Overview
Our Computer Systems Engineering BEng degree is a modern course that has been developed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to design and build hardware and software for computer systems.
You will be introduced to computing and engineering and gain knowledge on computer hardware and software. You’ll learn about programming and computer architecture and then progress to advanced computing technologies. In your final year, you can choose specialist subjects like autonomous systems, artificial intelligence systems, and the internet of things.
Access is available to modern technical facilities including computer, electronics, and power and control laboratories where you’ll work on your experiments. The latest industry standard engineering software packages are available for you to use in dedicated computer clusters.
Our BEng computer systems engineering course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). This professional engineering institution ensures that your engineering degree meets the academic requirement to qualify as a professional engineer. This accredited BEng degree in computer systems engineering can be studied full-time over three years, or four years with a placement year. The BEng degree meets the educational requirement to become an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).
We encourage the placement year option. This time in industry helps you to further prepare for the world of work and you’ll have a year’s worth of invaluable professional experience when you graduate. If you decide to go on an engineering placement year, you will have the opportunity to work in an engineering or technology company.
Course content
Course delivery is a combination of theory, practical sessions and project work. In your first two years, you will gain solid knowledge and understanding of computing and engineering. You’ll also learn to work as part of a team through the engineering design group project. In your final year, you will study advanced computing technologies. You will also work on your individual project on a topic of your choice.
Compulsory
- Engineering Practice
Aims: To develop the skills required by students studying in all engineering disciplines, thereby supporting their journey through Higher Education and into their professional life with the intention of maximising their employability. Skills development in the following areas will be addressed: problem solving; personal development; professional development; career planning; basic engineering design; introductory project management; communication; working in inclusive teams; health and safety; security.
- Engineering Systems and Energy 1
Aims: To provide a grounding in concepts of measurement and uncertainty; to provide knowledge about applied physics relations that govern engineering systems within their boundaries and via their variables of interaction; to establish ability to define system boundaries and apply relevant simple models.
- Data and Information
This teaching module aims to provide students with an introduction to different kinds of data and the means by which it can be collected, stored, retrieved, analysed and then communicated in order to achieve the goal of satisfying user information needs.
- Introductory Programming for Engineers
To provide students with basic level of programming competence while developing their analytical, practical and design skills.
- Internet and Network Technologies
MAIN AIM: To introduce the technological underpinnings of the internet and to discuss key internet working hardware and software technologies
- Digital Devices and Systems
Aim: To develop students’ understanding of the contemporary electronic and computer engineering professions, and their understanding of what being a Chartered Engineer involves. This includes developing student’s expertise in understanding and designing basic digital electronic systems.
- Introduction to Electronic and Computer Systems
MAIN AIMS: To study the basic principles of computer system architecture design and operation, and to become acquainted with main interpreted programming languages.
- Mathematics for Computer Systems
MAIN AIMS: To develop students’ ability to understand and apply fundamental methods of engineering mathematics that are relevant to computer systems.
Compulsory
- Computer Architecture and InterfacingThis module aims to present a comprehensive introduction to the design philosophies, fundamental constructs and operational principles of sequential computer architecture, and to develop an understanding of computer architecture from an engineering perspective.
- Data Networks and CybersecurityThis module aims to develop knowledge and understanding to successfully appreciate, create and manage different networks depending on the various needs of the hosting environment, and to develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental issues and methods for maintenance of data security in servers and networks, and in particular of Internet traffic.
- Object Oriented Systems and ProgrammingThis module aims to provide a foundation and understanding of the architecture, concepts and key issues involved in the design and development of object oriented software systems and applications, and to introduce the processes and techniques employed in their construction and to develop the necessary software skills to deliver such applications using modern high-level object oriented languages.
- Sensors and AutomationThis module aims to introduce the principles of computer control and sensors and gain skills in automation and control.
- Microcontroller Principles
Aims: To develop an understanding of computer architecture from an engineering perspective; to develop the underlying knowledge and skills appropriate to today’s systems and interfacing, including the study of microcontroller system design, circuits and transducers to which the microcontroller must interface, and the embedded system programming in assembly.
- Digital Systems Design
Aim: To develop an understanding of digital systems from a hardware implementation perspective; to develop students’ appreciation of fundamental algorithms, roles, limitations of CAD tools used in digital systems design and their limitations; to give a practical insight into the design, implementation and testing of digital systems.
- Microcontroller Group Design ProjectThis module aims to reinforce and develop microcontroller based engineering design, personal and transferable skills appropriate to students' scheme of studies.
- Professional Practices and Business for EngineersThis module aims to develop understanding of the business aspects of engineering enterprise and the provision of value through enterprise operations, and to enhance student preparedness for work placement and employment.
Compulsory
- Embedded SystemsThis module aims to illustrate and develop an understanding of the various engineering, scientific and economic tradeoffs necessary in the design and implementation of embedded systems, and to provide familiarity and experience with a range of architectural techniques, design methodologies and their applications and suitability for some embedded systems such as FPGAs.
- Individual ProjectThe project aims to provide students with the opportunity to design, execute, report and demonstrate a substantial individual project in a professional manner, and to further develop their communication, planning, time management, research and development skills and initiative.
- Engineering Management and Quality Engineering
The module aims to develop understanding of managing key processes and projects in engineering with a specific focus on principles/ techniques for managing the quality of Engineering systems.
Optional
- Advanced Computing TechnologiesThe aim of this module is to provide students with some of the more advanced concepts, issues and processes involved in the development of distributed systems, software engineering and big data based applications. We will evaluate the frameworks and API’s used in their constructions and to develop the necessary software skills to deploy such applications.
- Artificial Intelligence SystemsThis module aims to introduce the key concepts of intelligent processing systems and skills required to develop intelligent software applications. Students will gain hands-on experiences through learning, applying and implementing intelligent systems.
- Autonomous SystemsThis module aims to introduce students to the major technologies and abilities required to develop autonomous networks and autonomous vehicles and understand the dependence of autonomous systems on autonomous networks.
- Design of Internet of ThingsThis module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and methods with which IoT-enabled devices communicate and exchange, compute and visualise data gathered using the range of sensors and actuators available to them.
- Applied Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Aim: To develop knowledge and skills in developing and applying artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, techniques, and methodologies.
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of undergraduate degrees at Brunel.
Careers and your future
Graduates from Brunel University London earn £2,900 more than the median salary across the university sector.*
A computer systems engineering degree from Brunel will give you the design, analytical and creative skills to play a leading role in the dynamic and rapidly expanding technological industries.
Opting for the year in industry during your degree often leads to an offer of a computer engineering job from your placement company. Brunel’s closeness to the highest concentration of the UK’s information engineering and telecommunications industry – in London and along the M4 corridor – means our placement and careers network is second to none.
Our graduates have gone on to work for high-profile multinational organisations including:
- IBM
- Intel
- Microsoft
- National Grid
- Siemens
Computer systems engineering offers varied careers paths in a fast-growing professional field. A degree in computer systems engineering will set you up with the knowledge and skills to develop next generation computer systems.
*Longitudinal Employment Outcomes 2023
UK entry requirements
2025/26 entry
- GCE A-level AAB-BBB to include one of the following subjects; Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Electronics or Design and Technology (Use of Maths, Critical Thinking, Mathematical Studies and General Studies not accepted).
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF) DDM in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering.
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) DDM in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering.
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF) / BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (RQF) DM in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering AND A-Level at grade B in one of the following subjects; Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Electronics or Design and Technology.
- BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) / BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (RQF) D in any subject with A-Levels grades BC to include Grade B in one of the following subjects; Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Electronics or Design and Technology.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points, including 5 in one of the following Higher Level subjects; Maths ( Analysis and Approaches) / Maths (Applications and Interpretation), Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Design Technology. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 4 or HL 4.
- Obtain a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma in Engineering, Computing & IT or Information Technology with 45 credits at Level 3.
- T levels : Merit Overall in Engineering, Manufacturing and Processing & Control alongside A-level Maths at grade C. Other T level subjects may be considered, please contact the admissions office for further information.
For Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year progression requirements, see the course page.
Five GCSEs to include grade C or grade 4 in English Language and Maths.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.
If you are unable to meet the direct entry criteria above, you are invited to apply for a foundation course in Engineering at Brunel Pathway College. When you successfully pass the foundation year, you can progress on to the Computer Systems Engineering BEng.
EU and International entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all sub scores)
- BrunELT: 58% (min 55% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 77 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£9,250 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£23,615 full-time
£1,385 placement year
Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,250 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.
Teaching and learning
For new students - Level 4:
Engineering Year 1 is common to all disciplines during term 1 (Chemical; Civil; Electronic and Electrical; Mechanical; Automotive and Aerospace Engineering), providing a broad educational base and opportunities for cross-disciplinary study. While much of the teaching will remain common to all disciplines during term 2, there will also be some opportunity for discipline-specific teaching activities. The BEng Computer Systems Engineering programme shares most modules with Engineering Year 1.
Lectures will be delivered using a variety of different methods. Some will be delivered live online or on-campus, while others will be pre-recorded and made available online for students to access prior to engaging in interactive in-person tutorials on campus. Some on-campus live lectures will be simultaneously livestreamed; all live lectures, whether delivered online or on-campus, will be recorded and made available for students to review after each lecture has taken place.
All lecture-based modules will be supported by regular (in most cases, weekly) tutorials or seminars that will all be held on campus, allowing students to work with both staff and other students on the practical application of what has been discussed during lectures.
Laboratory classes will be held on campus. You will have the opportunity to perform experiments and other hands-on practical activities in the College’s labs and workshop spaces. Small group project work will also be carried out in person on campus, supported by regular on-campus interactive discussion sessions (workshops).
You will need to come onto campus on most days to participate in all the teaching activities that make up Engineering Year 1.
The online digital assessment platform will be used for submitting written coursework. All exams will be run in-person on campus. Other forms of assessment, such as presentations, are also expected to be run on campus.
For returning and new students at Levels 5, 6 and 7:
All lecture-based modules will be held on campus, allowing you to work with both staff and other students on practical applications.
All laboratory classes will be held on campus. You will have the opportunity to perform experiments and other hands-on practical activities in the College’s labs and workshop spaces. Small group project work will also be carried out in person on campus, supported by regular on-campus interactive discussion sessions (workshops).
You will need to come onto campus on most days to participate in all the teaching activities
The online digital assessment platform will be used for submitting written coursework. All exams will be run in-person on campus. Other forms of assessment, such as presentations, are also expected to be run on campus.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
Our computer systems engineering degrees are delivered by an expert team of multidisciplinary academic staff. Their teaching is research-led, so the newest technologies are fed into the course.
Study will combine lectures, seminars, small group tutorials, laboratory and workshop sessions, computer programming, self-study and project work.
Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
Assessment and feedback
Your progress will be assessed via coursework assignments, presentations, technical and laboratory reports, exams and the final year major individual project.