BEng Hons Computer Systems Engineering

From day one, you’ll dive into hands-on engineering experiences that bring both hardware and software to life. Whether you’re designing embedded systems in the lab or working on your own capstone project, the Mile End campus is built for making ideas real. You'll be supported by welcoming lab demonstrators, enjoy extended access to labs—even remotely—and be guided by staff who genuinely want you to succeed.

Here’s how that plays out in real terms:

Specialist learning spaces: Work in the dedicated Informatics Teaching Lab (ITL)—exclusively for Electronic Engineering and Computer Science students—and a state-of-the-art Electronics Lab, where digital circuit design, embedded systems work, and software development come together. Both are open seven days a week, generally 8 am to midnight, with full remote access to computing resources too.

Structured support in practical sessions: Look out for module demonstrators—more experienced students paid to assist you in labs, especially during your first and second years, helping you grow confidence with programming tools and hardware setups.

Team-based project experience: In your second year, you'll work collaboratively on a software-based engineering project alongside peers. Then in your final year, you’ll design and complete a project of your choice, leaning hardware or software according to your passions.

Optional industrial placement year: You can opt in to take a year in industry, where past students have interned with organizations such as ITRS Group, JWG Insights Ltd., and Tower Hamlets Council—setting you up with real-world experience before graduation.

Global opportunity: Year abroad: If you’re keen to broaden your horizons, you can take an optional year abroad, studying with international partners and expanding both your cultural and academic experience.

Award-winning teaching environment: You’ll be learning within the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, where a remarkable 99% of research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent—meaning you’re learning from academic staff who are shaping the future.

Mix of learning modes: Expect 15–20 hours per week in lectures, lab sessions, and tutorials, backed by independent study and regular check-ins with your personal advisor to keep you on track.

Cutting-edge module choices: In later years, explore optional modules such as Embedded Systems, Neural Networks, Security Engineering, Big Data, Product Development, and more—providing flexibility to tailor your final year learning to your career goals.

Graduates of Queen Mary University of London’s BEng (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering are highly employable, moving into roles such as systems engineer, network architect, embedded systems developer, cybersecurity specialist, and software solutions engineer. Many alumni also pursue further study in computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics, or related fields, or work in sectors including IT, telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and automation.

Here’s how Queen Mary specifically supports your future:

Career Services & Experiential Learning: 
The program offers opportunities for an industrial placement year, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in leading tech companies. Learning is delivered through a combination of lectures, lab sessions, group projects, and individual research, with a strong focus on practical systems design and problem-solving. Queen Mary’s Careers and Enterprise team provides dedicated support, including CV workshops, industry networking events, and internship opportunities, ensuring students are career-ready upon graduation.

Industry Partnerships & Research: 
The School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science at Queen Mary has strong ties with industry leaders and cutting-edge research facilities, including robotics labs, IoT development spaces, and cybersecurity testbeds. Students benefit from research-led teaching in areas such as distributed systems, real-time computing, machine learning, and secure hardware design. The program’s industry advisory board ensures alignment with employer needs, with graduates valued for their expertise in systems integration, software-hardware co-design, and network architecture.

Graduate Outcomes: 
Students graduate with advanced skills in system modeling, programming, electronic design, and project management, along with hands-on experience from industry-relevant projects. These competencies are highly sought after in fields such as cloud computing, embedded systems, and intelligent infrastructure.

Further Academic Progression: 
After completing the BEng (Hons) at Queen Mary, graduates can progress to an MSc or PhD in computer systems, AI, or related disciplines, or enter professional roles in systems engineering, IT consultancy, or R&D, supported by the program’s strong industry links and research excellence.