BEng Mechatronic Systems

Do you have an inquisitive mind and are constantly questioning how things work? Would you like to work designing the self-driving cars of the future, or the latest industrial robots, or the next revolutionary consumer product? Studying mechatronics will enable you to develop these sophisticated intelligent systems that we are so reliant on in the modern world.

Mechatronics combines principles from mechanics, electronics, computer engineering, automatic control and robots. Mechatronic engineering is the design, manufacture and testing of devices that utilise a combination of these disciplines in the same device. You will gain knowledge of engineering processes, product design, as well as the use of digital electronics and computer-aided (CAD) software. This will enable you to create your own mechatronic systems, developing them from imagination through to reality.

Our BEng Mechatronic Systems covers electronics, electrical systems and programming. On it, you explore the following areas:

• 3D Printing Technology
• Drives and Power Electronics
• Computer Programming
• Sensors and Digital Signal Processing
• Motion Control Algorithms
• Computer Vision and Robotics
• Embedded Systems

Our School Computer Science and Electronic Engineering is a community of scholars leading the way in technological research and development. Today's mechatronic engineers are creative people who are focused and committed, yet restless and experimental. We are home to many of the world's top engineers, and our work is driven by creativity and imagination, as well as technical excellence. You graduate as a creative, experimental and focused engineer ready to explore further how electronics can impact the people and world around you.

Programming at Essex

Teaching someone to programme is about opening a door. In your first year, you will be introduced to programming using Python. We assess your ability to think in a programmatic way during the first week of term, and if you need additional support we offer classes to boost your programming skills and confidence.

Study abroad

Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course.

Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.

Placement year

Alternatively, you can spend your third year on a placement year with an external organisation, where you learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways.

Our expert staff

We have been one of the leading electronics departments in the country throughout our history, and in recent years our prolific research staff have contributed to major breakthroughs.

We invented the world's first telephone-based system for deaf people to communicate with each other in 1981, with cameras and display devices that were able to work within the limited telephone bandwidth. Our academics have also invented a streamlined protocol system for worldwide high-speed optical communications.

Specialist facilities

• We have six laboratories that are exclusively for computer science and electronic engineering students. Three are open 24/7, and you have free access to the labs except when there is a scheduled practical class in progress.
• All computers are dual boot Windows 10 and Linux. Apple Mac Computers are dual boot MacOS and Windows 10.
• Software includes Java, Prolog, C++, Perl, Mysql, MATLAB, DB2, Microsoft Office, Visual Studio and Project.
• You have access to CAD tools and simulators for chip design (Xilinx) and computer networks (OMNeT++).
• We also have specialist facilities for research into areas including non-invasive brain-computer interfaces, intelligent environments, robots, optoelectronics, video, RF and MW, printed circuit milling, and semiconductors.

Your future

With growing capabilities in intelligent systems, the boundaries of these disciplines are blurring, meaning the need for multi-disciplinary mechatronic engineers is growing rapidly.

It is an emerging growth area of employment, with industries such as aerospace, automotive, banking, manufacturing, mining, energy and power production, applicant design and food process are all heavily reliant on the latest mechatronic developments.

Our department has a large pool of external contacts - from companies providing robots for the media industry, through vehicle diagnostics, to electronic systems design and circuit design and manufacture - who work with us and our students to provide advice, placements and eventually graduate opportunities. Read more about computer science and electronic engineering career destinations.

We also work with our University's Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Clearing entry requirements

We currently have places available in Clearing across a range of our courses with most offers at BBC-CCD (112 – 88 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent. We consider each application individually and requirements may be lower for some of our courses, so please get in touch if your grades are below those outlined here.

English language requirements

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Course structure

We offer a flexible course structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules, and optional modules chosen from lists.

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field, therefore all modules listed as subject to change. To view the compulsory modules and full list of optional modules currently on offer, please view the programme specification via the link below.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Placement

On a placement year you gain relevant work experience within an external business or organisation, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market and providing you with key contacts within the industry. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.

Year abroad

On your year abroad, you have the opportunity to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.

Teaching

• Courses are taught by a combination of lectures, laboratory work, assignments, and individual and group project activities.
• Undergraduate students in the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering typically attend a two-hour lecture and a two-hour lab for each 15-credit module.
• A significant amount of practical lab work will need to be undertaken for written assignments and as part of your learning.

Assessment

• In your first year, you will have exams before the start of term in January.
• You are assessed through a combination of written examinations and coursework.
• All our modules include a significant coursework element.
• You receive regular feedback on your progress through in-term tests.