This part-time programme meets the requirements of the L6 Robotics Engineer Apprenticeship Standard. Eligible organisations are able to use £27,000 of their Apprenticeship Levy to fully cover the programme tuition fee. This course is award bearing meaning that successful completion will result in achieving a BEng (Hons) Degree in Robotics Engineering.

In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, the demand for skilled robotics engineers is soaring. With industry 4.0 driving automation, robotics is reshaping industries. As England’s first degree-level Robotics apprenticeship, our course caters to end-users across sectors such as logistics, automotive and government. Join MK:U to part of the future of robotics and automation.

 

Overview

  • Start dateJanuary
  • Duration of programme33 months + EPA
  • QualificationBEng (Hons) Robotics Engineer
  • LocationMilton Keynes/online
  • Study typePart-time
  • Delivery Blend of in-person and online
  • Degree apprenticeship standard Fulfilling the requirements of the Level 6 Robotics Engineer (Integrated Degree) apprenticeship standard. You can find more information about the standard on the Institute for Apprenticeships website.

Who is this for?

Entry-level robotics enthusiasts: Dive into robotics fundamentals, regardless of experience level. We’ll build a strong foundation in areas such as mechanical and electrical engineering, systems thinking and troubleshooting.

End-users of robots: Companies in logistics, defence and healthcare sectors can benefit from our course tailored to robotics. Gain skills essential for implementing robots effectively within your business.

Career changers: Whether you’re from engineering, IT or another field, explore new opportunities in robotics with our course. Transition smoothly into a dynamics career in robotics.

Analytical thinkers: Hone your problem-solving skills with our focus on critical areas like programming and troubleshooting. Prepare yourself for real-world challenges in robotics with our hands-on approach.

Why this MK:U apprenticeship?

The programme is delivered by academics and experts from industry to ensure relevance to the current robotics landscape. The Robotics Engineer Apprenticeship provides graduates with practical skills and knowledge from mechanical and electrical engineering, through to systems thinking and AI and Ethics.

This apprenticeship has been designed with industry, for industry. Our course covers a top-down approach to learning, working end-to-end on real-world problems and case studies. It focuses on how robotics impacts and supports business; MK:U will produce apprentices with a good understanding of industry and the role of the roboticist in any work setting. We address the technological skills gap in this area with flexible, business-focused and industry relevant modules.

Entry requirements        Fees

Modules and subject areas

Level 4 Modules:

  • "Hello Robotics"
  • Engineering Maths & Programming
  • Mechanics & Kinematics
  • Circuits & Signals
  • Professional Skills 1
  • Business Systems

Level 5 Modules:

  • C++ Programming
  • AI & Machine Learning
  • Ethics & Human Factors
  • Mechatronics
  • Professional Skills 2
  • Robot Integration

Level 6 Modules:

  • Systems Engineering
  • Machine Sensing & Vision
  • Autonomous Systems
  • "Robots in Action"
  • End Point Assessment

Learning and assessment

Learning 

At MK:U our education style is different from other universities. Instead of traditional lectures and exams, our entire curriculum uses problem-based learning (PBL) as our core educational approach. PBL is an experience-based educational approach where learning is driven by the posing of open-ended, yet meaningful, problem scenarios that apprentices solve through working together in small interdisciplinary groups.

The benefits of PBL:

  • Develops more effective collaboration and communication skills;
  • Improves organisational skills through allocating roles and tasks;
  • Facilitates individual skills and ways of working, promoting diversity of approach;
  • Encourages interdisciplinary views;
  • Produces more powerful understanding and application of knowledge;
  • Shown to increase engagement and performance.

Assessment 

At MK:U you will not have any closed-book time-constrained exams (except where required by accrediting bodies or they can be justified as in the best interest of the students). Instead you will engage with a broad range of authentic assessments focused on problem-based learning and applied project work. Examples of these assessments are:

  • Individual and group projects,
  • Presentations,
  • Practical assessments,
  • Reflective portfolios.

Next steps

Modules

Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.

To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.