Robotics and Systems Engineering
Blended Delivery
Full-time
Part-time
One year
Two year
Three year
Five year
January 2025
In a nutshell
Automation for the Food Industry Research
The food industry is very labour intensive and as a result is under threat from low wage economies. To allow companies to remain competitive they need to embrace automation. Led by Dr Steve Davis you will learn how many of the challenges found in the food industry cannot be addressed by conventional automation and how advanced systems and grippers are required.
Cognition Robotics and Autonomous Systems
We use the term "cognitive robotics" to refer to robots with higher level cognitive functions that involve knowledge representation and reasoning.
You will work on robots with cognitive capabilities, which are key elements to autonomous systems, such as perception processing, attention allocation, anticipation, planning, reasoning about other agents, and perhaps reasoning about their own mental states. Several projects are currently undertaken in this area in collaboration with psychologists and neuroscientist from European institutions. This course is led by Prof. S. Nefti-Meziani and Dr T. Theodoridis.
Biologically Inspired Robotics Research
Dr Steve Davis leads this research which covers all areas of biologically inspired robotics. Future robots will move away from operating solely in factories and will interact more closely with humans. This will require a more natural/biological-like human-machine interaction. You will work with new design approaches and learn how they will shape future robotic systems. You will learn how traditional actuators have many shortcomings and how compliance can greatly improve the safety of human robot interaction, and also how these technologies have application in healthcare and rehabilitation applications.
End-effectors and robot hands
Also led by Dr Steve Davis, this research area is concerned with the development of advanced end effectors. You will learn how innovative approaches can be used to grasp difficult to handle products. This course will also teach you how multi-fingered dexterous end-effectors, similar to the human hand, can handle a broad range of products, and how these technologies can be used in tele-presence tasks.
Swarm Intelligence and Multi-Agent Systems
This research theme, as led by Prof. S. Nefti Meziani and Dr T. Theodoridis, concerns the development of an Intelligent Collaborative Behaviour using Multi-Agent Systems/robots using novel swarm intelligent techniques. We have introduced the irrationality theory applied in path planning, obstacle avoidance and emergent behaviours, using the Khepera robots (K-Team) and the Webots simulator.
You will study and implement intelligent algorithms, which can be used for simulating viscoelastic behaviours for particle systems. Other relevant areas you can be involved in are crowd behaviour modelling, space and security robotics, and swarm and cognitive agents.
Uninhabited Autonomous Systems/Air Vehicles (UAS/UAV)
Prof. S. Nefti Meziani, Dr A. Jones, and Dr E. Chadwick lead the research into how uninhabited autonomous systems (UAS) cope with unscripted procedures when conducting a mission where commands are issued at high levels of abstraction. It is designed around human-centric needs with the ability to perform tasks in accordance with instructions which lack adequate 'terms of reference'. You will work in autonomous systems that involve humans-in-the-loop.
You will:
- Research the fields of robotics, mechatronics, automation and control, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning
- Undertake research around an area from your own profession and develop solutions that can be implemented in the workplace
- Earn a doctorate-level degree to take you further in your current career or provide a gateway into a research career
students accepted
All about the course
Robotics and systems engineering postgraduate research is available in a range of pathways:
Master by Research (MSc)
One year full-time
Two years part-time
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
One year full-time
Two years part-time
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Three years full-time
Five years part-time
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
What you need to know
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a numerate subject such as Engineering, Science, Mathematics or Computer Science. You should be able to demonstrate the use of structured programming language such as C.
International students will require IELTS 6.5 or equivalent English Language Qualification.
APPLICANT PROFILE
You should have a first degree that provides a foundation in the areas of computer science or engineering. Candidates with a Bachelors and a Masters degree in one of the following areas will be preferred: robotics, mechatronics, automation and control, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Experience of experimental research involving statistical analyses of experimental results on the basis of measuring system performance is preferable but is not essential.
You will be assigned a supervisory team to help guide and mentor you throughout your postgraduate research and studies. However, you are ultimately expected to take responsibility for managing your learning and will be expected to initiate discussions, ask for the help that you need, and be proactive in your approach to study.
All students must attend an interview.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY APPROVAL SCHEME (ATAS)
International Students are required by the Home Office and/or the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate before they begin studying their course. You might need to obtain an ATAS Certificate before you come to the UK in order for you to comply with Home Office regulations. Please refer to your offer conditions.
You can find out if your programme requires an ATAS by checking the FCO website with your JACS code which will be on your offer letter should you choose to make an application. If you cannot find it please contact International Conversion team at application@salford.ac.uk. If you have any queries relating directly to ATAS please contact the ATAS team on Salford-ATAS@salford.ac.uk.
You can apply for your ATAS Certificate via this link: https://www.academic-technology-approval.service.gov.uk/
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a numerate subject such as Engineering, Science, Mathematics or Computer Science. You should be able to demonstrate the use of structured programming language such as C.
How much?
As a postgraduate research student, you will need to pay annual tuition fees. These vary according to the programme you are studying. Both we and other organisations offer a range of scholarships and discounts to postgraduate research students.
More information about fees and funding.
Additional costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on residential travel and accommodation visits.