MEng Computer Systems Engineering

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our  undergraduate student finance pages .

Grades A*A*A including A*A* in mathematics and a science subject, either Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics. The Mathematics should contain a significant pure element (the Use of Mathematics or Core Mathematics does not satisfy this requirement). General Studies is welcome, but is not normally included as part of the standard offer.

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including:

5  GCSES at Grade  A/7 or B/6   (both numeric and letter grade) including:

• mathematics (please note we do not accept Applied GCSE Mathematics courses e.g. WJEC Mathematics - Numeracy)
• two science subjects from computer science, physics, chemistry, biology or science and additional science

English Language is required at GCSE level with a minimum Grade of  C / 4. GCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE English Language.

38 points overall, with 7,7,6 in Higher Level subjects, including 7 in Mathematics and 7 in a science subject, either Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. Detailed information on our international entry criteria is available on the  Department of Computer Science Website   

For general requirements not listed above see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

We normally require grade A in Highers Mathematics and grades AAAA in four further Highers subjects with a scientific bias.  The Highers must be taken in one sitting. 

Or:

Three Advanced Highers at grades AAA, including Advanced Highers Mathematics with grade A.  Two Highers in different subjects can replace one of the other two Advanced Higher subjects.

We also require grade 1 in five academic Intermediate 2 subjects, or grade A in five National 5 subjects, including mathematics and a physical science subject. If a physical science has not been taken at Higher/Advanced Higher we require two science subjects at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grades AB / Intermediate 2 grades AB / Standard Grade Credit level).

English Language not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade 3).

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and this can be used in combination with two A level subjects including mathematics and a science subject, either Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.  Our A level entry requirements are grades A*A*A including A*A* in mathematics and a science subject.  The Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate can be used to replace the third A-level subject.

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

An average of 90% including a minimum of 90% in mathematics studied for at least 5 periods per week and assessed by a final written examination.  A scientific bias to the specialist subjects studied.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the AQA Baccalaureate, but offers will be conditional on the A level subjects within the qualification rather than the overall Baccalaureate award.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the Northern Consortium (NCUK) International Foundation Year / INTO Manchester International Foundation in Science and Engineering programme in 2020, are required to achieve A*A*A with grade A* in Mathematics and grades A*A including Further Mathematics or Physics, and an EAP score of B. A good performance in local examinations before starting the foundation year, particularly in mathematics and physical science, is also required.

• Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic Department to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in IT or Engineering with grades DDD in combination with a grade A* in A level Mathematics

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in IT or Engineering with grades D*D in combination with a grade A* in A level Mathematics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry in any subject provided it is in combination with two A levels including Mathematics and a science subject, either Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade M plus the two A levels at grades A*A* including mathematics and a science subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry in any subject provided it is in combination with two A levels including Mathematics and a science subject, either Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.  Our A level entry requirements are grades A*A*A, including A*A* in mathematics and a science subject, and the full National Extended Certificate can be used to replace the third A-level subject.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in IT or Engineering with grades DDD in combination with a grade A* in A level Mathematics.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Cambridge Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in IT or Engineering with grades D*D in combination with a grade A* in A level Mathematics.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma for entry in any subject provided it is in combination with two A levels including Mathematics and a science subject, either Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grades MM plus the two A levels at grades A*A* including mathematics and a science subject.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate for entry in any subject provided it is in combination with two A levels including Mathematics and a science subject, either Computer Science, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.   Our A level entry requirements are grades A*A*A, including A*A* in mathematics and a science subject, and the full Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate can be used to replace the third A-level subject.

Applications are considered on an individual basis, e.g. additional educational achievements, life experience and skills. Please contact the University for further information.  Our standard academic requirements include 60 credits with 45 at Level 3. Minimum of 30 credits should be with a Distinction grade (15 of which must be in mathematics), plus 15 credits with a Merit grade in a science-related subject.  Students are also required to have a grade A* in A-level mathematics with a pure element.

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects, including Mathematics and a scientific bias subject, is taken.

Conditional offers will be set on an individual basis but are likely to include achieving grade D1-D3 in three Principal Subjects including D2 in mathematics and a scientific bias subject.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Departments may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines

• Access and Foundation Programmes: The Department accepts applications from other university Foundation programmes and from Access to Science and Engineering programmes. 

• Direct admission to the second year: We receive many applications from students requesting direct admission to the second year of our undergraduate degree programmes. Each year we admit approximately 20 students in this category. Such students will normally have completed a relevant Diploma course in a Polytechnic or University abroad and will have achieved a minimum average grade of B or have completed the first year of an appropriate degree programme in the UK and have achieved an average mark of at least 70%. You should refer to the content of the first year of our degree programmes to verify that you have the required pre-requisites for direct entry into the second year.

• Mature Students: We welcome mature students, particularly those with relevant industrial experience. You will need to demonstrate a good mathematical knowledge and a high degree of motivation.

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.  The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

• GCSE English Language grade C/4 or;
• IELTS Overall 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each component) , or;
• An acceptable equivalent qualification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.

Additionally, our individual Departments may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Your application will be assessed on the factors listed above. If you receive an offer through UCAS and are currently living in the UK, you will then be invited to attend an applicant Virtual Visit Day. The Visit Day will provide an opportunity to engage with our students and academic staff and to find out more about what life is like as a student in the Department. You will also take part in a Year 1 group tutorial taster session run by one of our lecturers.

Applicants applying from outside the UK will be sent a link to access Virtual Visit Day content after you have received your offer.

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

 The first two years of the programme involve the study of subjects crucial to the design and implementation of embedded systems, reinforced with significant project work. The later parts provide the opportunity for specialisation, and for involvement in leading-edge research and development projects, often sponsored by industry.

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our  undergraduate student finance pages .

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

 British Computer Society (BCS).