Mechatronics and Robotic Systems BEng (Hons): XJTLU 2+2 programme
Course details
Immerse yourself in technologies in the areas of mechanical, control and electrical engineering, electronics, and computing. Mechatronics and Robotic Systems covers everything from driverless cars and automated robots at manufacturing assembly lines, to remotely operated vehicles on Mars.
Course overview
Mechatronics and robotic systems involves technologies in mechanical engineering, electronics, electrical engineering, control engineering and computing.
Remotely operated vehicles on Mars, driverless cars and automated robots at manufacturing assembly lines are just some examples of mechatronics and robotic systems.
These products are essentially mechanical in nature but could not function without electrical and computer control systems. There are also numerous automotive applications; modern high performance cars have more than 100 computers hidden in the engine management system, anti-lock brakes, active suspension control and elsewhere.
Engineers with experience in mechatronics and robotic systems are therefore in high demand.
Accreditation
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 and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
Tuition fees
All XJTLU 2+2 students receive a partnership discount of 10% on the standard fees for international students. We also offer 50 XJTLU Excellence Scholarships providing a 25% discount on tuition fees to the students that score most highly in stage 2 at XJTLU across the different subject areas. Allocation is based on the number of applications received per programme.
The net fees (inclusive of the discounts) can be seen below.
XJTLU 2+2 fees
2024 tuition fee (full)
£27,200
2024 tuition fee for XJTLU 2+2 students (inclusive of 10% discount)
£24,480
2024 tuition fee for XJTLU 2+2 students qualifying for Excellence Scholarship (inclusive of 25% discount)
£20,400
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Course content and modules
Discover what you’ll learn in each year, the kinds of modules you’ll study, and how you’ll be taught and assessed. The programme detail and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
The second year builds on the knowledge you gained at XJTLU with lecture modules covering topics such as dynamic systems, engineering structures, digital electronics, microprocessor systems and control systems.
Project work will develop your ability in teamwork, leadership and independent problem solving. In the final year you will take core modules covering the fundamentals of mechatronics and robotic systems. This includes modules covering topics such as embedded computer systems, drives and industrial robotics. With the optional modules of your own choice, you can develop your skills in a particular area in which you are interested.
On the 2+2 programme, you'll study your third and fourth years at the University of Liverpool. These will be year two and year three of the University of Liverpool's programme of study.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Compulsory
Digital Electronics & Microprocessor Systems (ELEC211)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module covers two areas. In digital electronics, it covers topics which build on the basic knowledge gained in the first year digital electronics programme and learning some hardware description language (HDL) programming. In microprocessor systems, it introduces the topic from the basics describing how a microprocessor works and learning some assembly language programming.
Electrical Circuits & Power Systems (ELEC209)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module is aimed at equipping students with tools to analyse inter-related electrical circuits and systems and to provide students with an introduction to the components and composition of an electric power system. It also covers the different primary energy sources and the way in which power is delivered to the customers. Teaching and learning are provided through variety of means like formal lectures, problem sheets, supplementary question sheets, worked example sheets along with formative and summative online tests (through CANVAS, the electronic VLE system). Assessment is carried out by means of coursework and final (written) exam.
Instrumentation & Control (ELEC207)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module covers the design and operation of instrumentation devices as well as the design of continuous time control systems.
Project, Problem Solving & Industrial Awareness (ELEC222)
Credits: 7.5 /
Semester: semester 2
The aim of this module is to provide students with practical work which underpins, confirms and gives application focus for academic study, while testing a wide range of skills.
Robotic Systems (ELEC230)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module aims to give students an understanding of the basic knowledge required to develop a mobile robot system. Initially they will be taught the features of Linux and how to program using the Object-Oriented approach with C++, along with aspects of sensors and actuators for mobile robots. Subsequently students will be taught the key features of ROS for simulation and then use ROS to explore aspects of development of a mobile robot system.
Signals and Systems (ELEC270)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Introduces continuous and discrete signal operations and analysis, the frequency domain and spectral analysis, including Fourier Series and Fourier, Laplace and z Transforms. Introduces system quantification and analysis, including pole-zero plots, feedback, basic stability criteria and block diagrams.
SOLIDS & STRUCTURES 2 (ENGG209)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module aims to introduce students to techniques for load and displacement analysis of simple structures.
Year three
You will study both core mechatronics and robotic systems modules and optional modules chosen from a wide ranging list of advanced topics.
Also you must undertake an extended individual project eg the development of electronic traction control for automotive applications using a fuzzy logic controller.
On the 2+2 programme, you'll study your third and fourth years at the University of Liverpool. These will be year two and year three of the University of Liverpool's programme of study.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Compulsory
Digital Control and Optimisation (ELEC303)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
A broad range of topics are covered. Case studies and example tutorials emphasise the practical aspects of digital control design and optimisation.
Drives (ELEC331)
Credits: 7.5 /
Semester: semester 1
This module introduces students to a range of electrical machines (AC & DC) using the concepts of rotating magnetic fields and co-energy. This allow students to model their behaviour and select the most appropriate electrical machine for their application.
Low Power Computer Architecture (ELEC370)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
In this module students gain an understanding of the architecture and operation of embedded computer systems and their components. Furthermore, they gain an understanding of how computer performance is dependent upon the design of computer architectures and sub-circuits.
This module investigates how industrial robots and other equipment are used and integrated into more complex automated systems. The module emphasis is upon the application and use of these systems, with less emphasis on the underlying theoretical mechanisms. The module is based in the concept of learning through doing, the underlying content being presented as videos, while the contact time is used in practical sessions using industrial robots and in the development of robotic systems using industrial simulation software. The assessments are designed to help reinforce understanding rather than short term memory.
BEng Project (ELEC340)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: semester 2
Students undertake an extended individual project. Projects are specified by academic staff and cover the whole range of Electrical and Electronic Engineering including hardware (both analogue and digital), software and simulation or a mixture of these. Students can also suggest their own projects which need to be approved by an academic supervisor. Students work closely with their academic supervisor to realize their project aims and assessment is split between a preliminary report, an oral presentation, the bench inspection and the final report.
Robotic Systems II (ELEC330)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to robotics applications, cover basics of modelling, design, planning anc control of robot systems.
Topics include forward and inverse kinematics, velocity kinematics, dynamics, actuators and drive systems, robot mechnisms, trajectory planning, sensing and machine vision.
This module covers project management for year 3 students registered in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics. Entrepreneurial skills are also be covered.
Optional
ADVANCED MODERN MANAGEMENT (MNGT352)
Credits: 7.5 /
Semester: semester 1
Antennas (ELEC312)
Credits: 7.5 /
Semester: semester 1
This module is to introduce antenna theory and applications.
Students will learn the fundamentals of the antenna theory and design, and understand the most important antennas.
Application Development with C++ (ELEC362)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This course will help student to understand the object-oriented design concept and to gain knowledge and practical skills of C++ as an advanced programming language.
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to understand/design/develop C++ applications (both console and GUI-based) with a specific emphasis on developing GUI-based applications.
Digital and Wireless Communications (ELEC377)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module provides an extensive coverage of the theory and practice of digital and wireless communication systems, to allow the students to be able to design and develop digital and wireless communication systems, with an awareness of all the main factors involved and of existing and emerging technologies.
Digital System Design (ELEC373)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module introduces students to the digital design techniques used in industry and research. The methods for describing digital systems using the Verilog Hardware Description Language (HDL) are introduced. Student will examine the operation of the MIPS Processor and will also be introduced to Altera’s NIOS-II Processor. The module is assessed via 4 assignments and two class tests. Altera’s Quartus package is used for synthesising the digital systems.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (ELEC382)
Credits: 7.5 /
Semester: semester 1
This module is aimed at developing an in-depth understanding of EMC, the scope of EMC, standards, typical EMC problems and solutions.
Based on the theory, the students are expected to be able to analyse and solve EMC problems, and also use relevant equipment for conducting EMC measurements.
Electronics for Instrumentation & Communications (ELEC317)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The module introduces basic concepts of the electronic circuits required for instrumentation and communication. It deals with a wide range of amplifiers and the problems that might be encountered in a actual application. It also deals with circuitry needed in communication for example oscillators and phase-locked-loops.
Image Processing (ELEC319)
Credits: 7.5 /
Semester: semester 1
This module covers the fundamentals of how images are generated, represented, compressed and processed to extract features of interest.
Neural Networks (ELEC320)
Credits: 7.5 /
Semester: semester 1
Introduction to neural network theory, applications and artificial intelligence.
RF Engineering and Applied Electromagnetics (ELEC311)
Credits: 7.5 /
Semester: semester 1
This module will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of high frequency electromagnetics, and circuit design techniques that must be considered in the design of high frequency circuits and systems.
Students will learn in-depth knowledge of transmission lines, the Smith Chart, standing waves and scattering parameters etc.
After this module, students will be able to appreciate the microwave and RF circuit design for contemporary communication systems.
Signal Processing and Digital Filtering (ELEC309)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module is aimed at developing the basic framework for signal processing and to demonstrate its applications. Also, the module provides students with a good understanding of the types, behaviours and design of FIR and IIR digital filters.
Teaching and learning are provided through a variety of means like formal lectures, problem sheets, supplementary questions, along with formative and summative online tests (through CANVAS, the electronic VLE system).
Assessment is carried out by means of two assignments and final (written) exam.
Your experience
We are housed in an award-winning building, and the Sir Robin Saxby Laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for digital systems. All of our lecturers are actively engaged in research, ensuring students are given the most up-to-date and commercially relevant education. Students also have access to careers education and opportunities to work, as well as excellent library facilities.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
What students say...
Studying mechatronics and robotic systems has greatly enhanced my understanding of the synergy between mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. This project has equipped me with skills in innovation and solving complex problems, and has cultivated my passion for creating intelligent systems that can completely change the industry. Practical experience and collaborative projects are very valuable in cultivating my technical and critical thinking abilities.