Course Overview
Course summary
Our degree courses with foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster. Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our foundation year in order to progress onto their full honours degree with us.
The foundation year is designed to give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within your chosen field. During the foundation year you will explore a range of creative disciplines and get a chance to develop in your chosen field, benefiting from workshops in our high end facilities and working with leading academics who will encourage you to become a confident and creative thinker. Core modules accelerate your academic and professional development and you will also take modules within your chosen field, giving you the chance to develop a cross-disciplinary perspective on your course.
On successful completion of the foundation year, you'll be able to progress onto the Software Engineering with Electronics BEng Honours where you'll study for a further three years.
Our new Software Engineering with Electronics BEng is designed for students who wish to enter the world of computer systems engineering, where a mix of hardware and software skills is highly advantageous in today’s job market.
The course will teach the physical realities and use of real-world electronic components, interfaces and systems in addition to developing the core skills required to write efficient secure code for machines and devices.
Jobs traditionally associated with software engineering or electronic engineering have changed significantly due to a number of reasons, including the increasing universal use of smart digital technologies. Today, engineers that can develop novel solutions using both software and hardware technologies are increasingly in demand across all industries. Successful completion of our course will allow you to do just this!
Our Software Engineering with Electronics BEng is focused on the implementation and programming of the underlying hardware and system layer that all computer systems run on, whether they are an Internet of Things (IoT) smart sensing device, an autonomous robot, a gaming system, a smart home hub or a medical imaging machine.
Through the course, you’ll develop and put into practice essential practical and theoretical hardware engineering know-how in addition to supporting software skills. With these skills and knowledge, you’ll be able to develop intelligent products that will sense and monitor properties of the real-world, develop sustainable engineering solutions or control hardware in a safe, sustainable, timely and power efficient manner.
Our practical Software Engineering and Electronics BEng will provide you with hands-on activities, including laboratory skill development sessions and work-based industry-inspired design projects.
Top reasons to study with us
- Choose your own path – Our flexible course allows you to focus your study to your interests, while still getting a broad education in both computing systems engineering and computer science. For Example, you can choose to specialise in robotics, deepen your understanding in digital electronics or broaden your software engineering know-how
- Get real-life work experience – Enhance your employability and put your skills into practice by completing a year in industry and participating in the many project-based learning modules during the course
- Excellent career prospects – Career prospects for students with coding and hardware engineering skills are excellent, potential graduate roles include robotics engineer, development engineer, systems engineer, software engineer or Internet of Things development engineer
- Path to becoming a professional engineer – Successful completion of this course will enable you to progress your journey towards becoming a proactive member of the professional engineering community
Course structure
In addition to the main specialism, you’ll study from a pool of optional modules, which will be in the broader subject area of computer science including server-side programming, android application development, machine learning, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) development.
Subjects of study include:
- Computer Systems and Networks
- Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
- Foundation Mathematics
- Information Systems and Data Representation
- Introduction to Academic Practice
- Programming
Credit Level 3
Subjects of study include:
- Applied Mathematics
- Computer Organisation and Digital Systems
- Microcontroller Project
- Principles and Fundamentals of Electronics
- Programming Methodology I
- Trends in Computer Science
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Algorithms: Theory, Design and Implementation
- Embedded Systems Project (WBL)
- Object Oriented Programming (C++)
- Operating Systems
- Sensors and Signals
- Machine Learning and Data Mining
- Mobile Application Development
- Robotic Principles
- Server-Side Web Development
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Engineering with Honours - Software Engineering with Electronics with Industrial Experience.
Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Engineering with Honours - Software Engineering with Electronics with International Experience.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- Cyber Security
- Individual Project
- Real-Time Embedded Systems
- Applied AI
- Applied Robotics
- FPGA based System Design
- Internet of Things
- Operating Systems and Drivers
Credit Level 6
Programme recognition
The Software Engineering with Electronics BEng Honours is intended to fulfil the educational requirements of the British Computer Society (BCS) for the CITP (Chartered IT Professional) and partial CEng (Chartered Engineer). Due to the 5-year accreditation timeline, the course will be considered for the accreditation in 2027. The accreditation will be backdated to include the first intake from September 2023. On successful completion of this process your course will become accredited in 2027.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
We aim to develop highly adaptable graduates who have both the knowledge and the technical capabilities to solve real-world problems. On graduation, as well as having a solid foundation in computer systems engineering, you'll also have one or more specialisms that will open up career pathways during your early years as a computing professional.
Graduates from this course will be able to operate within the field of embedded systems engineering. This is the backbone and the facilitator of many trending, emerging and enabling technological areas including smart cities, autonomous vehicles, robotics, gaming, hybrid energy, wearables and medical electronics such as Fit-Bit.
Boost your employability
You'll get valuable work experience and increase your employability by completing a year in industry during the course.
Learn the fundamentals of computer systems engineering
Study the key topics in computer systems engineering, software engineering and development, while also exploring specialist computer science topics that interest you.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Industry links
Industry engagement is an essential part of the course as students will hear from industry speakers and receive mentorship from industry professionals as part of their group project work. Beyond the Year 2 Project, students will have many opportunities to engage with our industry partners and develop their employability skills through mentoring activities and other specialised workshop activities.
Our School has a well-established industry panel where industrial input is gathered on a regular basis and our Course Team have many personal industrial contacts in companies such as ARM holding Ltd, Cadence Design Systems and Entrust, which help inform course content.
You'll also have the possibility to meet some of our alumni in the many industrial events and seminars that will be taking place throughout your studies at the University.
Graduate employers
Graduates from similar courses in the School of Computer Science and Engineering have found employment at organisations including:
- BBC
- BT
- Cisco
- Ericsson
- Google Enterprise
- HP
- JVC Europe
- Mitsubishi
- Motorola
- Nokia
- Nortel
- Orange
- O2 Networks
- Panasonic
- Philips
- Quinix
- RAF
- Sony Semiconductor
Job roles
Career prospects for computer systems engineering graduates are excellent and typical career routes include:
- Robotics engineer – responsible for the design, building and testing of machines that will automate industries such as manufacturing, aerospace and medicine
- Computer engineer – responsible for the testing and evaluation of software either for computer systems and/or machines that are different from traditional computers
- Firmware engineer – responsible for integration of hardware and software and conducting system tests using near final hardware and firmware solutions
- Systems engineer – responsible for monitoring the performance of systems, controlling a variety of processes and continually assessing all stages of operation to ensure that a problem is solved. Such engineers may work in virtually any industry
- Embedded systems engineer – responsible for coding, debugging, testing and writing documentation, work largely with hardware and software, and often need to develop or configure a custom based operating system unique to a given hardware platform
- Internet of Things developer - responsible for the development, management or monitoring of IoT devices and systems, typically involving custom solutions that combine three main components which are hardware, software and data
- Hardware engineer – responsible for the research, design, development and testing of computer systems and components such as circuit boards and processors
- Software engineer – responsible for the design, development, testing and evaluation of computer software solutions whilst applying core principles of software engineering
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leaders
Aspire to be an engineer and use your creativity to build devices for a better, smarter world of tomorrow.
Martin Giles
Senior Lecturer
Martin Giles received his BEng in Electronic Engineering in 1993 from the University of Westminster and an MSc in Digital Signal Processing in 1995. He then worked as a researcher in VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) and data converters. Martin has over 25 years’ experience in embedded systems, robotics, electronics, project learning, programming, digital signal processing (DSP), image processing and media systems.
He has been involved in industrial projects, training schemes and outreach programs including the development of training for Siemens and the BBC.
Martin is passionate about inspiring the next generation and has worked with schools and other external bodies to promote engineering as a career choice. In particular, he has developed and supported robotics clubs for young aspiring engineers.
More about meSee full profile of Martin GilesNoam Weingarten
Senior Lecturer
Noam Weingarten is a Senior Lecturer within the School of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Westminster. Noam is the Course Leader of the Foundation Level of all courses offered by the School, and teaches several modules.
He has been working at the University of Westminster since 2002 and is highly experienced at catering for the foundation level.
His research interests include cloud computing and the applications of such computing power such as bioinformatics.
More about meSee full profile of Noam Weingarten
Course Team
The course team have many years of experience in teaching all areas of computer systems engineering and its application areas. We have taught topics of electronics, robotics and have pioneered project-based learning methods for over 20 years. The course team pride themselves on being friendly and caring as we always make every effort possible to ensure that your journey through the University is as rewarding and pleasant as possible.
Many staff will be teaching you on the course, but the core staff will be:
Why study this course?
Study in London
Our central London location means that you'll be perfectly placed to take advantage of career and collaboration opportunities in the city.
Get career-ready
Our course will prepare you for graduate roles such as embedded systems engineer, robotics engineer, Internet of Things developer, firmware engineer, systems engineer, hardware engineer and software engineer.
Start your journey
Successful completion of this course will enable you to progress your journey towards becoming a proactive member of the professional engineering community.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels – DDE (64 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 64 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – MPP
- BTEC Diploma – MM
- Access – 64 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combinations of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring,
Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.
For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
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