Computer Engineering
What Is It?
Computer Engineering is about designing and building the technology that powers the modern world. It combines computer science and electrical engineering to develop the hardware, software, and systems behind everything from smartphones and laptops to artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles.
Computer engineers work across some of the fastest moving industries in the world - from tech and healthcare to finance, defence, and entertainment.
What makes computer engineering different is that your work sits at the centre of almost every industry on the planet.
Subfields & Specialisms
Instrumentation Engineering
Designing the sensors, measuring devices, and monitoring systems used across industries from healthcare and aviation to manufacturing and environmental science.
Robotics Engineering
Building machines that can sense, think, and act - combining computer engineering with mechanical and electrical principles to create intelligent systems.
Hardware Engineering
Designing and developing the physical components of computers and devices - processors, circuits, memory systems, and the chips that power everything from laptops to satellites.
Software Engineering
Building the programmes, applications, and systems that run on hardware - from the apps on your phone to the software behind self-driving cars.
Network Engineering
Designs and maintains systems that connect devices and move data. Focuses on: network architecture, routing, cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Engineering
Designing and managing the systems that connect computers and devices - the infrastructure behind the internet, mobile networks, and cloud computing.
AI & Machine Learning Engineering
Designing systems that can learn, adapt, and make decisions - the engineering behind chatbots, recommendation algorithms, and intelligent automation.
Instrumentation Engineering
Designing the sensors, measuring devices, and monitoring systems used across industries from healthcare and aviation to manufacturing and environmental science.
Robotics Engineering
Building machines that can sense, think, and act - combining computer engineering with mechanical and electrical principles to create intelligent systems.
Hardware Engineering
Designing and developing the physical components of computers and devices - processors, circuits, memory systems, and the chips that power everything from laptops to satellites.
Software Engineering
Building the programmes, applications, and systems that run on hardware - from the apps on your phone to the software behind self-driving cars.
Network Engineering
Designs and maintains systems that connect devices and move data. Focuses on: network architecture, routing, cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Engineering
Designing and managing the systems that connect computers and devices - the infrastructure behind the internet, mobile networks, and cloud computing.
AI & Machine Learning Engineering
Designing systems that can learn, adapt, and make decisions - the engineering behind chatbots, recommendation algorithms, and intelligent automation.
Subfields
Computer Engineer - Designs and develops hardware and software systems. The foundation of the field.
Software Engineer - Builds the applications and programmes that run our digital world. From apps to operating systems.
Cybersecurity Engineer - Protects systems, networks, and data from threats.
AI & Machine Learning Engineer - Develops intelligent systems that learn and adapt. The people building the future of technology.
Embedded Systems Engineer - Designs the computer systems inside everyday devices. The engineering you don't see but use every day.
Network Engineer - Builds and manages the infrastructure that keeps the world connected. The backbone of the internet.
Robotics Engineer - Designs and builds intelligent machines and automated systems. Engineering that's changing every industry.
UX Engineer - Bridges design and engineering to create technology that's intuitive and accessible. Making tech work for everyone.
What you could do
What Do You Need to Study?
You Might Be Interested In:
Technology and how it works, coding and problem-solving, gaming and apps, artificial intelligence, and the idea of building something millions of people will use.
Core Subjects: Mathematics, Computing, Physics
Helpful Subjects: Design & Technology, Further Mathematics, Electronics
Higher Education;
A degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
An optional Master's for specialisms like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or embedded systems.
Professional certifications are widely available and highly valued across the industry.