Computer Systems Engineering with a Year in Industry

Computer Systems Engineering with a Year in Industry at the University of Kent is a comprehensive undergraduate programme designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the rapidly evolving field of computing technology. This course combines core concepts of computer hardware, software development, and network systems, providing a balanced education that prepares graduates for diverse careers in industry, research, or further study. The programme's structure integrates academic learning with practical industry experience through a mandatory placement year, allowing students to apply theoretical principles to real-world projects, enhance their professional skills, and build valuable industry connections.

Throughout the course, students delve into areas such as computer architecture, operating systems, embedded systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering. The curriculum is carefully designed to foster problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and technical proficiency. Emphasis is placed on developing hands-on skills through laboratory work, team projects, and industry assignments, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern technology environments. The integration of a Year in Industry provides students with an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience, understand workplace dynamics, and develop a professional network before entering the job market.

The programme is delivered by experienced academic staff and industry experts who ensure that the content remains relevant and up-to-date with current technological advancements. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including fully equipped laboratories and resources that support innovative learning and research. Upon completion, graduates are equipped to pursue careers in various sectors such as software development, systems analysis, network administration, cybersecurity, and embedded systems design, or to continue their studies through postgraduate options.

The University of Kent's Computer Systems Engineering with Year in Industry programme also emphasizes the development of transferable skills, including teamwork, communication, project management, and critical thinking, which are highly valued across the technological sector. Supported by a vibrant academic community and strong links with industry partners, students are encouraged to take initiative, innovate, and lead in their chosen fields. This programme represents an excellent pathway for students seeking a practical and industry-focused education in computer engineering, with the added advantage of a year of professional experience to enhance employability and career prospects.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 14860 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Credits Total Kent credits: 360
Duration full-time 12 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

EL600 - Project

EL665 - Communication Systems

EL667 - Embedded Computer Systems

EL671 - Product Development

EL676 - Digital Signal Processing and Control

EL677 - Digital Communication Systems

Teaching & Assessment

Teaching includes practical work in conventional laboratory experiments or projects, lecture modules and examples classes, which develop your problem-solving skills, and staff hold regular ‘surgeries’ where you can discuss any questions you have. Practical work is carried out in air-conditioned laboratories, with state-of-the-art equipment and outstanding IT infrastructure.

Stage 3 modules, with the exception of the Stage 3 project, are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination. The programme includes project work to replicate industrial practice and develop skills to maximise employability.

Programme aims

The programme aims to:

• enable students who have gained 240 credits on equivalent modules to those on our Stage 1 and 2 Electronic and Communications Engineering programme to obtain a top-up to a full BEng Honours degree

• educate students to become engineers, well equipped for professional careers in development, research and production in industry and universities, who are well adapted to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing subject

• produce professional engineers with specialist skills in hardware and software

• provide academic guidance and welfare support for students

• create an atmosphere of co-operation and partnership between staff and students, and provide an environment where students can develop their potential.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You gain knowledge and understanding of:

• the mathematical principles relevant to electronic and communications engineering

• scientific principles and methodology required in electronic and communications engineering

• advanced concepts of analogue and digital circuits and systems, telecommunications and instrumentation

• the value of intellectual property and contractual issues

• business and management techniques that may be used to achieve engineering objectives

• the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in electronic engineering

• current manufacturing practice with particular emphasis on product safety and Electromagnetic Compatiility (EMC) standards and directives

• characteristics of materials, equipment, processes and products

• codes of practice, industry standards and quality issues

• contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied.

Intellectual skills

You gain the following intellectual abilities:

• analysis and solution of problems in electronic engineering using relevant mathematical methods

• apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines to support the study of electronic engineering

• deploy engineering principles and apply them to analyse key electronic engineering processes

• identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques

• apply and understand a systems approach to electronic engineering problems

• investigate and define a problem and identify constraints including cost drivers, economic, environmental, health and safety and risk assessment issues

• use creativity to establish innovative, aesthetic solutions while understanding customer and user needs, ensuring fitness for purpose of all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance and disposal

• demonstrate the economic and environmental context of an engineering solution.

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-specific skills in the following:

• use of mathematical techniques to analyse problems in electronic engineering

• the ability to work in an engineering laboratory environment and use a wide range of electronic equipment, workshop equipment and computer aided design (CAD) tools for the practical realisation of electronic circuits

• the ability to work with technical uncertainty

• apply quantitative methods and computer software relevant to electronic engineering to solve engineering problems

• design electronic circuits or systems to fulfil a product specification and devise tests to appraise performance

• awareness of the nature of intellectual property and contractual issues and an understanding of appropriate codes of practice and industry standards

• the ability to use technical literature and other information sources and apply it to a design

• apply management techniques to the planning, resource allocation and execution of a design project and evaluate outcomes

• prepare technical reports and presentations.

Transferable skills

You gain transferable skills in the following:

• the ability to generate, analyse, present and interpret data

• use of Information and Communications Technology

• personal and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work as part of a team

• communication by various means: written, verbal and visual

• to learn effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development

• critical thinking, reasoning and reflection

• the ability to manage time and resources within an individual project and a group project

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

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

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

This programme is an intensive one year top-up programme for applicants who will have completed one of the following:

• A HNC/HND in an appropriate subject (such as Electrical/Electronic Engineering).
• Foundation Degree in an appropriate subject (such as Electrical/Electronic Engineering).
• Successfully completed two years of an appropriate honours degree programme.

The applicants will need to be individually considered by the Admissions Officer as the suitability of the programme will depend on the syllabus of HNC/HND/FD/Honours Degree and the grades obtained in individual modules.

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

• Access to HE Diploma:The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma):The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

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 Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2013 financial support package includes a fee waiver and cash bursary, as well as additional funds on your Kent account to help with accommodation, food, books and other living costs. Find out more on our fees and funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created a new scholarship, The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages.

Accreditation

Accreditation and rankings

All of our engineering degree programmes are accredited by our professional body, the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

The Times Good University Guide, The Guardian University Guide, The Complete University Guide and the National Student Survey (NSS) continually rank us among the top schools in the UK for our degree programmes, standard and quality of teaching, as well as our commitment to enhancing our students’ employability.

Our accreditation

Our Engineering degrees have been accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Our accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Our programmes in Computer Systems Engineering and Electronic and Communications Engineering provide you with a broad grounding in these vital fields.

Engineering Programmes at Kent have been continuously accredited by the IET for 30 years. The School of Engineering and Digital Arts is an IET Academic Partner.

EDA is proud to be a member of the Engineering Professors' Council – Promoting Excellence in Engineering in Higher Education.

Rankings

League tables

• 100% student satisfaction with course and 7th place overall in Guardian League Table 2014
• 4th for Electronic Engineering for Teaching Excellence – 2013 Sunday Times University Guide
• 1st for Electrical and Electronic Engineering Student Satisfaction – 2012 Times Good University Guide
• 1st for Electrical and Electronic Engineering Student Satisfaction – 2012 Complete University Guide
• 3rd place for student satisfaction across the sector in Complete University Guide 2014

National Student Survey (NSS)

• 1st (for the fourth time) for student satisfaction, 2012
• 3rd in the UK, in subject, for teaching, 2012
• 3rd in the UK, in subject, for assessment and feedback, 2012

Job prospects

• 7th place across the sector in Complete University Guide 2014 for employability – 90% take up of work or further study six months after graduation
• 14th in the UK for Electrical & Electronic Engineering graduating students' employment prospects, in Times Good University Guide 2012
• 90% of Kent Electronic Engineering students found employment or went onto further study within 6 months of graduating in 2010
• 95% of Kent Design studies students found employment or went onto further study within 6 months of graduating in 2010