Overview

The next frontier in robotics will take inspiration from biology to design robots that are soft, smart, green and social. From microrobots for cancer treatment, to swarms powering warehouses, soft grippers for manufacturing, and new material interfaces for prosthetics, biorobots will provide solutions to today's global challenges. State-of-the-art robots will in turn power scientific discovery, allowing for the study of living systems in their natural habitats from robots automating experiments in the lab, to artificial fish studying pollution in the deep sea.

This programme brings together life scientists and engineers in an interdisciplinary environment where solutions are co-created with stakeholders in mind. For the life scientists, this will open new horizons powered by robotics and AI, skills in high demand in today's job market. For the engineers, this will go beyond a typical robotics training, towards reinventing the way robots are designed and used with bioinspiration at heart.

This unique combination of biology and engineering will develop core professional skills including working across disciplines and responsible open-ended innovation. The programme centres around a common core in fundamental robotics and life sciences, followed by dedicated taught- and project-based biorobotics units that will walk you through latest research and applications, with a hands-on understanding of how to build these systems yourself, and demonstrations of how they can be used for good.

Programme structure

The MSc Biorobotics shares a common core with other world-leading robotics programmes at Bristol and includes the units Robotics Research Technology and Methods (20 credits), Robotics Systems (20 credits), and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (10 credits).

Beyond this common core, students will specialise in biorobotics through bespoke courses, Biosystems and Biorobotics (20 credits), Bio-inspired Artificial Intelligence (10 credits) and Soft Robotics (10 credits).

Throughout the programme students will work towards group projects (20 credits) and a final dissertation (60 credits) related to Biorobotics.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc Biorobotics.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent, preferably in a STEM subject.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant, relevant work experience;
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£15,100 per year
UK: part-time (two years)
£7,550 per year
Overseas: full-time
£32,900 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Bench fees

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

MSc Biorobotics students will be at the frontier of bio-inspired robotics. This will make them attractive for the broader robotics and AI industry. Their cross-disciplinary understanding of life sciences will further mean they can work in the life science sector looking to embed robotics and AI in their work flow. Their unique view on robotics and life sciences will also ensure they are well-suited to work in and found startups, continue with academic research, or work with NGOs interested in deploying robots for good.