
Robotics BSc(Hons)
Create interactive robots that respond to the challenges of modern life.
Course overview
On this Robotics degree, you'll gain specialist knowledge of cybernetics, artificial intelligence and human-robot interactions to building robots using modern design and fabrication tools. You’ll learn to thrive in this ever-evolving sector and work collaboratively with other students to devise robot solutions for a range of challenges and contexts. On this course, you'll have opportunities to develop vital professional practice experience by tackling live industry projects.
You will:
-
Build robots that interact with people in novel and interesting ways
-
Implement robotic systems that leverage cutting-edge technologies and intelligence
-
Solve real-world problems by collaborating in teams to apply human-centred design approaches
-
Obtain a mastery of programming and physical fabrication by working on practical problems in a bespoke robotics lab and fabrication facilities
-
Apply your skills to inspiring projects spanning creative and technical domains, on briefs set by industry partners
-
Develop an understanding of the societal, ethical and environmental contexts for robotics and the implications for the design, engineering, deployment and adoption of robotic technologies
-
Study in Cornwall, which is home to world-beating robotics companies, environmental technology startups and ground breaking marine research
The Integrated Foundation Year pathway for this course is new and subject to validation.
Course details
On this Robotics degree, you'll have the opportunity to gain a BSc(Hons) degree over three years or the option to study Robotics BSc(Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year and/or placement year study options.
On this Robotics degree, we’ll provide you with exciting opportunities to bring your ideas to life by designing engaging human-robot interactions and working prototypes. Through our industry connections, you’ll get to work on live professional briefs that could range from developing humanoid robots to sensory toys to engage disabled children, animatronic systems for prosthetics, as well as control systems for a new generation of sustainable power production.
This practical experience is underpinned by explorations into the history of computing, the moral and legal considerations within digital creativity, accessibility and sustainability.
In the first year, you’ll learn the foundations of the discipline. You’ll gain a practical introduction to programming and computer technology as well as learning about the various branches of computer science and the pipelines and processes used to create engaging digital products and services. Finally, you’ll explore approaches to physical computing and build your own autonomous robot.
Modules
Principles of Computing
In this module, you’ll learn the principles of computing, discrete mathematics, statistics and technical communication. Through a series of tasks, you’ll begin to use core computer science concepts, techniques and methods to solve practical problems and leverage algorithms in your solutions.
You'll also delve into the history of computing, engaging with the plurality of voices in the profession and the controversies evoked by algorithmic bias.
Digital Creativity
On this module, you will explore digital media formats including text, image and sound.
You’ll play, tinker, experiment with and extend digital artefacts, transforming what already exists in one form into another form as a means of appropriation. You will then integrate your digital artefacts with digital game technologies, notably game engines, to make them interactive in some way.
You’ll also consider moral and legal questions surrounding digital creativity, such as plagiarism, intellectual property law, licensing rights, representation and media literacy.
Development Foundations
On this module, you’ll gain foundational experience of the basic principles, terminology, roles and tools used in the development of digital products and services.
Through several small-scale team projects, you’ll practice a range of prototyping methods and pitch your idea for a future project. These projects will help you to develop your project management skills, while building a professional, inclusive and supportive studio culture.
Data Fundamentals
In this module, you’ll learn the fundamentals of the data science life cycle. This will include learning how to formulate questions, collect and clean data, explore and visualise data, make statistical inferences and predictions, and report insights in a way that informs decision making.
You'll also gain an awareness of the responsibilities, obligations and legalities of working with sensitive and personal data, including its collection, storage, analysis, management and transmission.
Individual Programming Project
In this module, you’ll refine your approach to computer programming by developing an architecturally sound project focused on object-orientated solutions.
Through this project, you’ll build your confidence with various interfaces that enable interaction within and across different system components. You’ll practice more disciplined software engineering methodologies, develop your mastery of the notations for describing and refactoring system architectures, and apply the mathematics associated with circuit design.
You’ll also gain a greater awareness of ethical considerations such as safety, accessibility, sustainability and the impact of supply chains.
Multidisciplinary Teamwork
On this module, you’ll work in multi-skilled teams to make a digital product or service in response to a prompt or brief.
This work will give you the opportunity to increase your knowledge of organising and managing a software development project. Working in a multidisciplinary team will also give you hands-on experience of the full systems development lifecycle and production pipelines in an ‘agile’ context commonly used in professional practice.
By the end of the module, you and your team should have produced and evaluated a modest but functional proof of concept.
In your second year, you’ll start to focus on your subject specialism. You'll develop your knowledge of embedded systems through simple robot construction, explore the principles of cybernetics and autonomous robotics, and enhance your computational mathematics skills. You’ll also learn the theory and design techniques required to build complex mechanisms to specifications, informed by physics and kinematics, and engage in digital prototyping.
Modules
Computational Mathematics
You’ll learn key mathematic principles, such as linear algebra, geometry, trigonometry, 3D transformation and calculus that underpins computing. You’ll then apply these principles to your own technical working practices.
You’ll also explore the relationship between computational mathematics and cybersecurity. By exploring security topics such as common threats and attack vectors, cryptography and steganography, certification and malware, you’ll learn to programme defensively.
Digital Prototyping
You'll develop your 3D CAD skills through the production of digital prototypes using CNC milling and 3D printing technologies. Exploring the evolution of 3D CAD software as a collaborative designing tool for remote teams, you’ll practice new skills working with cloud-based data and simulation technologies.
Robotics & Cybernetics
In this module, you’ll develop your practical skills in robotics and embedded systems by building a simple robot from a kit of parts using principles from cybernetics and autonomous robotics.
Through the project, you’ll learn advanced electronics theory and design techniques, develop your embedded software programming skills and become able to implement different behaviours based on sensor readings and actuator control.
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence is applied in robotics, and examine the role of ethics in self-regulating cybernetic systems.
Algorithms & Optimisation
Throughout this module, you’ll practice and develop your computing skills with a focus on the design and analysis of algorithms.
You’ll explore strategies for creating efficient and optimised code; learning to apply methods of profiling and resource management. You’ll also be challenged to consider sustainability as a theme for your optimisations, with attention to maximising the use and/or extending the lifecycle of hardware that is difficult to recycle.
Robot Design
In this module, you’ll apply critical thinking, creative problem solving, simulation techniques and rapid prototyping methods to an industry-led challenge. You’ll carry out initial research based on the requirements of the brief and propose a potential solution articulated through visualisations created using computer aided design (CAD) and simulation tools.
The proposed solution and specification will be subject to review, prior to fabrication and assembly, after which you will build a robot prototype. This will involve considering the sustainability of materials and supply chains during the fabrication process. You will also need to demonstrate an awareness of the ethics of automated systems with specific reference to their form and function.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
In this module, you’ll explore the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. Considering real-world applications, you’ll conduct a practical research and development project looking to address a specific brief or challenge.
Through this work, you’ll get a chance to think about the legal, social, ethical, professional and sustainability implications of AI technologies. You’ll also examine how artificial intelligence and machine learning may impact computer technology and your future career aspirations.
You can choose to take an optional placement year after your second year on a three-year programme, or after your third year if you’re studying for a degree with an Integrated Foundation Year.
You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, with support from the RealWORKS employability team.
Choosing this option will enhance your industry experience and skills while studying.
How you’ll study during your placement year
You’ll spend time working in a professional context, as part of a business or organisation. This can be in one role, or up to three, and must be for a minimum of 24 weeks.
You’ll develop in-demand workplace skills, deepen your insight into industry and grow your network of contacts, all of which could help you get ahead in your career after graduation.
Throughout this year, you’ll develop a portfolio of work that includes critical self-reflection on what has been learned from the experience. You’ll be required to evidence your experiences, the skills you’ve learned and your professional growth.
In the final year, you’ll develop greater intellectual freedom. You'll produce an individual Research & Development project under the supervision of a subject-matter expert and work in a multi-skilled team to design and implement a potentially innovative product or service.
You’ll also enhance your collaborative working skills by tackling “challenge briefs” with students across the university, and learn vital professional practice skills in our Future Skills module.
Modules
Research & Development: Proposal
In this module, you’ll plan and commence an individual ‘major’ research and development project in computing. You can choose to conduct primary research centred on or supported by a novel computing artefact, or practice-based research with significant technical depth.
The development of your written proposal will include identifying an opportunity, critically reviewing relevant literature, setting a hypothesis and designing a mode of data collection, while considering all ethical implications, as well as prototyping a novel and substantial computing artefact.
Future Skills
Focusing on employability, you’ll develop a commercial awareness and entrepreneurial mindset.
You’ll explore career options, including researching the skills required to set up your own business, establish yourself as a freelancer, or for use as an employee in a business or organisation.
You'll also devise a group project proposal around enterprise opportunities. Practical learning will be consolidated through critical reflection as you develop the ability to translate skills for an external challenge-led context.
Human-Robot Interaction
In this module, you’ll develop your hardware design and software engineering skills with particular attention to usability and interaction quality.
You’ll research the core principles of human-robot interaction, applying them to the design and prototyping of social robots based on systems of microcontrollers, sensors and actuators. You'll then use them to explore different methods of interaction with an audience.
Research & Development: Dissertation
On this module, you’ll continue your individual ‘major’ research and development project. Building upon the proposal you submitted, you’ll further develop your prototype computing artefact into a potentially deployable solution. In doing so, you’ll deepen your knowledge of software engineering, the use of advanced research tools, technical writing and academic conventions, as well as the interpretation and visualisation of results from statistical analyses of quantitative data.
Under the supervision of a subject-matter expert, you will: realise a novel and substantial computing artefact; execute your research and development; and critically analyse your results, disseminating your findings through a written academic dissertation. You’ll also present your insights to peers alongside a demonstration of the final computing artefact, referring to the potential impact of your project, any ethical concerns, and potential future work.
Major Collaboration
In this module, you’ll leverage your experiences from the prior stages of the course to deliver a substantial collaborative project. You’ll work in a multi-skilled team to design and implement a potentially innovative product or service.
Typically, this will be the continuation of your previous project, but it could also be a newly proposed project that satisfies a real need, a response to a market opportunity identified by the University, a live brief from or collaboration with industry partners or research teams, or a solution to a problem presented by an external stakeholder.
You will continue to put into practice the ethically-informed methodologies you have outlined in previous modules. Contexts can also vary but could include: enterprise solutions; mobile apps; installations; games; web applications; robots; immersive experiences; software development tools; and more.
Why study an Integrated Foundation Year route?
If you’re taking on a new subject that you haven’t studied in depth before, have been out of education for a while or have a non-standard educational background then an Integrated Foundation Year degree may be the right choice for you. It is a four-year degree with an Integrated Foundation Year to start, which allows you to explore the primary elements of your subject before progressing on to the remaining three years of the BSc(Hons) degree.
What you'll study in your Foundation year
If you choose this pathway, you'll study five core modules in your Foundation year. These are all designed to help you explore the foundational elements of your subject. You'll gain relevant technical skills, learn to experiment and take risks, develop an understanding of professional practice, have opportunities to work across disciplines and collaborate with other students on live project briefs.
Modules
Explore
You'll begin your foundation year by working collaboratively with others to explore themes of the future. You'll take risks, experiment through play and be supported to break through barriers.
Technique
You'll take subject-specific workshops and develop essential technical and practical skills in your area of study. You'll also enhance your analytical and organisational abilities.
Apply
You'll work with your peer group to think beyond discipline by addressing a societal or global issue. You'll then showcase your work to your peers and deliver and accompanying evaluation of your process.
Industry
You'll enhance your creative and practical skills in your subject specialism by responding to typical industry briefs, underpinned by focused research and experiments. You'll also gain industry insights through guest lectures and workshops.
Launch
You'll develop your unique identity in your specialism through the production of a self-initiated body of work. Your final project will be the bridge to your next year, fully supported by evaluative reviews and critical analysis of the work you have created.
After the Foundation year, you progress into Year One of the full three-year degree, equipped with a deeper knowledge of your subject, a clear understanding of your strengths, and develop a practical and technical skillset and the confidence to excel in your chosen subject.
If you apply for and enrol onto a degree with an Integrated Foundation Year, you’ll have the option to switch onto a five-year version including a placement year. That means you’ll complete the first three years of your course before completing a placement in industry in your fourth year and returning to Falmouth for the fifth year of your programme.
The Integrated Foundation Year pathway for this course is new for entry year 2024 and subject to validation.
The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.
From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details:
Stories from our community
Explore student projects, graduate successes, staff news and industry insights

Falmouth Showcase 2023: A celebration of our graduating talent
02 June 2023
Congratulations to our class of 2023!

The difference between studying Game Art and Game Development: Art
18 April 2023
With two Game Art undergraduate degrees within the Games Academy, you might need a hand picking betw...

Enhancing Tremenheere's sculpture trail with augmented reality
28 March 2023
Academics in augmented reality at Falmouth University are collaborating with Tremenheere Sculpture G...

Falmouth University listed as top 25 in the world for game design
22 March 2023
Falmouth University is one of the top 25 undergraduate schools in the world for game design, accordi...

An interview with Matt Osbond: Principal Technical Art Director at Xbox
20 March 2023
Matt Osbond is no stranger to legendary game franchises. Having worked as a Technical Artist on awar...

Game project with visually impaired accessibility at the core awarded funding by UK Games Fund
07 February 2023
Game developer and MA Indie Game Development (Online) student Elliott Dodsworth is developing an acc...

The Games Academy prepares for 2023 Global Game Jam
01 February 2023
Book your spot to join Falmouth University's Games Academy for the Global Game Jam event this weeken...

Ones to Watch: Ludophoria
31 January 2023
We talk to game studio Ludophoria about their time at the Games Academy, their dynamic working as a ...

Space exploration virtual reality experience set to launch
11 January 2023
A VR space exploration experience created by students from Falmouth University and Truro & Penwith C...

Graduate shares her experience as an international student at Falmouth University
30 November 2022
Fern Khaoroptham shares her experience of moving from Thailand to Falmouth to study Game Development...

Hackathon explores robotic solutions for agricultural sector
25 November 2022
Falmouth University’s Entrepreneurship and Games Academy students collaborated to develop a daffod...

Falmouth University’s Games Academy climbs The Rookies World Rankings list
30 September 2022
Falmouth’s prestigious Games Academy is once again making waves in the creative industries as glob...

Graduate spotlight: a UX Designer with ambition in abundance
01 September 2022
MA User Experience Design (Online) graduate Jack Jenkins is always creating. With a CV full of impre...

Mission Possible: Falmouth students unveil VR rocket launch experience
11 August 2022
A group of students in Cornwall have launched the first iteration of a brand-new educational VR expe...

Support the Falmouth students shortlisted at the 2022 Rookie Awards
21 July 2022
Three Games Academy student teams have secured positions as finalists in the 2022 Rookies Award...

An interview with: Matty McGrory – module leader, MA Indie Game Development (Online)
14 July 2022
Matty McGrory is a senior gameplay designer, lecturer and module leader on our online master’s deg...

Student projects celebrated at 2022 Games Expo
06 June 2022
The Falmouth Games Academy have celebrated the end of the academic year in style with the latest ite...

The Falmouth Showcase is coming: 21-26 May 2022
10 May 2022
Hungry for inspiration? On the hunt for fresh talent? Discover our next generation of incredible cre...

Online UX Design students revel in collaborative workshops with industry leaders
22 April 2022
Students on Falmouth's online master's course in user experience design recently met up in person fo...

Student secures internship with gaming giant Roblox
19 April 2022
First year Game Development student James Cox has been accepted onto the accelerator programme for R...
How you'll learn
You'll develop the technical skills and creative flair needed to produce social and creative robots through a blend of lectures, seminars, practical workshops, tutorials, crit sessions with your peers, and the opportunity to work on live industry briefs. You'll also have access to our year-round programme of inspiring guest speakers.
At Falmouth, we use a 'digitally enhanced learning & teaching' approach. Your experience will always be predominantly in-person, including seminars, tutorials and studio teaching, with some, more targeted elements, being online either live (synchronous) or pre-recorded (asynchronous). You can read more here.
How you'll be assessed
100% of your assessments will be by coursework.
Assessment methods
Assessments could include:
- Foundation year assessments are 100% coursework based
- Projects
- Papers
- Pitches
- Portfolios
Designed to mirror industry practice, students are also continually assessed on group projects through a group working strategy.
Staff
You'll learn from staff with industry and world-leading academic experience in a whole range of fields including artificial intelligence, web technologies, game development, digital art, robotics, physical computing, embedded systems and Internet of Things.
Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.

Matt Watkins
Lecturer in Computing
Matt is an artist, lecturer, developer and designer. He has been responsible for the visual and tech...

Andy Smith
Technical Manager/Technical Tutor
Andy joined Falmouth University in 2013 after completing his undergraduate studies in Communication ...

" This degree will equip you with the knowledge and skills to explore new challenges and creative opportunities for the robotics industry, by taking a distinctive humanistic approach "
Facilities
- Fabrication equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, soldering stations, CAD tools and CNC machines
- Specialised computing hardware for game development, deep learning projects and motion capture
- Immersive lab for virtual and mixed reality experiences
- Standard packages used in software development for the creative industries, including Adobe and Autodesk suites

Games Academy Facilities
Our Games Academy offers professional-standard studios, a dedicated craft room, breakout spaces, and...

Library Facilities
Offering extensive collections, our two libraries provide a wealth of digital resources, magazines, ...

Sports Centre
Our Sports Centre, on Penryn Campus, includes a spacious gym with up to 90 of the latest, new statio...
Careers
As a Robotics graduate you could become:
- Roboticist
- Data Processing Engineer
- Special Purpose Machinery Designer
- Mechanoid Assembler
- Robot Technician
- Human-Robot Interaction Specialist
- Machine Learning Specialist
- AI Specialist
- Technology Entrepreneur
- Interactive Artist
- Animatronics Technician
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
Ready to join us? You can apply through UCAS. You'll need to reference the course and University code (F33).
Applying as an international student?
International students can apply for a course through UCAS, via an agent or directly with the university. For more information about how to apply as an international student, visit our international applications page.
Course route | UCAS code |
---|---|
Robotics BSc(Hons) three year degree | I490 |
Robotics BSc(Hons) with placement year | I491 |
Robotics BSc(Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year | UCAS code for entry year 2024 available soon |

Application advice & interview information
Go to ToolkitWe consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you've specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.
Course route | Entry requirements |
---|---|
BSc(Hons) three year degree |
104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 (C) |
BSc(Hons) four year degree with placement year |
104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 (C) |
BSc(Hons) four year degree with Integrated Foundation Year |
80 – 120 UCAS Tariff points GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 (C) |
UCAS Tariff points will primarily be from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, T Levels, a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. Applicants should have GCSE Mathematics Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.
If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you may need to take a recognised language test. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.
For starting your studies in 2023
UK applications: 25 January 2023 (for equal consideration)
Applications after the 25 January will be considered on a first-come, first-served as long as there are places available. Apply for this course now.
International fee payers
International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.
Fees, costs & funding
Tuition fees
Annual tuition fee | Student |
---|---|
£9,250 per year | Full-time UK |
£17,460 per year | Full-time EU/international |
£1,850 per placement year | Full-Time UK and EU/international |
Annual tuition fee | Student |
---|---|
£9,250 per year | Full-time UK |
£17,460 per year | Full-time EU/international |
£1,850 per placement year | Full-Time UK and EU/international |
Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.
The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs
Typical course costs
- £100 - £200 – Recurring annual cost (robotics parts)
- £1,500 approx. – Laptop or desktop computer*
*Specifications of hardware and software are subject to change each year.
Any materials or equipment you’ll need for your course will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.
Additional typical course costs for Integrated Foundation Year pathway
- £250 for materials
- A laptop/desktop computer
- Adobe Creative Suite
In order to participate in our digitally enhanced learning approach, you'll need to have a personal laptop/desktop computer. Depending on your subject, you may need a specific type of computer. If you're unsure about what you might need, please contact our course advisors.
Funding
For information about funding available, please visit our student funding pages.
Ask a student
What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?
From course details and academic support, to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Similar courses

Game Animation BA(Hons)
Gain experience of working to a real-time animation pipeline and graduate with a rich portfolio of w...

Computer Science BSc(Hons)
New immersive realities, data-rich and informed interactions, automations and ever-more connected cl...

Esports & Livestreaming BA(Hons)
Immerse yourself in Esports culture on this degree, which offers a unique opportunity to be at the f...

Immersive Computing BSc(Hons)
New immersive realities, data-rich and informed interactions, automations and ever-more connected sy...

Game Development BA(Hons)
Join a community of people who have a passion for games. From day one, you’ll work as you would wi...

Game Art BA(Hons)
Work in multi-skilled collaborative teams and graduate as a confident, industry-ready game artist. ...

Computing for Games BSc(Hons)
Learn how to shape the games of the future by studying game development through the lens of computer...
Open Days and events
From visiting campus to online application advice, get all the information you need about joining our creative community.
Find an event