Computer Systems Engineering

Computer systems engineers work on everything from games consoles, to car controls, to hospital equipment. Reviewed every year to make sure it’s up-to-date, this hands-on degree will help you get to grips the with hardware and software design in any computer system. We focus on giving you the skills, knowledge and work experience needed to get straight into a career in the field.

This course will help you develop your expertise as a hardware designer, developer and programmer in the field of computer systems engineering. There’s an emphasis on microprocessor and microcontroller-based systems and embedded systems. One of the main strengths of our course is its focus on practical work. You’ll develop your hands-on skills through lab work and optional work placements, ensuring your technical expertise is just as strong as your knowledge base.

Alongside subject-specific knowledge, the course is designed to further your interpersonal, team-working and IT skills, and develop your ethical and environmental awareness. As the course progresses, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in areas that interest you, through modules like Audio Engineering, Ethical Hacking and Network Security.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through coursework reports, case studies, individual and group research assignments, written and laboratory-based examinations and a final engineering project or dissertation. You'll receive regular, supportive feedback throughout the course. If you do not complete the course with the required achievements to qualify for the IET-accredited BEng (Hons) degree, you may be awarded a lesser degree, such as the BSc (Hons) degree. The final award will be determined at the end of the course.

Professional accreditation

The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). You’ll be able to apply for student membership while undertaking your degree. Your fees will be covered by the University, and you’ll have access to resources such as a digital library, jobs boards and networking events.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• A minimum grades CCD, one of which must be from a relevant subject (or a minimum of 88 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma; or Advanced Diploma; or Progression Diploma; or Access to HE Diploma of 60 credits)
• English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C/grade 4 or above

Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case by case basis. If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the Computer Network Enginerring Extended Degree.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

Accelerated study

If you have relevant qualifications or credit from a similar course it may be possible to enter this course at an advanced stage rather than beginning in the first year. Please note, advanced entry is only available for September start. See our information for students applying for advanced entry. Specific qualifications that may make you eligible for advanced entry to this course include studies undertaken at an IET-accredited institution.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2018/19 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time. Year 1 modules include:

• Computer Hardware and Software Architectures (core, 30 credits)
• Electronics Systems (core, 30 credits)
• Logic and Mathematical Techniques (core, 30 credits)
• Programming (core, 30 credits)

Year 2 modules include

• Advanced Electronics Systems (core, 15 credits)
• Microprocessors & Embedded Systems (core, 30 credits)
• Network Operating Systems (core, 15 credits)
• Audio Engineering (option, 15 credits)
• Creating a Winning Business 1 (option, 15 credits)
• Data Structures and Specialist Programming (option, 30 credits)
• Databases (option, 15 credits)
• Network Engineering (option, 30 credits)
• Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law (option, 15 credits)
• Work Related Learning (option, 15 credits)

Year 3 modules include

• Data Aquisition and Interfacing (core, 15 credits)
• Digital Systems Applications (core, 15 credits)
• Project (core, 30 credits)
• Wireless Networks (Cisco) (core, 15 credits)
• Distributed and Internet Systems (option, 30 credits)
• Ethical Hacking (option, 15 credits)
• Mobile Applications (option, 15 credits)
• Network Planning and Simulation (option, 15 credits)
• Network Security (CISCO) (option, 30 credits)

After the course

The recent advances in computing mean that system engineers are in high demand right now. Through this course, you’ll learn to design, program and build devices and systems used by a number of industries, including games and entertainment, medicine and automotive.

With the technical skills and the know-how to work on anything from generic embedded systems to extremely sophisticated, specialised and critical systems such as safety systems, you’ll be well equipped to pursue a career as a hardware designer, a systems programmer or a designer or consultant. This course is also excellent preparation for postgraduate study or research.