2023/24 entry
BEng (Hons) Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems with Foundation Year
Why study Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems with Foundation Year at Liverpool John Moores University?
- Interdisciplinary course fusing mechanical, electronic and control engineering
- Well-equipped electronics and computing laboratories
- State-of-the-art software and excellent technical support
- To be accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Options for sandwich with year-long industrial placement or study abroad
About your course
Mechatronic and autonomous systems build and run the world we live in. From the robots that built your car to fast food restaurant interactive kiosks, intelligent machines are the future. The BEng(Hons) in Mechatronic and Autonomous Systems will make sure you take an important part in that future.
Research undertaken by the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering is based within the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Research Centre. The Centre has two key research groups – the Microelectronics Research Group and the Electric Machines and Drives Research Group. These two research groups have expertise within the following key research areas:
- New materials and devices for future microelectronic industry
- New characterisation techniques for VLSI devices
- Development of advanced techniques for variables-speed electric drives
- Qualification, modelling and aging prediction
- Development of novel control techniques for power electronic converters
- Modelling, simulation and experimental characterisation of power electronic converters and variable speed drives
Research staff are encouraged to make use of their expertise during undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- Library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to programme-appropriate software
- Library and student IT support
- Free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist funding pages.
Employability
Where will my MEng in Mechatronics and Autonomous systems take me?
Quite literally anywhere in the world. All of industry now uses industrial automation systems, whether the company is involved in manufacturing or process control. Modern automobile production would be impossible without the robots, CNC machines and automated test equipment that make sure the sub-assemblies the human workers bolt together, fit properly and work as intended.
Robotics and autonomous systems are a red-hot topic now, with the move toward self-driving automobiles, which will almost certainly be upon us in the next few years. This will be the biggest change in transport since the invention of the "horseless carriage".
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
We are committed to ensuring all our students experience a transformation in their employability skills and mindset and their career trajectory. A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course.
Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose. It will enable you to become more proactive, adaptable and resilient in your awareness and approach to career possibilities.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU’s state-of-the-art suite of online tools, resources and jobs board. There are opportunities for flexible, paid and part-time work through Unitemps, LJMU’s in-house recruitment service, ensuring students can build experience whilst they study.
One-to-one careers and employability advice is available via our campus-based Careers Zones to accelerate your job search and applications, CV and interview technique. Themed careers and employability workshops, a programme of employer events and recruitment fairs run throughout the year and students have the opportunity to hear from a range of alumni who openly share their own onward experience.
Student Futures work with businesses to create opportunities for fully funded internships which help students increase their network within the Liverpool City Region and beyond. Our Start-Up Hub can help you to grow your enterprise skills and to research, plan and start your own business or become a freelancer.
A suite of learning experiences, services and opportunities is available to final year students to help ensure you leave with a great onward plan. You can access LJMU’s Careers, Employability and Enterprise Services after you graduate and return for one-to-one support for life.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes. If you wanted to go abroad for a shorter amount of time, you could attend one of our 1-4 week long summer schools.
Our Go Citizen Scheme can help with costs towards volunteering, individual projects or unpaid placements anywhere in the world. With all of these opportunities at your feet, why wouldn’t you take up the chance to go abroad?
Find out more about the opportunities we have available via our Instagram @ljmuglobalopps or email us at: goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk.
A life-changing experience
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What you will study on this degree
Please see guidance on core and option modules for further information on what you will study
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or option in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations.
Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules may also be included to provide you with an element of choice within the programme. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Level 3
Core modules
Algorithms and Computing
10 credits
This module aims to provide an introduction to technical computing and the application of computers in the implementation of simple algorithms.
Engineering and Technology Practice
20 credits
This module aims to develop your practical skills by applying what you learn in your mathematics and physics modules. It will provide an experience of experimental planning, execution and report writing, as well as activities aimed at developing problem solving skills.
Foundation Mathematics for Engineering and Technology 1
20 credits
This module aims to provide you with the mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills which are required to use mathematics as an analytical tool in engineering and technology subjects.
Foundation Mathematics for Engineering and Technology 2
20 credits
This module aims to build upon the material covered in Mathematics 1 by exploring more advanced topics in Mathematics. This includes an introduction to elementary techniques in Calculus.
Programming
10 credits
This module will introduce you to the software development process in order to be able to use a range of computer programming environment and their applications. You will also be able to develop problem solving skills in computing and wider engineering or technology areas.
Introductory Foundation Physics
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide basic knowledge of electricity mechanics, materials and waves for those who have not studied A-level physics to be able to study an engineering or technology degree.
Additional Foundation Physics
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide basic knowledge of mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, fields and electronics for those who have not studied A-level physics to be able to study an engineering or technology degree.
Level 4
Core modules
Applied Mechanics 1
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the essential principles of applied mechanics. The module will provide you with an introduction to essential applied mechanics (static force systems, strength of materials, kinematics, dynamics, impulse and momentum).
Microprocessors and Software
20 credits
This module provides an overview of the operation of modern microprocessors/microcontrollers and the mechanisms used to represent and process information. The module introduces you to the fundamentals of Computer architecture and the development of high level software. You will design and implement applications written in both low level and high level languages.
Electrical Circuit Principles
20 credits
This module enhances your knowledge and understanding of the essential mathematics underpinning electrical and electronic engineering and develops your intellectual abilities in selecting and applying appropriate circuit analysis techniques for analysing various electrical and electronic circuits. You will also be introduced to passive electronic components and understand their operating characteristics.
Digital and Analogue Electronics
20 credits
This module aims to introduce you to transistors, the small-signal equivalent circuits, the use of operational amplifiers and the operation of combinational and sequential digital logic circuits. You will gain fundamental knowledge and practical skills in digital and analogue electronics circuit analysis and design.
Electrical Engineering Practice 1
20 credits
This module aims to enhance your knowledge and understanding of electrical and electronic circuits by completing a set of practical experiments. You will gain experience in the practical design of electronic circuits including prototyping and PCB design and you will develop professional practical skills to undertake experimental laboratory work. You will test design ideas in laboratories or through simulation, analyse and critically evaluate technical issues, and present and document ideas and results.
Engineering Mathematics 1a
10 credits
This module provides a foundation in pre-calculus for you. It enables you to apply this to the solution of engineering problems. Coursework assessment will be through online questions delivered using online assessment software.
Engineering Mathematics 1b
10 credits
This module provides a foundation in engineering mathematics for you. It enables you to apply this to the solution of engineering problems. Coursework assessment will be through online questions delivered using online assessment software.
Level 5
Core modules
Applied Mechanics 2
20 credits
This module will provide the means for solving many basic engineering problems by learning the principles of mechanics for rigid and deformable solid bodies.
Mechatronics
20 credits
The aim of this module is to develop a practical understanding of how sensors and actuators may be used, along with embedded systems, to control and monitor mechanical engineering systems.
Linear Electronics
10 credits
This module aims to broaden your knowledge and understanding of linear electronic circuit design, and also to provide you with the practical skills necessary to design, analyse, simulate and manufacture electronic circuits. This module will provide you with the intermediate level tools and skills necessary to design, test, implement and manufacture electronic circuits.
Control System Design and Analysis
20 credits
This module aims to develop your understanding of the modelling, application, design and analysis of control systems with Matlab/Simulin. You will learn to demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of dynamic system response and closed loop control, alongside the developing ability to design controllers and analyse system stability.
Electrical Engineering Practice 2
20 credits
The aim of the module is to enable you to develop the skills required to practice as a professional engineer. This module provides a broad range of experiences with an emphasis upon the systematic thinking, planning and execution required of engineers in a modern professional environment.
Applied Instrumentation
20 credits
The aim of the module is to introduce you to a graphical based programming language that enables the user to program via a CAD style environment enabling them to create virtual instruments as a base for data acquisition and instrument control.
Engineering Mathematics 2
10 credits
This module will provide a foundation in engineering mathematics for application to the solution of engineering problems.
Level 6
Core modules
Dynamics and Control
10 credits
Within this module, you will develop knowledge and experience of analytic and simulative methods applied to modelling of open and closed loop engineering systems with multi-physics dynamics.
Automation
10 credits
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of automation systems used in manufacturing and process industries.
Process Control
20 credits
This module will enable you to appreciate the problems associated with the design of closed-loop control of process systems, alongside the principles of cascade, feedforward and ratio control. You will analyse non-linear process systems, systems containing large dead-time and coupled multi-loop systems.
Autonomous Systems and Machine Learning
20 credits
The aim of this module is to study the fundamentals of computational intelligence (CI) and their potential applications in robotics, and practise some CI-based techniques in the planning and control problems.
Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems Project
40 credits
The project aims to provide a supervised but student led learning activity in the area of Mechatronics and Autonomous Systems. It aims to develop the academic, technical and organisational skills required to undertake a substantial individual engineering project from specification to conclusion.
Industrial Management
20 credits
This module is designed to develop the core management techniques required to design, implement and plan a new product or process.
Teaching and work-related learning
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
We have three modern electronics laboratories containing sixty-five workstations equipped with state of the art equipment, including computers with industry standard software such as Proteus, Matlab and LabVIEW. The department has two computer suites of its own, one is a sixty-seater with air conditioning, as well as access to further large computer suites in other parts of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. Specialist facilities include a Mechatronics lab equipped with Festo automation rigs and Siemens PLCs, an Electrical Machines lab and TV and audio recording studios.
Work-related Learning
The Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering has a very high success rate in terms of its graduates finding employment within their chosen field of study. Employers recognise that, because of the department's strong focus on practical work, our graduates are able to make a useful contribution within a very short time-frame.
Support and guidance
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
The Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering is an enterprising community of 300 students and 30 staff who are dedicated to the study of electronics and electrical engineering. The department is situated in the City Campus at Byrom Street, a short walk from the city centre shops, amenities and transport links.
Assessment
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
Assessment is usually via a combination of exams and coursework, and sometimes by a portfolio of work, depending on the subject. A final year project gives you the chance to work independently and contributes considerably to your final mark. Your tutors will give prompt and constructive feedback via Canvas (our virtual learning environment), face-to-face or in writing. This will help you to identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work
Facilities
What you can expect from your School
This programme is delivered in the Byrom Street complex of LJMU’s City Campus. Here you’ll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The Avril Robarts Library, open 24/7 during semester, is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Minimum points required from qualifications: 88
GCSE and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A Levels
- Minimum number of A Levels required: 1
- Is general studies acceptable? Yes
- Average A Level offer: CCD
- Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20
T Levels
- T Level requirements:
88 UCAS tariff points from relevant subjects. Pleasecontact the Faculty for further information.
BTEC qualifications
- National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma subjects / grades required: DD if studied on its own or to the total of 88 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: MMM if studied on its own or to the total of 88 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications
Access to Higher Education Diploma
- Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Further information: 88 UCAS tariff points from Access to HE Diploma.
International Baccalaureate
- International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Additional information: A minimum of 88 UCAS tariff points would be required.
Welsh awards
- Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
Irish awards
- Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Grades / subjects required: 88 UCAS points from a minimum of 5 subjects
OCR Cambridge Technicals
- Technical Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Extended Diploma: Acceptable on its own in a relevant subject area
- Technical Foundation Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Introductory Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Technical Subsidiary Diploma: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
Reduced Offer Scheme
No interview required (UCAS application form only)
IELTS6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.
International entry requirementsPlease Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
Can this course be deferred?Yes
Is a DBS check required?No
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.