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A student enthusiastically operates robotic machinery in a lab, as part of his studies in Robotics & Automation.

Engineering (Robotics and Automation Engineering) - BEng Hons Degree (Part-time)

Summary

Robotics and Automation Engineering combines elements of mechanical, electrical/electronic and control engineering and focused on how products and systems are designed, integrated, automated and manufactured or made to work. 

This three-year, part-time Engineering (Robotics and Automation Engineering) BEng (Hons) degree starts at Level 5 and is designed for individuals who ideally want to combine study with existing work commitment. The programme builds on the core engineering principles you will have already gained. Opportunities to explore software and practical subject areas such as computer-aided design, microprocessors and controls and simulation are embedded within the modules to enable a blend of practical and theoretical experiences to enhance employability.

A current shortage of skilled Robotics and Automation engineers means there are excellent career opportunities for talented engineering graduates as design, production and project engineers within a variety of sectors.

Many of our graduates are now employed by major companies such as EDF Energy, Westinghouse Springfields, Airbus, NIC, GCE and Ford Motor Company as design, production, project or research and development engineers.

Industry Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

  • Course code ET1HE608
  • Duration 3 Years
  • Day/s of week Thursday
  • Time 09:00 - 17:15

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
07 Sep 2026
Bispham Campus
3 Years

Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.

  • £36,400 Average annual salary in this sector
  • STEM assured status
  • £10.5M Advanced Technology Centre

What Uni Reviews

No negative things to say. The college has been fantastic, great facilities that meet or exceed what I've expected coming back to university. Staff are helpful and friendly. *****
- Anonymous
Knowledgeable staff, great support, excellent facilities. *****
- Kim Taylor
It is a really enjoyable place to study. *****
- Emily Harrison

Black and white logo for Lancashire & Cumbria Institute of Technology.

Student case study - Marvyn

Why did you choose B&FC?
I originally wanted to study at Lancaster University, then I discovered I could get exactly the same degree 5 minutes down the road. I came to an Open Event here and was so impressed with the facilities and the teaching staff, it was a no-brainer.

What have been the benefits of studying here?
The tutors have been amazing - every one of them took the time to tell me how I could improve so I've graduated with a first-class honours having started off with a predictive grade of a 2:2.

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The UK has a significant shortfall of suitably skilled and qualified engineers across all engineering disciplines. This, coupled with the fact that a generation of engineers will be retiring over the next five years, means that the job market remains buoyant with signifiicantly higher than average graduate starting salaries and exceptional opportunities for progression.

Nationally, above 98% of students are either in further study or already employed, which points to a bright future, should you choose this engineering field. There are numerous networking opportunities in this field with the IET, IEEE and other professional organisations which you might consider joining as a member.

Work is varied and you are likely to collaborate with engineers from other engineering disciplines. Opportunities to work in both large and small companies exist and there is also the possibility of working internationally if this is something that appeals to you.

Next steps at B&FC

There are no Masters programmes or research opportunities at B&FC, but you may have been inspired to pass on your knowledge to the next generation of robotics and automation engineers in which case our Post Graduation Certificate of Education (PGCE) could be you next step. The PGCE will enable you to teach at secondary level and beyond and could offer you a highly rewarding career pathway in education.

Other study options

Successful students may also wish to continue their studies by undertaking a relevant postgraduate degree at another university institution, leading to even greater career opportunities. Studies for a Master or research qualification can take you either into higher positions within the industry, managerial or otherwise, into the research profession, or to teaching careers in further and higher education.

Employment Opportunities

A robotics and automation engineering degree will give you a varied and highly technical skills set making it possible to explore opportunities in a wide variety of engineering organisations where you can apply your knowledge to areas like research, project management, production system design, process control and systems maintenance. 

Key information

Entry Requirements

The entry criteria for this programme are:

  • HNC or HND with an overall merit grade in: Mechanical, General or Aeronautical Engineering or an appropriate Engineering discipline

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component

Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis.


Please note: Where wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a mandatory requirement of the course, it is the responsibility of the learner to ensure that they are able to wear such equipment. Further information can be obtained at the IAG session which all applicants are invited to or by calling Course Enquiries on 01253 504343.

Qualification obtained

BEng (Hons) Engineering (Robotics and Automation Engineering)

Fees and funding

Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding.

Extra costs and equipment

You will need your own scientific calculator, we recommend the Casio FFX-91ES (costs start from around £15).

Books, Journals and electronic resources can be accessed via the College Learning Resources facility.

There may be additional costs to consider such as optional educational visits and photocopying/printing.

It is highly recommended (but not mandated) that at the start of your programme, you apply for student membership through a professional organisation such as IMechE or IET. Some organisations provide discounted student membership whilst for others there is no charge.

*Correct as at February 2024

  • IMechE - Affiliate Member*: No charge for an apprentice or studying engineering at college or an undergraduate student studying a STEM degree.
  • IET* - Students and apprentices membership fees (duration of the course or up to five years) £35.

 

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Awarding Body: Lancaster University

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

Many of the degree programmes at B&FC incorporate opportunities for work placements to provide you with the opportunity to link your studies to relevant professional practice in a real work environment. Our programme teams are able to offer support in securing an appropriate work placement where it forms part of your programme, and will work closely with you during the placement to ensure that the opportunity allows you to develop personally, professionally and academically.

  • Modules at level 5

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Research Project ET5MD238 20 No
    Professional Engineering Management ET5MD239 20 No
    Further Engineering Mathematics ET5MD240 20 No
    Commercial Programming Software ET5MD241 20 No
    Embedded Systems ET5MD242 20 No
    Industrial Robots ET5MD243 20 No

  • Modules at level 6

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Major Project ET6MD211 40 No
    Professional Engineer ET6MD212 20 No
    Control and Simulation ET6MD213 20 No
    Electrical Power ET6MD215 20 No
    Microprocessors and Microcontrollers ET6MD216 20 Yes

Learning Support - at a glance

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group learning support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Learning Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

An engineering student meticulously operates a robotic arm in a laboratory setting, showcasing hands-on learning.
A student seated at a desk, using a computer and keyboard while working with electrical engineering equipment.
Close-up of a robotics student skillfully controlling a robotic arm, demonstrating innovative educational equipment in class.
An engineering student meticulously operates a robotic arm in a laboratory setting, showcasing hands-on learning. A student seated at a desk, using a computer and keyboard while working with electrical engineering equipment. Close-up of a robotics student skillfully controlling a robotic arm, demonstrating innovative educational equipment in class.
An engineering student meticulously operates a robotic arm in a laboratory setting, showcasing hands-on learning.
A student seated at a desk, using a computer and keyboard while working with electrical engineering equipment.
Close-up of a robotics student skillfully controlling a robotic arm, demonstrating innovative educational equipment in class.

How will I learn?

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 0 306 367
Independent 0 894 590
Placement 0 0 243
Total 0 1200 1200
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

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How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 0% 64% 63%
Exam 0% 16% 34%
Practical 0% 20% 3%