This course has an extended research option: MSc Robotics with Extended Research
This course is jointly run with the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
From both artificial intelligence and cognitive robotics to sensory feedback, this truly interdisciplinary MSc in Robotics not only introduces you to fundamental research but its applications.
Encompassing nuclear, offshore wind, and both health and social care, our portfolio connects far-ranging scope with significant industry collaborations.
Both the birthplace to the modern computer and the first English university to offer an engineering degree, Manchester has always been a changemaker. Now, one of the leading institutions in the field of Robotics, there truly is no better place to specialise in this rapidly developing technology.
The four strategic themes explored in this course include:
- mechatronics and control; verification, security and trust in autonomous systems;
- human-robot interaction and cognitive robotics;
- artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science;
- ethics and human-centred robotics issues.
A unique opportunity to blend fundamental aspects with robot system design and integration, this course is practically oriented with an emphasis on real-world applications of robotics across various real-life scenarios.
Re. the extended research course: Prior to your summer break a preliminary study and outline of your MSc dissertation project is completed, which is fully developed throughout the second year of your course. The year-long enhanced individual research provides great opportunities to develop advanced research skills and to explore in depth some of the topics discussed during the course. This includes training in research methods, and advanced simulation and experimental techniques in robotics, as well as academic publications.
Course duration 12 months (full-time)
Total self-study time Approximately 20 hours of self-directed study per week in addition to formal teaching (depending on individual background and learning needs)
Laptop benefit All students will be given a laptop when they start the degree
WHAT CAREER PATHWAYS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
Graduates from the course will be employed in a variety of industries, from start-ups and supply chain companies through to end users. The adoption of robotics is expanding significantly in areas such as nuclear, offshore-wind, transport infrastructure (rail, highways), logistics, automotive (driverless cars), construction, social care, manufacturing, healthcare (surgery), and agriculture.
The MSc can also be used as a springboard for postgraduate research. There are still many fields within robotics that require significant research to develop further. The course is explicitly designed to prepare you for your future career. It was developed following extensive industry consultations and continues to benefit from ongoing input. It equips you with resources such as GitHub repositories, videos, and online portfolios to showcase your skills to potential employers.
Additionally, our industrial partners deliver guest lectures, sharing insights into how robotics is applied within their organizations.
WHAT ROLES HAVE GRADUATES SECURED?
Our graduates have been prepared for opportunities in firms such as:
- Dyson
- Airbus
- Ocado
- Saab
- GE Aviation
- Atkins
- Labman Automation
- Street Drone
- Createc
- Jacobs
- Sellafield
- National Nuclear Laboratory
- Ross Robotics
- Oxa
Our graduates hold titles such as:
- robotics scientist
- robotics engineer
- and robotics software developer.
And they work across industries with various robotics systems. Therefore, a Robotics degree from The University of Manchester will open a world of opportunity, and the skills you develop will be sought across a wide range of industries.
OUR STUDENTS' MSc PROJECTS
The MSc project is one of the most exciting parts of a master’s degree — you are paired with an expert supervisor and get a chance to dive deep into a topic you’re passionate about, solve real-world problems, and bring your ideas to life. It’s where everything you’ve learned comes together, showcasing your skills, creativity, and potential to stand out in your field. Here are some projects that our MSc graduates have worked on:
🔎 Digital Worlds in Nvidia Omniverse
🔎 Underwater obstacle avoidance
🔎 Automated sample collection for a planetary rover
🔎 Active stability for cable suspended payloads
🔎 Robot-Manipulator-Aided Sensing and Control in Challenging Environments
🔎 Tactile-based Control Strategy Design to Improve Safety in Grasping of Soft Objects.
Professor Simon Watson Professor of Robotic Systems
ACADEMIC'S VOICE
We designed this course with two aims: to maximise student employability and to make the learning experience as interesting as possible. Working with industry, we’ve created an innovative curriculum which we are as excited to teach as students are to engage with.
ALUMNI'S VOICE
My engineering journey began on the track, designing braking systems for a Formula Student team during my undergraduate studies. It was a high-pressure, precision-driven environment where collaboration across disciplines was key. I later led the development of a biomedical rehabilitation device at BETiC KJSCE, India, working closely with physiotherapists and patients which gave me a direct look at the clinical challenges and practical constraints of real-world medical device design.
These early projects helped me realize that robust mechanical systems weren’t enough. The real challenge and opportunity was to make them intelligent and adaptive.
That curiosity led me to pursue an MSc in Robotics at The University of Manchester. It was a real turning point in my journey. The course helped me connect my background in mechanical engineering with the fast-moving world of robotics and intelligent systems. Through hands-on modules in machine learning, computer vision, and autonomous navigation, I learned how to design and build complete systems that combine perception, planning, and control.
Since graduating, I’ve gone from being focused mainly on hardware to becoming a full-stack robotics engineer. I now work on a wide range of projects, from autonomous quadruped robots to digital twins and automation software for life-science workflows. Whether it’s in the lab or something deployed in the field, my priority is always the same: build systems that are technically robust, reliable, and can deliver consistent performance in real-world conditions.
Praneel Raghuraman
Robotics, Class of 2024 Current role: Robotics and Machine Learning Engineer, Engivent, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Adarsh Karan Kesavadas Prasanth
Robotics, Class of 2024 Current role: Robotics Software Engineer, Neobotix GmbH, Coimbatore, India
ALUMNI'S VOICE
The MSc Robotics course at UoM helped me switch to a more exciting field after my undergrad in Electronics & Communucation. I feel like the practical experience I got there, working with the LeoRover robot is truly irreplaceable. It has turned me into a passionate Roboticist. I'm truly grateful for the friends I made there too!
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