Enter OTP
The MEng Computer Engineering at Southampton equips students with a strong foundation in both hardware and software, combining computer science, electronics, and engineering principles. The programme blends theoretical study with practical applications, supported by state-of-the-art labs and project work, ensuring graduates are prepared for careers in advanced computing, embedded systems, and intelligent technologies.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
The first year equips you with the core skills in programming and computing theory while building a solid mathematical framework. You study both High-Level Programming and Low-Level Programming, strengthening your ability to work across abstraction layers. Courses like Algorithms and Analysis and Data Analytics develop your analytical and data-processing capabilities. You also gain insight into hardware and systems through Digital Computer Systems, while modules such as Ethics and Security of Computing instill awareness of professional and responsible engineering. Rounding out your year are the two-part Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence and Computer Engineering I & II, which provide essential mathematical tools for programming, system modeling, and performance optimization.
Year 2
In the second year, you delve deeper into systems-level understanding and interdisciplinary projects. You'll collaborate on an AI and Computer Engineering Interdisciplinary Group Project, working on integrated hardware–software problems. Courses such as Computer Architecture and Code Transformation dive into hardware design techniques—students famously design and build a working CPU that runs compiled code. You also explore Electronics, Parallel and Distributed Computing, and Scientific Computing to advance your systems engineering skills, while Signals and Control and Systematic Design teach you to model, analyze, and design reliable engineering systems.
Year 3
The third year is centered around deep specialization and independent engineering projects. You complete Advanced Computer Architecture, reinforcing knowledge of system internals, and undertake a two-phase Individual Project where you independently design, develop, and evaluate a computing system from concept to implementation. Flex your interests and career goals through a broad selection of optional modules, such as Embedded Networked Systems, Real-Time Computing, Robotic Systems, Advanced Computer Networks, and specialized topics in machine learning, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing. This structure lets you tailor your expertise while culminating in a substantial self-directed technical achievement.
Year 4
The final year focuses on advanced and emerging areas of computer engineering. Core modules include the Group Design Project (often in collaboration with industry) and Industrial Studies, while students choose from a wide range of specialist options such as Algorithmic Game Theory, Applied Control Systems, Cryptography, Data Mining, Differentiable Programming and Deep Learning, IoT Networks, Secure Hardware and Embedded Devices, Software Project Management, and VLSI Systems Design. You may also undertake an Individual Research Project or a VLSI Design Project, providing a pathway to explore a specialist area in depth. This final year is designed to consolidate technical mastery and prepare you for leadership roles or research careers.
Focus areas
Deep understanding of programming across abstraction levels, system architecture and design, electronics and embedded systems, parallel and distributed computing, signals and control, and specialized domains like robotics, AI, and real-time systems.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the degree, you'll be capable of designing and building complete computer systems—from circuit-level hardware to algorithms—understanding performance, security, and system integration. You will deliver professional-level projects independently, adapt to emerging technologies, and apply computational engineering methods with industry insight.
Professional alignment (accreditation)
Completing this BEng meets the core academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status when paired with an accredited MEng. Southampton’s close alignment with industry and its accreditation pathways support students aiming toward engineering chartership.
Reputation (employability rankings)
As part of the prestigious Russell Group, Southampton’s ECS is highly regarded for graduate employability and research excellence. Graduates are valued by employers in industry, hardware startups, and software engineering roles. The University was ranked #1 in the UK for Electronic and Electrical Engineering by The Guardian in 2020 and maintains strong reputational leverage in both academia and industry.
The MEng in Computer Engineering at the University of Southampton 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 our world-class, purpose-built facilities, working on projects that prepare you for a seamless transition into industry.
The curriculum is built on an experiental leasrning philosophy, where your theoretical knowledge is immediately put to the test through hands-on experimentation and project work in our dedicated, cutting-edge spaces. This is where you move from understanding concepts to becoming a capable and confident engineer:
Graduates of the University of Southampton's MEng Computer Engineering are highly employable, moving into roles such as senior systems architect, lead embedded systems engineer, R&D project manager, hardware design specialist, and technology consultant. Many alumni also pursue further study at PhD level in computer engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, or related fields, or work in leadership positions across sectors including aerospace, autonomous systems, telecommunications, and advanced manufacturing.
Here's how Southampton specifically supports your future:
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 Career and Employability Service 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 Electronics and Computer Science maintains deep research collaborations and industry partnerships, with access to world-class facilities including the Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory, embedded systems research centres, and robotics innovation platforms. Students benefit from research-intensive teaching in cutting-edge areas such as autonomous systems, high-performance computing, machine intelligence, and secure hardware design. 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 hardware design, strategic project leadership, and innovative engineering solutions, 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 Southampton, 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.
UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherEnglish test results: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT: 92 including Listening: 21 Reading: 22 Writing: 21 Speaking: 23A-Levels: A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A).International Baccalaureate (IB): 38 points overall, with 19 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation)GCSE: Grade 4/C in GCSE English language and Grade C/4 in GCSE MathematicsCBSE/ CISCE/ Metro State Boards: cumulative score of 75% and aboveUSA curriculum: One of: 3 AP tests at scores of 555 OR 2 AP tests at scores of 556, plus either an ACT score of 29 or an SAT score of 1350 a GPA of 3.6 in College level classes A and A+ grades in Honors classesOffers optional Industrial Placement and Study Abroad Year. Tuition Fees: 20% and 15% full time rate for Industrial Placement and Study abroad year respectively.Embedded 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.
University of Southampton
