Design, secure and manage advanced defence technology on this Defence Systems degree
On this BSc (Hons) Defence Systems degree from St Mary's University, London, you'll learn how to understand, develop, and evaluate the advanced technological systems used across defence, security, and critical infrastructure – from secure computing and cybersecurity to artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, networks, and data analytics.
Through hands-on learning, you'll develop the ability to analyse complex technical challenges, design innovative solutions, and weigh up the ethical, operational, and societal considerations that come with emerging defence technology. This Defence Systems course prepares you for careers across the defence, security, technology, and critical infrastructure sectors, where demand is growing for professionals who can design, analyse, secure, and manage complex technological systems.
Why choose St Mary's?
Learn through real defence technology projects
On this Defence Systems degree, you'll apply your knowledge through practical projects, simulations, and applied research, tackling real-world defence and security challenges across cybersecurity, AI, autonomous systems, networks, and data analysis.
You'll study a multidisciplinary curriculum combining computer science, engineering, systems thinking, and security principles.
Access to specialist defence systems facilities
The BSc Defence Systems is based at our London campus, where you'll have access to specialist computing and technology facilities, including:
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Cybersecurity and networking laboratories for hands-on work in secure systems and digital infrastructure.
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Advanced computing facilities for software development, simulation, and data analysis.
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Artificial intelligence and machine learning environments.
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Embedded systems and hardware development resources.
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Simulation and modelling platforms.
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Collaborative project spaces supporting applied defence technology development.
Gain practical work experience
You'll gain practical experience through industry-led projects with defence, security, and technology partners, with opportunities for internships and placements within relevant organisations. You'll also take part in collaborative and research projects addressing real-world defence and security challenges, aligned with emerging defence technologies, alongside professional networking and engagement activities with industry specialists.
Get real-world industry insight
As part of your Defence Systems degree, you'll have the opportunity to visit defence technology exhibitions and conferences, cybersecurity operations centres, and engineering and technology innovation facilities. Potential visits also include aerospace, robotics, and autonomous systems organisations, as well as government and industry security facilities, giving you first-hand insight into the latest developments in defence technology.
Study defence technology responsibly
This programme emphasises ethical, responsible, and human-centred approaches to defence technology. You'll explore human factors alongside technical disciplines, graduating with an understanding of both the technical challenges and the wider societal implications of the systems you'll go on to design, secure, and manage.
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 BSc (Hons) Defence Systems degree from St Mary's University, London, you'll graduate with the technical expertise and practical industry experience to compete for roles in the defence, security, and technology sectors in the UK and beyond. Alongside specialist knowledge of defence technology and secure systems, you'll develop transferable skills in problem-solving, systems thinking, and ethical decision-making.
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:
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
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.
FAQs
Defence, security, and critical infrastructure organisations need people who can design, secure, and manage complex technology. This degree combines computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, AI, and systems thinking in one programme, so you graduate with technical depth, breadth, and the ethical judgement employers look for.
Graduates work in defence technology, systems engineering, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and defence and security consultancy. The technical skills also transfer into wider technology and critical infrastructure roles. Our Career Services team supports you throughout your degree and after graduation.
No – this is a technology degree, not military training. You'll study the systems used across defence, security, and critical infrastructure, and those skills apply equally to civilian technology roles, government organisations, and the private sector.
You'll cover core computing – programming, databases, networks – but applied to defence and security. The difference is the focus on secure systems, autonomous technology, and the ethical and operational questions that come with defence technology.
You'll work on industry-led projects with defence, security, and technology partners, with opportunities for internships and placements. You'll also visit defence exhibitions, cybersecurity operations centres, and innovation facilities, and use specialist labs on campus.
Fees & funding
September 2026
Home
£9,790
International
£17,445
(£1200 during placement year)
*Please note: The above fees are for September 2026 and September 2027 fees will be published shortly. Tuition fee increases for undergraduate Home students are subject to regulatory control by the UK Government. 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
- 18%
- Independent study
- 30%
- Guided learning
- 52%
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
Assessment methods
Students will be assessed through a range of
- Technical reports
- Programming and system development
projects - Cybersecurity and systems analysis exercises
- Case studies and scenario-based assessments
- Presentations and technical briefings
- Group design projects
- Research projects and dissertation
Assessment methods are designed to develop
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Apply now
Interested in applying through Clearing?
We're on live chat, ready to help you with your Clearing journey, or you can contact us directly on WhatsApp: +44 7360 538225.
Not sure yet? Find out more about Clearing 2026 at St Mary's.
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.
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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