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
You’ll receive a thorough grounding in a range of electrical and computer control systems, and technologies in mechanical engineering, electronics, electrical engineering, control engineering and computing.
Whilst many products are essentially mechanical in nature, most 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.
We work closely with industry leaders to develop all of our programmes. Building on the core principles of electrical/electronic engineering, you will develop advanced skills in and experience with industry standard tools, technologies and working methods.
What you’ll learn
Working as part of a team to undertake major projects
The numerous real-world applications of mechatronics and robotic systems
Advanced skills in design and implementation
Be prepared for the global workplace
Different systems, technologies and cultures within the global industry.
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.
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
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.
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.
Field Theory, Partial Differential Equations & Methods of Solution (MATH282)
Credits: 7.5 /
Semester: semester 1
For XJTLU Students Only Maxwell’s equations elegantly describe the physical laws governing such things as electrodynamics. Related problems may be posed in terms of vector calculus, or in terms of differential equations. In this module, we revise vector calculus and field theory in three dimensions, using Stokes’ theorem and Gauss’ theorem to solve explicit physical problems; we evaluate path, surface and volume integrals, and derive general electrodynamic laws. We also consider both the ordinary and partial differential equations arising from real world problems related to Maxwell’s equations, and introduce some advanced methods for solving these (i.e. Fourier series, Fourier transforms, Laplace transforms), and further methods for approximating solutions (central difference methods in one and two dimensions).
Digital Electronics & Microprocessor Systems (ELEC211)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
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.
Amplifier Circuits - Design and Applications (ELEC219)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module introduces basic concepts of the electronic circuits incorporating amplifiers 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.
DYNAMIC SYSTEMS (MECH215)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
Dynamic systems are encountered in most engineering disciplines such as mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering. These systems require specific techniques to be analysed for design or monitoring purpose.
In this module, students will learn the main methods for analysing dynamic systems in time and frequency domains. They will learn how to solve dynamical problems, how to evaluate and control the stability, the accuracy and the rapidity of a dynamical system.
This module will be mainly delivered through class lectures and assessed through a final exam. Additionally, students will be taught some experimental techniques related to second-order dynamical systems through an assessed laboratory work.
Instrumentation & Control (ELEC207)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
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: whole session
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: whole session
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.
Year three
You will study both core mechatronics and robotic systems modules and optional modules chosen from a wide-ranging list of advanced topics. You will also undertake an extended individual project.
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
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.
This module covers project management for year 3 students registered in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics. Entrepreneurial skills are also be covered.
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.
Digital Control and Optimisation (ELEC303)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
A broad range of topics are covered. Case studies and example tutorials emphasise the practical aspects of digital control design and optimisation.
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: whole session
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: whole session
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.
Optional
ADVANCED MODERN MANAGEMENT (MNGT352)
Credits: 7.5 /
Semester: semester 1
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 System Design (ELEC373)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
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.
Transistor Amplifiers and Differential Circuits: Theory and Design (ELEC371)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module concerns the understanding of how electronic amplifier circuits work and some basic ideas on how to design them. This requires an appreciation of linear small-signal equivalent circuits based on device physics and how to use them to assist the design process. Students will also learn how to break down complex circuits into simpler building blocks and how these blocks in turn, represented by linear equivalent circuits, can be combined to achieve the desired functionality. How negative feedback can be applied to produce high performance, stable circuits with high tolerance. The current state of the art is emphasised together with a historical perspective, noting some of the pioneers in the field.
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 2
Introduction to neural network theory, applications and artificial intelligence.
Photonics and Optical Information Systems (ELEC313)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The aims of this module are: To introduce students to the fundamental principles of opto/electronic systems for the transfer of information. To introduce the duality of light as both wave and ray. To show intensity and phase related optical principles. To demonstrate optical information transfer through a number of applications.
Plasma System Engineering (ELEC391)
Credits: 7.5 /
Semester: semester 1
The module introduces to the students the basic concepts of electrical plasmas and how they are used in industry. It concentrates on the engineering principles behind plasma technology rather than the physics of the discharge, however some mathematical approaches are explored so that quantification of the action of plasmas upon material surfaces can be made. The module explains how a gas can turn into a plasma and how high energy ions in the plasma can be generated to process a substrate, such as silicon wafer in micro-electronics fabrication. The module is taught by a mixture of power points notes and chalk and talk. There are a number of question sheets given out to help the students understand the basis plasma-material processes. On completion, students will understand how plasmas are used in industry, they will have an appreciation of some aspects of simple design and how plasmas can be configured for the next generation of fusion power stations.
Power Systems and Power Electronics (ELEC301)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
A core module of electrical engineering for delivering fundamental principles of power systems: including electricity generation, transmission and distribution, and power electronics for conversion of electricity with different frequency and magnitude.
Signal Processing and Digital Filtering (ELEC309)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
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.