The MEng in Computer Systems Engineering at Warwick is a four-year integrated degree that combines Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, designed for curious minds fascinated by embedded systems, robotics, and the hardware-software ecosystems powering our connected world. From day one, you'll be building real-time systems and designing pervasive technologies, setting you up for excellence in both theory and application.
Curriculum structure
Year 1
You’ll begin with a solid grounding in both fields: core modules include Programming for Computer Scientists, Design of Information Structures, Computer Organisation and Architecture, Electrical and Electronic Circuits, Engineering Mathematics, Systems Modelling, Simulation and Computation, and Professional Skills. These give you the tools to think algorithmically, work with circuits and systems modeling, and communicate effectively—essential skills for a systems engineer.
Year 2
You’ll dive deeper into systems design with core modules like Operating Systems and Computer Networks, Advanced Computer Architecture, Software Engineering, Engineering Mathematics and Data Analytics, Analogue Electronic Design, and Digital Systems Design. This year expands your understanding of how software and hardware interact and equips you with practical design and analytical skills.
Year 3
Your final year features the CSE Individual Project (CS351)—an extended, self-driven project where you design and execute a substantial hardware and/or software system under supervision, culminating in presentations and a detailed technical report. You'll also study High-Performance Embedded Systems Design, where you'll learn to build FPGA-based accelerators and integrate them with processors. Optional modules let you explore areas like mobile robotics, compiler design, machine learning, or VLSI design, giving you flexibility to specialize.
Year 4:
Your fourth and final year includes an interdisciplinary Group Project, counted for 25% of your final-year assessment. This simulates real-world, collaborative engineering work, with past groups tackling challenges such as Formula Student racing car design, Warwick satellite development, search-and-rescue robotics, and infrastructure solutions for underserved communities.
Focus areas
Digital hardware-software integration, real-time systems, FPGA and embedded system design, operating systems, software engineering principles, advanced architecture, and optional topics like robotics, AI, VLSI, and control systems.
Learning outcomes
By graduation, you’ll be confident designing, implementing, and analyzing complex computer systems, able to manage independent engineering projects, and ready to adapt to emerging technologies—all with strong technical communication and system-level thinking.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The BEng is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institute of Measurement & Control (InstMC) on behalf of the Engineering Council. This provides the academic underpinning for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and partially meets Chartered Engineer (CEng) requirements; full CEng typically requires further postgraduate learning.
Reputation (employability & rankings):
Warwick is the 6th most targeted university by UK graduate employers (High Fliers Research, 2025) and ranks 61st globally for employer reputation (QS Graduate Employability, 2025).Notably, it achieved a 97.7% graduate employment rate within three and a half years post-graduation. Graduates of this course have gone on to internships and careers at top technology firms like ARM, Intel, and Airbus, reflecting strong industry demand.
Computer Systems Engineering at Warwick is specifically designed for students who don’t just want to learn theory—they want to build, create, and solve real-world problems with their hands. From day one, you’ll be immersed in world-class facilities, gaining practical experience with the same tools and technologies used by leading engineers in industry. This program is all about turning ideas into functional, cutting-edge systems.
Our approach is hands-on and integrated, connecting lecture-based learning directly to labs and project spaces. You’ll develop a deep, practical understanding of how hardware and software integrate by working on a progression of challenging, rewarding projects. This is where you truly learn the craft of engineering.
Specialist Software & Digital Tools
You’ll gain proficiency in industry-standard electronic design automation (EDA) tools like Xilinx Vivado for FPGA programming, alongside programming environments for C/C++ and Python, which are essential for embedded systems development.
Dedicated Laboratory Spaces
You will spend significant time in well-equipped Electrical and Electronic Engineering laboratories, purpose-built for designing and testing digital systems. These include oscilloscopes, signal generators, and soldering stations for prototyping your own PCBs.
Substantial Group & Individual Projects
The curriculum is built around project-based learning. A major highlight is the third-year individual project, where you’ll tackle a substantial piece of work from conception to completion, often involving the design and implementation of a complex computer system. You’ll also collaborate on group projects that mirror professional engineering teams.
Industry-Standard Hardware
Get hands-on with the actual hardware you’re designing for, including ARM-based microcontrollers and FPGA development boards, enabling you to create and test sophisticated digital logic designs.
Research-Led Facilities
The School of Engineering has strong links with research groups, and as you progress, you may have the opportunity to use more advanced facilities connected to research in areas like intelligent systems and high-performance computing.
Graduates of the University of Warwick’s MEng Computer Systems Engineering are highly employable, moving into roles such as senior systems architect, lead embedded systems engineer, R&D project manager, automation solutions specialist, and technology consultant. Many alumni also pursue further study at PhD level in artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, or related fields, or work in leadership positions across sectors including autonomous vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, and advanced manufacturing.
Career Services & Experiential Learning
The integrated master’s program includes a significant industrial placement year, providing extended professional experience at an advanced level with leading global technology firms. Teaching combines advanced lectures, specialist laboratory work, complex team design projects, and a major individual research project in the final year, with a strong emphasis on innovation, leadership, and strategic systems thinking. The University’s dedicated Student Opportunity and Careers team provides master’s-level support, including leadership development programmes, executive networking events, and connections to graduate schemes with major engineering employers.
Industry Partnerships & Research
The School of Engineering maintains deep research collaborations and industry partnerships, with access to world-class facilities including the National Automotive Innovation Centre, advanced robotics labs, and secure systems testbeds. Students benefit from research-intensive teaching in cutting-edge areas such as autonomous systems, high-performance computing, machine intelligence, and cyber-physical security. The MEng curriculum is shaped by industry leaders and research excellence, ensuring graduates possess the advanced technical knowledge and managerial capabilities required for senior engineering roles.
Graduate Outcomes
Students graduate with a master’s-level understanding of complex systems integration, advanced software engineering, strategic project leadership, and innovative design, demonstrated through a substantial final-year project and extended industrial experience. These advanced competencies are in high demand for leadership and R&D positions in technology-driven industries.
Further Academic Progression
After your MEng at Warwick, you can progress directly to PhD research, enter senior technical or R&D leadership roles in industry, or pursue executive pathways in engineering management and technology consultancy, supported by the program’s full CEng accreditation and world-class research reputation.
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