Computer EngineeringBSc

Study with us and you’ll learn how to invent, implement and manage computer-based systems. From data structures and algorithms to operating systems and the internet of things, you’ll be able to choose from roles in a huge range of sectors. 

Course structure

Gain strong theoretical and practical skills in Engineering and Computing with our degree programme at Birmingham. You'll collaborate with academics who are global experts in their field, preparing you for a fascinating career in industry.

You’ll build creative, technical, analytical and decision-making skills. Study in our state-of-the-art building with a Design Centre and the Makerspace practical facility.

With our Integrated Design Projects, you can work alongside mechanical and civil engineers to invent, design and manage technologies and their applications.

You’ll graduate with interdisciplinary experience ready to tackle engineering challenges in a variety of careers.

• Benefit from a programme developed by industry and research leaders
• Collect interdisciplinary experience and prepare for a varied and exciting career
• Get strong theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing you for industry

• Lectures are a core component of higher education teaching, and at Birmingham you can expect to spend lots of time in the lectures. Our Panopto lecture capture system records the live sessions as they are taking place, enabling you to look back on the content to review difficult concepts, or to refresh your memory in the revision period
• Small-group teaching in the form of tutorial classes enables us to work with you directly on a more 1:1 basis, helping you to identify areas where you're having difficulty, and supporting you by teaching in a way that makes sense to you
• Gain valuable experience by engaging in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills
• Develop critical, technical and analytical skills and familiarise yourself with specialised equipment and techniques through laboratory work

You'll study in our state-of-the-art School of Engineering building featuring a Design Centre, drop-in study spaces and a Makerspace facilitating modern flexible learning.

We also have our own Welfare Tutor/Wellbeing Officer who is able to provide practical and emotional support if you are experiencing personal problems that interfere with your academic work.

Assessment

You'll receive plenty of feedback to help you progress, ranging from written feedback on your assessments to class feedback sessions and discussions with your tutor. The feedback will highlight the positives of your work as well as any areas that need more attention.

You'll be assigned a personal tutor who'll remain with you throughout your studies to help you in three important areas: supporting your academic progress, developing transferable skills and dealing with any welfare issues.

You'll also need to undertake a considerable amount of self study. It's an essential part of the programme, which requires self motivation and enthusiasm for your subject. It also allows you to pursue your own lines of enquiry and become an independent thinker.

In your first two years, you'll study seven core modules for a total of 120 credits each year.
During your final year, you'll undertake four core modules (80 credits) and 40 credits of optional modules.
You'll have the opportunity to tailor your study towards your interests through individual projects. 

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A-levels required: 3.

Required subjects and grades: A level Mathematics.
If you have an alternative qualification to A-level mathematics the Admissions Tutor may wish to assess your mathematical ability during the application process. This will be via a Mathematics Aptitude test.
General Studies not normally accepted as one of the three A levels, but a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of an offer marginally.

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma will be considered for BEng programmes providing there is sufficient Mathematics content and applicant satisfactorily completes our Mathematics Aptitude test.
Grades: BEng; D*D*D* plus Distinction in mathematics and further mathematics, and you must successfully complete our mathematics aptitude test at required level.

BTEC Diploma considered in combination with A-levels.
Grades: BEng; D*D* plus B. If the A-level taken is not in Mathematics, then the BTEC Diploma must include Maths and Further Maths units, and you must successfully complete our mathematics aptitude test at the required level.

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma considered in combination with 2 A-levels.
Grades: BEng; D*plus A B. If A level Mathematics is not taken, then the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma must include Maths and Further Maths units, and you must successfully complete our mathematics aptitude test at the required level.

Foundation Year

Would you like to study this course but lack the entry qualifications? You can consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses. Learn more:

• UK students (not eligible if studying A-level Mathematics)
• international students

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
• IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
• Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
• Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
• Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill

Presessional English courses

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students.  If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay.  If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

Course scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships which are exclusive to our programmes.

Apply

The UCAS code for this course is HH64.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

A placement in industry might also give you that extra push, giving you the opportunity to build skills and confidence in the workplace.

The School of Engineering Employability Network (SEEN), led by our Industrial Liaison Officer, will provide you with advice and skills training you'll need for career support, or for a potential placement.

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.