Skip to main content

Undergraduate Study

BEng Systems Engineering - 2025 entry

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code H117
Duration 3 years
Entry year 2025
Campus Penryn Campus
Discipline Engineering
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 724061

Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A-Level: AAB-ABB
IB: 34/665-32/655
BTEC: DDD-DDM 

Contextual offers

A-Level: BBB-BBC
IB: 30/555-28/544
BTEC: DDM-DMM

Overview

  • The BEng Systems Engineering course will equip you with a broad understanding of design, integration and management of complex systems, blending core engineering principles with essential team-working and project management skills.
  • An interdisciplinary course, you’ll learn how to apply systems thinking to industry challenges.
  • Gain practical experience with hands-on projects every year, designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, so you graduate prepared for a successful career in the field.
  • Enhance your professional engineering skills and gain invaluable workplace experience through an optional work placement, giving you a competitive edge in your career.

View 2024 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open days and visiting us

How to apply

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Top 10 icon

Top 10 in the UK for General Engineering

10th in the Complete University Guide 2025 and 8th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Spanners icon

Hands-on course with an emphasis on practical project work

Medal with star on icon

92% of our Engineering research is internationally excellent

Based on research rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021

Biofuel icon

Expertise in energy policy, marine renewables, biofuels, electrical power and networks, wind, photo-voltaic and thermal technologies

Top 10 icon

Top 10 in the UK for General Engineering

10th in the Complete University Guide 2025 and 8th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Spanners icon

Hands-on course with an emphasis on practical project work

Medal with star on icon

92% of our Engineering research is internationally excellent

Based on research rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021

Biofuel icon

Expertise in energy policy, marine renewables, biofuels, electrical power and networks, wind, photo-voltaic and thermal technologies

Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level AAB - ABB GCE A-Level Maths grade B and another science* subject at grade B. Candidates may offer GCE A-Level Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths.
IB 34/665-32/655 HL5 in Mathematics (Analysis and approaches or Applications and interpretations) and HL5 in another Science subject. Applicants achieving IB Maths SL7 plus IB HL5 in Physics will also be considered.
BTEC DDD-DDM See below under 'read more' for further information
GCSE 4 or C Grade 4/C in GCSE English language
Access to HE 30 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade - 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. 12 L3 Credits at Merit Grade in Mathematics and 12 L3 Credits at Merit Grade in an acceptable Science subject area.
T-Level Distinction T-level in Design and Development for Engineering & Manufacturing only. GCE A-Level Maths is still required.
Contextual Offer

A-Level: BBB-BBC
IB: 30/555-28/544
BTEC: DDM-DMM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

*Accepted GCE A-Level/AS science subjects include: Biology/Human Biology**; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Statistics.

**If more than one of these is taken they would only count as one 'science' but could count as two A-Levels towards our general requirements.

BTEC Extended Diploma

Applicants studying one of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without a GCE A-Level science subject (GCE A-Level Maths is still required): Applied Science, Aeronautical Engineering, Building Services Engineering Construction and the Built Environment, Civil Engineering, Operations and Maintenance Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Sustainability.

For any questions relating to entry requirements please contact the team via our online form or 01392 724061.

Read more

Course content

In your first year, you'll gain a comprehensive foundation in core engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electronic and materials engineering. As you progress through your degree, your modules will become more specialised, with a focus on systems engineering.

You will be equipped with the skills to design, integrate and manage complex systems across a range of industries. The course combines core engineering principles with the development of key team-working and project management skills, along with the interdisciplinary application of systems integration and risk management.

You will learn to apply systems thinking to real-world industry problems and gain practical experience through challenge projects in each year of the programme. Opportunities for industry placements will allow you to develop as an engineer in a professional environment and put your theoretical knowledge into practice, ensuring you graduate with the skillset employers are looking for.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. 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.

120 credits of compulsory modules.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
ENE1DCX12 Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing 30
ENE1DCX13 Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project 30
ENE1DCX14 Entrepreneurship 1 15
ENE1DCX15 Fundamentals of Mechanics 15
ENE1DCX16 Fundamentals of Materials 15
ENE1DCX17 Fundamentals of Electronics 15

105 credits of compulsory modules, 15 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
ENE2DCX23 Energy Management and Building Systems 15
ENE2DCX20 Systems Engineering Challenge Project 15
ENE2DCX21 Engineering Systems 15
ENE2DCX24 Renewable Energy Systems 15
ENE2DCX25 Industry 4.0 15
ENE2003 Electrical Energy Conversion and Transport 15
ECM2906 Data, Signals and Systems 15

Optional modules

CodeModule Credits
ENE2006 Applied Thermodynamics 15
ENE2007 Fluids Mechanics 15

90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
ENE3DCX27 Systems Modelling and Control 15
ENE3DCX30 Systems Challenge Project 15
ENE3DCX28 Risk, Reliability Systems and Safety Management 15
ENE3002 Network Engineering, Monitoring and Management 15
ENE3DCX71 Undergraduate Dissertation Project 30

Optional modules

CodeModule Credits
ENE3003 Marine Renewable Energy 15
ENE3005 Wind Energy 15
ENE3008 Work Placement Report 15
ENE3009 Solar Power 15
ENE3010 Sustainable Architecture 15

Fees

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £30,900 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Learning and teaching

You’ll typically have between 15 and 32 hours of direct contact time per week with academics and you will be expected to supplement your lectures with independent study. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time.

In addition to lectures, you’ll also have access to our workshops and laboratories where you’ll be trained to use specialist equipment, supporting and developing what you’ve learnt in the classroom and putting it into practice.

A research and practice led culture

All our academic staff are internationally recognised scientists working across a wide range of topics. Your course will draw on the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in the field. You’ll be able to participate directly with current research at various stages throughout your degree. Student projects are often linked to our research activities and may involve working with industrial partners.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment through small practical exercises, project work, essay writing, presentations and exams. You must pass your first year assessment in order to progress to the second year, but the results do not count towards your degree classification.

Project work is a core element of this degree, providing invaluable experience of problem-solving, engineering design and team working.

Expand text

Your future

Systems engineering is an increasingly important field, driven by the complex challenges facing society. Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared to apply your systems thinking to real-world problems and to leverage your expertise in systems integration, risk management and interdisciplinary engineering.

These skills are highly sought by employers and will open doors to careers in diverse sectors, including aerospace, automotive, energy, telecommunications and manufacturing. You may find roles in systems design and development, project management and consultancy, among others.

Career support

As a University of Exeter student, you will also have access to the Career Zone, providing invaluable support and tailored guidance to help you prepare for your career after university.

Expand text