- UCAS course code
- GH4P
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- MEng
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
A*A*A including A*A* in mathematics and a science subject.
- Typical contextual A-level offer (what is this?)
-
Grades A*AA including a Science subject and A* in Mathematics.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
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.
- Number of places/applicants
The Department of Computer Science receives in the region of 2500 applications per year for 250 places across our undergraduate degree courses.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- UCAS course code
- GH4P
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- A broad and flexible course that provides the freedom to choose from an extremely wide range of Computer Science topics
- Equips students with skills that are in high demand from industry
- World's first stored-program computer developed here in 1948
Open days
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2021 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
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 .
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Computer Science
- Contact name
- Undergraduate Admissions Officer
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 543 4017
- ug-compsci@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.cs.manchester.ac.uk
- School/Faculty overview
-
The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way. Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
AS-level
Unit grade information
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.
GCSE
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.
International Baccalaureate
For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches only.
Other international entry requirements
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
Scottish requirements
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).
Welsh Baccalaureate
European Baccalaureate
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.
AQA Baccalaureate
Foundation year
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 qualifications
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.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
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.
Access to HE Diploma
Cambridge Pre-U
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.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Home-schooled applicants
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
Non-standard educational routes
- 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.
English language
- 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 .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
- past academic performance;
- predicted academic performance;
- enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme;
- evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements.
How your application is considered
Applicants applying from outside the UK will be sent a link to access Virtual Visit Day content after you have received your offer.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
The Computer Systems Engineering programme delivers a degree course that will equip you with the knowledge and skills to develop computer-based systems with real-time response. Sophisticated electronic systems permeate all aspects of life. Typical examples include MP3 players, games consoles, mobile phones, vehicle control systems and radar. All of these are embedded systems, which typically contain one or more microprocessors, memory, a communications capability, application-specific hardware and software. Consequently a wide range of knowledge and skills are needed to support their development, including digital electronics, software engineering, computer architecture, and digital signal processing.
Teaching and learning
Coursework and assessment
Course unit details
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
First Year Team Project | COMP10120 | 20 | Mandatory |
Mathematical Techniques for Computer Science | COMP11120 | 20 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Computation | COMP11212 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Computer Engineering | COMP12111 | 10 | Mandatory |
Data Science | COMP13212 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Computer Architecture | COMP15111 | 10 | Mandatory |
Operating Systems | COMP15212 | 10 | Mandatory |
Programming 1 | COMP16321 | 20 | Mandatory |
Programming 2 | COMP16412 | 10 | Mandatory |
Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Processor Microarchitecture | COMP22111 | 10 | Mandatory |
Microcontrollers | COMP22712 | 10 | Mandatory |
Software Engineering 1 | COMP23311 | 10 | Mandatory |
Software Engineering 2 | COMP23412 | 10 | Mandatory |
System Architecture | COMP25212 | 10 | Mandatory |
Programming Languages & Paradigms | COMP26020 | 20 | Mandatory |
Algorithms and Data Structures | COMP26120 | 20 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Management | BMAN10011 | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Technological Change | BMAN10252 | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Finance | BMAN10552 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Third Year Project Laboratory | COMP30040 | 40 | Mandatory |
Implementing System-on-Chip Designs | COMP32211 | 10 | Mandatory |
Chip Multiprocessors | COMP35112 | 10 | Mandatory |
Enterprise Management for Computer Scientists | MCEL30031 | 10 | Mandatory |
Managing Finance in Enterprises for Computer Scientists | MCEL30032 | 10 | Mandatory |
The Internet of Things: Architectures and Applications | COMP32412 | 10 | Optional |
User Experience | COMP33511 | 10 | Optional |
Agile Software Engineering | COMP33712 | 10 | Optional |
AI and Games | COMP34120 | 20 | Optional |
Natural Language Systems | COMP34412 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 4
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Summer Industrial Project | COMP40901 | 25 | Mandatory |
Business Feasibility Study | MCEL40042 | 15 | Mandatory |
Data Analytics for Business Decision Making | BMAN60422 | 15 | Optional |
Strategic Project Organising | BMAN70391 | 15 | Optional |
Knowledge Management and Digital Strategy | BMAN71652 | 15 | Optional |
Decision Behaviour, Analysis and Support | BMAN73272 | 15 | Optional |
Automated Reasoning and Verification | COMP60332 | 15 | Optional |
Modelling Data on the Web | COMP60411 | 15 | Optional |
Introduction to Health Informatics | COMP60542 | 15 | Optional |
Data Engineering | COMP60711 | 15 | Optional |
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Scholarships and bursaries
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 .
What our students say
Facilities

- Newly refurbished computing labs furnished with modern desktop computers, available with Linux and Windows
- Access to world leading academic staff
- Collaborative working labs complete with specialist computing and audio visual equipment to support group working.
- Over 300 Computers in the Department dedicated exclusively for the use of our students.
- Access to a hardware library, with top of the range equipment, including drones, robots and oculus rifts.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities

Here at Manchester, we encourage and support all our students to gain industrial experience during their study.
This not only enables them to broaden and deepen their skills by combining academic knowledge with practical experience in the workplace, but also connects them with potential employers to help shape their future career.
Duncan Hull / Lecturer & Employability Tutor
Employers, from large multinational firms such as EA Electronic Arts , IBM and Microsoft to small local organisations, actively target our students, recognising that Manchester Computer Science graduates are equipped with the skills that enable them to excel in a whole host of positions, including many that are not traditionally associated with computing graduates