A four-year MEng, G600
Delivered by the Department of Computing; Imperial describes a software-engineering specialism with an industrial placement.
Undergraduate · Imperial Computing, Software Engineering
Imperial Computing (Software Engineering): building complex systems that last
Imperial's Computing (Software Engineering) MEng is a four-year course in the Department of Computing with the same entry standard as its sister specialisms: A* in Mathematics, IB 41 and a compulsory TMUA. The decision for an applicant is the specialism. This one is about how software is engineered, tested, maintained and extended in complex systems, rather than about artificial intelligence or security.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Imperial asks for in Computing (Software Engineering)
Taken from Imperial's Computing (Software Engineering) MEng course page and read on 1 November 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Imperial's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
A*A*A to A*AAA with A* in Mathematics, or IB 41
The A-level standard includes A* in Mathematics, with Further Mathematics preferred. The IB standard is 41 points with 7 in Mathematics at Higher Level.
The TMUA is compulsory
Imperial says applicants must sit the Test for Mathematics for University Admission.
Interviews are not standard
Imperial says interviews may be offered to some candidates at the admissions tutors' discretion.
Software that is easy to test, maintain and extend
Imperial describes a deep understanding of methods for building complex systems that meet users' needs.
Official sources
Read on 1 November 2026 on Imperial's Computing (Software Engineering) MEng course page, which describes 2027 entry. Imperial's Department of Computing pages, the module descriptions beyond the course page, fees and the 2028-entry values were not read, and no other university's degree was read for this guide and are not stated.
The degree
How complex software is built and kept working
Imperial says the specialism focuses on how software is engineered to form complex computing systems, using state-of-the-art methods so that systems are easy to test, maintain and extend and meet their users' needs. The shared first two years cover systems, databases, architecture, algorithms and mathematics, with Software Engineering Design and a Computing Group Project in the second year. Later options named on the course page include Software Engineering for Industry, Distributed Algorithms and Software Reliability. This guide does not describe individual modules beyond naming them.
Is it the right degree?
Software Engineering against the other Imperial computing degrees
Imperial lists these as separate UCAS courses, and the entry rules look alike, so the question is the specialism. Avandy's comparison is general.
Choose Software Engineering if
you want to learn how large software systems are designed, tested and maintained.
Look at the general Computing MEng if
you want to keep the focus broad. Avandy's Imperial Computing guide covers it.
Look at the AI/ML or Security specialisms if
your interest is intelligent or trustworthy systems. Avandy's Imperial Computing AI/ML and Security and Reliability guides cover them.
Entry rules
A* in Mathematics, IB 41 and the compulsory TMUA
A-level applicants need A*A*A to A*AAA including A* in Mathematics, with Further Mathematics preferred; IB applicants need 41 points with 7 in Mathematics and 7 in another relevant subject at Higher Level. The TMUA is compulsory. Interviews are not standard but may be offered at the admissions tutors' discretion. This page states no test scores.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Imperial's.
Are you drawn to how software is engineered, not only what it does?
The specialism is framed around engineering complex systems.
Is A* in Mathematics realistic for you?
It is a stated condition of the A-level standard.
Are you comfortable with a compulsory mathematics test?
The TMUA is part of the application, not an optional extra.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Imperial has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Imperial published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Imperial has not yet published it.
Grades, subject requirements, the test position and the interview arrangements: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Imperial has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
The UCAS deadline, test windows and interview dates: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Imperial's course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Confirm Mathematics and your second subject, read the course page's module lists and plan TMUA preparation.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Imperial College London or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here means course-fit advice, subject mentoring and ethical preparation; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not supply interview or test questions. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What does Imperial Computing (Software Engineering) require?
A*A*A to A*AAA at A level including A* in Mathematics, or 41 IB points with 7 in Mathematics and 7 in another relevant subject at Higher Level, in Imperial's wording for 2027 entry.
Is the TMUA required?
Yes. Imperial says applicants must sit it as part of the application.
Is there an interview?
Imperial says interviews are not standard but may be offered to some candidates at the admissions tutors' discretion.
How does it differ from Imperial's general Computing MEng?
It is a separate UCAS course (G600). Imperial describes a software-engineering specialism on building complex systems that are easy to test, maintain and extend.
Is there an industrial placement?
Imperial says students complete an industrial placement at the end of the third year.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Imperial's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when Imperial publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Imperial Computing (Software Engineering)
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their mathematics, how they weigh software engineering against AI or security specialisms and the TMUA, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.