Master of Robotics and Automation Engineering

This master's degree is for people who want to build and control machines that work in the physical world. You will study robot kinematics and dynamics, sensors and perception, control systems, actuators, industrial automation, and the programming that ties it all together. Expect to spend time in labs with actual hardware, not just simulation. The degree sits at the intersection of mechanical, electrical and software engineering, so you will come out able to talk to all three groups on a factory floor or a research team.

How the degree is structured

Australian master's degrees by coursework usually run one to two years full time, and this one is two years. The academic year is split into semesters or trimesters, and you enrol in units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You need to accumulate the required credit points to graduate. The first year typically builds the core: robotics fundamentals, automation, control, and programming. The second year gives you electives and a major project or research thesis, where you work on a real problem under supervision. Some programs include an industry placement or work-integrated learning unit, which counts towards your degree and puts you on site with an engineering firm. Check the official course page for the exact unit list and whether placement is optional or built in.

What you will actually learn

You will learn to model how a robot moves, design controllers that keep it stable, and integrate sensors so it can see and react. You will write code that drives real machinery, and you will learn to commission and troubleshoot automated systems. Safety matters in this field, so you will cover risk assessment and the standards that apply in Australian workplaces. You will also pick up project management and teamwork habits, because automation projects are rarely a solo effort. By the end, you should be able to take a process, work out where a robot or automated cell fits, and see the project through from concept to working system.

Who it suits

This suits engineering graduates from mechanical, electrical, mechatronic or similar backgrounds who want to specialise. It also suits people already working in manufacturing, mining, agriculture or logistics who want to move into automation roles. If you have a science or computing degree and strong maths, you may be able to enter with some bridging. The University of the Sunshine Coast is based in Queensland, and the region has growing activity in advanced manufacturing, food processing and agriculture technology, so there are local problems to sink your teeth into. Graduates often look for work in Australia after study. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream lets eligible graduates stay and work, and while you are studying your visa generally allows 48 hours per fortnight during term. Confirm your own visa conditions with the Department of Home Affairs.

• Robotics engineer, designing, building and testing robotic systems for manufacturing, agriculture, mining and logistics.
• Automation engineer, programming PLCs, robot arms and automated production lines in food processing, packaging and heavy industry.
• Control systems engineer, tuning and maintaining control loops in processing plants, utilities and transport.
• Mechatronics engineer, working across mechanical, electronic and software boundaries on product development.
• Field service or commissioning engineer, installing and supporting automated equipment at customer sites.
• Research and development engineer, working in university labs, CSIRO or private R&D teams on new robotics applications.
• Project engineer, managing automation projects from specification through to handover.

Employers include advanced manufacturing firms, agricultural technology companies, mining and resources operators, logistics and warehousing businesses, food and beverage processors, and engineering consultancies. Some graduates go on to PhD study.