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Computer Engineering (with a Placement Year) BEng (Hons)

Start date

September 2026

UCAS code

CE02

Duration

4 years

128 UCAS points

112 UCAS points

Design intelligent connected systems on this Computer Engineering degree

On this BEng Computer Engineering degree from St Mary’s University, London, you’ll learn how to combine computing, electronics, networking, and AI to develop the intelligent systems that power modern industry, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.

Through hands-on learning, you'll develop the technical and professional skills needed to meet the ethical and safety standards of modern engineering environments. This Computer Engineering course prepares you for high-growth tech careers in areas like systems engineering, robotics, embedded systems, cybersecurity, networking, and defence technology, and you have the option to complete an industrial placement year.

Why choose St Mary's?

Learn through real engineering projects

On this Computer Engineering degree, you'll apply your knowledge through practical laboratory work and team and individual engineering projects, tackling real-world technical challenges across embedded systems, robotics, AI, and connected technologies.

You'll graduate with hands-on expertise in the systems driving automation, autonomous systems, smart devices, and connected environments – ready to contribute from day one in industry.

Access to specialist computer engineering facilities

The BEng Computer Engineering is based at our London campus, where you'll have access to specialist facilities, including:

  • Modern computing laboratories with high-specification PCs supporting programming, software engineering, networking, databases, and systems development.

  • A robotics, electronics and AI laboratory for hands-on work in digital electronics, embedded systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Students design, build, and test intelligent systems using industry-relevant hardware and development platforms.

  • A dedicated cyber and simulation laboratory for cybersecurity, systems modelling, and scenario-driven learning across secure systems design, digital infrastructure, and cyber-physical systems.

Gain practical work experience

You'll gain practical experience through hackathons, cybersecurity challenges, technology competitions, and industry-led engineering projects. You'll also take part in collaborative research and development projects with industry partners, working on software-hardware integration, system design, and prototyping.

Get real-world industry insight

As part of your Computer Engineering degree, you’ll visit engineering and tech organisations working in embedded systems, robotics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and critical digital infrastructure. You’ll also attend engineering conferences, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) events, and technology meetups, including major industry events such as London Tech Week. Through visits to tradeshows, exhibitions, and industry museums, you'll gain insight into the latest developments in IoT, AI, and autonomous systems.

About the Placement Year

A placement year enables you to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between your second and final year.

It will enable you to:

  • apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting
  • build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in
  • develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace
  • get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job.

Support from St Mary’s every step of the way

Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and Careers Teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities.

Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the three year version of your degree programme.

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Career opportunities

With a BEng Computer Engineering degree from St Mary's University, London, you'll graduate with the technical expertise and practical industry experience to compete for roles in some of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK and beyond. Alongside core engineering knowledge, you'll develop transferable skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and systems thinking that employers across robotics, cybersecurity, embedded systems, defence technology, and AI value highly.

When you start your course at St Mary's, you will have access to our Career Services, which provides students and graduates with impartial advice on their career progression and development.

Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of undefined include:

Embedded Systems EngineerRobotics EngineerMachine Learning EngineerCybersecurity AnalystDigital Forensics Specialist

Course content

These modules are available in the current academic year and are intended to illustrate what may be offered in future years. Modules are subject to change.

Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.

Entry requirements

2026 to 2028 entries

Start date

September 2026

Standard offer

128 UCAS points

Contextual offer

112 UCAS points

About Contextual Offer:

Not sure about your grades? We consider all factors when reviewing your application, as we know not everyone has the same support to reach their potential. So we may make a contextual offer below the standard Tariff if you meet our criteria. Read more about contextual offers.

We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:

  • subjects studied at Level 3
  • your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
  • non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
  • your references and motivation.

Fees & funding

September 2026

Home

£9,790

International

£17,445

1200 during placement year)

*Please note: Tuition fee increases for undergraduate Home students are subject to regulatory control by the UK Government.  The above Home fees for September 2026 are confirmed by the UK Government subject to Parliamentary procedure in early 2026. These fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer. 

For more information on foundation year fees for home students, please check the details on our tuition fee page.

For more information about whether you are likely to pay home or international fees, please visit our 'understanding your tuition fee status' page.

Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.

Scholarships

Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.

Living costs

A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.

Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.

How the degree is taught

Contact time
20%
Independent study
50%
Guided learning
30%

Teaching methods

You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.

Assessment methods

Coursework: Technical reports, design documentation, and problem-solving tasks demonstrating theoretical understanding and applied engineering skills.

Laboratory assessments: Practical tasks involving the design, implementation, testing, and evaluation of hardware and software systems.

Programming assignments: Assessed software development tasks covering algorithms, data structures, networking, and systems development.

Projects: Individual and group projects assessing systems integration, engineering design, and professional practice.

Computer-based tests: Timed, computer-delivered assessments evaluating core theoretical, mathematical, and engineering principles.

Presentations and demonstrations: Technical presentations and system demonstrations assessing communication, design justification, and professional engineering competence.

Feedback

We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.

Apply now

If you're currently living in the United Kingdom and Ireland, you'll need to apply directly through UCAS. You can check our step-by-step application guide for detailed information. You will also need to apply directly if you want to study any course part-time.

 

If you're an international student and you would like to apply for Foundation and Placement Year courses, you can submit an application directly or add St Mary's University as a choice on UCAS. Check our guideline for more information.

September

 

Transferring from another institution?

 

St Mary's is happy to consider applications from students who wish to transfer from another university. If this is you, please follow these instructions. Please note: we do not currently accept transfers into our LLB courses.

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Open Days

Open Days are a fantastic opportunity for you to meet academic staff. You'll also be able to look around the campus, speak to current students and find out more about services such as Accommodation and Student Wellbeing.