Introduction
Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, information about courses starting in September 2021 may be subject to change. We continue to improve your teaching and learning experience so you gain skills and understanding which are valuable to you and sought after by employers.
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Learn how to research, design and develop machine learning and autonomous systems technologies. You’ll be prepared for a range of careers in the industry.
Intelligent and autonomous systems are increasingly important in all areas of human life and activity from medicine and space exploration to agriculture and entertainment.
Understanding and developing autonomous systems involves a range of skills and knowledge including designing interactive systems with both human and machine elements, and modelling and building systems that can sense and learn.
Machine learning is at the heart of autonomous and intelligent systems, including computer vision and robotics. It also underpins the recent developments in data analytics across many fields.
You will learn to use new knowledge to solve complex machine learning and autonomous systems problems. You’ll develop a range of skills including the theory of machine learning, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems design and engineering, and the implications for humans of interacting more and more with intelligent and autonomous systems.
Teaching
You'll be taught by academics from the Department of Computer Science with expertise in machine learning, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction. This course has been designed in collaboration with the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering who offer expertise in robotics.
You will study in a research-led department with a supportive postgraduate community. You’ll learn in our bespoke computer laboratory and be exposed to the latest ideas and technology. The department has strong links to industry both nationally and internationally.
Careers
With machine learning and autonomous systems forming an essential part of a number of key industries, you'll have good prospects for employment after the course.
You’ll gain the knowledge and transferable skills for a career in a wide range of industries, or for further study at PhD level. Graduates from the department have gone on to work in a variety of sectors, including IT consultancy, software development, banking and education.
Course structure
This course lasts 1 year. It starts in September 2021 and ends in 2022. Welcome week starts on 27 September 2021.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Compulsory course units
These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.
Semester 1
Statistics for data science
Machine learning 1
Humans and intelligent machines
Robotics software
Choose one unit from:
Autonomous systems engineering
Intelligent agents
Semester 2
Research project preparation
Intelligent control and cognitive systems
Machine learning 2
Plus optional units
Summer
Dissertation
Optional course units
These are examples of optional units currently being studied by our students.
Bayesian machine learning
Reinforcement learning
Artificial intelligence
Placement
This is the one-year version of the course without placements. We also offer this course with a placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain work experience as part of your degree.
Learning and assessment
Learning
Laboratory sessions
Lectures
Online resources
Practical sessions
Seminars
Tutorials
Assessment
Coursework
Dissertation
Essay
Multiple choice examination
Online assessment
Oral assessment
Practical work
Thesis
Written examination
Other
Recognition of professional qualifications
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
Entry requirements
British qualifications
You should have a first or strong second-class bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent.
To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in a course that incorporates a strong element of programming.
We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.
If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.
Fees and funding
Home tuition fees: £11,000
Overseas tuition fees: £25,000
Placement fees
You will normally pay a reduced tuition fee while on a placement period or studying abroad.
How to pay
Tuition fee loans
If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Scholarships and bursaries
You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.
Other payment options
You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card, cheque, bank transfer or cash. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Budgeting
As well as the cost of books, you will also need to cover the cost of scanning and photocopying. You should budget at least £100 for this.
Some courses involve engagement away from the University campus, and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs for these optional events.
