MSc Robotics and Autonomous Systems

The MSc Robotics and Autonomous Systems is designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to develop the innovative solutions required by the emerging global industry in Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS), and across many other sectors where RAS skills are applicable. These may include robotics and automation in agriculture, food processing, transport, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and nuclear. The programme can also prepare students to continue their study in a research capacity, allowing them to further specialise and focus their interests. Lincoln hosts the UK's - and one of the world's - largest concentration of agricultural robotics researchers, and is a major hub of UK agribusiness. Many though not all students choose to specialise in this area, including by collaborating with local companies who have existing R&D relationships with our research.

Course content is informed by research carried out at the University of Lincoln, especially in the Lincoln Centre for Autonomous Systems. This aims to ensure that content remains consistently underpinned by the latest thinking.

The programme is an extension Master's. It assumes that students will have already completed a computer science or similar technology-based degree, and will want to extend that knowledge in depth and with specialist focus on Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS).

The programme gives students the chance to enhance and apply existing knowledge of computer programming and mathematical frameworks through laboratory workshops, lectures, debates, and independent research.

The course assumes a familiarity with programming concepts and the supporting mathematical framework, while presenting advanced concepts relating specifically to the computing domain.

How You Study

Students on this programme can experience a blend of different teaching and learning approaches. The programme aims to enable the development of skills through practical workshops in the laboratory, and academic knowledge through debate, lectures, discussion, and personal research.

Modules assume a familiarity with programming concepts and the supporting mathematical framework, while presenting advanced concepts relating specifically to the computing domain.

How You Are Assessed

The programme is assessed through a variety of means, including in-class tests, coursework, projects, and examinations. The majority of assessments are coursework-based, reflecting the practical and applied nature of computer science. The final stage research project enables students to further specialise and complete a piece of work of significant complexity.

Career Opportunities

This course aims to develop the skills required for employment in the emerging Robotics and Autonomous Systems industry, and across many other sectors where these skills are applicable. These can include agri-food, automation, industry 4.0, healthcare, logistics, military, nuclear, security, and transport. Some graduates may choose to continue research at doctoral level.

There are two requirements and students will need to provide evidence of both of them in their application: (1) A first or upper second class honours degree in computer science or a related discipline. This could include engineering, mathematics, or other numerate science and technology subjects. (2) Competence in computer programming, roughly to the level of being able to write a basic video game such as Pong in any language. Acceptable forms of evidence of this skill to include in your application include, but are not limited to: (a) academic degree transcript showing 2:1 level scores in one or more programming classes; (b) a copy of a university, employment, or hobby project report detailing programming work; (c) a link to a source code site such as gitlab or github containing samples of your code.