Systems Engineering (MEng) (UCAS HH31) (2024 entry)
Explore our Systems Engineering MEng at Warwick
If you are curious about how things work and have a keen mind for applying what you learn to solve real-world problems, engineering is the perfect career for you. In this degree you will study principles from across a range of Engineering disciplines and interactions between systems, enabling you to work at the boundaries of complex problems.
This course is accredited by the IET, and IMechE and InstMC. More information is available on the School of Engineering website.
General entry requirements
A level typical offer
A*AA to include Mathematics and Physics.
Applicants with a strong profile who are studying one from A level Physics or A level Mathematics may be considered.
A level contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is AAA including Mathematics and Physics. See if you're eligible.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
IB typical offer
38 to include 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level. Mathematics and Physics are required - at least one of these subjects should be at Higher Level.
IB contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 36 including 6, 6 in Mathematics and Physics – at least one of these subjects should be at Higher Level. See if you're eligible.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
BTEC
We welcome applications from students who offer a combination of relevant BTEC and A level subjects. Applicants with a strong profile taking BTEC alongside A level Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics may be considered.
Scotland Advanced Highers
AA in Advanced Highers in Mathematics and Physics plus AAA in Highers in three further subjects.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA in three A levels including Maths and Physics plus grade C in the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis.
Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits. We may also require subject specific credits or an A level to be studied alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma to fulfil essential subject requirements.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
International qualifications
English Language requirements
All applicants have to meet our English Language requirements. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at WarwickLink opens in a new window.
This course requires: Band A
Learn more about our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window
Frequently asked questions
Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in a Widening Participation programme or who meet the contextual data criteria.
Differential offers will usually be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer.
All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).
Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.
We welcome applications for deferred entry.
We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.
Course overview
Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary approach that enables the realisation of complex systems. Many complex engineering products (such as aerospace and automotive) involve a high level of integration and interaction across the mechanical, electronic and software domains.
Systems Engineers analyse and design the behaviour of these systems including active and intelligent software, which allows systems to detect and respond to changes. A Systems Engineer needs to understand the broader context of a system including people, processes, and information flow. The Systems Thinking approach that will be gained from this course equips engineers to work on holistic problems where there are conflicting needs and complex interactions.
Recent projects include the creating of a gesture detection system which recognises British sign language, and developing a systems model of iron storage in brain disease.
By choosing the MEng degree you can explore specialist areas of Systems Engineering through fourth-year core and optional module choices and a group project.
Study abroad
You may choose to take an intercalated year in industry, research or study abroadLink opens in a new window between years two and three (BEng and MEng), or between years three and four (MEng only). If you choose to take an intercalated year, this will be reflected in your degree title, and add a year to your degree programme.
Core modules
We offer flexible degree programmes that enable you to experience a range of different engineering disciplines before you decide to specialise.
All first year students study a general engineering programme, which is much favoured by industry. From second year onwards you can specialise in one of nine engineering disciplines, or continue on the general Engineering pathway. If you specialise in Systems Engineering, you will develop the tools required to model problems across different areas, synthesising their knowledge and highlighting analogies.
You can also switch from the three-year BEng to the four-year MEng if academic requirements and regulations are met. Alternatively, you can switch from the MEng to the BEng if you prefer to graduate earlier.
Year One
Dynamics and Thermodynamics
You will gain a thorough understanding of the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics and the dynamics of mechanical systems. You will study the motion of an object and its causes in one and two dimensions and learn to solve a range of problems using appropriate coordinate systems. You will learn how to use quantities such as impulse, momentum, work and energy conservation to solve problems in dynamics. You will develop an understanding of engineering thermodynamics, considering the properties of working fluids and mechanisms of heat transfer. You will develop and apply an understanding of the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics, and learn to make appropriate assumptions to model real-life engineering situations, including engine cycles.
Read more about the Dynamics and Thermodynamics moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Electrical and Electronic Circuits
You will gain a secure foundation in the fundamental concepts of circuits, devices and systems that underpin all branches of engineering. This will include study of the mathematical operations of AC quantities, including phasors, vectors and complex numbers. You will study the electronic components that comprise complex electrical and electronic circuitry, and control systems theory. You will be encouraged to develop your problem-solving and modelling skills to prepare you for more advanced material in later years.
Read more about the Electrical and Electronic Circuits moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Engineering Design
Design is a major activity within all branches of engineering. This module aims to introduce students to the complexities of the design task and equip them with some of the techniques and experience required to design for a function and manufacturing/construction process within their discipline. You will learn the ability to generate innovative designs and solutions to problems, to design for a particular manufacturing process, to collaborate effectively across teams and deliver compelling presentations of designs.
Read more about the Engineering Design moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Engineering Mathematics
Through the practical problem-solving tasks provided in this module, you will gain the skills needed to apply the fundamental mathematical concepts that underpin all engineering disciplines, and prepare yourself for more advanced study. You will apply mathematical, probabilistic and statistical tools and techniques to real-life engineering problems, make appropriate, informed assumptions and examine models using analytical, statistical and numerical techniques.
Read more about the Engineering Mathematics moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Engineering Business Management and Professional Skills
Materials for Engineering
As an Engineer, you will be required to evaluate and select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes, whilst taking due account of performance, cost and sustainability. During this module you will learn to distinguish the main classes of materials, explain how their structure affects their properties, and describe how their structure can be manipulated to enhance those properties. You will make decisions on the appropriateness of materials for a particular design and justify your choices, as well as being able to evaluate their environmental impact.
Read more about the Materials for Engineering moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Engineering Structures
Systems Modelling, Simulation and Computation
Systems modelling is an essential skill that underpins all engineering disciplines, allowing complex engineering problems to be approximated using mathematical models. Systems modelling provides necessary information to make decisions in the design and development of engineering solutions or to investigate systems that are too costly, difficult or unethical to investigate physically. This module focuses on the design and programming of models from first principles by the application of mathematical techniques and avoidance of modelling errors. You will learn how to: represent multi-domain systems graphically, derive models from data, construct a simulation model to predict system responses, and consider design principles that ensure robust model development (covering verification and validation techniques).
Read more about the Systems Modelling, Simulation and Computation moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Year Two
- Dynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Engineering Mathematics and Data Analytics
- Electromechanical System Design
- Analogue Electronic Design
- Computer Architecture and Systems
- Signal Processing
- Systems and Software Engineering Principles
Year Three
- Managing Engineering Excellence
- Systems Modelling and Control
- Automation and Robotics
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems
- Advanced Systems and Software Engineering
- Individual Project
Year Four
- Mathematical and Computer Modelling
- Design for Sustainability
- Advanced Robotics
- Advanced Control Systems
Group Project
MEng students participate in a large group project worth 25% of the year, which simulates the multidisciplinary working practices you will experience in your career. Students from all specialist courses work together on these projects allowing you to develop more advanced skills for the workplace and form new friendships and professional networks.
Popular projects include the IMechE Formula Student racing car competition, Warwick University satellite project (WUSAT), Severn Trent reservoir design, ICE shaping the world infrastructure design for poor communities, electric racing motorcycle (TT Zero), IMechE Railway Challenge, building search-and-rescue robots with Warwick Mobile Robotics, or creating a human-powered submarine.
The MEng final-year multidisciplinary group project is unique to the four-year degree and is not something that you would normally find as part of a one year standalone Master’s.
Read more about the Group Project moduleLink opens in a new window, including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2023/24 year of study).
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- Motor Vehicle Technology
- Sensors
- Dynamics and Control of Vibrating Systems
- Biomedical Systems Modelling
- Automobile Systems, Dynamics and Control
- Affective Computing
- Computational Synthetic and Systems Biology
- Quality Systems
- Simulation of Operations
- Supply Chain Management
- Foundations of Data Analytics
Assessment
You will experience a variety of assessment methods, and can expect to mostly take (online or face-to-face) examinations and complete coursework assignments.
The percentages below are based on a typical pathway through the course and could vary significantly, particularly from Year Two onwards. The percentages will heavily depend on module or course choices and are subject to change.
Year One
20% Coursework, 20% Practical or Project, 60% Exam.
Year Two
25% Coursework, 25% Practical or Project, 50% Exam.
Year Three
25% Coursework, 35% Practical or Project, 40% Exam.
Year Four
25% Coursework, 35% Practical or Project, 40% Exam.
Teaching
We take an enhanced learning approach to enable practical, experiential, reflective, flipped, interactive and peer-to-peer learning. You will experience face-to-face and online teaching and learning activities such as lectures, interactive sessions (e.g. seminars, workshops), design and make, practical and experimental (laboratory) activities. The mix of activities and mode of delivery are selected according to the content of individual modules, and multiple face-to-face sessions are normally provided weekly.
There is strong support in the School from students and staff. Lecturers provide support and feedback hours for additional help with materials they have covered. To help you make the transition from school to university, in your first year you will meet your personal tutor each week in a group usually of five or six students.
Class sizes
Class sizes for lectures, practical laboratory sessions and seminars vary depending on the number of students taking the module.
Overall workload
The expected total study time is normally 1200 hours per year (average of 40 hours per week).
The hours below are based on a typical pathway through the course and could vary significantly, particularly from Year Two onwards. The hours will heavily depend on module or course choices and are subject to change.
Year One
350 hours of lectures, seminars and similar. 750 hours of independent study. 100 hours of project work.
Year Two
320 hours of lectures, seminars and similar. 640 hours of independent study. 240 hours of project work.
Year Three
260 hours of lectures, seminars and similar. 640 hours of independent study. 300 hours of project work.
Year Four
260 hours of lectures, seminars and similar. 640 hours of independent study. 300 hours of project work.
Read more about our course structures on the Engineering website.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs of your study, including teaching and assessment. Fees are charged at the start of each academic year. If you pay your fees directly to the University, you can choose to pay in instalments.
Undergraduate fees
If you are a home student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be £9,535. In the future, these fees might change for new and continuing students.
How are fees set?
The British Government sets tuition fee rates.
Undergraduate fees
If you are an overseas or EU student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:
- Band 1 – £24,800 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
- Band 2 – £31,620 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Maths, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)
Fees for 2025 entry have not been set. We will publish updated information here as soon as it becomes available, so please check back for updates about 2025 fee rates before you apply.
Fee status guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status.Link opens in a new window
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Further information
Find out more about tuition fees from our Student Finance team.
Scholarships and bursaries
Learn about scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
We offer a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.
Find out more about funding opportunities for full-time students.Link opens in a new window
If you are an international student, a limited number of scholarships may be available.
Find out more information on our international scholarship pages.Link opens in a new window
You may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.
Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship
We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities.
We provide extra financial support for qualifying students from lower income families. The Warwick Undergraduate Bursary is an annual award of up to £3,000 per annum. It is intended to help with course-related costs and you do not have to pay it back.
As part of the 'City of Sanctuary' movement, we are committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. We provide a range of scholarships to enable people seeking sanctuary or asylum to progress to access university education.
Further information
Find out more about Warwick undergraduate bursaries and scholarships.
Eligibility for student loans
Your eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality and residency status, your course, and previous study at higher education level.
Check if you're eligible for student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you can receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won’t have to set up any payments.
Maintenance Loan for living costs
You can apply for a Maintenance Loan towards your living costs such as accommodation, food and bills. This loan is means-tested, so the amount you receive is partially based on your household income and whether you choose to live at home or in student accommodation.
If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you usually must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement SchemeLink opens in a new window to get student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you may receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won't have to set up any payments.
Help with living costs
For the 2024 academic year, you may be eligible for help with your living costs if both of the following apply:
- You have lived in the UK for more than 3 years before the first day of the first academic year of your course
And
- You have Settled Status (see further details on Settled Status)Link opens in a new window
If you are coming to the UK from 1st January 2021, you may need to apply for a visaLink opens in a new window to study here.
Please note: Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Find out more about government student loans for EU studentsLink opens in a new window
Repaying your loans
You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount. For students starting their course after 1 August 2023, the repayment threshold is £25,000. Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.
Find out more about repaying your student loanLink opens in a new window.
Placements and work experience
We have a dedicated Student Engagement OfficerLink opens in a new window who will encourage you to gain relevant work experience through a summer or year-long placement.
You may choose to take an intercalated year in industry, research or study abroad between years two and three (BEng and MEng) or between years three and four (MEng only). If you choose to take an intercalated year this will be reflected in your degree title, and add a year to your degree programme.
Your career
The Systems Thinking approach that gained from this course equips engineers to work on holistic problems where there are conflicting needs and complex interactions.
Warwick students are especially equipped to work in multidisciplinary organisations in functional teams which create systems incorporating mechanical and electrical components or on large-scale projects where systems thinking is required to understand (for example) the impact of the London Olympics on public transport.
Graduates from these courses have gone on to work for employers including:
- Arup
- Airbus Defence and Space
- Aston Martin
- Atkins
- Babcock International Group
- BAE Systems
- Delphi Technologies
- Deutsche Bank
- GE
- IBM
- Network Rail
- NHS
- Ricardo
- Samsung Electronics
- Tata Technologies
- Vodafone
In addition to working as engineers and engineering professionals, other graduates have pursued roles such as:
- Actuaries, economists and statisticians
- Business and related associate professionals
- Estimators, valuers and assessors
- Finance and investment analysts and advisers
- Production managers and directors in manufacturing
- Programmers and software development professionals
Our support for your career
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- Options in Engineering
- Meet and Engineer
- Engineering, Science and Technology Fair
- Considering a PhD in the STEM Subjects
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
Engineering at Warwick
Use your maths and science skills to creatively solve real-life problems.
Our flexible, innovative and interdisciplinary courses let you experience a range of different engineering disciplines before specialising.
You can specialise in automotive, biomedical systems, civil, electrical and electronic, electronic, manufacturing and mechanical, mechanical or systems engineering. Alternatively you can choose to study a more diverse engineering curriculum or adopt a business focus.
Find out more about us on our website
Our courses
- Automotive Engineering (BEng)
- Automotive Engineering (MEng)
- Biomedical Systems Engineering (BEng)
- Biomedical Systems Engineering (MEng)
- Civil Engineering (BEng)
- Civil Engineering (MEng)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (BEng)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (MEng)
- Electronic Engineering (BEng)
- Electronic Engineering (MEng)
- Engineering (BEng)
- Engineering (MEng)
- Engineering Business Management (BEng)
- Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering (BEng)
- Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering (MEng)
- Mechanical Engineering (BEng)
- Mechanical Engineering (MEng)
- Systems Engineering (BEng)
- Systems Engineering (MEng)
Related degrees
Life at Warwick
Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities. A place where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. Our supportive, energising, welcoming space creates the ideal environment for forging new connections, having fun and finding inspiration.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
Warwick Accommodation
Finding the right accommodation is key to helping you settle in quickly.
We have 12 self-catering undergraduate halls of residence on campus.
Our student property management and lettings agency manages more than 8,000 rooms both on and off campus, and provides advice to all full-time undergraduates.
Our campus
You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible new sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.
Food and drink
We have lots of cafés, restaurants and shops on campus. You can enjoy great quality food and drink, with plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets. There is a convenience store on central campus, as well as two supermarkets and a small shopping centre in the nearby Cannon Park Retail Park. Several of them offer delivery services to help you stay stocked up.
And don't miss our regular food market day on the Piazza with tempting, fresh and delicious street food. Soak up the atmosphere and try something new, with mouth-watering food for all tastes.
Clubs and societies
We currently have more than 300 student-run societies.
So whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.
Or you could try something new, or even form your own society.
Sports and fitness
Staying active at Warwick is no sweat, thanks to our amazing new Sports and Wellness Hub, indoor and outdoor tennis centre, 60 acres of sports pitches, and more than 60 sports clubs.
Whether you want to compete, relax or just have fun, you can achieve your fitness goals.
Studying on campus
Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs.
You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.
- The Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas.
- The University Library provides access to over one million printed works and tens of thousands of electronic journals
- Three Learning Grids offering you flexible individual and group study spaces.
Travel and local area
Our campus is in Coventry, a modern city with high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars sitting alongside medieval monuments. The Warwickshire towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also nearby.
The University is close to major road, rail and air links. London is just an hour by direct train from Coventry, with Birmingham a 20-minute trip. Birmingham International Airport is nearby (a 20-minute drive).
Wellbeing support and faith provision
Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.
Our Chaplaincy is home to Chaplains from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. We provide regular services for all Christian denominations and a Shabbat meal every Friday for our Jewish students. There is also an Islamic prayer hall, halal kitchen and ablution facilities.
How to apply
Learn more about our application process.
Key dates
Key dates for your application to Warwick.
Writing your personal statement
Make an impression and demonstrate your passion for your course.
After you've applied
Find out how we process your application.
Our Admission Statement
Read Warwick's Admission Statement
3 ways to connect
Talk to us
Join us at a live event. You can ask about courses, applying to Warwick, life at Warwick, visas and immigration, and more.
Warwick Experience
Take a virtual, student-led campus tour. Then join an interactive panel session, where you can hear from and chat to our current students and staff.
Student blogs
Explore our student blogs in OurWarwick. You can read about campus life from students themselves, and register to post questions directly to students.
Explore campus with our virtual tour
Our 360 tour lets you:
- Watch student videos
- View 360 photography and drone footage
- Learn about facilities and landmarks
Explore our campus virtually through our 360 campus tour now
Come to an Open Day
Don’t just take it from us, come and see for yourself what Warwick is all about. Whether it's a virtual visit or in-person, our University Open Days give you the chance to meet staff and students, visit academic departments, tour the campus and get a real feel for life at Warwick.
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