Electronic and Computer Engineering - BEng (Hons)

including a Foundation Year

Overview

The combination of electronic engineering skills with advanced knowledge of computer hardware and software engineering will prepare you for creating the systems of the future. This course teaches many exciting topics including robotics/mechatronics, embedded systems, and artificial intelligence, as well as providing you with soft skills such as creativity, entrepreneurship and team working.

We base our courses on leading-edge research in computer science and engineering, which is vital in a field that advances at such a fast pace. We provide you with the skills you need to showcase your creativity. Our graduates with specialist skills in electronic and computer engineering are prepared for the complexities of modern technology and well equipped for professional careers in development, research, and production in industry and universities.

We have strong links with the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Our visiting industrial professors contribute a strong industrial relevance to our courses and therefore students graduate with excellent career prospects in computer science engineering.

Our degree programme

This programme covers all aspects of electronic and computer engineering, which means on graduation you can enter any branch of computing, electrical and electronics engineering (for example, as a computer software engineer) becoming well adapted to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing subject.

Your first year lays the foundation for the rest of your studies and includes modules on programming, electronics, engineering design, digital technologies, engineering mathematics, and analysis. You also complete an engineering applications project.

In your second year, you further develop your understanding of the field of computer systems engineers, gaining further practical experience through modules such as systems programming, microcomputer engineering, instrumentation and measurement systems, digital implementation, control and mechatronics, and communications. You also undertake a group project.

In your final year, you take compulsory modules covering digital signal processing and control, digital systems design, and embedded computer systems. You also undertake a project on a subject from either the computing or the electronics subject area.

Teaching in our School has been rated as excellent and our course is taught by a team of experts and industry professionals in the areas of computer programming, computer vision, electronics, antennas, biomedical engineering, biometrics, instrumentation, mechanical engineering, mobile communications, product design, robotics, sensors, and wireless communications.

Most modules consist of a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, and computer sessions. All modules are continuously assessed. All years include project work that replicates industrial practice to maximise the employability of our graduates.

Year in industry

The additional aims of our Year in Industry option are to give students an opportunity to gain experience as computer systems engineers working in a professional environment and to develop employment-related skills. The placement year develops students’ technical skills, employability, and soft skills as well as increasing their awareness of the future context for employment.

MEng programme

We also offer Electronic and Computer Engineering MEng, a four-year programme which allows you to focus in-depth on particular topics.

Foundation year

If you do not have the qualifications for direct entry onto one of our degree programmes, you can take Electronic and Computer Engineering with a Foundation Year.

Study resources

We provide first-class facilities to support your studies, including:

• 120-seat multi-purpose engineering laboratory
• four air-conditioned computer suites housing around 150 high-end computers
• CAD and development software
• PCB and surface-mount facilities
• an anechoic chamber

Kent's School of Engineering has recently undergone a £3 million redevelopment and modernisation called the Jennison Design Hub, whereby you state-of-the-art engineering and design facilities which include:

• a virtual reality suite
• a production studio (including photography, video and green screen facilities)
• a large teaching and design studio
• engineering workshop and fabrication facilities
• a dedicated makerspace.

Extra activities

There are many ways to get involved in School life. You could become a student representative, giving students a voice on School committees, or become a student ambassador and work with us in secondary schools to promote engineering and technology.

We also host events where you can meet industry experts and former students.

In addition, you can take part in student-led societies including:

• Engineering Society
• TinkerSoc – Kent’s Maker Society
• Women in STEM

Professional networks

The School has strong links with the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). We have several visiting industrial professors with expertise in computer science engineering who contribute to the strong industrial relevance of our programmes.