Undergraduate 2012

A place to inspire you / An approach to challenge you


Computer Systems Engineering

Key facts
Start year: 2012
Location: Canterbury
Award/s: BEng (Hons), MEng
Type: Full-time
Options: Year in industry

The range of uses for computers is increasing all the time – from smart phones and games consoles to aircraft flight control systems, super computers and global telecommunications.

This programme develops the skills and expertise needed to design computer systems, covering up-to-date detailed knowledge of computer hardware and software including electronics, communications systems and interface technologies.

We base our courses on leading-edge research, which is vital in a field that advances at such a fast pace. Our courses are designed with strong industrial input and therefore students graduate with excellent career prospects.

The School of Engineering and Digital Arts has always scored well in the National Student Survey, coming top three times in the last six years. We recently celebrated 25 years' continuous accreditation by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Degree programmes

Did you know?

In the 2010 National Student Survey, Kent was ranked 1st among UK higher education institutions for the quality of Electronic and Electrical Engineering courses.

See individual programmes for entry requirements and other information

Single honours degrees

Modules

Stage 1

You take eight modules worth 15 credits each – 120 credits overall.

Core module
  • Computer Systems
  • Digital Technologies
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Further Object-Oriented Programming
  • Engineering Analysis
  • Introduction to Electronics
  • Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
  • Robotics Project

Stage 2

Core modules

You take eight 15-credit modules.

  • Computer Interfacing
  • Digital Communications
  • Digital Implementation
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Image Analysis and Applications
  • Electronic Instrumentation and Measurement Systems
  • Microcomputer Engineering
  • Operating Systems and Architecture

Stage 3

You take three 15-credit core modules, one 45- credit core project module, and a choice of two 15-credit options.

Core modules
  • Digital Control and Robotics
  • Digital Systems Design
  • Embedded Computer Systems
  • Project
  • Product Development
Options

One from:

  • Computer Networks and Communication
  • Computer Security and Cryptography.

Stage 4

MEng only

  • Business Strategy
  • Communication Networks (optional)
  • Computer and Reconfigurable Architectures
  • DSP and Digital TV (optional)
  • Embedded Real-Time Operating Systems
  • Fundamentals of Image Analysis and Biometrics (optional)
  • Systems Group Project

Foundation

This programme is for students who do not have the qualifications needed for direct entry to stage 1 of our degree programmes. It covers electronics, computing, physics and mathematics.

If you successfully complete the foundation year, you can go on to take either the Computer Systems Engineering programmes mentioned above or Electronics and Communications Engineering.

Year in industry

Students on the Year in Industry degree spend a year working in industry between Stages 2 and 3. We have an Industrial Placement Officer who will help you apply for placements. The School has excellent industrial links, providing students with many placement opportunities.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching includes lectures, coursework and laboratory assignments, examples classes where you develop your problem-solving skills and regular staff ‘surgeries'. Practical work is carried out in air-conditioned laboratories, with state-of-the-art equipment and outstanding IT infrastructure.

Stage 1 modules are assessed by coursework and examination at the end of the year. Stage 2 and 3 modules, with the exception of the final-year project, are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination. All years include project work to replicate industrial practice and develop skills to maximise employability.

The year in industry is assessed by a written report and an interview that together count as 10% of your overall degree result.

Entry requirements

Not sure? How about...

Offer levels

BEng: A/AS level 300 points (3.5 A level equivalents) inc CC at A level, IB Diploma 33 points inc 5 in SL Mathematics and a science subject or IB Diploma with 15 points at Higher inc 5 in standard Mathematics and a science subject (not Mathematics Studies).

MEng: A/AS level 320 points (3.5 A level equivalents) inc BB at A level, IB Diploma 33 points inc 5 in SL Mathematics and a science subject or IB Diploma with 15 points at Higher inc 5 in standard Mathematics and a science subject (not Mathematics Studies).

Foundation year: 160 points (3.5 A level equivalents) inc EE at A level, IB 24 points. Direct entry to Stage 2 available to suitably qualified students.

Required subjects

  • BEng, MEng: At least an A level in one and an AS level in a second from Mathematics and a science/technology subject (such as Physics, Computing or Electronics) grade C for BEng, grade B for MEng. Equivalent qualifications are acceptable.
  • Foundation year: GCSE Mathematics and Science grade C.

Careers

If you choose to take our year in industry programme, you will gain practical work experience, while assessing possible future career options and making contacts in the industry. In addition to the technical skills you acquire on this programme, you also gain key transferable skills including the ability to present complex material in an accessible way, the ability to work independently and in a team, and the confidence to develop your own ideas.

Recently, our graduates have gone into the design of electronic and computer systems, software engineering, real-time industrial control systems and computer communications networks, in companies including BAE Systems, RAF, CISCO and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (MOD). Others have opted for further postgraduate study; for example, the MSc in Information Security and Biometrics or Embedded Systems and Instrumentation.

For more information on the services Kent provides to improve your employment prospects, go to www.kent.ac.uk/employability

Professional recognition

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Further information

Subject leaflet (pdf)

Schools:

Enquiries:

T: 01227 827272
E: information@kent.ac.uk

Publishing Office - © University of Kent

The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T: +44 (0)1227 764000

Last Updated: 21/07/2011