MEng Hons Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering

Computer and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons) at Loughborough University is a three-year full-time Honours degree (UCAS code H611), with the option of a four-year sandwich variant including an industry placement (UCAS code H614). The programme equips students with a broad foundation in digital electronics, embedded systems, and software engineering within a practice-driven engineering environment.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1:
Students begin with Core Mathematics to build essential mathematical techniques, followed by modules like Circuit Analysis, which introduces the laws and methods for analyzing linear electrical and analog circuits. Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering covers electromagnetic principles, power systems, and the basics of electric circuits, all reinforced with practical labs. Programming and Software Engineering develops engineering-focused programming skills, while Digital Systems fosters understanding of logic design and digital signal representation.

Year 2:
The second year builds on programming and digital skills with modules such as Advanced Mathematics 2, which advances mathematical methods for engineering applications. Computer Architecture introduces how microprocessor instructions affect hardware behavior, while optional modules like Control System Design 2, Computer Networks, Systems Engineering Applications Theory, and Embedded Systems Design and Implementation allow students to tailor their learning toward systems integration, networking, control systems, and embedded system design.

Year 3:
Students undertake a significant individual project, along with compulsory modules like Engineering Management: Finance, Law and Quality, and the Engineering Research Challenge Team Project, fostering interdisciplinary teamwork and project leadership. Optional advanced modules include Communications; Deployment of Machine Learning Inference Models in IoT Devices; Electronic System Design with FPGAs; Power Electronics; Microwave Communication Systems; Cybersecurity for Embedded Systems; and many others—facilitating both technical breadth and depth across contemporary engineering domains. 

Optional Placement Year / Study Abroad:
Students may choose to undertake a placement year in industry between Years 2 and 3, gaining valuable professional experience that enhances employability and practical skills in real-world engineering environments. Alternatively, a study abroad year offers international exposure, broadening cultural understanding and academic perspective by studying at a partner university overseas. Both options extend the degree duration to four years and enrich the learning journey with practical and global insights.

Final Year 4:
The final year focuses on strategic and advanced engineering topics. Modules include Applying Management Theory, which links business principles to engineering leadership and innovation management. Advanced microprocessor control systems delve deeper into embedded systems architecture and hardware/software co-design. The Engineering Research Challenge Team Project involves multi-disciplinary teams working on industry-relevant challenges, fostering leadership and project management capabilities. Optional modules allow students to specialise further in areas such as IoT deployment, machine learning inference on embedded devices, cybersecurity for embedded systems, power electronics, and microwave communication systems. This year culminates in a substantial Individual Project that synthesises learning across the degree, showcasing design, research, and innovation skills

Focus areas:
The programme emphasizes designing and understanding embedded electronic systems through an integrated approach—blending digital and analogue electronics, firmware, software development, microcontrollers, FPGA design, and systems thinking applied to real-world engineering challenges.

Learning outcomes:
Graduates leave with strong analytical, programming, and systems design skills, as well as practical experience gained through hands-on projects and labs. The mix of core studies and flexible options, particularly in the final year, supports both depth and adaptability in engineering competencies.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is professionally accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), and the Institute of Measurement and Control (InstMC)—fully satisfying the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and partially fulfilling requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status under UK-SPEC.

Reputation (employability & rankings):
Loughborough's engineering programmes rank highly, with its facilities rated 3rd in the UK (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025) and top 15 for student satisfaction in related disciplines (The Complete University Guide 2026).