| UCAS code | H117 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Discipline | Engineering |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB-ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB-BBC |
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.
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
Hands-on course with an emphasis on practical project work
92% of our Engineering research is internationally excellent
Based on research rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021
Expertise in energy policy, marine renewables, biofuels, electrical power and networks, wind, photo-voltaic and thermal technologies
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
Hands-on course with an emphasis on practical project work
92% of our Engineering research is internationally excellent
Based on research rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021
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 |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| 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.
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
| Code | Module | 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
| Code | Module | 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
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENE2006 | Applied Thermodynamics | 15 |
| ENE2007 | Fluids Mechanics | 15 |
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | 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
| Code | Module | 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.
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.
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.
