Computing (Security and Reliability)
  • 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 2024 course information

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MEng

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2025

  • UCAS course code

    G610

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • Not set Home

    • Not set 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.

Subject to university approval.

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

In your second year, you will study all core modules.

You will also select one optional module.

Core modules

  • Algorithm Design and Analysis
  • Software Engineering Design
  • Models of Computation
  • Operating Systems
  • Networks and Communications
  • Compilers
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Computing Practical 2
  • Computing Group Project

Optional modules

  • Symbolic Reasoning 
  • Computational Techniques

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

You will also select three optional modules.

Core modules

  • Industrial Placement (First Part)
  • I-Explore
  • Network and Web Security
  • Distributed Algorithms
  • The Theory and Practice of Concurrent Programming
  • Custom Computing 

Your I-Explore module offers you choices from a range of subjects hosted outside of the department. You will be taught alongside students from other courses, with options including business, management and many more.

The Industrial Placement does not contribute to your final degree classification. 

Optional modules

  • Computer Vision
  • Graphics
  • Data Processing Systems
  • Communicating Computer Science in Schools
  • Advanced Computer Architecture
  • Robotics
  • System Performance Engineering
  • Operations Research
  • Type Systems for Programming Languages
  • Introduction to Machine Learning
  • Technical option from outside the Department of Computing
  • Software Engineering Group Projects
  • Networked Systems

Elective/technical modules from another Imperial degree programme may be allowed with the permission of the Director of undergraduate studies.

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

You will also select a total of four optional modules.

A maximum of two modules may be chosen from Group B.

Core modules

Industrial Placement (Second Part)
Individual Project
Privacy Engineering
Cryptography Engineering
Software Reliability
 

Optional modules  –  Group A

  • Scalable Software Verification
  • Scalable Systems and Data
  • Advanced Computer Graphics
  • Advanced Computer Graphics
  • Computational Finance
  • Complexity
  • Advanced Computer Security
  • Deep Learning
  • Principles of Distributed Ledgers
  • Program Analysis
  • Software Engineering for Industry
  • Computational Optimisation
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Probabilistic Inference
  • Machine Learning for Imaging
  • Quantum Computing
  • Mathematics for Machine Learning
  • Reinforcement Learning
  • Knowledge Representation
  • Modal Logic for Strategic Reasoning in AI
  • Advanced Computer Architecture
  • Custom Computing
  • Decentralised Finance
  • Robot Learning
  • Scheduling and Resource Allocation

Optional modules – Group B

  • Communicating Computer Science in Schools
  • Elective(s) from outside the Department of Computing

Elective/technical modules from another Imperial degree programme may be allowed with the permission of the Director of undergraduate studies.

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.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

When applications open, you will be able to start your application via UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.

Applications open on 14 May 2024

Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)

Tuition fees

Home fee

2025 entry

Not set
As a guide, the Home fee for 2024–25 was £9,250 per year

Overseas fee

2025 entry

Not set
As a guide, the Overseas fee for 2024–25 was £40,940 per year

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

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

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

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

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Other potential career paths could include banking and finance.

Course data

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Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

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