• Undergraduate
  • MEng

Computing (Security and Reliability)

Learn how modern computer and communications systems can be adapted to build the next generation of secure computing applications.

Learn how modern computer and communications systems can be adapted to build the next generation of secure computing applications

Gain a deep understanding of computing architecture and hardware, and the software that can exploit them

Use sound underlying principles and logical thinking to design and build systems as you develop your technical expertise

Showing course information for 2025 View 2026 course information

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MEng

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2025

  • UCAS course code

    G610

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,535 per year Home

    • £43,300 per year Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    17 : 1 (2023)

Minimum entry standard

  • A*A*A – A*AAA (A-level)

  • 41 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Computing is a creative and wide-ranging subject that focuses on using sound underlying principles and logical thinking to design and build systems that really work.

In this course, you will learn how modern computer and communications systems function, and how they can be used and adapted to build the next generation of reliable and secure computing applications.

You will acquire deep understanding of software security, reliability and privacy issues. You will also develop the skills required to apply state of the art techniques, including formal verification, AI and machine learning, to the design and implementation of secure and reliable systems at all levels.

You'll gain an understanding of the basic concepts and principles of computing, the ability to appreciate and adapt to changes in technology, as well as practical experience in applied computing.

A special emphasis of your studies will be on the fundamental principles underlying computing and on the engineering considerations involved in computing system design, implementation and usage. You will be introduced to computing architecture and hardware, and the software used to exploit them.

This course will also equip you with a strong background in discrete mathematics (logic, sets, relations and grammar), classical mathematics and statistics relevant to applications engineering and management.

Throughout the programme, you will attend laboratory and problem-solving classes, as well as completing project and design work. As the course progresses you will study advanced techniques and modules, many of which draw on current research taking place in the Department.

At the end of your third year, you will gain valuable skills and experience by completing an industrial placement. Your study reaches Master's level in the final year, with a wide choice of optional modules and a substantial individual project on a subject of your choice.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

In your first year, you will study the following core modules.

Core modules

  • Introduction to Computer Systems
  • Introduction to Databases
  • Introduction to Computer Architecture
  • Computing Practical 1
  • Discrete Mathematics, Logic and Reasoning
  • Graphs and Algorithms
  • Calculus
  • Linear Algebra

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures and tutorials
  • Laboratory sessions
  • Independent study

Years 1 and 2

  • 20% Lectures and tutorials
  • 5% Laboratory sessions
  • 75% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • People collaborating and completing practical work.
    Laboratory-based teaching
  • Person participating in classroom discussion.
    In-class problem solving
  • Personal supervision of project work

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Examinations
  • Practical

Year 1

  • 10% Coursework
  • 84% Examinations
  • 6% Practical

Year 2

  • 10% Coursework
  • 57% Examinations
  • 33% Practical

Year 3

  • 8% Coursework
  • 42% Examinations
  • 50% Practical

Year 4

  • 9% Coursework
  • 50% Examinations
  • 41% Practical

Assessment methods

  • Code on a computer screen
    Programming exercises
  • Computer-based programming tests
  • Person completing coursework
    Written coursework
  • Computer-based coursework
  • A person completing a written exam
    Examinations
  • Software demonstrations
  • A group of people interacting
    Group work
  • Papers from a written report
    Written reports
  • Research summaries
  • Oral presentations

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

Minimum entry standard

A*A*A – A*AAA

To include:

  • A* in Mathematics
  • A*, A in two further subjects or AAA in three further subjects, with Further Mathematics preferred.

Not accepted: ICT, Business Studies, General Studies and Critical Thinking
Science Practical Endorsement: If you are made an offer you will be required to achieve a pass in the practical endorsement in all science subjects that form part of the offer.

Recommended subjects
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Further Mathematics
Useful subjects
  • Ancient Language, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Electronics, English Literature, History, Languages, Law, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology

Recommended and useful subjects are those that the Department deems to be very useful knowledge foundations to undertake a computing degree at Imperial. The department may still consider applicants with other subject combinations.

Typical offer

A*A*A* (applicants studying three A-levels)
A*A*AA (applicants studying four A-levels)

Made to at least 80% of 2023 A-level applicants.

Typical offers will not include STEP requirements.

Support for widening participation applicants

Our contextual admissions route for UK applicants may entitle you to additional considerations within the application process to help us form a more complete picture of your potential to succeed at Imperial. 

Find out more about who is eligible and what support you may receive.

How to apply

Applications are closed for 2025 entry

Applications are closed for 2025 entry.

Fees and funding

Home fee

2025 entry

£9,535 per year

Important update for 2025 entry

The UK government has announced that, starting in April 2025, maximum tuition fees for Home undergraduate students in England will increase from £9,250 per year to £9,535. Find out more.

 

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

96% Of Imperial Computing graduates in work or further study*

  • 96% Of Imperial Computing graduates in work or further study*
  • 4%

90% Of Imperial Computing graduates in highly skilled work or further study*

  • 90% Of Imperial Computing graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
  • 10%

*2021-22 graduate outcomes data, published by HESA in 2024

Gain transferable skills relevant to a career in industry and academia.

With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

Management consultancy, corporations, computer gaming and special effects are just some of your options.

Other potential career paths could include banking and finance.

Course data

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Terms and conditions

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Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications