Robotics

[salsa]

Hi all,

My son is interested in robotics, at the moment. We are looking at degrees to see what would suit him best. He is very technical and is doing very well in computing, but doesn't enjoy coding so much. What he really likes is building things, so he is more interested in the hardware side.

He will be doing Maths and Physics in the 6th form whether he stays at his school, which does the IB, or A levels. (It all depends on him getting an 8 for Maths which is the IB higher Maths requirement)

Looking at the degrees available, we notice that very few universities offer robotics at undergraduate level. Therefore, what would be a better foundation for an MSc in robotics?
Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering or Electronic and Electrical Engineering? Any other?

I would have thought Computer Science, but seeing that he enjoys more the mechanical part, I am hesitant.

Any advice would be welcome! Thanks!

Salsa

[hermanmunster]

I see Cranfield suggest:

A first or second class UK Honours degree (or equivalent), in Aeronautics/ Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/ Electronic Engineering, Pure mathematics, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Information Technology,

And York:

This degree should either be in computer science, computer science/mathematics joint honours, electronic engineering, mechanical engineering or a related subject.

So looks like it is case of doing whatever he would enjoy most at undergrad level - possibly where there is some flexibility in modules to cover a range of areas

[salsa]

Thanks very much Hermanmunster! It's a lot of effort and money if you don't enjoy what you are doing!

We'll be going to some open days for the London universities to get more information too. There are so many degrees and universities that the mind boggles.
And just when we narrow it down to something, he'll probably change his mind!

Salsa

[scary mum]

It can help to narrow things down if your son starts to think about what sort of place he would like to live. For example, my DS knew he didn't want to go to university in London, inspite of one of them having a very good reputation for his subject - partly expense, partly that it's a completely different university experience. I firmly beleieve that a course should be chosen on its contant, raryer than where it is, but they also have to be happy living where they study. So get him to look at course content - they vary quite a lot although engineering perhaps less so than some, but there will be a difference in focus for some - for example do they go straight in to specialising in their chosen area, or do all engineers do the same first year modules? Does he want to be in London? Or another city university, or a campus university, etc etc. Is it a university where a large number go home at weekends? If so, is it too far to come home regularly and will he be on his own at weekends? You have to narrow it down somehow, and in the end my DCs used failry random criteria, which seemed to work!

[hermanmunster]

Scary has made lots of very good points

I think particularly worth looking at places that do a more common first year and then enable specialising at a later stage when they have had a taste of Uni teaching.

Other key thing is campus or non campus uni - people seem pretty polarised in this

[salsa]

Thank you both. Good points.
At the moment, he's seen two places that he would prefer based on their degrees (Imperial and Cambridge). Both universities ask for very high grades. We live in London, and most of the London universities we've seen so far would be easy commutes. From the financial point of view, it will make a big difference to live elsewhere.

Salsa

[hermanmunster]

appreciate the finances but TBH one of the most important parts of Uni is living away from the parents learning to be with others etc etc . I was at Uni in London (OK when it was a lot cheaper) and many students started with living at home and commuting but soon decided they wanted to be "proper students".

Do they get less maintenance loan if living at home? (genuine question - have lost track)

[salsa]

He agrees with you! So far, his preferred degree is taught at Imperial and would like to move out for that! However, acquiring a debt of £10,000 per year is, in my book, just ridiculous! He is close enough to go partying!
We've saved for his degree, so he won't have a debt for that, but I am very reluctant to fund his living expenses when he can just take public transport.

Salsa

[hermanmunster]

have you read up on student fees etc ?

It isn't a debt as such, more of a tax. I haven't paid the fees for either of my kids - likelihood is that they won't earn enough to pay it back. Appreciate what you are doing but worth checking whether financially it is the best bet to pay fees upfront

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/stude ... s-changes/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[salsa]

I understand, however, why have any debt when you don't need to?

Salsa