Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MSc

Gain in-depth expertise in the rapidly growing robotics and artificial intelligence field through this cutting-edge programme.

About this programme

The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MSc draws together teaching from Computer Science, AI and Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, combining theory with hands-on experience. Our goal is to help you become future engineers, leaders and researchers in intelligent robotics, artificial intelligence, technology, engineering and finance.

In any likely future of society, robots and autonomous systems will play a key role. Much of the existing education in robotics has been based on traditional engineering disciplines. The shifting focus towards autonomous intelligent robots means that computer science will play a more central role in the future.  

Whilst the programme has a strong technical basis, the potential for robots to impact society means it must also address the ethical and legal impact of robots on people and society. This MSc enables you to learn from world-leading lecturers who are also researchers in their areas of expertise, sharing their knowledge about the very latest developments in this fast-paced field. 

The MSc programme is taught at the brand new, purpose-designed UCL East campus in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, bringing you a modern learning environment in an exciting location.

One of the most memorable parts of the programme was testing autonomous path planning algorithms directly on real robots - including legged robots, manipulators, and drones - in UCL’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems Lab. Experiencing the limitations of deterministic methods first-hand helped me identify key research gaps and appreciate the growing importance of AI-based, probabilistic approaches.

Man leaning against a fence on a river path. Behind him is a river, green foliage and a few tall buildings in the distance.

Sanan Garayev - Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MSc graduate

Watch Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MSc - programme overview at UCL Computer Science Department on YouTube.

Why study this programme?

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities:

  • Recognition from a top-ranked university: UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the QS World University Rankings 2026), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide.
  • High-quality education from leading experts: Learn from world-renowned academics who are at the forefront of computer science innovation. UCL Computer Science is recognised for its research excellence, ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the UK’s most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
  • Real-world experience through project work: Apply your knowledge and skills in practical settings with a substantial research project. Many of these projects are conducted in collaboration with industry partners via the IXN Industry Exchange Network, giving you valuable hands-on experience and industry insights.
  • Strong employability with high employment rates and starting salaries: Our graduates are highly sought after in the job market, thanks to UCL’s strong reputation and the practical, industry-focused skills gained during the programme. You’ll be well-prepared to enter a variety of high-demand roles in robotics and AI.
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities: Study at UCL’s cutting-edge campus, UCL East - home to the Intelligent Robotics Lab and the Innovation Lab, featuring advanced manufacturing equipment, electronics testing areas, and a motion capture system.
  • Enhanced research skills: The research-based components of the programme will equip you with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing you for potential doctoral studies or research-intensive roles in industry.
  • Technical AI skills: You will learn about the technical side of AI and how to apply it in real-life contexts and become part of the growing conversation on the ethics and social responsibility of AI. This burgeoning element of AI is critical to the technological outlook, and as a future AI expert, you will help shape and implement it. 

Modules

Compulsory modules

  • Modelling and Motion Planning
  • Estimation and Control
  • Computer Vision and Sensing
  • Machine Learning for Robotics
  • MSc Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Project
  • Robot Vision and Navigation

Optional modules may include:

  • Aerial Robotics: Fundamentals to Practice in Real-World Environments
  • Introduction to Soft Robotics
  • Legged Robotics Systems
  • Object Detection and Classification
  • Robotic Sensing, Manipulation and Interaction

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment, and module content and availability are subject to change.

Who is the programme for?

Entry requirements

This programme is for you if:

  • you have a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree (or international qualification of an equivalent standard) in a highly quantitative subject such as computer science, mathematics, electrical or electronic engineering, or the physical sciences;
  • you have experience with programming in languages such as C/C++, Java, Python, or MATLAB and are able to understand programming concepts such as functions, classes, inheritance, branching, and looping;
  • you want to pursue a successful career in the robotics industry and robotic technologies.

Employability 

The programme is designed to prepare you to enter a robotics-related industry or any other occupation requiring engineering or analytical skills. You will develop the skills needed to create new robotics solutions and solve computational challenges in automation, which are likely to be in demand globally across many industrial sectors, spanning manufacturing, security, mining, design, transport, exploration, and healthcare. 

The research-based curriculum promotes strong research skills, which you will develop through your final research project/dissertation. You will be well equipped to undertake doctoral research in robotics and computational research specific to robotics, which will be translational across different analytical disciplines or applied fields influenced by new robotic technologies and capabilities.

Computer Science Postgraduate students earned on average £53,000* per year.  

(*This figure is the mean salary taken from the most recent aggregated Graduate Outcomes Data (2018-2023) for postgraduate taught graduates from UCL Computer Science.)

Career destinations

As this is a new programme, graduate destination information is not yet available. However, graduates from similar programmes have gone into a variety of sectors and roles, finding employment at companies that develop medical devices using robotics, such as Medtronic and Siemens. 

Some also work in robot manipulation and control, industrial processing, information processing, data analytics, machine learning, or autonomous navigation. The fast pace of change in robotics and artificial intelligence means ample opportunities in research and academia, too.

Future Events 

We do not have any further open events planned for the academic year of 2025/26. 

We plan to run both in-person and online events next academic year. If you would like to receive information about these events and general information from UCL Computer Science, please complete the form below. 

 

To see full information about this programme, including its structure, detailed module descriptions, fees and funding, full entry requirements and more, please visit the UCL Graduate Prospectus.