Computer Systems Engineering

Description

Computer Systems Engineering with a Year in Industry allows you to combine the study of computing science and electronics and gain practical experience working with a company. In lectures and laboratory classes you will learn how computer hardware and software interact to form more complex systems and how computer aided design (CAD) tools are used to manage this complexity. In the first year you study computer architectures and learn how to program simple devices such as lego robots using C. You will also begin your study of object-oriented high level languages with Java. In year 2 the focus shifts to electronics and you will learn how to design, build and test a range of digital and analogue circuits from simple digital timing circuits through to video and speech encoders. In the final year you will gain experience of embedded computing devices that are at the heart of many everyday products and also computer networks that enable their processing power to be harnessed. The final year project provides an opportunity for you to put all that you have learnt into practice and showcase the engineering skills you have acquired. The academics leading the programme hold first degrees in Electronics and many of them have spent part of their careers working in industry. Their expertise helps us to shape the degree content and ensure it is relevant.

Contact time

Students have on average 15 hours of contact time per week with teaching staff through lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars, though this may vary depending on module choices. Additionally, students should allocate at least 25 hours per week for study, coursework assignments and projects.

Career opportunities

The image shows former CSE student receiving the Institute of Engineering Technology “Anglian Coastal Prize” from Trevor Branton, Chair of the IET Anglian Coastal Network.

There is a high demand for well qualified Computer Systems Engineering graduates both within the UK and worldwide. The UK is a word leader in the development of embedded computing devices, the trend for ever increasing scales of integration, driven by Moore’s Law, guarantees that graduates with the skills to develop system-on-chip technologies will be in demand well into the 21st century.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10560 Year (EEA)
• EUR 17480 Year (Non-EEA)

Home/EU £9,000; International £14,900

• English

Course Content

Year 1

The first year of the degree comprises a set of five compulsory subjects which teach core elements of computing science and mathematics. A significant focus of the first year is in developing study and presentation skills in addition to teaching programming using the Java language. All modules are taught through a combination of lectures and laboratory classes, the latter involving practical projects. Computing Technology introduces concepts in computer architectures and these are reinforced through a series of mini-projects undertaken in the Lewin laboratory. We recognise that your interests and career aspirations may change during your first year. As this degree course follows broadly our standard G400 computing degree course, there is the option to change to a different course at the end of your first year if you so desire.

Year 2

The second year builds on the subjects studied in the first year and allows some flexibility for you to choose modules according to your interests.Computer Systems Engineers need expertise in both software and hardware systems and as the programme awards a BEng degree there is a strong emphasis on engineering throughout the curriculum. Digital Systems Design and Circuits and Systems provide a fundamental grounding in analogue and digital electronics. Sound and Image 1 provides the background and techniques for the analysis of signals and Software Engineering 1 builds of the first year modules and introduces techniques for building larger systems. These compulsory modules give you a good introduction to the fundamentals of computer systems engineering. The other two modules are selected from options. You might choose to study Computer Graphics, Artificial Intelligence and the free choice module gives you the flexibility to choose from a wide range of topics across the University.

Year 3

The final year of the degree allows you to specialise further and the individual project provides an opportunity for you to engage in research, individual study and practical work under the guidance of an academic supervisor. Examples of projects undertaken by previous students include: An Autonomous Guided Vehicle using Lego Robots, Development of a Computer Media Controller, Multiple Appliances Text to Speech Device, DTMF Remote Interface, etc.

Embedded Computer Systems and Networks are key compulsory modules for Computer Systems Engineering. Embedded and mobile computing devices now account for a huge sector of the processor market and the study of embedded architectures is essential for any Computer Systems graduate. Networks provide the infrastructure for both data and voice communication and the industries developing, exploiting and supporting these technologies are significant employers of computer systems engineers.

Further optional modules allow you broaden your knowledge by choosing second year options or deepen it by choosing more advanced topics such as Sound and Image II which build on modules taken in year 2.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 78

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• Qualification: BTEC National Diploma - DDM
• A Level: ABB
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points with 3 HL subjects at Grade 6
• Scottish Highers: AABBB
• Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AABBBB
• Access Course: See below
• European Baccalaureate: 75% overall

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

We ask our applicants to have at least one of the following A Levels (or equivalent): Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Electronics or Economics.

General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 Level 3 credits, including 12 Level 3 credits in either Mathematics, Science or Economics related subjects.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics at minimum of Grade B and English Language at minimum of Grade C or above at GCSE Level.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of East Anglia.