Earn a Masters in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, 100% online.
Join an online MSc designed to prepare you for careers in Industry 4.0, industrial automation, robotics, and AI.
In this flexible online degree, you’ll develop the engineering and computer science skills you need for the design, operation, control, and integration of robots and AI in industrial processes.
With expert guidance and support, you’ll explore:
- robotics and automation – including working with robot manipulator arms, mobile robots, and swarm robotics
- AI and machine learning – with applications in automation, deep learning, and computer vision
- bioinspiration and unconventional robotics – incorporating novel approaches to robotics design
- SLAM (simultaneous localisation and mapping) – a crucial skill for autonomous systems
- industrial automation and control systems – understanding how AI and robotics can optimise industrial processes
- kinematics and dynamics – foundational engineering concepts for robotics
- sensing and instrumentation – essential for robot perception and interaction with environments
- data mining and applied AI for automation – enabling predictive analytics and decision-making in industrial settings.
Strategic Industry 4.0 focus
This MSc’s industry focus ensures you’ll graduate ready to enter highly specialised roles in robotics, AI, and automation, contributing to Industry 4.0 advancements and future technological innovations.
Pioneering research
You’ll benefit from degree content and learning experiences informed by the latest research in AI, machine learning, unconventional robotics, bioinspiration and more. Through your studies, you’ll play a part in driving forward research in these areas too.
The University of Aberdeen has a strong history and worldwide reputation in data science, natural language generation (NLG) and AI and is home to the research success of Arria NLG – a global leader in the field of NLG.

We’re part of The Turing University Network
You’ll benefit from our membership of this innovative network that was founded by The Alan Turing Institute.
The network encourages knowledge sharing and collaboration between UK universities with an interest in data science and AI, and the Turing Institute itself.
Who can join online MSc Robotics and Artificial Intelligence?
You can join this distance learning MSc from a range of disciplines and professions, including engineering, computer science, automation, applied mathematics, and applied physics.
If you’re keen to pursue a career in Industry 4.0, robotics, AI-driven technologies, or industrial automation, this MSc is designed for you.
You can also study MSc Robotics and AI on campus.
By the end of this MSc Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, you’ll be able to...
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Explain the core principles of robotics, AI, and industrial automation, including key concepts in robot manipulator arms, mobile robots, swarm robotics, and bioinspired robotics.
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Improve existing robotic systems and AI models by applying machine-learning techniques, optimisation algorithms, and real-time control strategies to enhance performance and efficiency.
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Describe and critically assess the challenges of integrating AI-driven robotic systems in industrial environments, particularly in handling uncertainties and automating complex processes.
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Design advanced robotic systems, using kinematics, dynamics, mechatronics, sensing, and AI-based decision-making algorithms to create autonomous solutions for real-world applications.
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Evaluate the effectiveness of different AI models, machine-learning algorithms, and automation techniques for robotics applications, considering accuracy, adaptability, scalability, and computational efficiency.
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Model robotic systems and their interactions, using mathematical representations, simulation tools, and AI-driven prediction techniques to optimise performance in industrial automation.
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Analyse complex robotic and AI-driven automation problems, using data mining, computer vision, SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping), and real-time decision-making frameworks to propose innovative solutions.
Choose the University of Aberdeen for your online Masters in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence

You’re in expert hands
We’ve been training world-class engineers for over 100 years and delivering online learning for decades.

Over 525 years of excellence
Graduate from the fifth-oldest university in the English-speaking world, founded in 1495.

Earn a respected Masters degree
You’ll earn exactly the same Masters degree online as you would on campus.
What you’ll study
You can choose to study for a:
- Masters (180 credits)
- exit early with a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- exit early with a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), or
- start with one of the short courses that make up this degree (15 credits).
You can build your way to a qualification one short course at a time.
How you’ll study
Online learning
This distance-learning Masters in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence is delivered flexibly, 100% online.
You can learn with us anywhere in the world, no student visa required, and set your study hours to suit you.
Your teaching
Teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources available, including:
- pre-recorded video lectures
- live interactive sessions with lecturers and peers
- virtual labs and software-based simulations for robotics programming and AI modelling
- slideshows
- reading materials
- discussion boards with your tutors and peers
- online access to our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
Industry focus
This MSc aligns with the accreditation framework developed by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), ensuring industry-relevant teaching.
With a strong focus on Industry 4.0 and industrial automation, the MSc may also feature guest lectures and seminars from industry professionals in robotics, AI, and automation.
Research-led teaching
Your teaching is supported by cutting-edge research from the Artificial Intelligence, Robotics And Mechatronic Systems (ARMS) group in the School of Engineering and the AberdeenML (Machine Learning) group based in the School of Natural and Computing Sciences.
Your tutors
This interdisciplinary degree is delivered by our School of Engineering and School of Natural and Computing Sciences.
You’ll learn from a team of research-active academic staff with outstanding expertise in robotics and AI, electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, automation, and mechatronics.
Your teaching team includes:

Professor Sumeet S. Aphale
Sumeet is a Chartered Engineer and the Director of the Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Mechatronic Systems Group (ARMS), at the University of Aberdeen.
He has more than two decades of experience in the design, analysis and control of robotic and mechatronic systems, as well as advanced sensor technologies.
Sumeet has provided expert consultancy to industry and has been integral to funded projects exceeding £3 million in value. His research has been published in over 120 peer-reviewed journals.
View Sumeet’s profile
Dr Dewei Yi
Dewei is a Senior Lecturer in our School of Natural and Computing Sciences. He leads our MSc in AI and MSc in Robotics and AI programmes.
Dewei’s research interests include AI-enabled healthcare, hybrid intelligent systems and robotics, applied machine learning, intelligent vehicles, and personalised advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
View Dewei’s profileThe assessment structure is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring students gain real-world skills in robotics and AI.
This degree is assessed online.
We’ll use several types of assessment throughout your studies, which may include:
Coursework assignments
- Individual and group project reports.
- Programming assignments involving robotics, AI, and machine learning.
- Data analysis tasks for automation and industrial processes.
- Design and simulation exercises for robotics and control systems.
Online exams
- Written theory exams testing fundamental concepts in robotics, AI, and automation.
- Problem-solving mathematical and engineering-based questions.
Virtual labs and technical reports
- Robotics experiments and simulations using software tools.
- Lab reports on experiments conducted in automation, control systems, and computer vision.
Presentations and research-based assessments
- Oral presentations on project work or industry-relevant case studies.
- Literature reviews and research papers on robotics and AI topics.
- Peer reviews and discussions to encourage critical thinking.
Course durations
In this MSc:
- robotics courses are 12 weeks long, and
- AI courses are 6 weeks long.
Typical study hours
Each 15-credit course takes around 150 hours to complete. Find out more about credits.
- For robotics courses, this means around 10 - 15 hours per week of study time per course.
- For AI courses, this means around 20 - 30 hours per week of study time per course.
This is an indicative guide to the time required for a typical student at this level to achieve the learning outcomes. This includes time for independent study, as well as teaching and assessments.
You can largely set your own study hours each week to cover the materials. MyAberdeen is available 24/7, so you can log in and study when it suits you.
Taking more than one course per term
If you plan to study part-time, we recommend you take a maximum of 30 credits per term. Students typically take one or two 15-credit short courses per term.
Robotics courses will run in parallel. If you take two of these courses, you’ll study them at the same time.
AI courses will run in series. If you take two of these courses, you’ll study them one after the other.
Activities at fixed times
Some activities will be scheduled for fixed times, such as online meetings with your tutor or assessments with deadlines. But otherwise, you can access and work through each course at your convenience.
Hours for 60-credit project
A 60-credit project is around 600 hours of study time.
This is around one term of full-time study.
You can dedicate a full term to your project and work on it full-time. Or you can complete it part-time, spreading the hours you dedicate to it over two terms.
When you study with us, you can expect a first-class support structure so that you’re never alone in your studies.
But learning online does mean you have to motivate yourself and manage your own time.
Your most important commitment will be time – the time to work through, reflect on and understand your teaching materials.
Before you start a course that involves a high degree of independent study, we recommend looking at the time you will be able to devote to your studies each week:
- Be realistic
- Create a weekly schedule as a guide
If you have any questions about studying online, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help.
Our first-class support structure will ensure that you aren’t alone in your studies. You’ll have contact with your tutors via MyAberdeen and email. You can use social media and discussion boards to chat with your fellow students too.
We provide a wide range of services to support you in your studies and beyond:
- Careers and Employability Service – including one-to-one advice sessions
- Disability support
- IT support
- Library support
- Student Support Service – help with finances, stress, wellbeing and non-academic issues
- Student Learning Service – study support, with advice sessions available via phone or Skype
- Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA) – run by students for students
- Toolkit – clever apps and free training that can make your study life easier
Wherever you are in the world, you’ll feel part of our very special Aberdeen learning community.
We’re a member of the Access scheme run by the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL).
Access study spaces, books and journals in your area
The SCONUL Access scheme allows you, as a University of Aberdeen student, to access books and resources at university libraries across the UK and Ireland, or visit them for a quiet place to study.
You’ll be able to use study spaces, books and journals at over 150 university libraries which belong to the scheme.
Your support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.

Professor Sumeet S. Aphale
Sumeet is the degree coordinator. He’ll be on hand to answer any questions about degree content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.

Lyn Magee
Lyn is part of the School’s administration team. She’ll be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.

Get in touch
The online education team is here to answer any questions you have right now about this qualification, or about studying online.
Ask us a questionWhere this will take you
Your Masters in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
You’ll graduate with a respected MSc in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence from the University of Aberdeen, one of the UK’s six ancient universities.
You’ll receive exactly the same degree qualification online as you would on campus. Your degree title will not mention online or distance learning.
Your MSc qualification will be recognised by employers and educational institutions around the world, opening up international opportunities.
Careers in robotics and AI
With this degree, you’ll earn highly sought-after skills in industrial automation, robotics, AI, and machine learning, making you competitive in global job markets.
This MSc is designed to align with Industry 4.0 and emerging technological trends, ensuring you have the expertise to work in cutting-edge industries.
Diverse career paths
Because this degree provides both technical and applied knowledge, it prepares you to move into research, development, and leadership roles.
You’ll be ready to move into roles including:
- Artificial Intelligence Engineer / Specialist
- Automation Engineer
- Autonomous Vehicle Engineer
- Control Systems Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Healthcare Robotics Specialist
- Industrial AI Consultant
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Mechatronics Engineer
- Natural Language Processing Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Swarm Robotics Specialist
Pathway to PhD and research careers
The MSc also provides a strong foundation for those looking to pursue academic and research careers.
It will prepare you for further specialist study and research, including PhD study, in robotics, AI, machine learning, and related fields.
Strong salary potential
AI and robotics engineers are among the highest-paid professionals in engineering and technology.
Salary estimates vary based on location and role, but average annual salaries according to talent.com for the UK in 2025 include:
- Automation Engineer: £40,000 – £62,759
- Artificial Intelligence Specialist: £50,000 – £100,000
- Robotics Engineer: £37,500 – £60,344.

Lifelong career support
Our career support doesn’t stop when you graduate.
You have access to our free careers service while you study, and beyond.
- 1:1 appointments
- CV checks
- Interview prep
- Job opportunities
Fees and funding
The fee quoted above is based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.
Our tuition fees will rise by 3% for the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 academic years. Our indicative cost includes a 3% fee rise each year.
Pay as you go
This is a pay-as-you-go qualification.
You do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront.
You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term.
How it works
- You decide how many credits to study for each term.
- At the start of term, you pay only for the credits you’re taking that term.
- This gives you control over your costs and workload for each term of your qualification.

Your personalised cost breakdown
Use the degree scheduler to plan your studies and see your cost breakdown, term by term.
Learning resources
Access to all the essential books and resources you need are included in your tuition fee. They’ll be made available to you online and you do not have to buy your own copies.
We also provide optional recommended reading lists. Many of these resources are available electronically through our library, although purchases may be required if you wish to read the full list.
Printing
You may want to set aside a small budget for printing, depending on how you like to work.
There are several ways you may be able to get help funding your studies:
- Employer sponsorship – we accept full and partial fee payments from sponsors
- Student loans
- Scholarships – search our funding database for scholarships
Find out more about funding options.
Student card
All our students are entitled to a University of Aberdeen student card. This gives you access to a range of student discounts around the city and online.
20% Alumni discount
You’re entitled to 20% off our postgraduate taught degrees and short courses if you have a degree from the University of Aberdeen. View Alumni discount details.
How discounts work
Discounts are applied during your application process. You can only use one discount per application.
Choose the University of Aberdeen for flexible online robotics and AI courses

Flexible
Flexible hours and 24/7 access, so you can study when it suits you.

Learn anywhere
On smartphone, desktop and laptop, with no need for a student visa.

20% alumni discount
University of Aberdeen alumni receive 20% off fees for this online degree.
Entry requirements
MSc
The minimum entry requirements for this degree are:
- a 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
Relevant subjects include: electrical / electronic, mechanical, mechatronic, biomedical, or computer engineering.
You’re also welcome to apply if you have:
- other relevant qualifications, and
- professional experience with supportive references.
Short course route to online MSc Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
If you prefer to start with a short course, you may be able to use our online short courses as a route into this degree.
Find out about the short course route to entryEntry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world.
See the minimum entry requirements above. If you do not have qualifications from the UK, check equivalent qualifications from your country.
Visa requirements
You do not need a student visa to study online with us.
English language requirements
Teaching is delivered in English.
If English is not your first language, use our English requirements checklist to see if you need to provide evidence of your English language skills when you apply.
English language tests and scores
If you do need to provide English language test scores, these are the tests and minimum scores we accept for this course or degree.
These are our Postgraduate Standard requirements.
IELTS Academic, IELTS UKVI Academic, or IELTS Online (not IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training)
- 6.5 overall
- 5.5 for listening, reading and speaking
- 6.0 for writing
TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- 90 overall
- 17 for listening
- 18 for reading
- 20 for speaking
- 21 for writing
- TOEFL DI code is 0818
Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency
- 176 overall
- 162 for listening, reading and speaking
- 169 for writing
LanguageCert Academic / LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall
- 60 for listening, reading and speaking
- 65 for writing
Oxford ELLT Digital – English Language Level Test Online
- 7.0 overall
- 5.0 for listening, reading and speaking
- 6.0 for writing
PTE Academic (online test not accepted)
- 62 overall
- 59 for listening, reading, speaking and writing
Skills for English: SELT
- B2 pass with merit
Duolingo – tests taken from 1 July 2024 onward
- 120 overall
- 95 for listening, reading and speaking
- 105 for writing
University of Aberdeen English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE)
- Pass
- Valid for one year. Refresher can be offered if out of date
Pre-sessional academic English preparation programmes undertaken at other UK universities
- Pass at an equivalent of 6.5 (C1)
- B2 in all four skills
- Certification must be within one year prior to the start of your course
For full information about language requirements, see our English Language Requirements page.
You apply through our online Applicant Portal. It allows you to upload relevant qualifications and documents.
There is no application fee for our online degrees.
What you need to apply for this degree
- Degree transcript
- Personal statement
Apply now
Start with our step-by-step guide. It explains degree transcripts, what to write in your personal statement and how to use our Applicant Portal.
You can apply to start in either September or January.
Apply as early as you can. This is so we have time to review your application and get a decision to you. We also want to ensure you have time to enrol before teaching starts.
September 2025 intake
For our September 2025 intake, the application deadline is 8 September 2025.
You will need to accept your offer and provide any outstanding documents to meet the conditions of your offer by 15 September 2025.
Teaching starts on 22 September 2025.
January 2026 intake
Teaching starts on 26 January 2026.
Application deadlines will be announced in due course.
You will need access to:
A computer (PC, laptop or Mac) with an up-to-date operating system
Most teaching materials are smartphone- and tablet-friendly. But we recommend a proper laptop or desktop for completing assignments comfortably.
Reliable internet access
We recommend:
- a wired connection
- a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps so you can take part fully in live sessions.
Speakers or headphones
- We recommend a headset with built-in microphone and earphones if you’re likely to study in an environment with background noise.
- A webcam is optional, but you may like to use one for some interactive sessions.
Software
We’ll give you access to Office365 applications. This means you can use online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive and install these programs on up to five personal devices.
If your course requires specialist software, we’ll provide you with access to this and a licence that lasts throughout your studies.
See our detailed IT requirements for more information.
Try our degree scheduler

Choose your courses
See all the courses that are part of this degree and choose what you want to study.

Manage your study schedule
Control the pace and cost of your degree. Decide how much you want to study each term.

Save to your wishlist
Save your schedule to your wishlist so you can view and edit anytime.
Master of Science
180 credits
£15,440
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over three years, starting in September 2025.
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- September or January
- Indicative cost
- £15,440
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over three years, starting in September 2025.
Apply via our Applicant Portal