and intelligent technologies that underpin modern robotic and autonomous systems.
  • Understand how robots perceive, decide and act – You will explore sensing, perception, machine learning, localisation, mapping and control, developing an understanding of how these technologies work together to enable autonomous behaviour.
  • Develop practical robotics skills – Practical and applied learning is embedded throughout the degree. You will work with programming languages, robotics middleware, simulation environments, embedded computing platforms, sensors and physical robotic systems.
  • Progress from core concepts to integrated autonomous systems – Learning is structured progressively, allowing you to build on your computer science and AI knowledge before bringing these areas together through robotics systems integration and autonomous systems.
  • Apply knowledge to realistic technical challenges – You will use practical scenarios and projects to investigate alternative solutions, make and justify design decisions, test your implementations and evaluate system performance.
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Entry Requirements
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Where changes are made to material information contained in this course description or a decision is taken to suspend a course between the offer of admissions and enrolment, we will inform applicants at the earliest possible opportunity and will outline the various options available to the applicant.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Robotics and Artificial Intelligence will develop a combination of software development, artificial intelligence and robotics skills relevant to a growing range of technology-focused careers.

Potential roles may include:


  • Robotics Software Developer

  • Robotics Programmer

  • Autonomous Systems Developer

  • Artificial Intelligence Developer

  • Machine Learning Engineer

  • Computer Vision Developer

  • Embedded Systems Developer

  • Automation Engineer

  • Software Engineer

  • Intelligent Systems Developer

  • Robotics or AI Research Assistant



What can I do with this qualification?

The strong computer science foundation also means that you will not be restricted solely to robotics roles and could pursue wider careers in software development, computing and artificial intelligence.

The programme will also provide a foundation for postgraduate study in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, computer vision and computer science.

Alternative career options

Graduates can also use the qualification as a stepping-stone into a range of other careers. Some of these roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Possible fields include:

  • Data science and analytics
  • Software development and software testing
  • Systems analysis and systems integration
  • Embedded and connected systems
  • Automation and digital transformation
  • Technical consultancy
  • Technology project and product management
  • Research and development
  • Teaching and education
  • Technical support and solutions engineering
Fees & Funding

Funding your studies: From January 2027, eligible students may be able to use the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) to access tuition fee loan funding for this course. The LLE is designed to make student finance more flexible and support people to study, retrain or develop their skills at different stages of life. Find out more about the LLE and eligibility Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) | Skills for Careers

Home/EU Fees

No fee information is currently available, please contact the University of Greater Manchester’s Academic Fees team by emailing AcademicFees@greatermanchester.ac.uk for more information.

International Fees

International applications are not possible for this course

As an international student you are not allowed to study this course because of the restrictions on your visa.

We offer a wide range of full-time courses in lots of different subjects, many of our courses start in September and January. If you would like to see what courses are available please visit our Course Search.

Important note regarding tuition fees: EU nationals who meet residency requirements (have settled or pre-settled status) may be eligible for 'Home' fee status. If you do not meet these residency requirements, overseas fees will apply. Irish citizens living in the UK or Ireland will be eligible for 'Home' fee status under the Common Travel Area arrangement. Please read the student finance for EU students web page on www.gov.uk for information.

Home Undergraduate Tuition Fee Adjustment

The tuition fee applicable to the first year of your programme of study is confirmed in your offer letter. The tuition fee set is based on the regulations and guidance in force at the time of offer but remains subject to adjustment in accordance with any government-approved inflationary increase. The University reserves the right to amend tuition fees for all years of study, including the first year, by no more than the maximum increase permitted under legislation and regulatory guidance issued by the UK Government and the Office for Students.

Where such increases are approved, they will not exceed the rate of inflation, as measured by an appropriate index such as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), or any successor measure specified by government. The University will apply any adjustment consistently across affected student cohorts and will give reasonable notice to students of any confirmed change to the published fee before the start of the relevant academic year.

This approach ensures that tuition fees remain compliant with applicable legislation, proportionate to inflationary changes, and consistent with government policy linking permitted fee uplifts to the maintenance of high-quality education and outcomes. For more information, please refer to the government guidance at: gov.uk – Universities to deliver better outcomes in return for full fees.

Postgraduate and International Tuition Fee Adjustment

The tuition fee applicable to the first year of your programme of study is confirmed in your offer letter. The University reserves the right to amend tuition fees for subsequent years of study in accordance with its Course Fees Policy. Where such increases are approved, they will not exceed the rate of inflation, as measured by an appropriate index such as the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), or any successor measure specified by government. The University will apply any adjustment consistently across affected student cohorts and will give reasonable notice to students of any confirmed change to the published fee before the start of the relevant academic year.

How to apply

Home Applicants

Multiple courses or institutions (September entry):

Apply via UCAS (www.ucas.com), where you can select up to 5 courses for a fee of £28.95.

  • Institution: University of Greater Manchester

  • Code Name: UGM

  • Code Number: B44

  • Tel: 0870 1122211

UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service

Single course applications (any intake):

You can apply directly to the University using our online application form. This route is:

  • Free, secure, and straightforward

  • Supported by direct contact with Admissions

  • Includes regular application updates

  • Provides access to offer-holder events and taster sessions

Important:

  • You cannot apply both via UCAS and directly in the same academic year — a UCAS application will invalidate any direct application.

  • For September entry, accepted direct applicants will have a simplified UCAS record created and shared on their behalf. By applying directly, you agreed to these terms.


Before you apply:

  • Check the entry requirements and ensure you select the correct start date/location.

  • Prepare the following:

    • Education history and dates

    • Qualification certificates (image files for upload)

    • Employment history (if applicable)

    • Personal statement (to enter or upload

    • Contact details for two referees (including at least one academic)

Document formats: PDF or JPEG (Word accepted for personal statements). Ensure all information is accurate before submitting.


Need Help?

Undergraduate Admissions Team
Phone: 01204 903394
Email: admissions-team@greatermanchester.ac.uk

International Applicants

International applications are not possible for this course

As an international student you are not allowed to study this course because of the restrictions on your visa.

We offer a wide range of full-time courses in lots of different subjects, many of our courses start in September and January. If you would like to see what courses are available please visit our Course Search.

Partner Organisation Applicants

University of Greater Manchester Group Partners

Bolton College
University Collegiate School
Alliance Learning
University of Greater Manchester

For valued members of the University of Greater Manchester Group and progressing students, we try to make our application process as simple and as fast as possible.

If you have carefully considered your course and institution choices and decided that this course is the best option for you, you may apply free of charge to the University. By selecting the appropriate link from the list shown below, you will be taken directly to our online application form. Please read the user guidance before completing this, and ensure you upload all supporting documents such as certificates and your personal statement when you apply.

When you are asked to add a contact email address, please ensure you add your college/university email account address as well as your personal address. If you do not add your college address as your contact address, we will be unable to identify you as a partner and offer you the benefits of being part of our group.

NOTE: You cannot apply both through UCAS and directly to the University of Greater Manchester. Submitting an application to any university through UCAS during the same academic year will void any direct application you make to the University of Greater Manchester.

For courses starting in September, please be aware that we are required to share your information with UCAS if we accept you on this course. We will create a simplified UCAS acceptance record on your behalf and return this to UCAS. By submitting your application directly to the University of Greater Manchester, you agree to these terms.

If you are ready to apply directly, please select your chosen start date from the list below.

Before applying, please read the entry requirements section of this page.

If your course runs at multiple locations or has various start dates, please be sure to select the correct application link from the list below.

Before beginning your application, you should have the following information to hand:

  • Details of the educational establishments you attended and dates

  • Your certificates for the qualifications you are using to gain entry to the course – you will need to enter the completion date and upload copies

  • Details of any employment history, including name, address, dates and role

  • Personal statement – this can be either input into the relevant field or uploaded separately

  • Details including email addresses of two referees, at least one of which should be someone who can provide an academic reference

Please make sure any documents you wish to upload in support of your application are in pdf or jpeg format. Personal statements may be word documents.

Please ensure your data is correct at each stage of the application before you proceed to the next page. If you use the back button at any time during the application, you should check the validity of the data you have already inputted.

If you experience difficulties during the application process, contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team on 01204 903394 or admissions-team@greatermanchester.ac.uk

We look forward to receiving your application and you continuing your academic journey with us!

Teaching & Assessment

We understand that our students' learning needs and preferred learning styles vary, so we use a range of learning and teaching methods, including online (where appropriate). Our team of highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic lecturers offer face-to-face sessions and one-to-one support. We'll also assign you a dedicated personal tutor to help guide you through your studies.

Lectures introduce the core course content, while laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience. Tutorials allow you to ask any questions to ensure you understand the topics covered in lectures and laboratory sessions. We use case studies and practical scenarios to help you learn to apply academic theory to real-life problems, allowing you to gain insights into computing and IT in commercial environments.

Guest lectures/presentations by a variety of visiting speakers from relevant employment areas offer you the chance to develop your knowledge and understanding further.

Regarding assessment, you can expect a combination of practical demonstrations, reports, coursework and other appropriate forms of assessment. These summative assessments contribute to your final marks and are your chance to show you've met the learning outcomes for the course. Formative assessments, on the other hand, feature throughout your studies. While they don't contribute to your module or final marks, they inform and support your development by helping you build on your strengths, overcome any perceived weaknesses, and find the study strategies that best support your ultimate success.

We take our social, public and ethical responsibilities very seriously. All our student project work conforms with the University's policies on ethics and uses the University's research ethics procedure before work commences.

The university will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver your course as described in its published material and the programme specification for the academic year in which you begin your course. The university considers changes to courses very carefully and the university will minimise any changes. Please be aware that our courses are subject to review on an ongoing basis and changes may be necessary due to legitimate staffing, financial, regulatory and academic reasons. The content of course modules and mode of associated assessments may be updated on an annual basis. This is to ensure that all modules are up-to-date and responsive to employment and sector needs. The published course material and the programme specification contain indicative ‘optional modules’ that may be subject to change due to circumstances outside of our control. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to run any specific optional module.

Programme Contacts

Disclaimer: The “Greater Manchester Way” represents our preferred teaching and learning approach; however, not all courses follow a block-teaching model. While course structures and delivery patterns may vary to meet Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirements, all courses benefit from the GM Way approach to curriculum design and assessment. Applicants and students should refer to individual course specifications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.