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Smart cities, driverless cars, manufacturing plants that think for themselves – welcome to Industry 4.0. Build the skills to shape our future and you’ll be helping to build a better world.
Robots are the future. Whether they’re enhancing manufacturing, automating logistics tasks, harvesting crops from our fields, or cleaning up pollution in our oceans, they’re the driving force behind a more sustainable, efficient world. On our MSc Robotics and Automation degree, you’ll position yourself at the heart of these exciting technological developments and get ready to work at the forefront of Industry 4.0.
Machines that talk to each other, learn from their surroundings, and respond autonomously are revolutionising industries across the globe. Our interdisciplinary masters course focuses on studying both the advanced concepts and practical applications that are highly valued by employers. It will give you a broad skillset and the ability to drive digital...
1 year full-time
2 years part-time with an industrial placement
On our masters in robotics and automation, you’ll study eight core modules covering a range of topics including:
You’ll focus on the core technologies of Industry 4.0 smart systems, including digital twin models and cyber-physical systems development. This is a full-time one-year masters course, but you can choose to complete an additional industry placement year. It’s an opportunity to apply your learning to an industry environment and further your practical experience.
You’ll study the technical details of integrating new technologies with existing ones, and how businesses can overcome the challenges this presents. To be able to deliver new engineering products, enterprises and services for Industry 4.0, the Systems Engineering for Industry module focuses on the skills required in systems thinking and systems analysis. You’ll also learn general techniques to manage the phases of product and system life cycles.
Your final module is your Individual Engineering Research Project. You’ll work with a dedicated supervisor to identify a relevant topic suited to your personal and professional ambition. A range of themed challenges will be offered, such as Industry 4.0, transport, energy and the environment, health and wellbeing, project management and water.
On the course, you’ll be supported by our experienced team of engineers, designers and technicians. Many have active professional networks in a range of sectors, from manufacturing engineering and environmental industries to health and transport. Together, we’ll help you to become a rounded professional, ready to apply for technical leadership and management roles in global organisations.
Whether you've already made your decision about what you want to study, or you're just considering whether postgraduate study is right for you, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about postgraduate student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
You’ll need a UK honours degree – at least a 2:2 – or the international equivalent, in engineering, physics, mathematics, computing or equivalent. Applicants with relevant and extensive professional experience in the relevant fields will be considered.
English requirements: IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification.
International students please see mmu.ac.uk/international.
Full-time fee: £12,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Full-time fee: £22,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A masters qualification typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits, and an MFA 300 credits. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of study provided the course is completed in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Optional estimate: £1,850
This course is available with an optional Year 2 industrial placement year (only available to September intake), giving you the opportunity to tailor your knowledge to suit a specific industry or skillset.A placement fee of £1,850 applies.
Optional estimate: £200
Those who wish to supplement their project managementfurther knowledge with a Prince2 Foundation course will need to pay approximately anadditional £200.
Optional estimate: 400-£1000
We’d encourage you to have or buy a laptop at the start of the course to facilitate your best possible engagement with the learning environment. The approximate cost of this could be between £400 - £1000. However, you can access on-campus PC labs and there is an option to borrow a limited number of laptops from the library.
You may wish to print some documents; however, the Department of Engineering are committed to paper-free delivery of its programmes and so the cost of printing is your responsibility. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page.
Our core textbooks are all accessible as e-books via the library. As such, there is no requirement that students purchase their own copies. Students may still choose to buy these at an approximate cost ranging from £100 per textbook.
Graduates with a combination of technical expertise and modern management skills are highly sought after across industries. On this interdisciplinary and innovative masters, we aim to prepare you to take on a variety of high-impact roles.
Whether you want to pursue a career as a robotics engineer, automation consultant or project manager, you’ll have the skills to lead and innovate within diverse sectors. Graduates from our Department of Engineering have gone to work for both national and international companies such as:
If you’re inclined to continue your academic journey, this degree also positions you well for advanced research opportunities, such as a PhD or an Engineering Doctorate course.
Study in the Dalton building
We've invested £115m into cutting-edge facilities and advanced technology to enhance your learning. With newly refurbished computing labs and interactive study spaces, this redevelopment has been built to prepare students for the modern workplace.
Please contact our course enquiries team.
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current terms and conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.