Modules

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. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Full-time

The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MEng is a four-year programme. Because it develops skills across a range of areas that are traditionally distinct, much of the programme consists of compulsory modules.

Year 1: 

The first year of the programme provides you with a firm foundation in mathematics, computer science and general engineering. You will take modules that cover the basics of computer, mechanical and electronic systems in addition to mathematics. The modules promote the practical application of theory and lead into practical project work in term 3 that requires you to synthesise learning from the foundational modules by exercising appropriate skills.

Year 2: 

In the second year, you continue to develop basic skills but will be introduced both to higher-level engineering concepts aimed at building, testing and optimising systems. You will also begin learning about Artificial Intelligence and the role of machine learning. These skills are exercised in an industrial project run using the IXN framework, working with real clients from external bodies (including charities, healthcare providers and others as well as industry and those elsewhere in academia).

Year 3: 

In the third year, you will start to develop the integration of fundamental skills in systems and machine learning, examining how robots perceive and understand their environment, how they plan actions in pursuit of a higher-level goal and how they work together. The year also includes a group project, in which the ability to exercise these considerations alongside technical development is developed. 

Year 4: 

The fourth year continues the journey towards the programme aim in which you create and reason about learning, intelligent, rational, mobile agents and how they perceive, traverse, and manipulate the environment. Higher level concepts in perception, learning and understanding are accompanied by courses that focus on interactions with humans and broader societal considerations, including the economic impact of robots on existing industries as well as the opportunities to create new ventures. An individual project runs throughout the entire year and provides you the opportunity to integrate all your knowledge in a research or industry-linked activity. There is a single optional module in this year, expected to be drawn from the wider UCL EAST offerings.

Your learning

The programme's core curriculum is delivered through a mixture of lectures, face-to-face and online tutorials, individual and group online activities and lab classes. You will be expected to supplement material provided by lecturers with your own research, by reading around the subject and by engaging with wider activities in robotics, for example by attending seminars. There is a focus on practical problem-based learning and group-based working. From the start of the programme, you will apply the theory you have learned and will work with others to solve real and challenging problems of increasing complexity and open-endedness.

Contact time can take a wide variety of forms, including lectures, seminars, tutorials, question & answer sessions, project supervision, demonstrations, practical classes and workshops, visits, placements, office hours (where staff are available for consultation), interaction by email or other media, and situations where feedback on assessed work is given (one-to-one or in a group.)

The following are estimates for the numbers of contact hours you can expect in each year of study for the compulsory modules, based on our most recent planning. These figures are published a long time in advance and are subject to change.

Year 1: 160 hours of lectures; 150 hours of tutorials/ seminars/ problem classes; 120 hours of labs; and 150 hours of other digital learning/ tutor-led contact.

Year 2: 145 hours of lectures; 145 hours of tutorials/ seminars/ problem classes; 75 hours of labs; and 135 hours of other digital learning/ tutor-led contact.

Year 3: 145 hours of lectures; 105 hours of tutorials/ seminars/ problem classes; 160 hours of labs; and 60 hours of other digital learning/ tutor-led contact.

Year 4: 120 hours of lectures; 60 hours of tutorials/ seminars/ problem classes; 190 hours of labs; 85 hours of other digital learning/ tutor-led contact; and 10 hours of project supervision.

Contact hours will vary depending on any optional and elective module selections. You will be able to review each module’s timetable in advance of making and confirming your module selections each year.

Assessment

The programme's core curriculum is assessed through a range of methods that typically include individual and group coursework, lab demonstrations and reports, individual and group projects with associated presentations and project or dissertation reports, tests and written examinations, and oral assessments. 

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.