Study systems engineering abroad
An in-depth guide to studying systems engineering as an international student.
Systems engineering degrees 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.
Systems engineering program structure
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
Best universities to study systems engineering
How to study systems engineering abroad
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Systems engineering study abroad programs
Systems engineering undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in systems engineering
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Computer Systems Engineering (Cybersecurity) - BSc Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 30,634 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Biological Systems Engineering - BSc University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 27,000 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
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Biosystems Engineering - BSc University of Kentucky, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 29,050 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Sustainable Systems Engineering / Industrial Design - BEng RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 5 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 41,184 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
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Computer Systems Engineering - BComp University of Newcastle, Australia
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 34,665 AUD
- Start date
- February, July, September
Systems engineering graduate programs
Master's in systems engineering
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Human Systems Engineering - MSc Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 15 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 25,218 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Engineering Management - Systems Engineering Track - MSc University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 22,896 USD
- Start date
- August
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Process Systems Engineering - MSc Cranfield University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 20,500 GBP
- Start date
- October
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Electrical Energetics Systems Engineering - MEng Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 3,900 EUR
- Start date
- September
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Geospatial Systems Engineering - MSc Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 11,536 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Doctorate in systems engineering
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Electrical Engineering - Systems Engineering Track - PhD University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 22,896 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Future systems engineering careers
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.
