Program Overview

---

Computer Engineering (with Year in Industry) MEng

Overview

Computer Engineering is a dynamic and collaborative degree programme; combining academic thought with practical application. Computer Engineers make the impossible possible. They challenge conventional processes and look beyond what exists towards what comes next.

From everyday systems, like games consoles and mobile phones to advanced systems for surveillance and medical devices, the modern world is made possible by the devices you will be taught to understand and develop during the Computer Engineering undergraduate programme. Additionally, Computer Engineering is one of the few research-led degrees in Queen’s which includes the design of both electronic hardware and software. As a CE graduate you can not only design the physical hardware but also write the software to run it.

Through our diverse network of industry links you begin learning from prospective employers from day one. Industry placements, company-sponsored hackathons and project challenges are a core part of the curriculum and vastly improve our graduate employability rates.

Course Highlights

• World Class Facilities
• Career Development
• Industry Links
• Further Study Opportunities
• Student Experience

Course Structure

• Introduction
• Stage 1
• Stage 2
• Stage 3 (Placement Year)
• Stage 4
• Stage 5

Stage 1

• Embedded Systems
• Mathematics
• Analogue & Digital Electronics
• Computer Architecture
• Procedural & Object-Oriented Programming

Stage 2

• Embedded Systems 2
• Professional Engineering Practice
• Data Structures & Algorithms
• Mathematics
• Electric Circuits
• Digital Electronics
• Signals & Systems
• Control
• Communications Systems
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cyber-security

Stage 3 (Placement Year)

• Sandwich - Year of Professional Experience

Stage 4

• Engineering Entrepreneurship
• Advanced Electronics
• Networks & Communication Protocols
• Control Systems Engineering
• Signal Processing
• Communications Systems Engineering
• Connected Health
• Concurrent Programming
• Machine Learning
• Data Analysis
• Cyber-Security

Stage 5

• Individual Technical Project
• Algorithms
• High-Performance Computing
• Machine Learning
• Wireless Communications Systems
• Intelligent Systems
• Cyber-Physical Systems
• Wireless Sensor Systems
• Custom Computer Engineering

People Teaching You

• EEECS

Contact Teaching Hours

• Large Group Teaching: 9 hours of lectures
• Personal Study: 22-24 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities etc
• Medium Group Teaching: 6 hours of practical classes, workshops or seminars each week

Learning and Teaching

• The School has a world class reputation for research and provides excellent facilities, including access to major new research centres in Secure Information Technologies, Electronics, Communications and Information Technology and Sonic Arts.
• A number of modules on the course are closely linked to the research expertise of these centres and evolve and change rapidly to reflect some of the current, emerging and exciting developments in the field.
• At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
• The MEng in Computer Engineering provides a range of learning experiences which enable students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.
• Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:
  • E-Learning technologies
  • Lectures
  • Personal Tutor
  • Practicals
  • Self-directed study
  • Seminars/tutorials
  • Supervised projects
  • Work placements

Assessment

• The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module.
• Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations.
• Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback

• As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers.
• University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work.
• Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including: that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted
  • Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work
  • Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query
  • Placement employer comments or references
  • Online or emailed comment
  • General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
  • Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
  • Feedback and outcomes from practical classes
  • Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
  • Once you have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Entrance Requirements

A level requirements

• AAA including Mathematics and and at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Digital Technology, Electronics, Further Mathematics, Geography, ICT [not Applied ICT], Physics, Software Systems Development or Technology and Design.
• A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level.

Irish leaving certificate requirements

• H2H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H2 in Mathematics and a Science subject (see list under A-level requirements)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 36 points overall, including 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and a relevant Science

Graduate

• A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirement is also met

Note

• All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Further information

• Applicants for the MEng degree will automatically be considered for admission to the BEng degree if they are not eligible for entry to the MEng degree both at initial offer making stage and when results are received.
• Transfers between BEng and MEng may be possible at the end of Stage 2.

How we choose our students

• Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
• Once your application has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.
• Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.
• Applicants offering A-level/BTEC Level 3 qualifications must have, or be able to achieve, a minimum of six GCSE passes at grade B/6 or better to include Mathematics (minimum grade C/4 required in GCSE English Language). However, this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places.
• Selectors will also check that any specific entry requirements in terms of A-level subjects can be fulfilled.
• Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Applicants repeating A-levels require BBC at the first attempt. Candidates are not normally asked to attend for interview.

International Students

• Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region.
• Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) £4,855
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) £4,855
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) £9,535
• EU Other £25,300
• International £25,300

Additional course costs

• Students may wish to become a student member of BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT - at an annual cost of £20, or £30 for four years (subject to change).
• Students undertake a placement in year 3 and are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement. Students may receive payment from their placement provider during their placement year.

Career Prospects

• Graduates in both software and electronics are extremely sought-after locally, nationally and internationally.
• There are excellent, well-paid career prospects across a wide spectrum: design, research, development, production, marketing and sales in employment areas such as avionics and space, telecommunications and broadcasting, connected health and medical electronics, consumer electronics and gaming, computing and software, embedded systems, smart networks and electronic security.

What employers say

• We are highly committed to the renewal of engineering talent in Northern Ireland and through our engagement with QUB we have had the opportunity to engage with the highest calibre of students. Our talent pool is predominantly sourced from the Electrical and Electronic Engineering programme with recent graduates able to apply their university learning to practical, real-life projects from the outset, bringing a new level of skills to our workforce.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

• In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills.
• For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more.
• So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall.
• We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award.
• It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

How to Apply

• Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
• Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at:
• When to Apply
• UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.
• The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.
• Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2025) subject to the availability of places.
• If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.
• Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2025.
• If you apply for 2025 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Terms and Conditions

• The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
• Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

• Applying through UCAS
• Applying direct
• Applying through agents and partners

Course Vacancy Status

• Student Type
• Places available?

Take a Virtual Tour of Campus

• Explore our immersive 360 degree tours of campus buildings, facilities, accommodation and Belfast city.

Undergraduate Events

• Join us for an insight into life at Queen's and advice on your journey to university.

Your Future Career

• Queen's is ranked 8th in the UK for Graduate Prospects – On Track (Complete University Guide 2025)

Student Accommodation

• The most affordable, purpose-built student accommodation in Belfast.

Modules

• Fundamentals of Electric Circuits
• Signals and Communications
• Digital Systems
• Object Oriented Programming
• Embedded Systems
• Mathematics 1
• Employability Skills and Placement Preparation
• Embedded Systems 2
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Mathematics
• Communications
• Electronics and Circuits
• Digital Systems
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Systems Security and Cryptography
• Signals and Control
• Sandwich - Year of Professional Experience
• Engineering Entrepreneurship
• Malware Analysis
• Advanced Electronics
• Deep Learning
• Video Analytics and Machine Learning
• Control Systems Engineering
• Connected Health
• Networks and Communications Protocols
• Signal Processing and Communications
• Concurrent Programming
• Project 4
• Robotics and Intelligent Systems
• Fairness, Interpretability and Privacy in Machine Learning
• Parallel and Distributed Computing
• Control methods for Cyber-Physical Systems
• Advanced Computer Engineering
• Algorithms: Analysis and Application
• Wireless Communications
• Wireless Sensor Systems