Welcome to the MSc Robotics & Automation, a course designed to place you at the forefront of one of the fastest-growing and most innovative fields in engineering. I'm James Cugley, your Course Director, and I'm excited to guide you through this journey where you'll work on cutting-edge robotics, automation, and sustainable engineering projects using industry-standard tools. We'll first meet during welcome week in September, where you'll meet your cohort, explore our facilities, and begin turning ideas into real engineering solutions.

Dr James Cugley
Course Director

Your Teaching Timetable

Teaching for your course will begin w.c 21 September 2026.

To help you plan your first few weeks, you can view an overview of the teaching activities for your course.

View your first trimester teaching timetable.

On a mobile device, click the arrow next to “Search” at the top right of the page to view your timetable.

If your course is taught in groups, the overview will show activities for all groups. You will only need to attend sessions for your allocated group.

Once teaching begins, your individual timetable and group allocation will be available in MyTimetable provided you have completed online registration and created your computing account.

Your Trimester 1 Modules

Intelligent Embedded Systems

Robotics and Mechanics

Key dates

Academic Calendar: Trimesters [15 Week]

View key dates for this Academic Calendar for 2026-27 including when teaching starts and finishes and when you break for holidays.

Welcome

​​Welcome week is your essential introduction to the MSc Robotics & Automation and a critical opportunity to settle into university life, meet your peers and course team, and prepare for success from day one.

Attending welcome week activities is strongly recommended, as you'll receive your course induction, health and safety workshop training, campus tours, and information on academic support services.

​You'll also be introduced to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), who will support you throughout your studies.

Your PAT will help you navigate academic challenges, develop your learning plan, and provide guidance on professional development, wellbeing, and career aspirations. Regular meetings with your PAT ensure you always have a dedicated point of contact as you progress through the programme.

Getting started

​​Teaching Format 

Your teaching is built around the CDIO (Conceive Design Implement Operate) framework, in which you will be learning by doing, designing, and creating. You'll engage in:

  • ​Lectures introducing core theories and concepts
  • ​Seminars and workshops for problem-based learning and collaborative work
  • ​Practical lab sessions in robotics laboratories and advanced computing facilities
  • ​Industry-based group projects simulating real-world professional practice
  • ​Guest lectures from industry partners and engineering specialists
  • ​On-campus delivery at CCCU's Canterbury Campus, with access to state-of-the-art mechanical workshop sessions

​Both synchronous and asynchronous learning frameworks support your education, giving you flexibility alongside structured timetabled sessions.

​​Blackboard and Digital Learning Environment

You'll use Blackboard as your primary virtual learning environment for accessing module materials, submitting assessments, and engaging in discussions. Additional platforms include:

  • ​Padlet for collaborative brainstorming and project work
  • ​Pebblepad for reflective learning and portfolio development

​These tools support interactive, student-centred learning and help you build a professional engineering portfolio.

​First Few Weeks of Teaching 

During the first few weeks, you'll:

  • ​Complete your health and safety induction for workshops and lab equipment
  • ​Attend orientation sessions and campus tours
  • ​Meet your course team and PAT
  • ​Begin introductory workshops on CDIO project methodology
  • ​Start technical bootcamps to strengthen mathematical, programming, and academic writing skills
  • ​Receive early project allocation for your Engineering Major Project, giving you time to research and develop your ideas

​Learning Skills Hub Resources

Before starting, we recommend completing relevant courses from CCCU's Learning Skills Hub, including:

  • ​Academic writing and project writing workshops
  • ​Project management fundamentals
  • ​Academic integrity and referencing
  • ​Mathematical support for engineering
  • ​Time management and study skills

​Pre-Course Activities

It would be useful for new students to:

  • Review basic programming concepts (Python or C++) for embedded systems
  • ​Familiarise yourself with CAD software if you have prior experience
  • ​Explore introductory resources on robotics fundamentals and control systems
  • ​Set up your CCCU student email and access Blackboard before arrival

​​Equipment You May Need

​You will only need a Pen, Paper and a Scientific Calculator. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) will also be needed for many sessions but will be provided to you.

​Although I do recommend the following:

  • USB storage drive for backing up project work
  • Laptop with sufficient processing power for simulation and programming.
  • ​Optional: Arduino/Raspberry Pi kits for personal prototyping (not required but helpful)

Your Must Do Tasks

Once you have been invited to register for your course, there are some key tasks you'll need to complete to make sure you are ready to become a CCCU student. 

Registration invitations are sent towards the end of August. We'll send yours to the email address you used when you applied, so please check this inbox regularly to make sure you don't miss any important information.

Pre-course reading

 Recommended texts include:

  • ​​"Robotics, Vision and Control" by Peter Corke – comprehensive introduction to robotics fundamentals
  • ​"Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control" by Kevin M. Lynch and Frank C. Park – essential for mechatronics and control
  • ​"Embedded Systems: Real-Time Interfacing to Arm Cortex-M Microcontrollers" by Jonathan Valvano – for Intelligent Embedded Systems
  • ​"Industrial Automation: Hands-On Techniques" by Ryan T. Kinney – practical guide to automation systems

​Online Resources:

  • ​Introduction to Python programming (free courses on Coursera, edX, or Python.or 
  • ROS (Robot Operating System) tutorials – ros.org
  • MATLAB/Simulink introductory tutorials for control systems 

​Key Concepts to Review:

  • Basic control theory (feedback, PID control)
  • Fundamental electronics and circuit analysis
  • ​Introductory linear algebra and calculus for engineering analysis

 

International student success programme

International students: don't miss out! Make sure you register for our international student success programme which provides practical advice on preparing to live and study in the UK.

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