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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Queens University BelfastThe BEng Computer Engineering (with Year in Industry) at Queen’s University Belfast is a four-year, full-time degree that brings together hardware and software—from embedded systems to advanced computing—in a research-led environment. What sets it apart is the compulsory industrial placement in Year 3 that provides invaluable real-world experience, complementing academic learning.
Year 1:
You get a foundational grounding in both electronics and programming. Core modules include Mathematics 1, Object-Oriented Programming, Digital Systems, Embedded Systems, Fundamentals of Electric Circuits, and Signals and Communications—each typically worth 20 credits. These modules combine lessons in circuit analysis, microcontroller programming, digital logic, and signal behavior with lab-based practical application.
Year 2:
This stage builds on foundational concepts and introduces professional skills with Employability Skills and Placement Preparation (0 credits), alongside core modules such as Mathematics 2, Embedded Systems 2, Electronics and Circuits, Communications, and Data Structures and Algorithms. You’ll deepen your understanding of electronics, enhance data programming skills, and prepare for industry readiness.
Year 3: Year in Industry
This full-year placement (module ELE2034, 120 credits over 24 weeks) immerses you in a professional setting where you’ll not only apply and expand your technical know-how—but also develop workplace skills like communication, business awareness, project management, and self-direction while tackling real-world engineering problems.
Year 4:
This pivotal year features a core module in Engineering Entrepreneurship, where students receive 40 credits and engage in intensive project work—from product ideation and prototyping to market analysis and ethical business planning—culminating in a team-based deliverable that blends technical and commercial acumen. You also undertake the Project 3 module (40 credits), an independent engineering project demonstrating your ability to plan, execute, and present a substantial technical solution. In addition, a wide array of 20-credit optional modules enables tailored specialization, including areas such as Networks and Communications Protocols, Signal Processing and Communications, Connected Health, Concurrent Programming, Advanced Electronics, Video Analytics and Machine Learning, Control Systems Engineering, Malware Analysis, and Deep Learning
Focus areas:
Core strengths of the programme include programming and algorithms, embedded systems and electronics, digital systems, communications, AI, cybersecurity, and signal processing.
Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be proficient in designing and programming hardware and embedded systems, analyzing and managing digital systems, applying algorithms, and engaging with advanced topics like cybersecurity and machine learning. They will also be prepared for professional engineering contexts through employability training.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), aligning with UK‑SPEC and providing a route toward Incorporated and Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, often requiring progression to the MEng or postgraduate study
Reputation (employability & rankings):
Queen’s EEECS faculty is ranked among the UK’s top 10 for research, with 93% of research rated as “World-leading” or “Internationally Excellent” in REF 2014. Students benefit from strong industry partnerships that support placements and scholarships, including the prestigious IET Power Academy. Industry placements are common with organisations such as BT, BAE Systems, Microsoft, and many others.
From day one, this degree places you at the heart of cutting-edge engineering practice with access to hands-on labs, industry-standard technologies, summer internships, and innovation spaces. You’ll move beyond theory into real-world learning environments that nurture both your technical abilities and creative problem-solving.
Here’s how Queen’s brings experiential learning to life:
State-of-the-art engineering and maker spaces: As a Computer Engineering student, you’ll benefit from world-class facilities across the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EEECS). This includes the £14 million Computer Science Building with purpose-built labs and breakout spaces, the ECIT Communications Lab for wireless innovation, the Qlab MakerSpace for prototyping (including hackathons, GPU-equipped projects, electronics and light manufacturing), and the i-AMS facility focused on robotics, AR/VR, and advanced manufacturing.
Real research and innovation environments: You'll be connected to ECIT—Queen’s Global Research Institute that houses CSIT (Centre for Secure Information Technologies), the UK's leading cybersecurity research centre, plus the Centre for Wireless Innovation and the Centre for Data Science and Scalable Computing.
High-performance computing infrastructure: Students and staff make use of Kelvin-2, one of just seven major HPC systems funded through EPSRC in the UK—ideal for projects involving simulation, AI, data analytics, and advanced computation.
Exciting summer research internships: You’ll have the chance to work on meaningful, cutting-edge projects—like exploring privacy-enhancing technologies in the Metaverse, VR/AR application development in the VR Lab, or sustainable energy systems research in the Cyber Physical Systems Lab. These opportunities provide practical research experience alongside academic supervisors.
Integrated work placements and strong employer links: Most undergraduates enjoy a full paid year working in industry as part of their degree, thanks to Queen’s extensive network—engaging with employers like Asidua, Schrader Electronics, Kainos, Liberty IT, and others through teaching, placements, sponsorships, and liaison panels.
Supportive ecosystems and student communities: Beyond labs, you’ll have your pick of societies like the Robotics Society and Computing Society, which foster community, creativity, peer learning, and connections through hackathons, industry talks, and collaborative projects.
Graduates of Queen's University Belfast's BEng Computer Engineering are highly employable, moving into roles such as embedded systems engineer, hardware design engineer, software developer, systems architect, and network specialist. Many alumni also pursue further study in computer science, electronic engineering, cybersecurity, or related fields, or work in sectors including telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics.
Here's how Queen's specifically supports your future:
Career Services & Experiential Learning:
The program offers opportunities for a professional placement year, allowing students to gain valuable industrial experience with leading technology companies. 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, Employability and Skills team provides dedicated support including placement application assistance, CV workshops, and industry networking events from your first year of study.
Industry Partnerships & Research:
The School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has strong industry links and world-class facilities, including the Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT) with its advanced research laboratories. Students benefit from research-led teaching in areas such as secure embedded systems, wireless communications, intelligent systems, and digital healthcare technologies. The program maintains connections with major technology employers, ensuring graduates develop the systems integration, programming, and electronic design skills valued across the industry.
Graduate Outcomes:
Students graduate with a solid foundation in digital electronics, software development, computer architectures, 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 Queen's, you can progress to an integrated MEng program, pursue specialist MSc degrees in areas like cybersecurity or telecommunications, or enter professional roles in systems design, technical consultancy, or research and development, supported by the program's accreditation and strong industry links.
Industrial Placement Year. Tuition Fees: £1,850UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherEnglish test results: IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT: 80 with minimum marks as follows: Listening- 17 Reading - 18 Speaking - 20 Writing - 17A-Levels: ABB including Mathematics and at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Digital Technology, Electronics, Further Mathematics, Geography, ICT [not Applied ICT], Physics, Software Systems Development, Technology and Design or Double Award Life & Health Sciences.International Baccalaureate (IB): 33 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and a relevant ScienceGCSE: Grade 4/C in GCSE English languageThe Standard Indian XII Higher Secondary School certificates awarded by the central boards (CBSE, CISCE) or a state board: An average mark of 70 - 85% or higher (best of 5 academic subjects) with 80% in Mathematics and Physics (preferred), Biology or Chemistry.USA curriculum: 5,4,4 in three distinctive AP subjects, plus a combined score of 1290 in SAT (min 620 Maths, 650 ERW) or a composite score of 27 in ACT taken in the final three years of high school. OR Grades A or B in three Grade 12 honours or college level classes on your high school record (or equivalent)Computer Hardware EngineerEmbedded Systems EngineerSoftware DeveloperRobotics EngineerNetwork ArchitectCybersecurity AnalystData ScientistAI/ML EngineerSystems AnalystSemiconductor Design Engineer
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