Robotics BSc(Hons)
Create interactive robots that respond to the challenges of modern life.
Course overview
Explore the world of artificial intelligence and the solutions it can provide through robotics – from the rapid growth of the Internet of Things, to providing entertainment, company and helping people to live more sustainably.
After establishing a firm foundation in developing software and hardware, you’ll apply your skills to both individual projects and major collaborations. 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.
You will:
- Apply your skills to inspiring projects spanning creative and technical domains, on briefs set by industry partners
- Build robots that interact with people and environments in novel and interesting ways
- Develop an understanding of the environmental, societal and cultural context for robotics and the implications for the design, engineering, deployment and adoption of robotic technologies
- Implement robotic systems that leverage state-of-the-art artificial intelligence
- Obtain a mastery of programming and physical fabrication by working on practical problems in a bespoke social robotics lab
The Integrated Foundation Year pathway for this course is new for entry year 2023 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 Professional Placement Year study options.
From gaining specialist knowledge of 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.
You'll then finish your Robotics degree by collaborating with multi-skilled peers on a major practical project.
You can choose between the three-year degree, four-year degree (with professional practice year) or Integrated Foundation Year pathways. You must select one pathway for your UCAS application. However, if you choose three-year degree or four-year degree (with professional practice year), you’ll have the chance to change your decision up to the end of your second year.
During the first year of your Robotics degree, you'll be introduced to the foundational discipline of computing, the practicalities of programming and computer technology, and the pipelines and processes used to create interactive experiences. You'll also learn about the various branches of media computation and physical computing and how software interacts with hardware.
You'll then embark on a multi-disciplinary development project alongside artists, animators, composers, designers, and writers. This project will give you a practical understanding of engineering processes, as well as the opportunity to integrate social robotics into a game.
Modules
Development Principles
Creative Computing
Principles of Computing
Individual Creative Computing Project
Multidisciplinary Development Practice
While you continue to explore the breadth of specialisms in creative computing to gain transferable skills, this year focuses much more deeply on robotics. Putting your skills into practice, you'll work with other roboticists in our lab to build robots. In doing so, you will bolster your core specialist computing skills in the area of robotics.
Modules
Specialisms in Creative Computing
Mathematics for 3D Worlds & Simulations
Robotics & Cybernetics
Creative Robot Design
Artificial Intelligence
During this year, you'll take on a programme of supervised work experience under the direction of either an employer or a business start-up incubation scheme. You'll engage in a minimum of 30 weeks (1050 hours) of professional practice and be supported by online study material.
While it will be your responsibility to seek, apply to and secure a suitable position, professional services staff will be on hand to help. Throughout the year, you'll also be mentored by academic staff, who'll help support your personal development.
In the final year of your Robotics degree, you'll take on a specialist module in human-robot interaction, which will form the foundations of an individual research and development project. Under the guidance of a subject matter expert, you'll explore novel and emerging technologies. The specific topic you'll explore is then up to you, but could be inspired by the field of computational creativity and efforts to enhance the 'personality' of your robots. Engaging in collective innovation and enterprise, you'll apply your knowledge to a major team development project, in which you'll deliver an interesting and novel robot.
Modules
Major Robotics Project
Human-Robot Interaction
Digital Innovation
Research & Development: Practice
Research & Development: Dissertation
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.
The Integrated Foundation Year pathway for this course is new for entry year 2023 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 for the 3 year course and the 4 year course with professional practice.
We are making changes to our curriculum framework for courses starting in 2022. Modest amendments to our course module structure will provide you with new opportunities to collaborate and co-create with students from across disciplines during your studies.
This course page will be updated when these changes have been finalised and applicants will be notified.
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 spend your time
|
Year |
Timetabled teaching and learning activity |
Guided independent study |
|---|---|---|
|
Integrated Foundation Year (optional) |
||
|
1 |
33% |
67% |
|
2 |
33% |
67% |
|
3 |
33% |
67% |
How you’ll be assessed
|
Year |
Written exams |
Practical exams |
Coursework |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Integrated Foundation Year (optional) |
0% |
0% |
100% |
|
1 |
0% |
0% |
100% |
|
2 |
0% |
0% |
100% |
|
3 |
0% |
0% |
100% |
*These percentages are indicative and may vary
Assessment methods
- Foundation year assessments are 100% coursework based
- Coursework assignments with no formal examinations.
- Portfolios, projects, pitches and papers.
Staff
From world experts in computational creativity research, to scholars and researchers working in the fields of immersion and artificial intelligence, our staff members are engaged players in the rapid evolution of robotics.
Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every staff member who teaches on the course.
Dr Michael Scott
Head of Computing and Associate Professor of Computer Science Education
Dr Michael Scott is the Head of Computing and Associate Professor of Computer Science Educ...
Dr Edward Powley
Associate Professor
Edward Powley is an associate professor in the Games Academy. His research interests as a membe...
Brian McDonald
Senior Lecturer Digital Games
Brian McDonald is a senior lecturer on the BA(Hons) Game Development and BSc(Hons) Computing fo...
Andy Smith
Technical Manager/Technical Tutor
Andy joined Falmouth University in 2013 after completing his undergraduate studies in Communication ...
Facilities
- Modern i7 machines.
- Attached labs for console development, immersive experience design, and robot fabrication.
- Specialised computing hardware for game development, deep learning projects, motion capture and immersive experiences.
- Standard packages used in software development for the creative industries, including Adobe and Autodesk suites.
- Access to free software via Microsoft Imagine.
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...
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
Ready to join us? You can apply for September 2022 through Clearing or for September 2023 through UCAS Apply and Track. 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 Professional Practice Year | I491 |
| Robotics BSc(Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year (new for entry year 2023) | FY04 |
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 |
|---|---|
| BA/BSc(Hons) three year degree | 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points |
| BA/BSc(Hons) four year degree with Sandwich Year | 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points |
| BA/BSc(Hons) four year degree with Integrated Foundation Year | 80 – 120 UCAS Tariff points |
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.
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'll need to take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the University. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.
For starting your studies in 2022
UK applications: 26 January 2022 (for equal consideration)
Applications after the 26 January will be considered on a first-come, first-served as long as there are places available. Apply for this course now.
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.
Similar courses
Data Science BSc(Hons)
Give yourself the professional edge with a course that delivers an impressive combination of technic...
Game Animation BA(Hons)
Join a community of people who have a passion for games. From day one, you’ll work as you would wi...
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 cl...
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)
Develop your creative capabilities while honing the skills you’ll need to make it as a successful ...
Computing for Games BSc(Hons)
Master the skills needed to shape the games of the future by studying games through the lens of comp...
