Design, build and integrate complex defence technology on this Defence Systems Engineering degree
On this BSc (Hons) Defence Systems Engineering degree from St Mary's University, London, you'll learn to design, build, test and integrate the technology used across defence, security and critical infrastructure such as energy and transport networks. You'll work with electronics, embedded systems, control systems, robotics, autonomous systems, networking and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Through hands-on lab work and real-world engineering projects, you'll develop the systems thinking, design and problem-solving skills needed to tackle complex technical challenges. This defence engineering course prepares you for careers in areas such as systems engineering, electronics, embedded systems, robotics and software engineering – across defence, aerospace, security, technology and beyond. You don't need a military or armed forces background to apply.
Why choose St Mary's?
Engineer the defence systems of the future
You'll learn how electronics, software, communications and control come together as integrated systems – and how to engineer them to perform reliably in demanding defence environments.
Build and test real-world engineering solutions
You'll put theory into practice throughout your degree, applying your knowledge to realistic defence challenges through laboratory work and industry-led, team-based and individual projects.
Master the technologies behind intelligent and autonomous defence systems
Throughout the course, you'll build specialist expertise in signal processing, advanced electronics and connected technologies, alongside the software and computing skills needed to bring them together.
Gain industry experience in a rapidly evolving sector
Through guest lectures, mentoring and collaborative projects with defence, engineering and technology organisations, you'll build professional connections as you study. There are also opportunities for internships, industrial placements, engineering competitions and hackathons.
Access to specialist defence systems facilities
The BSc (Hons) Defence Systems Engineering is based at our London campus, where you'll have access to specialist facilities, including:
- The Cyber and Defence Simulation Laboratory.
- Computing laboratories.
- Engineering laboratories.
- The Robotics, Electronics and AI Laboratory, where you can design, build and test intelligent systems using industry-relevant hardware and development platforms.
These facilities give you the chance to work hands-on with embedded systems, robotics, AI-enabled systems, digital twins and secure network environments – supporting the design, development, integration and testing of complex defence 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 BSc (Hons) Defence Systems Engineering degree from St Mary's University, London, you'll graduate with the engineering expertise and hands-on project experience to pursue roles across defence, aerospace, security, critical infrastructure and advanced technology, in the UK and beyond. Alongside specialist knowledge of electronics, embedded systems, control and autonomous technologies, you'll develop transferable skills in engineering design, testing, systems integration and problem-solving that are valued throughout the engineering sector.
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
112 - 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.
Applicants should have:
- GCSE English Language and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent
- At least one STEM subject at Level 3, such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics or
Electronics.
Applicants will be considered individually, taking account of their qualifications, subject
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 systems are becoming increasingly complex, combining electronics, software, communications, control and autonomous technologies. This course gives you the engineering knowledge and practical experience to understand how these technologies work together as integrated systems. You’ll develop your skills through practical learning and project work, applying engineering principles to realistic defence challenges while developing the problem-solving and systems-thinking skills valued across the engineering sector.
A Defence Systems Engineering degree prepares you for engineering careers in defence, aerospace, security, critical infrastructure and advanced technology. Graduates can work in areas such as systems engineering, electronics, embedded systems, robotics, autonomous systems, software engineering and systems integration. The broad engineering skills developed on the course can also be applied to roles outside the defence sector.
Defence Systems Engineering applies engineering principles to the design, development and integration of complex systems used in defence and security. It brings together hardware and software to create systems that can sense, communicate, process information and respond to changing conditions. On this course, you’ll explore how different engineering disciplines work together to create reliable and effective systems for challenging real-world environments.
No. You do not need previous military experience or a background in the armed forces to study this degree. The course focuses on engineering and technology, with defence providing an important context for applying your knowledge. The skills you develop can also lead to opportunities across the wider engineering and technology sectors.
The two courses share a focus on the technologies used in modern defence, but they have different areas of emphasis. has a broader computing and technology focus, while Defence Systems Engineering places greater emphasis on engineering the physical and cyber-physical systems that support defence applications. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of how hardware, electronics, embedded computing, control and autonomous technologies can be designed and integrated into complex systems.
Fees & funding
September
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
- Engineering and technical reports
- Design documentation
- Programming assignments
- Laboratory assessments
- Practical engineering tasks
- Computer-based tests
- Mathematical and engineering problem-solving exercises
- Systems design and integration projects
- Group engineering projects
- Individual defence systems projects
- Technical presentations
- System demonstrations
- Case studies
- Simulation and modelling exercises
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
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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