About this course
Master modern approaches to designing and building computer systems in this 4-year Computer Engineering masters degree. You can also opt take a year in industry to apply the knowledge you gain in the design and building of complex computer systems.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- design and implement a fully working CPU from the ground up, then use it to run programs compiled using a normal compiler
- develop your skills in designing, performing and analysing experiment results through practice
- gain an expert understanding of computer hardware, allowing you to choose between software and hardware implementations
- understand how to select and implement appropriate algorithms, architectures and design processes for meeting performance targets and power constraints
- incorporate ethics, security, performance, efficiency and robustness across computer engineering design and delivery
As you engage in project work, you'll gain valuable skills in teamwork, project planning, time management and presentation. This could even involve working together to create a combined hardware and software robotic system and collaborating with AI students to give it intelligence.
Taking this 4-year course gives you the opportunity to choose more modules in areas such as parallel programming and advanced computer architecture.
Year in industry
Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial studies placement year.
Apply using:
- course name: Computer Engineering with Industrial Studies
- UCAS code: I802
You'll spend this extra year at one of our partner companies, applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.
The fee is 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202526
A-levels
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A).
A-levels additional information
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 points overall, with 19 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation)
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics.
D*D in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from 2 A-levels including mathematics.
D*D in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted for this course. Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2, to include mathematics and applied mathematics
Irish certificate additional information
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D2, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A* or grade D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A. Applicants who have not studied the required Principal subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Welsh Baccalaureate
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) or A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A), and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
A Distinction* overall, with A* in Core and Distinction in the Occupational Specialism, and grade A in A-level Mathematics.
The following T levels are accepted:
- Digital Business Services
- Digital Support Services
- Science
- Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
- Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
The following Occupational Specialisms are required:
- For the T level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing: either "Electrical and electronic engineering” or "Control and instrumentation engineering".
- For the T level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing: either "Maintenance engineering technologies: Electrical and Electronic" or "Maintenance engineering technologies: Mechatronic" or "Maintenance engineering technologies: Control and Instrumentation" or "Light and Electric Vehicles".
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
For Academic year 202627
A-levels
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A).
A-levels additional information
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme as follows:
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 points overall, with 19 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation)
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics.
D*D in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC National Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied mathematics at A-level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from 2 A-levels including mathematics.
D*D in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics or DD in the BTEC Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted for this course. Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2, to include mathematics and applied mathematics
Irish certificate additional information
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D2, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-Us can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A)
or
A*A from two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
A Distinction* overall, with A* in Core and Distinction in the Occupational Specialism, and grade A in A-level Mathematics.
The following T levels are accepted:
- Digital Business Services
- Digital Support Services
- Science
- Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
- Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
The following Occupational Specialisms are required:
- For the T level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing: either "Electrical and electronic engineering” or "Control and instrumentation engineering".
- For the T level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing: either "Maintenance engineering technologies: Electrical and Electronic" or "Maintenance engineering technologies: Mechatronic" or "Maintenance engineering technologies: Control and Instrumentation" or "Light and Electric Vehicles".
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
Years 1 and 2 of the computer engineering master's contain core modules. You will learn the skills required for all software and digital hardware engineers.
In year 3 you study 2 compulsory modules and choose from a range of optional modules to specialise in areas that interest you the most. Our optional modules are based on our academics' research in areas such as parallel programming and advanced computer architecture.
In your final year you complete a group design project, as well as choose from a range of optional modules.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
AICE Lab Programme Year 1
This module is the lab programme for all first-year students enrolled on an AICE degree programme. A range of lab activities which tie into each of the first year modules are provided. It aims to give students the opportunity to apply the theory that they...
Algorithms and Analysis
Algorithms and Analytics provides an introduction to core data structures and algorithms as well as the analytical tools to understand their performance. It covers the usage of algorithms for problem solving, their implementations in different programmin...
Data Analytics
Working with data of various forms is a crucial skill for all engineers and scientists. This module introduces students to working with, analysing and processing various different forms of data. The module focusses on ensuring students have a thorough gra...
Digital Computer Systems
Ethics and Security of Computing
High-Level Programming
Low-Level Programming
Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence and Computer Engineering (I)
This module provides students with some fundamental mathematical concepts relevant to applications in AI and CE. The focus will be on applying mathematical proofs to solve computer science problems as well as introducing basic concepts and techniques in l...
Mathematics for Artificial Intelligence and Computer Engineering (II)
This module provides students with fundamental mathematical concepts relevant to applications in AI and CE. The focus will be on probability, statistical inference, combinatorics, optimization techniques, calculus – partial derivatives and ordinary differ...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
AI and CE Interdisciplinary Group Project
Code Transformation
Computer Architecture
Electronics
Digital electronics under-pins all current computation and networked systems. This module introduces some of the fundamental analogue electronic principles and ideas that digital logic is built on, then moves on to digital abstractions for designing circu...
Parallel and Distributed Computing
Scientific Computing
Scientific computing is concerned with numerical representations and algorithms for solving problems that can be implemented as computer programs. This module gives an overview of the field of scientific and numerical computing. The module covers the most...
Signals and Control
Systematic Design
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
Advanced Computer Architecture
This module covers the development of modern computer architectures for servers, workstations, hand-held devices, signal processing and embedded systems from the introduction of the four-stage RISC pipeline to the present day.
Part III Individual Project Phase 1
The Part Three Individual Project gives students the opportunity to gain both detailed knowledge and practical experience in a more focussed area than generally possible elsewhere in their degree programme. Most projects are in the nature of a challenging...
Part III Individual Project Phase 2
The Part III Individual Project gives students the opportunity to gain both detailed knowledge and practical experience in a more focussed area than generally possible elsewhere in their degree programme. Most projects are in the nature of a challenging e...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Advanced Computer Networks
This module is designed to be a follow-up module to the computer Science or ITO second year introductory networking module. The wireless networking part reviews wireless technologies and their application in areas such as IoT and sensor networks. The mod...
Advanced Databases
This module builds on the first year Data Management module to give students a deeper and broader view of the issues involved in database management systems, some of the most complex software in common use.
Causal Reasoning and Machine Learning
Computational Biology
Modern biology poses many challenging problems for the computer scientists. Rapid growth in instrumentation, and our ability to archive and distribute vast amounts of data, has significantly changed the way we attempt to understand cellular function, and ...
Computer Vision
The challenge of computer vision is to develop a computer based system with the capabilities of the human eye-brain system. It is therefore primarily concerned with the problem of capturing and making sense of digital images. The field draws heavily on ma...
Control System Design
Digital Control System Design
The topics considered are: z transforms, sampling and reconstruction, discretisation, elements of realisation theory, controller design via pole placement, observers, optimal control design.
Embedded Networked Systems
With rapid popularity and advancements in technologies like the internet-of-things (IoT) and network-on-chip (NoC), the ability to connect and network embedded devices is becoming ever more commonplace, and a feature of most electronic devices. This modul...
Foundations of Machine Learning
Machine Learning is about extracting useful information from large and complex datasets. The subject is a rich mixture of concepts from function analysis, statistical modelling and computational techniques. The module will cover the fundamental principles...
Green Electronics
This module covers recent developments in electronic devices that reduce energy consumption, generate power, or advance the distribution of power. Together these devices are playing an essential role in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. The modu...
High Performance Computing
Machine Learning Technologies
Machine Learning is about extracting useful information from large and complex datasets. The module will cover the practical basis of how learning algorithms are can be applied. You will gain hands-on experience in laboratory-bases sessions. Exclusions...
Natural Language Processing
This module gives students an introduction to natural language processing (NLP) algorithms and an understanding of how to implement NLP applications.
Parallel Programming
Real-Time Computing and Embedded Systems
This module gives a broad introduction to development of real-time and embedded systems
Robotic Systems
Robots are becoming more widely used in society, with applications ranging from agriculture through to manufacturing, with increasing interest in autonomous systems. This module will introduce students to the fundamentals of robotic systems including k...
Security of Cyber Physical Systems
The course requires to understand C code, assembly language, x86 architectures and memory allocation (a refresher will be provided).
Year 4 modules
You must study the following modules in year 4:
Group Design Project
This module provides an introduction to intensive group project work in collaboration with an industrial or academic customer. Students work in groups of at least four people on a project typically based on an idea from an industrial partner, or from an a...
Industrial Studies
This Industrial Studies module is part of our MEng programmes with “Industrial Studies” in the title, and allows students to go on to a one-year placement in industry in Part III of their programme. Students are normally expected start their placement...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
Algorithmic Game Theory
This module: - Introduces the students to the key issues of interaction of multiple self-interested parties (a.k.a. agents) and gives a broad survey of topics at the interface of theoretical computer science and game theory dealing with such interactions...
Applied Control Systems
This module will introduce the student to key topics within control and signal processing, developing understanding through a combination of theoretical content and practical application. The theoretical content is focussed in a number of key themes wi...
Automated Software Verification
This module aims to train students in both the principles and the practice of software verification. A range of verification approaches, including both testing and formal verification, will be covered. The use of logic as a specification language for prog...
Bayesian, Active & Reinforcement Learning
Biologically Inspired Robotics
This module lies at the intersection of robotics and biology. Through the abstraction of design principles from biological systems, it is possible to develop a range of core competences, including mechatronic systems, sensor and actuator technologies. By ...
Cryptography
This module covers the mathematics, techniques, and applications of modern cryptography. We will look at the history of code making and code breaking, and draw lessons for the future from the mistakes and successes of the past. We will also give a gentle ...
Data Mining
The challenge of data mining is to transform raw data into useful information and actionable knowledge. Data mining is the computational process of discovering patterns in data sets involving methods at the intersection of artificial intelligence, machine...
Data Visualisation
Welcome to the Data Visualisation module! In this course, you would learn about the terminology, concepts and techniques behind visualising data, and will get to use a range of tools to get experience of creating visual representations of data. You will g...
Differentiable Programming and Deep Learning
Deep learning and differentiable programming has revolutionised numerous fields in recent years. We've witnessed improvements in everything from computer vision through speech analysis to natural language processing as a result of the advent of cheap GPGP...
Digital Systems Synthesis
Describe the design of complex digital systems using a (SystemVerilog and SystemC based) behavioural synthesis approach. Provide understanding of the algorithms which underpin behavioural synthesis including scheduling, allocation and binding. Gain ...
Evolution of Complexity
Evolution by natural selection has created amazingly complex and sophisticated solutions to some very difficult problems - how exactly does it achieve this, and how can we harness this capability for engineering artificial systems and computational proble...
Individual Research Project
The Individual Research Project is a 7.5 ECTS credit masters level module undertaken by independent study that allows students to demonstrate mastery of an advanced aspect of their discipline, including critical evaluation of current research and research...
IoT Networks
Computer networking is a core technology of the internet of things; without it, ‘things’ would be unable to communicate with each other or report data. This module is concerned with how IoT device network with each other, from the structure and purpose of...
Knowledge Graphs for AI Systems
The last decade and a half have seen the Web move away from a purely document-centric information system to one in which hypertext techniques are applied to the sort of data found in databases; the term “Semantic Web” is used to refer to this Web of linke...
Secure Hardware and Embedded Devices
This course covers security and trust of hardware and embedded devices, with a particular focus on the emerging security challenges facing the internet of things technology. It includes the following topics: vulnerabilities in current digital system desig...
Simulation Modelling for Computer Science
Simulation modelling plays an increasingly significant role across modern science and engineering, with the development of computational models becoming established practice in industry, consulting, and policy formulation. Computer scientists are often em...
Software Modelling Tools and Techniques for Critical Systems
This modules aims to provide practical skills in how to approach the modelling and design of a large critical software project. The module covers modelling techniques from requirements analysis to design and introduces a range of tools and approaches. In ...
Software Project Management and Secure Development
This module prepares students to develop an understanding of the critical issues and application of software project management. It introduces the students to the tools, techniques and body of knowledge involved in each stage of the project management lif...
VLSI Design Project
Design hierarchical modules using a layout editor. Demonstrate project management and time management skills including working to deadlines and planning your work beyond the next deadline. Communicate your work accurately and concisely through writt...
VLSI Systems Design
This modules provides an understanding of the design and layout of digital VLSI circuits and systems through laboratories and design exercises making use of appropriate CAD tools.
Wireless Networks
This course is intended to give students an outline of how wireless communication and computer networks work "above the physical layer". This includes the interoperability of wireless networks such as WiMax/GPRS and WiFi to provide WiFi on trains etc. How...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
David Thomas is the course leader.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Commercial awareness
- Self-management
- Confidence
- Leadership
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- Networking
- EDI leadership
- Adaptability
- Problem solving
- Resilience
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Information and Communication,
Manufacturing,
Education,
Finance and Insurance,
Public Administration and Defence,
Scientific and Technical.
- Systems engineer
- Communications design engineer
- Research engineer
- Electronic engineer
- Software engineer
- Hardware engineer
- Network engineer
- Systems architect
- Cloud engineer
- Software developer
- Data scientist
- IT project manager
- University lecturer
- Patent attorney
- IT consultant
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Data analyst
- Site reliability engineer
- Software analyst
- Software development engineer
- Technology consultant
Job prospects for MEng Computer Engineering graduates
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,535.
- EU and international students pay £29,400.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
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Computer Engineering (MEng) is a course in the Computer science and software engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:
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- British Black Lives Matter: The emergence of a modern civil rights movement
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- Building-resolved large-eddy simulations of wind and dispersion over a city scale urban area
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Artificial Intelligence
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Computer Science
Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence
