Computer Systems Engineering

Key facts
Location: Canterbury
Award: BEng (Hons), MEng
Type: Full-time
Options: Year in industry
Further information
Online: Department

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 systems.

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

Teaching in both the School of Engineering and Digital Arts and the School of Computing has been rated as excellent. We base our courses on leading-edge research topics, which is vital in a field that advances at such a fast pace, so that you get to know about the latest technologies. We have a team of senior industrialists who meet regularly with staff to review our courses, while there is an option to spend a year working in industry.

Degree programmes

Single honours
Did you know?

Kent was ranked 7th in the UK for Electronic Engineering graduate employment prospects in The Complete University Guide 2010.

  • Computer Systems Engineering BEng (H618)
  • Computer Systems Engineering MEng (H613)
  • Computer Systems Engineering including a Foundation Year (H614)
  • Computer Systems Engineering with a Year in Industry BEng (H615)
  • Computer Systems Engineering with a Year in Industry MEng (H617)

Core 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

You take eight 15-credit modules.

Core modules
  • Computer Interfacing Project
  • Digital Communications
  • Digital Implementation
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Image Analysis and Applications
  • Instrumentation
  • 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
  • Final-Year 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
A 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 can offer help and advice.

Foundation year (H614)

This programme is for students who do not have the qualifications needed for direct entry to the honours degree programme. 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.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching includes lectures, coursework and laboratory assignments, examples classes where you develop your problem-solving skills and regular staff ‘surgeries’. You have access to a wide range of modern high-performance laboratory equipment, computers and software packages for designing hardware and software.

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. The project is assessed by a written report, an oral presentation, a viva examination, a poster presentation and the outcome of the project itself.

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

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Offer levels

H615/H618: 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). Direct entry to Stage 2 available to suitably qualified students.

H613/H617: 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).

H614: 160 points (3.5 A level equivalents) inc EE at A level, IB 24 points.

Required subjects
  • H615/H618/H613/H617: 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.
  • H614: GCSE Mathematics and Science grade C.

Careers

Professional recognition

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

Recently our graduates have gone into the design of electronic and computer systems, software engineering, real-time industrial control systems and computer communications networks, or further postgraduate study, for example the MSc in Information Systems and Biometrics or Embedded Systems and Instrumentation.