Undergraduate · Engineering
BEng (Hons) AI Systems Design Engineering
Future-proof your career with a degree in AI systems design engineering.
Subject to validation
- AI-assisted Python and simulation
- Systems thinking and automated agents
- Eligible Google Cloud learning pathways
- Skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications
Build the skills employers want
Learn AI and subject expertise together, so you have both the skills and the know-how to apply them.
01 · Practical AI skillsGraduate with in-demand, practical AI skills
Build digital fluency, automated scripts and practical problem-solving with modern AI tools, applied to engineering systems.
02 · AI in your subjectAI applied in systems design
Work in a Python innovation lab to build automated solutions, model and test intelligent systems through simulation, and explore real cloud architecture challenges.
03 · Real experienceReal experience and Google Cloud skills
Work on real industry challenges in your final year and follow eligible Google Cloud learning pathways.
Course overview
Learn to design, model and improve engineering systems that use AI. You’ll use AI-assisted Python, simulation and digital prototyping, and set up automated agents that run routine tasks for you.
AI is changing how engineering systems are designed, tested and operated. The BEng (Hons) AI Systems Design Engineering gives you the skills to design, model and improve intelligent systems: machines and processes that use AI to sense, decide and act. You’ll gain practical knowledge in programming, digital design, data, simulation and prototyping.
You’ll learn to analyse problems, automate processes, model and test solutions and make informed design decisions, and explore the relationship between people, technology and intelligent systems.
You’ll work on agentic AI simulations and engineering projects co-developed with Google Cloud. Agentic AI means AI tools that can carry out tasks by themselves. Through this work, you’ll gain experience in designing automated processes, testing systems and digital prototyping.
Systems design skills you’ll build
- Programming, data and automation.
- Systems thinking for complex problems.
- Simulation, modelling and digital design.
- Testing and refining ideas through digital prototyping.
- Judging what AI tools produce, and when to trust it.
- Human-centred thinking about how systems affect people.
How you’ll apply AI to systems design, level by level
First, you’ll learn Python with AI to help you. Next, you’ll build automated agents that run tasks for you. In your final year, you’ll take on real industry challenges and gain the skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications.
- Level 4 · first year
Simulations and a Python innovation lab
Learn programming, computer-aided design and material simulation, and use AI-assisted Python to model and test simple systems.
- Level 5 · second year
Systems thinking and simple agents
Learn systems thinking: seeing how every part of a system affects the others. Use AI-assisted design and automation to improve systems, and learn to set up simple no-code and low-code agents: automated helpers that run routine tasks for you.
- Level 6 · final year
Digital prototyping, real industry challenges and certification skills
Design intelligent systems around the people who use them, and test them through simulation and digital prototyping. Take on real industry challenges, and gain the skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications.
Learn the subject with Arden. Prove the skill with Google Cloud.
Your degree is co-developed with Google Cloud and taught and awarded by Arden University. It brings Google Cloud’s expertise together with engineering principles and Arden’s academic experience. Alongside your degree, you can follow eligible Google Cloud learning pathways.
Agentic AI simulations and projects
Practise designing automated processes and testing systems in simulations and projects co-developed with Google Cloud.
Eligible Google Cloud learning pathways
Follow structured Google Cloud learning alongside your degree.
Skills for Google Cloud certification
Gain the skills to work towards Google Cloud certifications in your final year.
Course details
You’ll learn to analyse problems, automate processes and make informed design decisions through projects, simulations and hands-on engineering work.
Not sure you’re ready to start at degree level? A foundation year gives you an extra year to build your study skills and confidence first. Switch it on to see how your course changes.
You’re viewing this course with a foundation year. It adds one year at the start, so your degree takes four years. Switch it off to see the three-year route.
- Qualification
- BEng (Hons)
- Awarded by
- Arden University
- Partnership
- Co-developed with Google Cloud
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Duration
- 3 years full-time
- Entry route
- Start at Level 4. A foundation year is available if you need it.
- Start date
- February 2027
- Study modes
- Blended or online
- Attendance
- Weekdays
- Campus locations
- London Holborn, London Stratford, Birmingham, Manchester
- Online availability
- Available internationally
- Learning platform
- Arden’s digital learning platform
- Course materials
- Included, with no textbook purchase required
- Validation
- Subject to validation
Your degree is taught, assessed and awarded by Arden University. Google Cloud contributes learning content, tools and subject-matter expertise.
Course details
You’ll learn to analyse problems, automate processes and make informed design decisions through projects, simulations and hands-on engineering work.
Not sure you’re ready to start at degree level? A foundation year gives you an extra year to build your study skills and confidence first. Switch it on to see how your course changes.
You’re viewing this course with a foundation year. It adds one year at the start, so your degree takes four years. Switch it off to see the three-year route.
- Qualification
- BEng (Hons)
- Awarded by
- Arden University
- Partnership
- Co-developed with Google Cloud
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Duration
- 4 years full-time, including the foundation year
- Entry route
- Start with a foundation year, then move on to Level 4
- Start date
- February 2027
- Study mode
- Blended (foundation year is on campus)
- Attendance
- Weekdays
- Campus locations
- London Holborn, London Stratford, Birmingham, Manchester
- Learning platform
- Arden’s digital learning platform
- Course materials
- Included, with no textbook purchase required
- Validation
- Subject to validation
Your degree is taught, assessed and awarded by Arden University. Google Cloud contributes learning content, tools and subject-matter expertise.
What you'll study
Modules are grouped by year. Level 4 is your first year, Level 5 your second and Level 6 your final year. Each column shows that year’s modules and, where confirmed, how many credits each is worth.
Returning to study, or don’t yet meet the entry requirements? Switch on the foundation year to see what you’d study before Level 4.
The foundation year is shown first. Switch it off to see the three-year route.
- First year
Level 4
4 modules- Professional Digital Practice (Employability)30 credits
- Programming for Digital Professionals30 credits
- Simulating Material Behaviour30 credits
- Computer Aided Design and Design Practice30 credits
- Second year
Level 5
4 modules- Applied Professional Skills: Automated Workflows30 credits
- Applied Data Intelligence30 credits
- Thinking in Systems: AI Enhanced Design30 credits
- Advanced Design Simulation & Material Performance30 credits
- Final year
Level 6
4 modules- Arden Impact Module: Design Engineering30 credits
- Future Design: AI Tools, Creativity & Critical Evaluation30 credits
- Rise of the Machines: Human-Tech Interface30 credits
- Applied Simulation & Digital Prototyping30 credits
Modules are subject to validation and may change.
What you'll study
Modules are grouped by year. You’ll start with the foundation year, then move on to Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6, your final year. Each column shows that year’s modules and, where confirmed, how many credits each is worth.
Returning to study, or don’t yet meet the entry requirements? Switch on the foundation year to see what you’d study before Level 4.
The foundation year is shown first. Switch it off to see the three-year route.
- First year
Foundation year
4 modulesYou’ll learn the basics of software development and key technology concepts, and build the study skills you need for university.
- CREATE30 credits
- Fundamentals of Software Development30 credits
- Applied Tech Concepts30 credits
- Skills for University Study30 credits
- Second year
Level 4
4 modules- Professional Digital Practice (Employability)30 credits
- Programming for Digital Professionals30 credits
- Simulating Material Behaviour30 credits
- Computer Aided Design and Design Practice30 credits
- Third year
Level 5
4 modules- Applied Professional Skills: Automated Workflows30 credits
- Applied Data Intelligence30 credits
- Thinking in Systems: AI Enhanced Design30 credits
- Advanced Design Simulation & Material Performance30 credits
- Final year
Level 6
4 modules- Arden Impact Module: Design Engineering30 credits
- Future Design: AI Tools, Creativity & Critical Evaluation30 credits
- Rise of the Machines: Human-Tech Interface30 credits
- Applied Simulation & Digital Prototyping30 credits
Modules are subject to validation and may change.
Careers after this course
Your skills in AI, systems engineering, digital design, data and simulation prepare you for roles in industries that are using more AI and automation.
Examples of roles this course could lead to
- AI Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- AI Application Engineer
- Data Engineer
- Big Data Engineer
- Software Engineer
- AI Solutions Architect
- AI Product Manager
- AI Technology Consultant
- AI Governance and Responsible AI Specialist
- AI Safety and Assurance Engineer
- Cloud Data Engineer
- AI Transformation Lead
- Agentic AI Engineer
Relevant sectors
- Technology
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Energy
- Industries adopting AI and digital systems
How you can study
Study through blended learning at one of four Arden UK campuses, or online from anywhere, with the same high standards of teaching. Full-time, the degree takes three years, or four if you start with a foundation year. The foundation year is studied on campus, through blended learning.
Blended learning
- Where
- London Holborn, London Stratford, Birmingham, Manchester
- Platform
- Arden’s digital learning platform
Blended learning means eight hours of timetabled classes each week, over two days at your chosen Arden campus. You’ll also do around 25 hours of independent study a week through Arden’s digital learning platform. You’ll have the Library Portal, journal titles, eBooks and academic and industry databases to hand. Essential course materials are provided, so there are no textbooks to buy.
It suits students who value regular face-to-face teaching with tutors and classmates and who live within commuting distance of an Arden campus.
Funding. Eligible students may be able to access tuition-fee and maintenance support. Funding arrangements vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Online learning
- Where
- Online, from anywhere in the world
- Platform
- Arden’s digital learning platform
Online learning is available for this degree without a foundation year. The foundation year is studied on campus, through blended learning.
Studying online means you can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the UK or the world and study from home, without attending classes in a physical location. You’ll study through Arden’s digital learning platform, with your virtual classroom, lecture theatre and the Library Portal’s journal titles, eBooks and academic and industry databases. All your course materials are provided free of charge.
Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. You’ll get regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, and you can meet other students through the community and the discussion boards built into each module.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- A minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 completed within the last three years, or an equivalent qualification.
- We may also consider you if you have at least two years of professional work experience, shown in a CV and a reference.
- We look at every application individually.
- A personal statement, references or evidence of relevant experience may be requested.
English language requirements
- IELTS 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in any element.
- TOEFL iBT 80.
- Or an accepted equivalent.
Don’t meet these requirements yet, or want to build your confidence first? Switch on the foundation year to see the route in.
Showing entry requirements for the foundation year route. Switch it off to see the requirements for starting at Level 4.
Entry requirements with a foundation year
Academic requirements
- The foundation year is for you if you don’t yet meet the requirements to start at Level 4, or you’re returning to study after a break.
- We look at every application individually, including your qualifications and your work and life experience.
- Our admissions team will confirm the requirements for the foundation year and talk you through your options.
- A personal statement, references or evidence of relevant experience may be requested.
English language requirements
- IELTS 6.0, with no less than 5.5 in any element.
- TOEFL iBT 80.
- Or an accepted equivalent.
Don’t meet these requirements yet, or want to build your confidence first? Switch on the foundation year to see the route in.
Showing entry requirements for the foundation year route. Switch it off to see the requirements for starting at Level 4.
Start with a foundation year
A foundation year is an optional extra year at the start of your degree. It helps you build the study skills and confidence to succeed before your first year (Level 4) begins.
Who it’s for
It suits you if you don’t yet meet the entry requirements, you’re coming back to study after a break, or you’re changing career and would like to build your confidence first.
How long it takes
With a foundation year, your degree takes four years instead of three. The foundation year is studied on campus, through blended learning.
Where it leads
When you complete the foundation year, you move on to Level 4, the first year of your degree, and study the same modules as everyone else.
See your course with a foundation year
You’ll learn the basics of software development and key technology concepts, and build the study skills you need for university.
Switch it on to add the foundation year to the course details, modules and entry requirements on this page. Your choice also changes the foundation year answer in the registration form.
Switch it on to add the foundation year to the course details, modules and entry requirements on this page. Your choice also changes the foundation year answer in the registration form.
Not sure where to start?
We’ll help you find the right starting point. Register your interest, and our admissions team can talk you through your options, including the foundation year.
The future is changing. Get ready for what’s next.
Whether you’re changing career, coming back to study or building on the career you have, register your interest in the BEng (Hons) AI Systems Design Engineering and we’ll tell you as soon as applications open.
Be first to know when applications open
- An email the moment applications open
- The confirmed module list and fees as soon as they're published
- Invitations to online sessions about your course, as they become available
- No obligation to apply, and you can unsubscribe at any time
Course details and modules are subject to validation and may change.