Enter OTP
4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Royal Holloway University of LondonThe BEng Computer Systems Engineering at Royal Holloway with a Year in Industry combines computer science, electronic engineering, and communications technology into a single, industry-focused degree. The course equips students with the technical depth to design and implement embedded systems, networks, and secure digital infrastructures, while also cultivating transferable skills in project work, teamwork, and engineering professionalism plus a full year of industry-based experience. It’s crafted for students who want both technical rigour and practical exposure, blending academic learning with real-world application. Delivered through a blend of hands-on laboratory work, creative team projects, and core engineering theory, the programme is structured to provide both breadth and depth in modern computer systems engineering.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1
In Year 1, students are introduced to the fundamentals of electronic and computer systems, gaining practical experience in modules such as Embedded Systems Creative Team Project 1, Programming in C++, and Electronic Circuits and Components. Core theory is developed through Communications Engineering 1, Mathematics for Scientists 1, Mathematics for Engineers 2, and foundational courses in Internet Services and Academic Integrity.
Year 2
In Year 2, the programme builds on this foundation by advancing both technical and professional skills. Students undertake Embedded Systems Creative Team Project 2 while also covering Computer and Network Security, Introduction to Information Security, and Software Engineering for Electronics. Further analytical understanding comes from Signals, Systems and Communications and Algorithms and Complexity, complemented by Professional and Sustainable Engineering.
Year 3 (Industrial Placement):
The third year is devoted entirely to an Industrial Year in Industry. This placement phase gives you 120 credits while gaining invaluable real-world experience, building professional networks, and contextualizing your academic learning in industry settings—significantly enhancing your employability upon graduation
Year 4
Final year 4 emphasises advanced applications and independent study. Students complete a substantial Individual Project while studying specialist modules such as Digital Signal Processing Design, Principles of Engineering Management, Digital Systems Design, and Advanced Communications Systems. Alongside these, students can tailor their degree with optional modules including Advanced Algorithms & Complexity, Machine Learning, Computational Optimisation, Critical Infrastructure Security, Power Systems, and Fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering.
Focus areas:
Key strengths of the programme include embedded systems design, secure computing, digital signal processing, and advanced communications. The inclusion of security-focused modules such as Computer and Network Security and Critical Infrastructure Security highlights Royal Holloway’s global reputation in information security research.
Learning outcomes:
Graduates develop strong competencies in hardware-software integration, programming, algorithms, and digital systems, alongside practical project experience. The programme ensures that students gain professional awareness in sustainable engineering practice, teamwork, and leadership within technical projects.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), meaning it contributes towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Reputation (employability rankings):
Royal Holloway is ranked among the top UK universities for graduate employability, with Computer Science and Engineering subjects benefiting from the institution’s strong industry links in cybersecurity, electronics, and IT sectors.
The BEng in Computer Systems Engineering with a Year in Industry at Royal Holloway is designed for students who are driven by practical problem-solving and want to apply their knowledge from the classroom to real, tangible systems from the very start. You’ll be developing in-demand skills in specialist labs, working on projects that prepare you for a seamless transition into industry.
Experiental Learning Highlights:
Learn by Doing Philosophy
The curriculum is built on a practical approach where theoretical knowledge is immediately put to the test through hands-on experimentation and project work in dedicated spaces. This is where you move from understanding concepts to becoming a capable and confident engineer.
Industry-Standard Software & Tools
You will work with a suite of professional software, including MATLAB and Simulink for algorithm development and system modelling, Xilinx Vivado for FPGA design, and advanced programming environments for C/C++ and Python to develop embedded software.
Specialist Laboratory Facilities
You’ll have extensive access to the University’s newly upgraded Electronic Engineering laboratories. These are equipped with modern test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes and logic analysers, alongside workstations for circuit design, simulation, and microcontroller programming.
Placement year embedded in the degree
In your third year, you'll work in industry, gaining invaluable professional experience, building contacts, and boosting your employability
Applied Group Projects
A core part of your experience will be team-based projects, such as designing and building a complex electronic system. This culminates in a substantial final-year individual project, where you’ll tackle a significant engineering challenge from design to implementation, often using specialist lab equipment.
Digital Systems & Robotics Kits
You will gain hands-on experience with the hardware you are designing for, including FPGA development boards for creating custom digital circuits, and platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi for rapid prototyping of intelligent systems and IoT devices.
Research-Led Learning
The department has strong research groups in areas such as intelligent systems and robotics. As you progress, you may have opportunities to engage with these groups and utilise advanced facilities, applying cutting-edge research to your practical work.
Graduates of Royal Holloway University’s BEng Computer Systems Engineering with a Year in Industry are highly employable, moving into roles such as systems engineer, embedded systems developer, network architect, automation specialist, and hardware design engineer. Many alumni also pursue further study in computer science, electronic engineering, robotics, or related fields, or work in sectors including telecommunications, automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.
Here's how Royal Holloway specifically supports your future:
Career Services & Experiential Learning
The program offers opportunities for a professional placement year, providing valuable industrial experience. You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, laboratory practical sessions, design projects, and individual research, with a strong emphasis on practical skills in both hardware and software integration. The University’s Careers and Employability Service provides tailored support including placement application assistance, CV workshops, and industry networking events from your first year of study.
Industry Partnerships & Research
The Department of Electronic Engineering has strong industry links and modern facilities, including electronics design labs, embedded systems laboratories, and networking suites. Students benefit from research-informed teaching in areas such as digital systems design, Internet of Things (IoT), communications engineering, and intelligent systems. The program maintains connections with technology sector employers, ensuring the curriculum develops the systems integration, programming, and electronic design skills that are valued across the industry.
Graduate Outcomes
Students graduate with a solid foundation in digital electronics, software development, systems architecture, and project management, complemented by practical experience from laboratory work and design projects. These skills are highly sought after in various technology-driven industries.
Further Academic Progression
After your BEng at Royal Holloway, you can pursue a master’s in specialised areas such as embedded systems or telecommunications, or enter professional roles in systems design, technical consultancy, or research and development, supported by the program’s accreditation and industry connections.
Industrial Year Tuition Fees: 20% full time rate.UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherEnglish test results: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT: 88 overall, with Reading 18 Listening 17 Speaking 20 Writing 17.A Levels: ABB-BBB including A in MathematicsInternational Baccalaureate (IB): 32 points overall with 6,5,5 at Higher Level including either 5 HL Maths: Analysis & Approaches or 6 HL Maths: Applications & InterpretationGCSE: Grade 4/C in GCSE English language and Grade C/4 in GCSE MathematicsThe Year 12/Standard 12 Indian School Certificate: minimum aggregate scores of 80%, with a grade 85% in MathematicsUSA curriculum: a grade of 4 in at least two relevant AP Examinations; or a composite score of 24 in the ACT Examinations (including the ACT writing test) with an AP grade 4 or College Class B in any A-level subject specified above; or SAT 1100 with an AP grade 4 or College Class B in MathematicsEmbedded Systems EngineerComputer Hardware EngineerNetwork ArchitectRobotics EngineerCybersecurity AnalystSoftware DeveloperIoT Solutions ArchitectControl Systems EngineerSemiconductor Design EngineerAI Hardware Specialist
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
