Study systems engineering abroad

Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary area of engineering that enables the building, analyzing, and managing of a system. There is a wide range of specific areas and programs you can study including computing, electrical, mechanical, or biological systems engineering.

As a systems engineering student, you’ll be concerned with the development of new technological possibilities, and how they can be put to use as quickly and efficiently as possible. You’ll get the chance to learn from industry experts, and gain experience developing operable systems that meet customer requirements.

Degree programs in systems engineering are available all over the world. Choosing to study abroad means you can access some of the best programs and facilities available, and you’ll gain a unique, global perspective on the subject. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons, learn a new language, and make new friends.

You can study systems engineering at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. As an undergraduate student, you can study for a certificate or diploma, which will prepare you for further study, or entry-level employment.

Like many engineering programs, at bachelor’s level you can study systems engineering as a BSc or BEng (Bachelor of Engineering). In some countries, the BEng is more common, and it usually includes more practical modules than the BSc. Some universities also offer an MEng (Master of Engineering) program, which is the same as the BEng but includes an extra year that converts your qualification to a master’s.

Bachelor’s programs can last between three and five years. If you already have a bachelor’s in a related subject you can study for an MSc in systems engineering over one or two years. Postgraduate programs are often offered in a specialized area, like embedded systems, or mechatronic systems.

As systems engineering programs are usually offered in specific subjects, like computing systems engineering, the teaching methods and assessment will depend on the course you choose. Most will involve lectures and seminars, as well as lots of practical sessions in workshops and labs. The course content will also vary based on your choice of program, but common modules include:

• Introduction to engineering
• Engineering design
• Dynamics and thermodynamics
• Mathematics for engineering
• System modeling
• Circuit theory
• Digital technologies
• Practical project management

As a broad, interdisciplinary subject, systems engineering can open up a huge number of career opportunities. If you choose to study a specific area of systems engineering, this will have a large impact on what careers you’ll be eligible for after graduation. Some popular job roles for graduates include:

• Computing systems engineer
• Mechanical systems engineer
• Operations manager
• Logistics specialist
• Project manager
• Analyst

A systems engineering program will give you a wide range of transferable skills, so don’t worry if you don’t know exactly what career you want to pursue after graduation. If you need help deciding, speak to the university’s career services who can help find the right path.