MEng Systems Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MEng Systems Engineering at the University of Exeter prepares students to design, integrate, and manage complex engineering systems that address challenges across a wide range of industries. The programme combines engineering principles with systems thinking, project management, risk analysis, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, making it a strong choice for students interested in developing advanced solutions for sectors such as energy, aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year introduces students to the fundamental concepts of engineering, mathematics, computing, and design. Through modules such as Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Fundamentals of Materials, Fundamentals of Electronics, and Fundamentals of Engineering, students build essential technical knowledge while developing teamwork, communication, and practical problem-solving skills through collaborative engineering projects.

Year 2
In the second year, students begin exploring systems engineering concepts while strengthening their understanding of engineering applications and technologies. Modules including Data, Signals and Systems, Electrical Energy Conversion and Transport, Applied Thermodynamics, Engineering Systems, Energy Management and Building Systems, Fluid Mechanics, and the Discipline Group Challenge Project help students understand how complex engineering systems are designed, analysed, and improved.

Year 3
The third year focuses on advanced systems engineering methods, including system modelling, control, reliability, and risk management. Students study modules such as Network Engineering, Monitoring and Management, Systems Modelling and Control, Risk, Reliability Systems and Safety Management, Systems Challenge Project, and the Dissertation Project, while optional topics such as Applied AI and Control, Life Cycle Analysis, and Energy Storage Technology allow students to explore specialist areas.

Final Year
The final year develops advanced technical and professional skills needed to manage complex engineering projects. Students complete modules including Professional Ethics, Competence and Commercial Awareness, Advanced Systems Engineering, Industry Placement Project, and the Group Design Project, applying systems engineering approaches to real industry challenges and developing expertise in engineering design, integration, and project delivery.

Focus Areas

Systems Engineering, Complex System Design, Systems Integration, Engineering Project Management, Risk Management, Systems Modelling and Control, Reliability Engineering, Digital Technologies, Energy Systems, Artificial Intelligence Applications, Sustainable Engineering, Interdisciplinary Engineering Solutions

Learning Outcomes

Design and manage complex engineering systems, apply systems thinking to real-world challenges, integrate knowledge from different engineering disciplines, analyse system performance and reliability, develop risk management strategies, use modelling and control techniques, apply project management skills, solve interdisciplinary engineering problems, work effectively in teams, develop professional engineering skills, communicate technical solutions, apply engineering knowledge to industry challenges

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MEng Systems Engineering has been developed with industry needs in mind and aligns with the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Systems Engineering Professional certification framework. The programme supports students in developing the knowledge and skills required for professional systems engineering roles, including preparation towards Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) certification.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter has a strong reputation for engineering research and innovation, with a significant proportion of its Engineering research recognised as internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
The programme is designed around industry requirements, preparing students for careers in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, telecommunications, manufacturing, and advanced technology industries.
Students gain valuable practical experience through engineering challenge projects, group design activities, systems-focused projects, and industry placement opportunities.
The programme is based at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, where students benefit from specialist engineering facilities and access to an environment connected with renewable energy, sustainable technologies, and engineering innovation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MEng Systems Engineering at the University of Exeter provides students with a practical and industry-focused learning experience by combining engineering theory with hands-on projects, systems design activities, laboratory work, and real-world applications. Students develop the ability to design, integrate, and manage complex engineering systems by working on interdisciplinary challenges involving areas such as energy systems, control technologies, risk management, and system optimisation. Through project-based learning, specialist facilities, and industry-focused activities, students gain the practical skills needed to solve complex engineering problems across modern industries.

Students develop practical skills through specialist facilities, collaborative projects, and applied engineering experiences:

Work on hands-on systems engineering projects throughout the programme, including challenge projects and design activities where students apply systems thinking, engineering principles, and teamwork skills to solve real-world problems.
Complete the Systems Challenge Project and Group Design Project, allowing students to collaborate on complex engineering solutions, manage project requirements, and develop system integration skills.
Gain professional experience through the Industry Placement Project and industry placement opportunities, where students can apply their knowledge in professional engineering environments and build valuable connections with employers.
Access specialist engineering laboratories and workshops, including electronics laboratories, fabrication facilities, materials laboratories, structures laboratories, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics laboratories, and student workshops for practical engineering development.
Use engineering equipment and digital tools to support modelling, testing, simulation, experimentation, and engineering design activities.
Develop practical knowledge in systems modelling, control, risk assessment, reliability analysis, and safety management through modules such as Systems Modelling and Control and Risk, Reliability Systems and Safety Management.
Explore advanced engineering technologies through specialist topics such as Applied AI and Control, Energy Storage Technology, and Life Cycle Analysis, helping students understand emerging engineering solutions.
Participate in field visits and practical learning opportunities connected with engineering and renewable energy systems, including visits to renewable energy facilities, wind farms, solar photovoltaic systems, and offshore energy projects.
Benefit from studying at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, a location connected with engineering innovation, renewable energy development, and sustainable technology projects.
Engage with research-led learning activities where student projects are influenced by current engineering research and industry challenges.
Access specialist engineering facilities such as the Electrical Power Systems Laboratory, which supports simulation, testing, and analysis of electrical and energy-related systems.
Benefit from research environments such as the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI), which supports work on complex environmental and engineering challenges through research and collaboration.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MEng Systems Engineering at the University of Exeter prepares graduates to tackle complex engineering challenges by developing expertise in systems design, integration, risk management, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. The programme opens opportunities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing, with graduates prepared for roles including Systems Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, Test and Validation Engineer, Systems Architect, Technical Project Manager, and Engineering Consultant.

The programme supports students’ career development through professional preparation, industry engagement, and specialist employability support:

The University of Exeter Careers Service provides career guidance, employability workshops, skills development sessions, mentoring, and resources to help students prepare for graduate employment. Students can also take part in initiatives such as the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award, which help build professional skills, leadership abilities, and career confidence.
Students can gain valuable industry experience through the Industry Placement Project and placement opportunities, allowing them to apply systems engineering knowledge in professional environments while developing workplace skills and industry connections.
The programme has been designed with industry needs in mind, focusing on skills required in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing, where professionals are needed to design, manage, and improve complex engineering systems.
The course aligns with the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Systems Engineering Professional framework, helping students develop knowledge and skills that support progression towards professional systems engineering certifications.
Students benefit from the University of Exeter’s strong engineering research environment, with 92% of Engineering research rated internationally excellent in REF 2021, giving students exposure to advanced research and innovation.
Graduates develop highly valued skills in engineering design, project management, teamwork, communication, digital technologies, and problem-solving, preparing them for a variety of technical and leadership positions.
The programme’s focus on practical projects, systems challenges, and industry-related problem-solving helps students build experience that is highly valued by employers seeking future engineering professionals.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MEng Systems Engineering, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in areas such as Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Control Systems, Renewable Energy Engineering, or specialist engineering research fields. Further study allows graduates to develop deeper technical expertise, move into research and innovation careers, or progress towards senior engineering, consultancy, and management roles in advanced technology industries.