Computer Science & Engineering - BEng / MEng (Hons) Degree

This degree can be studied as a three-year full-time degree (BEng) or a four-year degree that includes a foundation year, or as a four-year full-time degree (MEng) or a five-year degree that includes a foundation year. Our foundation year is intended to prepare you for your subsequent years of studying, offering you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence.

The foundation year will be relevant to:

1. Students who have not achieved the required A-level points (or equivalent) score to enter the first year of the degree programme.
2. Mature students who have been out of the formal education system for some time.

Find out more about the foundation year and fees.

Please note: You will need to apply using a specific UCAS code if you wish to undertake the 4- or 5-years including foundation.

The choice between BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) and an MEng (Master of Engineering) depends on your career goals, interest in further specialisation, and time commitment:

• BEng: A three-year degree identical to the first three years of the MEng course.
• MEng: A four-year integrated master’s degree, the highest undergraduate engineering qualification in the UK.

Year 1

Focuses on the foundational principles of engineering math, electronics, and core programming. You will begin to understand how software interacts with hardware at a fundamental level.

All modules are 20 credits, unless specified.

Modules:

• Analog and Digital Electronics 1
• Engineering Mathematics
• Principles of Programming
• Architectures and Operating Systems
• Computational Thinking
• Explore

Year 2

You will advance into more specialised areas such as physical computing, computer networks, AI, and object-oriented systems.

All modules are 20 credits, unless specified.

Modules:

• Analog and Digital Electronics 2
• Object-Oriented System Design
• Physical Computing
• Networks & Security
• Engineering Project Management
• Concepts in AI

Year 3

The final year of the BEng focuses on advanced systems integration and professional engineering practice. You will undertake a major individual project, applying your knowledge to a real-world engineering problem, alongside studying areas such as computational intelligence, Internet of Things, digital system design, and cyber security.

All modules are 20 credits, unless specified.

Modules:

• Professional Engineering Practical Project (40 credits)
• Computational Intelligence
• Internet of Things
• Digital System Design
• Cyber Security & Cryptography

Optional:

• Industrial Work Experience

Year 4 (MEng Route)

In your final year on the MEng route, you will develop advanced skills in designing and managing complex computing systems. You will work on a team-based engineering project, applying your knowledge to real-world challenges, while studying topics including cloud and edge computing, advanced digital systems, professional and ethical practice, and an optional module.

All modules are 20 credits, unless specified.

Modules:

• Team Development Project (40 credits)
• Cloud & Edge Computing
• Professional and Ethical Issues in Engineering
• Advanced Digital Systems

Optional (one module):

• The Internet of Things
• Advanced AI in Robotics
• Frontiers in Technology
• Sensors and Actuators
• Information Security
• Advanced Programming
• Vision with Deep Learning
• Algorithm Design & Analysis
• Emerging Mobile Applications
• Wireless Networks
• Programming for Data Analysis

A student-centred approach to learning and teaching is encouraged through a wide range of activities, including technical laboratories, individual and group projects, case studies and problem-solving exercises. Learning is further enriched through real-world case studies, guest lectures from industry professionals, and the use of Moodle and Microsoft Teams to support both on-campus and online learning experiences.

Due to the practical and interdisciplinary nature of the programme, both campus-based and online workshops play an important role in developing students’ technical knowledge and practical abilities, underpinned by strong theoretical foundations. In addition to scheduled teaching, students are expected to engage in directed self-study and independent learning to deepen their understanding and build a professional portfolio of project work and technical artefacts in preparation for graduate employment.

Students are supported academically and pastorally by the Programme Team, led by the Programme Director. Each student is also assigned a Personal Tutor within the School, who acts as a key point of contact for academic guidance and pastoral support. Additional peer support is provided through the Student Coach scheme, where current second-, third- and Master’s-level students support others within modules and across the wider learning community.

The assessment strategy for the programme varies to ensure the most appropriate method for each specific module and subject area. Modules are assessed through a combination of methods, such as formal examinations, practical assignments and projects, written assignments, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, peer assessments and case studies.

This degree prepares graduates for careers across computing and engineering, where employers increasingly value expertise in software-hardware integration, intelligent systems and secure digital technologies. The programme develops a broad, industry-relevant skill set applicable to a wide range of technology sectors.

Graduates may pursue roles such as software engineer, embedded systems or firmware engineer, systems engineer, cyber security analyst or engineer, AI engineer, IoT or connected systems engineer, cloud or edge computing engineer, and digital hardware or computer engineer.

Throughout the course, students gain practical experience through project-based learning, laboratory work, industry-informed teaching and optional industrial placement opportunities. The programme also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study, research and progression towards professional accreditation pathways.

Typical Offers

​The following requirements are based on typical offers relevant to entering year 1 of the degree.

If you do not meet these entry requirements, we also offer a Foundation Year which allows progression to Year 1 upon successful completion.​

• Tariff points: 112-120 (BEng Degree) or 120-128 (MEng Degree)
• Contextual offer: See our contextual offers page.
• GCSE: Five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above to include English Language / Welsh First Language, Mathematics / Mathematics – Numeracy.
• English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent.
• A level subjects: Minimum three A levels to include Grades BCC, including Grade C in Mathematics or Physics. Welsh Advanced Skills Baccalaureate considered as a third subject.
• BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DMM (BEng Degree) or DDM (MEng Degree). To include 6 Merits within Mathematics or Physics modules.
• T Level: Merit. To include Mathematics or Physics.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: To include Mathematics or Physics.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 2 x H5 in Mathematics or Physics.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 3 x H2 grades including Mathematics or Physics. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4.
• Scottish Advanced Highers: Grades CD to include grade C in Mathematics or Physics. Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers.

Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search.

Further information on Overseas qualifications can be found here.

If you are a mature applicant, have relevant experience or RPL that you would like us to consider, please contact Admissions.

How to Apply

Further information on how to apply can be found here.

For general enquiries, please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6010 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Director, Dr Shadan Khan Khattak:

• Email: skhattak@cardiffmet.ac.uk