Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering BEng

Course overview

Learn the most exciting aspects of electronics, mechanical design and AI to become an expert in this highly sought-after field.

Mechatronics and robotics engineering is at the forefront of progression across a whole host of large industries globally.

Transport, healthcare, entertainment, energy – the demand for unique and innovative advances in technologies to deliver sustainable solutions for the future is crucial to them all – and more.

This makes mechatronics and robotics engineering more relevant than ever.

This course will cover the most industry-relevant topics in these fields, empowering you with a range of skills to be able to design and manufacture sophisticated systems that matter in society.

At Leeds, you’ll also get access to industry-standard facilities and the very latest research being carried out in the EPSRC National Facility for Innovative Robotic Systems, right here on campus.

Between the curriculum, facilities and expert teaching, you’ll have a great headstart for your career in industry when you graduate.

One of the best aspects of the course has been the opportunity to work on projects. Project work is given from as early as year one, which, for me, was crucial to develop a deep understanding of what was being taught in lectures.

Ziad Abass, Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering

Why study at Leeds

• 100-year history of globally-renowned research: Our School has been responsible for pioneering industry-driven developments for over a century. This feeds directly into your course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking.
• Learn in a practical environment: Access specialist facilities, including lecture theatres and labs featuring industry-standard equipment and the latest technology.
• Gain real-world experience: Our industrial work placements have given previous students the chance to work at – and build professional relationships with – organisations such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Mercedes F1 Team.
• Study abroad: Gain invaluable life experience and advance your personal development with our exciting study abroad programmes, spanning across universities worldwide.
• Flexible options: You can transfer to the four-year integrated Masters (MEng, BEng) degree at the end of your second year.
• Bring your skills to life outside the classroom: ShockSoc is your chance to attend high-quality technical visits, get involved in social events and even build your own robot in our Robot Fighting League (RFL). Watch our RFL video to see what our students get up to.

Related course with industry experience

Want to give your CV that competitive edge? Take a look at our degree that includes an industrial placement year, giving you the opportunity to build key professional skills and gain invaluable work experience that could set you apart in the jobs market when you graduate.

Join our online taster courses

Our five-part series of short courses offers a great introduction to medical device design and the exciting future of medical technology. Join today on FutureLearn.

Robot Fighting League

The Robot Fighting League is a competition where teams of up to six participants showcase their robot-building skills, hosted by ShockSoc in Leeds University Union.

Accreditation

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This BEng programme is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). A course of accredited further learning will be required to complete the academic benchmark requirements for CEng.

This BEng programmes is also accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). A course of accredited further learning will be required to complete the academic benchmark requirements for CEng.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Course details and modules

This multidisciplinary course gives you the chance to broaden your knowledge and skills, exploring many exciting aspects of electronics, mechanical design, and artificial intelligence.

You’ll learn the fundamental concepts of the field, alongside new innovations currently trending in the field of mechatronics and robotics engineering.

Ethics plays an integral role in the engineering practices of today, which is why you’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course. You’ll be taught by academics from the Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre, as well as your lecturers, covering a wide range of topics such as professionalism and codes of conduct, corporate social responsibility, engineering and responsibility, ethics in innovation and research ethics.

The ethics training will advance your critical thinking, communication and creative problem-solving skills which are crucial to employers, but it will also help you identify and respond effectively to ethical dilemmas that you may encounter in your professional life in the engineering industry.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

Course Structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering BEng in the course catalogue

Years 1 and 2

You’ll study a wide variety of core modules in your first two years, giving you a solid foundation across different disciplines. Topics may include circuit theory, analysis and design, digital electronics, programming, artificial intelligence, solid mechanics, design and manufacture, embedded systems, and power electronics, among others. You’ll also see how mechanics, electronics, and computer engineering can come together in the development of mechatronics and robotic systems.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Circuit Analysis and Design – 20 credits

You’ll be introduced to key electronic components, the basic concepts of electronic circuit analysis and design, and the basic principles of electronic circuit test and measurement.

Computational Foundations of Artificial Intelligence – 20 credits

Take a hands-on approach to the study of core aspects of computing essential for modern engineering and applied artificial intelligence practice. You’ll become familiar with the implementation of different data structures and algorithms with Python and learn how to apply them and analyse their performance in different problem-solving contexts.

Mechanics for Mechatronics and Robotics – 20 credits

You’ll be introduced to the basic engineering principles required for analysing motion and the forces that produce it and to develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of structural analysis and its application to the general field of engineering. You’ll develop the ability and apply these techniques to tackle typical dynamics and structural problems and produce solutions for applications in mechanical engineering.

Foundations in Mechatronics and Robotics – 20 credits

Learn about of various types of robotics and mechatronic systems, starting from basic principles of robots to their numerous applications and different types of robots. You’ll be provided with the basic understanding of the knowledge required to design, control, and analyse appropriate robotic mechanisms for various applications.

Digital Electronics and Microcontrollers – 20 credits

You’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of digital electronics, logic circuits, C++ and microcontrollers. You’ll gain insight into the development, simplification and simulation of combinational and sequential logic circuits, and develop an understanding of their place within typical microcontroller architectures. You’ll also learn how to interface with various electronic components and develop your own project-based embedded system.

Introduction to Engineering Mathematics – 20 credits

Develop your knowledge and understanding of the key mathematical principles necessary to underpin your education in engineering. On completion of this module, you should be able to apply mathematical methods, tools and notations to the analysis and solution of engineering problems.

Year 2 compulsory modules

Electronic Circuit and Systems Design – 20 credits

Gain the necessary skills and knowledge to design and build a variety of electronic circuits and systems. Throughout this module, you’ll learn the concept of ‘signal conditioning’ and practical implementation of amplifiers, filters and signal detectors, focusing on the real characteristics of operational amplifiers and the behaviour of circuits and components at high frequencies. The module also explores the use of analogue to digital conversion in the context of embedded systems, digital interfacing from a circuit-design perspective, such as logic level compatibility and load switching, and the most common serial communication protocols used in modern digital circuits. The module concludes by considering interference, power supplies, thermal management, ‘modularity’ and ‘fail-safe’ circuit design approaches and the ethical considerations around obsolescence in product design.

Machine Learning – 20 credits

This module provides you with the fundamentals of machine learning, introducing basic machine learning concepts and algorithms which serves as a foundation to more specialised topics in artificial intelligence. Also, you’ll take a hands-on approach to the application of machine learning for tackling problems using pattern recognition, data-driven methods and statistical techniques.

Power Electronics – 20 credits

Develop the appropriate analytical skills and knowledge to design electrical power converters whilst gaining an understanding of power electronic conversion techniques, including the basic converters (DC-DC, AC-DC and DC-AC). You’ll learn the methods of circuit analysis applicable to switched mode circuits and become familiar with the properties of the relevant semiconductor devices.

Embedded Systems Project – 20 credits

This module will challenge you to design a prototype product within a tightly constrained set of software tools and hardware components. You’ll be equipped to proficiently write, compile, run and debug C++ programs using standard techniques. It involves implementing diverse embedded software techniques on microcontrollers, emphasising the refining of diverse project skills in embedded systems design projects. The major objective is to develop proficiency in programming a state-of-the-art microcontroller to interface with sensors/actuators and a display, as required. You’ll also learn project management and presentation skills.

Mechatronics Integrated Design and Manufacture – 40 credits

Learn how to follow a structured process to design mechatronic devices, and use solid modelling software to create solid models, assembly models and simple engineering drawings. You’ll gain an appreciation for design science and build simple mechatronic devices. Basic manufacturing processes and ethical considerations relating to design will also be covered.

Year 3

You’ll build on your knowledge in a more specialised direction. You’ll study key areas in mechatronics and robotics such as control systems, electric machines and additive manufacturing. An individual project will allow you to focus on an engineering problem in depth.

Some examples of recent projects include:

• Assistive robotic exoskeletons
• Miniature robots for in-pipe inspection and maintenance
• Speech and gesture recognition in collaborative robotics
• Wearable sensing, learning and robotics for healthcare
• Soft and continuum robotics for medical/surgical applications

Compulsory modules

Electric Machines – 20 credits

Get introduced to the principles of electromechanical conversion with a focus on both DC and AC electric machines. This module covers the operation of electric machines, starting from basic electromechanical conversion principles to their numerous applications and visiting different machine types and designs. You’ll be equipped with the necessary skills to select and analyse appropriate electric machines for different applications.

Artificial Intelligence – 20 credits

This module builds on previous modules and provides you with knowledge and skills in more specialised topics in artificial intelligence. You’ll study advanced topics in artificial intelligence such as deep learning, reinforcement learning and optimisation. The module is intended to develop your understanding in artificial intelligence that’s essential for the development of autonomous systems. This includes exploring the principles of explainable artificial intelligence and embedding responsible innovation and ethics in their practice.

Control Systems – 20 credits

Gain an understanding of the theory and practice of control systems, including linear systems analysis using Laplace transforms and transfer functions, the transient response of feedback systems and stability criteria.

Mechatronics and Robotics Project – 40 credits

You'll complete a major individual engineering project under the supervision of an individual member of the academic staff. The individual engineering project will give you the opportunity to choose a project area in which you can carry out research and apply knowledge gained from core engineering modules, with a particular focus on the design of control systems, integration of sensors and actuators, electrical and mechanical mechanisms, and demonstration of such a system with appropriate software. You'll apply professional skills, including project management, risk management, decision making and identifying and managing cost drivers. Delivery of a final project report will give you the opportunity to apply critical analysis and detailed research in addition to developing your communication skills.

Electric Power Systems – 10 credits

This module provides basic understanding of how power systems are designed and operated. It covers key aspects such as generation, transmission, distribution, and utilisation of electric power. You'll learn about various components like transformers, transmission lines, the concept of per unit system and study power system analysis methods. The module also explores pressing challenges in power systems, including renewable integration and smart grid technologies. Throughout the module, you’ll have the opportunity to learn relevant programming tools (DIgSILENT PowerFactory) to model, design and analyse power systems.

Professional Studies – 10 credits

Explore the key aspects of working in a professional engineering environment and managing engineering activity. You’ll develop a good understanding of the importance of engineering to society as well as the need to consider ethical, societal and environmental issues that accompany new technologies. You’ll also learn about other topics relating to professional engineering such as quality management, risk management, innovation management, finance, intellectual property and data protection.

Project work

Every year of your course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.

Engineering summer internships

During your time at Leeds, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a paid summer internship, giving you the chance to get involved in research projects to advance your professional skills in research and experimentation.

Want to find out more? Check out what our recent students got up to on their summer internships.

One-year optional work placement or study abroad

During your course, you’ll be given the opportunity to advance your skill set and experience further. You can apply to either undertake a one-year industrial work placement or study abroad for a year, choosing from a selection of universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

Learning and teaching

As an engineering student at Leeds, we ensure that you benefit from a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, small group tutorials and practical lab work.

Laboratory classes and project work allows you to gain first-hand experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real-life work situations. Together, they’ll equip you with in-depth knowledge, key practical skills and transferable skills that will help you secure a graduate job. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

You’ll be assigned an academic personal tutor to guide you through your studies, and you’ll receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme. Peer mentors are students who are on your course but are in years 2 or 3. They’ll help you when you arrive at University and throughout your first year. You’ll meet your peer mentors during your first week for a social activity.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Most modules are assessed by more than one component. These components can include written examinations held at the end of each year, in-class and online tests, example sheets, assignments and coursework in the form of reports, projects, presentations and posters.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including Mathematics.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Extended Project Qualification, International Project Qualification and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate: Grade A plus ABB at A-level including Mathematics.

GCSE: English Language grade 4 (C) or higher, or an equivalent English language qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English instead of GCSE English.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: BBB including Mathematics plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme.

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Applicants

If you are a mature applicant and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and Math qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Further information on the support available for mature students can be found at https://www.leeds.ac.uk/mature-students.

For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

Foundation years 

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. A Foundation Year is the first year of an extended degree. We’ve designed these courses for applicants whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university and who don’t meet the typical entry requirements for an undergraduate degree.

We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without science and mathematics qualifications.

You could also study our Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc which is for applicants whose background is less represented at university.

On successful completion of your foundation year, you will be able to progress onto your chosen course.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,790

International: £32,750 (per year)

The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.   

Tuition fees for UK students 
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2026/27 are £9,790. 

Subsequent years 
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.   

The government has confirmed that the fee for 2027/28 will be £10,050. 

From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.   

Tuition fees for international students 
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.    

Read more about tuition fees.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Additional cost information

You can enhance your learning experience by acquiring a laptop and scientific calculator. A laptop will be particularly useful when you’re conducting project work off campus. However, we do have laboratories and computer clusters equipped with all the necessary software you’ll need to complete your course work.

We, as a School, will also loan you kits for the Digital Electronics and Microcontrollers and Embedded System Project modules to enhance your learning outside timetabled session. These kits, equipped with a microcontroller and various components, empower you to work beyond the course content, encouraging deeper understanding.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

• Scholarships for International students
• Scholarships for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Applying

Apply to this course and check the deadline for applications through the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Admissions guidance

Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

What happens after you’ve applied

You can keep up to date with the progress of your application through UCAS.

UCAS will notify you when we make a decision on your application. If you receive an offer, you can inform us of your decision to accept or decline your place through UCAS.

How long will it take to receive a decision

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses. For applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline, UCAS asks universities to make decisions by mid-May at the latest.

Offer holder events

If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer holder event. This event is more in-depth than an open day. It gives you the chance to learn more about your course and get your questions answered by academic staff and students. Plus, you can explore our campus, facilities and accommodation.

International applicants

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.

We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Read about visas, immigration and other information here.

If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering
School of Mechanical Engineering
School of Computer Science

Contact us

School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering Undergraduate Admissions

Email: ugelec@leeds.ac.uk

Career opportunities

Because of the nature of the industry, the demand for high-calibre engineering graduates is huge and far-reaching, with the potential to take you all over the world.

This course sets you up with everything from electronics and mechanical design to AI, machine learning and robotics engineering, to name a few. These are all so valuable in today’s fast-moving technological sector – and needed by so many employers worldwide.

You’ll have the core foundations you need to pursue an exciting career across a wide range of industries, including:

• Energy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Healthcare
• Transport
• Construction
• Utilities
• Automotive
• Gaming
• Telecommunications
• Electronics and technology
• Manufacturing

The breadth of knowledge and experience, along with the teamwork, design, problem-solving, communication and numerical and analytical skills taught on the course are widely transferable and desirable to a whole host of employers.

Plus, the additional integrated Masters year gives you more advanced skills that prepare you to confidently enter your career in industry.

Where this degree could take you

Here’s an insight into some of the job roles our graduates have obtained:

• Software Engineering Consultant, Monad Engineering
• Member of the Board, Kamacıoğlu Group of Companies
• Software & Robotics Engineer, PEAK
• Project Engineer, Nama Power & Water Procurement Company
• Electronics Engineer in Medical Device Development, University of Leeds
• Graduate Engineer, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
• Data Scientist, Crawford and Company
• Analyst, PA Consulting Group
• Data Science Engineer, TBS Limited

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
• Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
• MyCareer system —– access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
• Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

This programme offers you the option to spend time abroad as an extra academic year and will extend your studies by 12 months.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title upon completion which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Work placements

Make connections, practice skills and build confidence in your future with an industrial placement year as part of your course.

A work placement can be a great investment in your future:

• Choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas.
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field.
• Be in direct contact with potential employers thanks to our close industry links.
• Advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice.
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in your chosen industry.
• Improve your employability.
• All placements sourced by the University are paid positions.
• We also offer shorter-term placement opportunities.

When it comes to a career in engineering, work experience is key and a placement is the perfect opportunity to build this experience, as well as expanding your contact base and building up a project portfolio. All these assets will look incredibly attractive when employers are looking at your CV.

Mathew Wassell, Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng

Our Employability Team are here to help you every step of the way. They run several placement sessions to answer your questions, discuss available opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparation.

If you decide to undertake a placement year, your period of study will be extended by 12 months.

If your application is successful, during placement, you'll be supported by an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout.

On successful completion of your placement year, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

Students in our Faculty have recently completed placements at:

• Arm
• Lloyds Banking Group
• Bluesmith
• DRS Software
• Robotas
• Johnson Matthey
• Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited (Mercedes F1 Team)
• Jaguar Land Rover
• The Technology Partnership (TTP)
• Unilever
• Acerne Tech Solution Limited
• BAE Systems – Naval Ships

We can’t guarantee a work placement. The job market is competitive, and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. That said, we encourage everyone to apply.