Robotics and Smart Technologies

MSc

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Start dates available

  • January 2026

Start dates available

  • September 2026

Studying Robotics and Smart Technologies enables you to experience an expert knowledge of the multi-discipline areas of robotics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, smart cities and ‘internet of things’ for network-enabled products.

This course offers a full spectrum of learning and current research with our experienced staff. Face-to-face teaching and use of our specialised laboratories will ensure you have the latest knowledge in this dynamic field.

You’ll get a practical understanding of the use of robotics both inside and outside of the industry, as well as embedded systems, the use of network-enabled devices in the home, autonomous vehicles (both automotive and aeronautical), and the use of artificial intelligence.

With this Masters course, you’ll undertake a major project where you can specialise in an area of interest to support your work goals. The course has been designed with employability in mind to ensure graduates meet the demands of a growing sector.

This course offers a full spectrum of learning and current research with our experienced staff. Face-to-face teaching and use of our specialised laboratories will ensure you have the latest knowledge in this dynamic field.

You’ll get a practical understanding of the use of robotics both inside and outside of the industry, as well as embedded systems, the use of network-enabled devices in the home, autonomous vehicles (both automotive and aeronautical), and the use of artificial intelligence.

With this Masters course, you’ll undertake a major project where you can specialise in an area of interest to support your work goals. The course has been designed with employability in mind to ensure graduates meet the demands of a growing sector.

This course offers a full spectrum of learning and current research with our experienced staff. Face-to-face teaching and use of our specialised laboratories will ensure you have the latest knowledge in this dynamic field.

You’ll get a practical understanding of the use of robotics both inside and outside of the industry, as well as embedded systems, the use of network-enabled devices in the home, autonomous vehicles (both automotive and aeronautical), and the use of artificial intelligence.

With this Masters course, you’ll undertake a major project where you can specialise in an area of interest to support your work goals. The course has been designed with employability in mind to ensure graduates meet the demands of a growing sector.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Robotics and Smart Technologies

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Robotics and Smart Technologies

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Robotics and Smart Technologies

Duration

University of Staffordshire postgraduate courses are usually 1 academic year duration when studying full-time and 2-3 academic years duration for part-time.

Course content

You’ll undertake eight modules and an MSc project. All modules are designed for the practical application, so you’ll be work-ready on completion of the course.

Modules cover a range of important topics such as the use of embedded systems, artificial intelligence and advanced robotic systems. You’ll also work on 'internet of things' devices, as well as autonomous vehicles and their applications.

You’ll undertake eight modules and an MSc project. All modules are designed for the practical application, so you’ll be work-ready on completion of the course.

Modules cover a range of important topics such as the use of embedded systems, artificial intelligence and advanced robotic systems. You’ll also work on 'internet of things' devices, as well as autonomous vehicles and their applications.

Academic year

You’ll undertake eight modules and an MSc project. All modules are designed for the practical application, so you’ll be work-ready on completion of the course.

Modules cover a range of important topics such as the use of embedded systems, artificial intelligence and advanced robotic systems. You’ll also work on 'internet of things' devices, as well as autonomous vehicles and their applications.

Academic year

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

IET Accredited Programme

Professional body accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

IET Accredited Programme

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 2 compulsory modules
Autonomous Intelligent Vehicles 20 credits
Internet Of Things 20 credits
Modern Robotic Systems 20 credits
Msc Individual Project 60 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Entry requirements

At least a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in a related engineering discipline, such as Electronic Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Robotics or Mechatronics. Alternatively, if you have significant appropriate experience, your application will be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work. 

If your first language is not English a minimum score of IELTS Academic with overall 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each band.

At least a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in a related engineering discipline, such as Electronic Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Robotics or Mechatronics. Alternatively, if you have significant appropriate experience, your application will be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work. 

If your first language is not English a minimum score of IELTS Academic with overall 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each band.

At least a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in a related engineering discipline, such as Electronic Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Robotics or Mechatronics. Alternatively, if you have significant appropriate experience, your application will be considered, provided that you satisfy the University that you are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work. 

If your first language is not English a minimum score of IELTS Academic with overall 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each band.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Get country-specific details on entry requirements, fees, scholarships and support services. Choose your country to see how University of Staffordshire can support you from application to arrival.

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Facilities

Smart Zone

A bustling centre of invention, innovation and creation with two floors of dedicated workshop and collaboration spaces for engineering and creative students. Read more

The Smart Zone fuses state-of-the-art fabrication spaces with augmented and blended reality facilities, allowing you to bring your ideas to life using the latest digital and immersive technologies. Find out more about our Smart Zone.
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Engineering Laboratories

Packed with state-of-the-art software and hardware resources reflecting current trends in the development of engineering subjects.

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Real Time Lab

Our Real Time Lab has a suite of 20, 6 axis programmable robotic arms, autonomous vehicles, micro-controllers, motors, sensors and state-of-the-art design suites for embedded software programming and electronic design.

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Careers

After completing the Robotics and Smart Technologies MSc, you’ll be equipped to work in the following roles:

  • Research and development
  • Engineering consultancy
  • Project management
  • Teaching

Eager for more knowledge? Upon completion, you’ll be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level.

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures and tutorials, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Work in specialist laboratories
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures and tutorials, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Work in specialist laboratories
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures and tutorials, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Work in specialist laboratories
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios.

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios.

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative).

Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.

You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios.

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do. We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do. We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do. We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

Staff

The content of the Robotics and Smart Technologies MSc draws on a range of research specialisms within Engineering at University of Staffordshire, allowing students to benefit from working alongside leading academics.  This allows the content to maintain its currency by supporting staff to integrate their research into their teaching practice.  MSc students have the opportunity to develop MSc projects supported by the research specialism of the staff team, allowing them to actively participate in the research culture with Engineering.

Dr Alison Griffiths

Associate Professor

Alison's expertise includes smart grids and their protection and renewable integration, smart homes, wireless sensor network design, implementation and optimisation.

Alison's profile

Dr Anas Amjad

Course Director

Anas is Course Director for Electrical and Electronic Engineering. His expertise lies in the use of smart systems for a diverse range of applications, such as smart healthcare, smart homes, smart cities etc.

Anas's profile

Professor Abdel-Hamid Soliman

Professor

Abdel-Hamid's expertise includes automation, including Smart Cities, Building automation, Energy management, Security, Safety and health applications.

Abdel-Hamid's profile

Debi Roberts

Interim Head Of Department

Debi has a keen interest in Automotive and Aeronautical Aerodynamics, Engine Design and Engineering History (Automotive and Aeronautical).

Debi's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 26 January 2026 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £10,609 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 21 September 2026 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £10,925 per course £17,500 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Included in the fees:

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities relating to the course of study.

Heavily discounted tuition fees during the (optional) placement year.

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities relating to the course of study.

Heavily discounted tuition fees during the (optional) placement year.

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all laboratories, workshops and specialist facilities relating to the course of study.

Heavily discounted tuition fees during the (optional) placement year.
Not included in the fees:

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

Dependent on a student’s choice of final year project, some additional costs may be incurred for materials to support the development and delivery of the project.

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

Dependent on a student’s choice of final year project, some additional costs may be incurred for materials to support the development and delivery of the project.

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

Dependent on a student’s choice of final year project, some additional costs may be incurred for materials to support the development and delivery of the project.
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MSc Full-time, January start 26 January 2026 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

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