Do you have an inquisitive mind and are constantly questioning how things work? Would you like to work designing the self-driving cars of the future, or the latest industrial robots, or the next revolutionary consumer product? Studying mechatronics will enable you to develop these sophisticated intelligent systems we are so reliant on in the modern world.

Mechatronics combines principles from mechanics, electronics, computer engineering, automatic control and robots. Mechatronic engineering is the design, manufacture and testing of devices that utilise a combination of these disciplines in the same device. You will gain knowledge of engineering processes, product design, as well as the use of digital electronics and computer-aided (CAD) software. This will enable you to create your own mechatronic systems, developing them from imagination through to reality.

Our BEng Mechatronic Systems will cover electronics, electrical systems and programming. You will cover the following areas:

3D Printing Technology

Drives and Power Electronics

Computer Programming

Sensors and Digital Signal Processing

Motion Control Algorithms

Computer Vision and Robotics

Embedded Systems

Our School is a community of scholars leading the way in technological research and development. Today's mechatronic engineers are creative people who are focused and committed, yet restless and experimental. We are home to many of the world's top engineers, and our work is driven by creativity and imagination, as well as technical excellence. You graduate as a creative, experimental and focused engineer ready to explore further how electronics can impact the people and world around you.

Programming at Essex

Teaching someone to programme is about opening a door. In your first year at Essex you will study a module that introduces you to programming using Python. We assess your ability to think in a programmatic way in the very first week of term and if you require additional support, we offer classes which will boost your skills and confidence with programming.

Study abroad

Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course.

Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.

Placement year

You can also undertake a placement year in which you gain relevant work experience within an external business, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market and providing you with key contacts within the industry. You will be responsible for finding your placement, but with support and guidance provided by both your department and our Employability and Careers Centre.