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Check eligibility →BEng (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering Bachelor's degree at Brunel University of London
BEng (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering at BUL. Computer Systems Engineering reaches beyond conventional electrical engineering by integrating digital systems, embedded systems and network design into a unified framework.
About this course
We offer a number of scholarships and other funding to provide extra support to our students that need it or to recognise outstanding ability. From the provider’s course page.
BEng (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering is a Bachelor's degree (BEng (Hons)) at BUL, based in Brunel University Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Electrical and electronic engineering graduates from this provider, 75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 80% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £34,500. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Engineering, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 8 modules
- Digital Devices and SystemsCompulsory
Module details
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.
- Electronic Devices and SystemsCompulsory
Module details
The main aims of the module are 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 both understanding and designing basic analogue and digital electronic systems.
- Engineering Design ICompulsory
Module details
To develop the design 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 Engineering design Introductory project management Engineering Communication Working in inclusive teams Health and safety Sustainability and Security
- General Engineering ScienceCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to introduce students to some of the main engineering concepts applied across all engineering disciplines. The module will cover basic principles of measurement and uncertainty, application of Newtonian physics to design and analyses of objects and engineering systems, and the basics of fluid's behaviour. The module will provide students with an opportunity to gain experience and confidence in problem-solving in both a theoretical and practical manner.
- Introductory Programming for EngineersCompulsory
Module details
To provide students with basic level of programming competence while developing their analytical, practical and design skills.
- Mathematics for Computer SystemsCompulsory
Module details
The aim of this module is to develop students' ability to understand and apply fundamental methods of engineering mathematics that are relevant to computer systems.
- Mechanics of Materials and ManufacturingCompulsory
Module details
To provide a grounding in the fundamental principles of engineering mechanics, including statics and dynamics of rigid bodies. To provide knowledge and understanding of engineering materials and manufacturing processes relevant to engineering applications. To provide experience and confidence in problem-solving.
- Professional Engineering Skills - Social ResponsibilityCompulsory
Module details
To introduce students with the core principles and values underpinning the work of engineers, its bread and impact on society and the responsibilities that arise as a result, via a combination of general principles and specific case studies. To provide guidance on the typical career of an engineer and introduce the standards set by the Engineering Council, which must be met to qualify for each relevant professional title. To allow engineering students to develop the skills required to thrive in
Year 2 8 modules
- Applied Artificial Intelligence and Machine LearningCompulsory
Module details
Students will develop knowledge and skills in developing and applying artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, techniques, and methodologies.
- Computer Architecture and InterfacingCompulsory
Module details
This 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 Cyber SecurityCompulsory
Module details
This 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.
- Digital Systems and Microcontroller PrinciplesCompulsory
Module details
To develop an understanding of digital systems and microcontroller architecture from a practical engineering 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 in the design, implementation and testing of Digital systems. To develop the underlying knowledge and give a practical insight in today's embedded systems design using microcontrollers.
- Engineering Design and Professional SkillsCompulsory
Module details
To reinforce and develop: microcontroller based engineering design, personal and transferable skills appropriate to students' scheme of studies business aspects of engineering enterprise student preparedness for work placement and employment.
- Object Oriented Systems and ProgrammingCompulsory
Module details
This 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.
- Robotic and Mechatronic Systems ProgrammingCompulsory
Module details
To develop students' ability to program and integrate robotic and mechatronic systems using modern software tools and middleware. The module focuses on software architectures for robots and mechatronic systems, message-based communication, simulation, system integration, behaviour programming, testing, debugging, and documentation.
- Sensors and AutomationCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to introduce the principles of sensors, computer control, and automation within engineering systems. Students will develop an understanding of sensor technologies and measurement principles alongside fundamental concepts of automation and control. The module also supports the development of practical skills in the analysis, design, and application of automated and computer-controlled systems relevant to modern engineering practice.
Year 3 7 modules
- Autonomous SystemsCompulsory
Module details
Provide an overview review of a range of autonomous systems in the fields of Home and Office automation, Healthcare automation, Transport automation, Factory automation, Energy generation automation, Agricultural automation, Urban automation (Smart Cities), Supply chain automation, Network automation etc. understand the driving forces behind their requirements for automation and potential impact on society and review the technology requirements for automation. Introduce students to the major tec
- Design of Internet of ThingsCompulsory
Module details
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. A practical component will involve designing and developing a software application for mobile devices, such as smartphones, and wearable devices, such as wristbands, using a popular mobile platform that helps with collection, analysis and visualisation of
- Embedded SystemsCompulsory
Module details
This module aims to develop students' understanding of the engineering, scientific, and economic trade-offs involved in the design and implementation of embedded systems. It also provides familiarity with, and practical experience of, a range of architectural techniques and design methodologies, including their application and suitability for embedded platforms such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).
- Individual ProjectCompulsory
Module details
To provide students with the opportunity to: Design, execute, report and demonstrate a substantial individual project in a professional manner; Further develop their communication, planning, time management, research and development skills and initiative.
- Machine Vision and Perception for RoboticsCompulsory
Module details
To develop students' understanding of machine vision and perception methods used in robotic and autonomous systems, including image acquisition, visual feature extraction, camera geometry, object detection, localisation, sensor fusion, and perception-driven decision making. The module aims to enable students to design, implement, evaluate, and critically discuss vision-based perception pipelines for real-world robotic applications, considering technical limitations, uncertainty, safety, ethics,
- Professional Engineering skills - Management and QualityCompulsory
Module details
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.
- Robotic SystemsCompulsory
Module details
To develop a system-level understanding of robotic subsystems, including their structure, behaviour, and interaction within integrated robotic systems. To develop the ability to model, simulate, and evaluate robotic subsystem behaviour using appropriate analytical and computational tools. To provide a comprehensive understanding of robotic systems modelling, kinematics, dynamics, sensing, and control from a systems engineering perspective.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
Computer Systems Engineering combines electronics, computing and control systems. You'll usually start with engineering mathematics, mechanics and materials science, then move into circuit design and systems analysis. Year 2 introduces specialist computing and control engineering alongside a team design project. In Year 3, you'll pursue specialisations such as Mechanical, Electrical & electronic, Civil & structural, Robotics & mechatronics, or Energy & sustainability, while undertaking professional engineering practice and a substantial individual project. Throughout, you develop practical skills in CAD, simulation and programming alongside theoretical knowledge, building towards the Chartered (CEng) pathway if you choose it.
Who it's for
You're drawn to understanding how computer systems work at a fundamental level, from microprocessors to networks, and you enjoy solving tangible technical problems. You're comfortable with mathematics and physics, and you appreciate learning by doing, not just by lecture. You work well when given real challenges to design and troubleshoot, and you're curious about how theory translates into practice. This degree suits you if you want to develop expertise that employers in tech, telecommunications and systems engineering actively seek, and if you're willing to engage seriously with both rigorous study and practical coursework over three years.
Careers & job market
Across engineering courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of qualifying, and 80% of those working are in highly skilled roles. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries (15 months after graduation) typically falling between £29,000 and £35,000, rising to £33,150–£46,800 after five years. Your specific outcomes will depend on the role, sector and location you choose.
University & format
This BEng (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering is studied full-time over 3 years at Brunel University of London, a public university founded in 1966 and located on its campus in London. Teaching and learning is conducted in English. The degree is awarded by a recognised UK degree-awarding body and is nationally recognised. Brunel received a Bronze rating for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at BUL →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
talented sportsmen and sportswomen
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Engineering graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £34,500 | £29,000 – £36,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £32,000 | £29,000 – £37,500 | 55 |
| 5 years after | £43,500 | £34,500 – £52,500 | 65 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in engineering · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Engineering nationally
National figures for Engineering graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Engineering courses at the same study level.
Compared with 2,256 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 40% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 30; response rate: 75%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Engineering graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Engineering graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Engineering & manufacturing firms
- Automotive & aerospace
- Energy & utilities
- Defence & consultancies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Engineering graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £34,500. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.5 out of 10: NSS 76.3% · in work or study 75% · continued 75%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Brunel University London
Engineering and technology across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Brunel University Campus
1,392 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Engineering right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to BUL from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by BUL; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
BUL offers the Dean's International Scholarship (£2,000 per academic year) for international students, see Scholarships above.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with BUL and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at BUL
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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