BEng Computer Systems Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year

The BEng in Computer Systems Engineering 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.

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 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.