Computer Engineering

Summary
Computer engineering is where hardware and software come together to power the systems we rely on every day. From processors to high-performance computing, it is about designing technology that is faster, smarter and more efficient.

On this integrated master’s course, you will develop a deep understanding of how complex computer systems are designed and built. You will explore both hardware and software, learning how they interact to create reliable and high-performing systems.

Building on the BEng, this MEng takes you further into advanced topics, giving you the opportunity to specialise and tackle more complex challenges. Your learning is shaped by world leading research, with options to explore areas such as high performance computing and control system design.

At Southampton, you will join a community known for creative, cutting edge thinking, preparing you for a career in a rapidly evolving and in-demand field.

Key features of the course
Go further with an integrated master’s. This MEng builds on the BEng, allowing you to deepen your knowledge and work on more advanced computing challenges.

Learn how hardware and software interact as you design and build complex computer systems, including developing CPUs and compilers from the ground up.

Build advanced expertise. Study specialist topics including CPU design and optimisation, developing a strong and detailed understanding of modern computer systems.

Shape your learning. Choose from optional modules inspired by world leading research in areas such as networking, chip design, and hardware accelerators.

Study in a leading environment. Access outstanding facilities designed to support modern computing and engineering, including the latest GPUs, high performance FPGAs, and a new electronics lab

Learn from experts. Your teaching is informed by academics working at the forefront of computer science and engineering.

Prepare for your future. Graduates are highly sought after for their ability to develop innovative, practical solutions using advanced technical skills.

Student support
Your Personal Academic Tutor will support you throughout your degree, offering guidance on your studies, career planning and personal development.

You will also have access to our Careers Hub, including an annual careers fair and opportunities to connect with employers. If you want to develop your own ideas, Future Worlds, our startup incubator, will support you to take them further.

Further information
Computer Science at Southampton has a strong reputation for innovation and technical excellence, and our graduates are in high demand across a wide range of industries.

This MEng degree will equip you with advanced knowledge and experience, helping you stand out in the field of computer engineering.

Course Modules

This four-year MEng programme will enable you to pursue a career in any area of the computer industry and has been designed to maximise student choice by allowing you to tailor the degree structure to suit your own interests.

During the first two years you will undertake a series of core modules, for example Algorithms and analysis; High- and Low-level Programming, Mathematics and Systematic design. In your second year, you will be taking the Interdisciplinary Group Project, to create a combined hardware + software robotic system, collaborating with AI students to give it intelligence. Also in your second year, you will be taking the Computer Architecture and Code Transformation modules; in this modules, students design and implement a full working CPU from the ground up, then use it to run programs compiled using their own compiler. In your third year you can choose from a wide range of optional modules that reflect the specialist areas of computer engineering and key technologies that will be critical in the future. The fourth year particularly emphasises engineering design, management and industrial collaboration.

A range of assessment methods are used on this programme to enable students to demonstrate their achievement of the intended learning outcomes. These include written examinations and assessments, in-class tests, design exercises, programming exercises, oral presentations, assessed laboratories and group work exercises.