Adib, Emeric, Alexis, and Gautier are engineering students Arts et Métiers. All four chose to pursue a Master of Science Robotics atthe University of Bristol, from which they graduated with honors. As the 1A application period opens—with this program among the available options—we take a look back at this international experience.
Adib, Emeric, Alexis, and Gautier—engineering students Arts et Métiers sought to complement their engineering education Arts et Métiers international experience Arts et Métiers applied for Master of Science offered as a dual degree by the University of Bristol.
An MSc in Robotics at Bristol
The Master of Science Robotics is a one-year program focused on robotics research. The curriculum is very broad and covers all the fundamental areas of robotics. The four-month project is conducted in a laboratory and supervised by a university professor. For Adib, the MSc in Robotics and the Arts et Métiers engineering program Arts et Métiers very complementary. At Arts et Métiers, we study both electronics and mechanics, which makes the program comprehensive. The MSc in Robotics builds primarily on concepts covered at Arts et Métiers and applies them to robotics. Alexis explains:“The first part of the year is much more theoretical and text-based. There’s a practical component where we conduct experiments, but we also write a lot of reports, and the bibliographic aspect is significant. We read a lot (really a lot) of scientific articles! ” ” Emeric particularly remembers a course in which professors and researchers from the Bristol Robotics Lab presented their research topics.“I realized that robotics is present in many fields and draws on a wide variety of concepts. This helped me determine which aspects of robotics interested me most, especially when it came to choosing a topic for Master of Science .”
Working with enthusiasts
To successfully complete their Master of Sciencethesis, the four engineering students were given access to the Bristol Robotics Lab (BRL). Despite the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 crisis, which significantly impacted their practical work, the BRL provided the engineering students with hardware and software; this year, a small robot was even supplied to the students so they could practice from home!“There was also always a researcher or a PhD student ready to answer our questions,” adds Adib. The engineering students thus highlight the availability of researchers working on cutting-edge topics. “Working with passionate people makes all the difference; it creates incredible synergy, and you quickly become just as passionate as they are!” says Alexis.
Despite the Covid-19 crisis, which had an impact on their stay, the engineering students are unanimous: they would go back without hesitation! "It's a wonderful experience that I would recommend to any student interested in robotics. It allows you to study important concepts in the industry that are rarely taught in France," says Adib. Beyond the educational aspects, the cultural aspect is also important. British universities are places of exchange where people of many different nationalities come together.
A word of advice for students who would like to have an international experience: International programs are quite selective and require hard work during the first two years at Arts et Métiers. But it's worth the effort, and you won't be disappointed. "Step outside your comfort zone, you'll thank yourself later!"concludes Alexis.
Adel Olabi is a professor specializing in robotics at Arts et Métiers is responsible for courses in the United Kingdom.Bristol and robotics
"Bristol is the best. It is one of the largest robotics laboratories in Europe (shared between the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol: 300 teacher-researchers, researchers, and engineers). Arts et Métiers also Arts et Métiers special ties with the University of Bristol. For more than 10 years, students from Bristol have been welcomed on a one-year academic exchange program and attend classes in French! In 2018, the school also signed a framework agreement creating a strategic and structured partnership between the two institutions, particularly within the South West Nuclear Hub and in activities related to the nuclear field. We are also working to strengthen our ties in robotics."
The selection process
Arts et Métiers engineering students Arts et Métiers the opportunity to study abroad in the United Kingdom during their third year. We currently offer approximately 60 spots in MScMaster of Science at British universities that are well-regarded for the quality of their programs. Interested engineering students must submit their 1A preferences, and an initial selection is made based on the rankings of the applicants. I then review the applications of the selected students together with Pierre Guiol, head of the International Relations Office at the Lille campus. Each student must write a cover letter in English and present their study abroad plan in English as well. At this stage, three criteria are taken into account: the student’s motivation, their career goals, and, of course, their English proficiency. The candidate must present a coherent plan and demonstrate the importance of studying in the United Kingdom for their career goals.”
