Created in consultation with industry partners (Unilever, MIF Materials Innovation Factory, Croda, IBM), our Robotics, Automation and AI MSc will provide you with broad training and a basic understanding of the fundamentals of Robotics, Automation and Artificial Intelligence, allowing you to progress your career in research or industry.
Introduction
Robotics, Automation and Artificial Intelligence have been identified by UK and worldwide governments as a key growth area with the potential to revolutionise manufacturing, surgery, health, social care, financial services, offshore energy and environmental monitoring, agriculture, smart cities and resilient infrastructure.
The European Commission published a report (Jan 2021) on the Industry 5.0 paradigm and the vision of human-robot cooperation, co-working, and sustainability; a way of using smart manufacturing, robotics, automation, and AI to benefit industry, employees and society as a whole.
This is driving a major change within many industries, and as a result there is a need to upskill current and future workforces to address skills shortages in robotics, automation and control engineers. This is where this master’s programme comes in!
This new MSc is at the forefront of educating and developing the knowledge and skills of MSc students to be an instrumental part of future workforces and to fully embrace the Industry 5.0 vision.
Who is this course for?
This MSc programme is suitable for students with an undergraduate degree in any of the following subjects: Mathematics, Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Computer Science or Physics who want a career in this exciting and growing area.
What you'll learn
The aim of this MSc programme is for you to learn, develop knowledge and skills across disciplines, to understand how to:
Empower the workforce to safely and effectively work alongside robots
Train managers and engineers to understand and effectively deploy automation
Ensure that engineers and computer scientists have the skills they need to be part of the 2030 workforce and fully embrace the Industry 5.0 vision
Understand and manage the emergence of artificial intelligence applications in industry and manufacturing
Contribute to solutions for industry-relevant problems and understand how to explore advances in technology and engineering, to generate applications and solutions to industry-relevant problems.
Accreditation
Accreditation will be sought from the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council once the first cohort have graduated. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
The MSc programme is a combination of specifically selected modules, bringing together the expertise of academics across the schools of Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science.
Compulsory modules
Research Skills & Project Management (ELEC483)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
This module is concerned with introducing and developing the key skills necessary undertake research and to effectively disseminate the results of that work.
On the whole it is geared to providing training in these skills through observations of real-life examples and best practise and importantly hands-on training.
In particular, the module addresses the mechanics of research, gathering information, managing and planning the work, report writing and giving oral presentations.
The assessment of skill development throughout the study comes through the completion of five assignments.
The Internet of Things: Architecture and Applications (ELEC423)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module covers two areas. An introduction to the "Internet of Things" which introduces the topic from the basics describing its evolution, its architecture and its application to real-life scenarios. Students will then develop a real IoT application which builds on the basic knowledge of embedded systems and programming, obtained in a EEE or related B.Eng degree which includes knowledge of digital electronics and microprocessor systems and the ability to programme in C.
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN (MNFG604)
Credits: 7.5 /
Semester: semester 1
To introduce the student to the latest 3D tools and techniques used by designers.
To develop a wider knowledge and understanding of integrated systems design.
To stimulate an appreciation of modern design and development methodologies.
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS (MECH452)
Credits: 7.5 /
Semester: semester 1
In this module the students will gain a basic understanding of the Finite Element method and learn to use Abaqus Finite Element software. This software will then be used to analyse a variety of different problems which are relevant to both mechanical and civil engineers
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester two
Compulsory modules
Microprocessor Systems (ELEC422)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will cover three aspects of ARM Cortex M Microprocessors.
The general functionality of the Cortex M series will be introduced along with the Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) Assignment one will be based on Assembly Language Programming.
The internal bus operation of the AHB-Lite interface will be introduced. For Assignment two students will be expected to interface a peripheral to the AHB-Lite bus using a Cortex-M0 soft core. The peripheral and the interface will be coded using Verilog. They will then be required to write a program to verify the operation of their peripheral3. The final aspect will be on using Real-Time operating systems. This will include how synchronisation, communication and resource sharing is implemented using the RTX real-time operating system.
The third and final assignment will be on using RTX to implement a multi-threaded papplication.
INDUSTRIAL ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY (MNFG409)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module investigates how industrial robots and other equipment are used and integrated into more complex automated systems. The module emphasis is upon the application and use of these systems, with less emphasis on the underlying theoretical mechanisms. The module is based in the concept of learning through doing, the underlying content being presented as videos, while the contact time is used in practical sessions using industrial robots and in the development of robotic systems using industrial simulation software. The assessments are designed to help reinforce understanding rather than short term memory. As an FHEQ level 7 module the tasks and assessments are designed to develop deeper knowledge and skill in application than that expected for those at FHEQ level 6.
Applied Artificial Intelligence (COMP534)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module gives an introduction to key areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision.
It discusses fundamental problems in these areas and covers common methods to solve them.
Students will develop the practical skills necessary to build AI applications using data from different domains.
Robot Perception and Manipulation (COMP341)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
In this module, we focus on how robots perceive the world and accomplish manipulation tasks, which is widely used in many applications such as warehouse robots and assistive robots in a domestic environment. We will study how sensory data, e.g., visual images and tactile data, is transformed into representations like features of object shapes, poses and textures. Such representations facilitate the grasping and manipulation of objects.
Research Skills & Project Management (ELEC483)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
This module is concerned with introducing and developing the key skills necessary undertake research and to effectively disseminate the results of that work.
On the whole it is geared to providing training in these skills through observations of real-life examples and best practise and importantly hands-on training.
In particular, the module addresses the mechanics of research, gathering information, managing and planning the work, report writing and giving oral presentations.
The assessment of skill development throughout the study comes through the completion of five assignments.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Final project
Compulsory modules
MSc Project (ELEC460)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
The module is for MSc students to undertake an individual project for a period of 3.5 months. The project should be challenging enough at Masters level.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
How you'll learn
The programme will deliver experiential learning through deep industrial engagement that prioritises problem-solving and the use of robots, automation and artificial intelligence concepts to provide practical experience of these key emerging technologies.
You will learn by attending lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials and doing your own research on a specific topic. You are expected to complete all the set coursework and exercises as it is an important part of your learning.
How you're assessed
You will be assessed through various methods including final exams, quizzes, exercises, laboratory reports, presentations, oral examinations and a dissertation.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
The Department of Electrical Engineering & Electronics has world-class specialist facilities including top industry standard laboratories, which puts us at the forefront of research in this fast-moving discipline and our postgraduate body is one of the largest in the University, encompassing world-class fundamental and applied research. We offer an exciting, theoretical and practical range of degree programmes which address all of the major subject areas underpinning the new IT-based modern economy.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
There is demand for employees with robotics, automation and AI skills in many industries, including:
manufacturing
surgery, health and social care
financial services
freight
offshore energy and environmental monitoring
agriculture
smart cities
resilient infrastructure.
Specific roles include:
Robotics Automation systems engineers
Autonomous product developers
Robotics Automation and control researchers
Automation and AI research scientists
Machine learning engineers
Data scientists
Robotics and Automated assembly engineers
Big data engineers
Software engineer and developers.
Business intelligence developers
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£11,950
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£26,350
Fees stated are for the 2023-24 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
You will need a 2:1 or equivalent degree in a science and technology related field i.e. Mathematics, Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Computer Science or Physics. Applicants holding a 2:2 or equivalent in their undergraduate degree will also be considered if they have suitable industrial experience and will be invited to interview before an offer is made.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
