Undergraduate BEng (Hons)
Electronic and Computer Engineering
including a Foundation Year
You’ll gain the skills to innovate, create and find solutions.
Electronics and computing are two key growth areas for the technology industry, both making spectacular advances and impacting modern life beyond recognition. Studying all things electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering at Kent will allow you to be part of this revolution and to gain the knowledge and skills to make your own mark in this exciting field.
The combination of electronic engineering skills with advanced knowledge of computer hardware and software engineering 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 skills employers look for such as creativity, entrepreneurship and team working.
If you don’t have the right grades to enrol directly on to our BEng (Hons) Electronic and Computer Engineering degree, you could opt to start your studies with our Foundation year. The extra year is intended to give you the best possible preparation for success on the degree pathway.
This degree has been accredited by IET, The Institute of Engineering and Technology.
We have excellent industrial links, providing you with many placement opportunities.
94% of research at Kent was found to be of international quality in the most recent research rankings (REF 2021).
We have invested in cutting-edge equipment and facilities that will support you during your degree.
In a world going through technological, economic and cultural change, the demand for our graduates is increasing every year.
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which enables fast-track career progression as a professional engineer.
Our typical offer levels are listed below and include indicative contextual offers. If you hold alternative qualifications just get in touch and we'll be glad to discuss these with you.
DDD
MMP
72 tariff points from your IB Diploma, including Maths at 4 at HL or SL, typically H4, H4, H4 or equivalent
Mathematics grade C/4
N/A
The University will consider applicants holding T level qualifications in subjects closely aligned to the course.
Obtain the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, with 9 credits at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit.
This module introduces students to the mathematics of calculus and its applications in engineering. Examples classes are provided to support the student learning.
This module introduces students to the basic principles of electro-magnetism and electrostatics that are necessary in order to understand modern electronic and communications systems. Practical work and examples classes are included to assist the student learning.
Electrical Circuits, Electrical quantities, circuit concepts, circuit calculations, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical quantities, static and dynamic laws and examples of their application in electronic and mechanical engineering, Practical work and examples classes are included to assist the student learning.
This module introduces students to basic electronic components and circuits. By the end of this module students should be able to understand the operation of some important electronic circuits. It also extends the work on mechanics to include rotary and oscillatory motion, basic mechanical properties of materials and fluid statics.
This module consists of a series of lectures, laboratory sessions and example classes. Topics covered include logic gates and their associated arithmetic with applications. It also introduces materials used in electronic and mechanical engineering and their practical applications. Elementary alternating current circuit theory is also introduced.
In order to support laboratory experiments to be performed in other modules a short series of lectures on report writing and experimental error analysis is included.
A series of lectures will introduce a microcontroller and its programming language in an informal way. The aim is to enable the student to input and output signals to a microcontroller to control simple actuators. The programming skills will be developed in a series of non-assessed and assessed laboratory based assignments where students will be presented with a pre-written programme and they will be asked to make changes to achieve a change in its operation.
Also included in this module is an assigned mini project that can either be electronic or mechanical in nature depending on the preference of the student. Students are expected to build, test and report on the operation of the project and make suggestions for its improvement.
A short series of lectures which introduce students to University study.
This module introduces fundamental methods needed for the study of mathematical subjects at degree level.
a) Co-ordinate Geometry: co-ordinate geometry of straight lines and circles, parallel and perpendicular lines, applications to plots of experimental data.
b) Trigonometry: definitions and properties of trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, and reciprocal trigonometric functions, radians, solving basic trigonometric equations, compound angle formulae, small angle formulae, geometry in right-angled and non-right angled triangles, sine and cosine rule, opposite and alternate angle theorems.
c) Vectors: Notations for and representation of vectors in one, two, and three dimensions; addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication of vectors; magnitude of a vector.
including: Lowest Common Multiples/Highest Common Factors
You’ll gain the skills that will lay the foundation for the rest of your studies – subjects include programming, engineering design and electronics.
The module provides an introduction to the basic knowledge required to understand, design and write computer programs and the basic principles underlying the process of Software Engineering. No previous programming experience is assumed and the module proceeds via a sequence of lectures supported by simple exercises designed to give practical experience of the concepts introduced in the lectures.
The module provides techniques to design electronic circuits containing active and passive components and to appreciate the power issues and frequency response of circuits containing reactive elements. An introduction will be given to Electromagnetism for engineering purposes. An understanding of the fundamentals of Electronic Engineering is assumed and the module proceeds via a sequence of lectures supported by simple exercises designed to give practical experience of the concepts introduced in the lectures.
Mechanics: Forces, moments and Equilibrium of rigid bodies, Work and energy, Elementary stress-strain analysis.
Engineering Design: Transformation of a client requirement into an engineering design statement, Decomposition and evaluation of design requirements, Consideration of the human and ergonomic factors in the design process, CAD based drawings and models via CAD tools, Realisation of CAD models using computer numerical control manufacturing machines.
The module provides an introduction to the basic knowledge required to understand, design and work with basic electronic circuits and the basic principles underlying the process of Electronic Engineering. No previous electronics experience is assumed and the module proceeds via a sequence of lectures supported by simple exercises designed to give practical experience of the concepts introduced in the lectures. The underpinning aspects of professional practice are also introduced.
The module provides a first attempt to translate a problem into a technical solution. An understanding of the relevant programming/software, electronic and mechanical designs to create a functional solution centred around a microcontroller will be developed. Design skills will be applied to define and fabricate the physical solution informed by the original requirement. An understanding of the fundamentals of programming, electronic and mechanical aspects is assumed and the module proceeds via lectures, workshops and labs supported by supervision and technical advice. It is designed to give practical experience of the concepts introduced in the lectures of the prerequisite modules.
This module provides an introduction to contemporary digital systems design. Starting with the fundamental building blocks of digital systems the module outlines both theoretical and practical issues for implementation. Practical work includes the use of digital simulation and analysis software for implementing real-world problems.
Mathematics is the fundamental language of engineering, allowing complex ideas to be formulated and developed. This course provides the sound basis of mathematical techniques and methods required by almost all other modules in the department's engineering courses. Topics covered include functions, set theory, complex numbers, calculus, linear algebra, statistics and probability.
This module expands on introductory mathematics and provides students with the appropriate mathematical tools necessary for the further study of electronic, mechanical and computer systems. The main emphasis of the course is in applied calculus, which is used to solve real-world engineering problems, and the mathematics software MATLAB.
Develop your understanding and techniques of the field.
This module provides both a broad and deep understanding of Object Orientated program design and implementation within a system. Reinforcement of foundational material is through its use in both understanding and working with a range of fundamental data structures and algorithms. More systems-based understanding, such as interfacing to physical hardware are covered. This allows for a systems application-level view of design and implementation to be explored. Throughout the course, the quality of application design and the need for a professional approach to software development is emphasised.
This is a highly practical module that starts with a typical programming language environment suitable for microcontrollers, looks at software engineering issues, methods for the programming of a 32-bit microcontroller and concludes with the input/output of data using polling and interrupts. There are supporting practical sessions (Laboratory and PC Workshops).
Introduction to entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, circular design; Team building and effective team collaboration; New technology development, technology lifecycle, technology readiness level (TRL); Financial management of large-scale projects and new ventures, sources of financing; Protecting and securing intellectual properties (IPs); Business planning tools for a new technology and start-up; Prototyping and commercialising a new technology and mitigate market risks.
The module consists of a practical group project involving mechanical and electronic hardware and software. Also included is a series of supporting lectures. Students work in groups of typically five. The project provides an opportunity for students to gain experience not only in technical areas such as sensor data acquisition, programming and mechanical hardware design and construction but also in transferable skills including team working, project management, technical presentations and report writing.
Error analysis, general principles of measurement and instrumentation, sensors, signal conditioning and data presentation elements, and power supplies. The role of the various elements of a measurement system and evaluation of a measurement system for a given application. Construction and testing of measurement systems using common sensors and signal conditioning components. Real-world case studies such as acoustic emission detection, vibration monitoring, triboelectric sensing, flow measurement measurement and structural health monitoring are provided to illustrate the applications and significance of measurement systems in industry.
This module provides an overview of modern digital system implementation. It includes an introduction to CMOS circuit design, fabrication technologies, memory technologies, memory interfacing and an introduction to VHDL/Xilinx.
Control: Control fundamentals and modelling: Modelling of engineering processes, Laplace transfer, system description in frequency domain and time domain. Feedback control design with feedback and PID control: Digital - control: Implications of digital implementation and controller emulation methods.
Mechatronics: Sensors and transducers for mechatronic systems; Actuation: pneumatic and hydraulic actuators, mechanical actuators, electronical actuators; Microprocessors: Microprocessor systems, microcontrollers.
This module introduces fundamental concepts of communication systems and communications networks, including baseband signals, communication channel and noise, analogue modulation/demodulation, sampling and digitisation, digital modulation/demodulation, network architecture and topologies, access networks, voice and data, local area networks, and Internet protocols and Transport networks. Extensive practical work is included. Examples classes also support student learning.
You’ll be able to choose from a range of modules, so you can focus on your interests. You will then go onto complete a final-year project in your specialist area.
You must select one module from the following list of optional modules.
Introduction to the project, research techniques, poster design, report structure and writing.
This module introduces the theory and practice of employing computers as the control and organisational centre of an electronic or mechanical system, and examines time critical systems. It also provides embedded systems design through practical work, including real-time operating systems and microcomputer programming.
Introduction to concepts of reliability, availability, maintainability and safety (RAMS) in engineering problems; RAMS requirements, techniques, risks, safety assessments, and Health and Safety examples.
This module looks at the methodology of designing and implementing large digital systems. Students taking this module will learn how to design reliable digital systems using synchronous design techniques, will learn how to design digital systems which are easily testable and will be able to use a range of software tools to synthesize digital systems.
This module is focused on the study of digital signal processing and control of continuous systems and discrete time systems. The digital signal part includes Fourier transform, IIR Filters and FIR Filters. The control part continues the study of classical control of continuous system as well as digital control. There is a strong emphasis on design and evaluation.
Robotics: Introduction to robotics; Design, Components and Programming of a robotic system (e.g. mechanical arm, controller, electrical drive, hydraulic drive, etc.);
Modelling of kinematics and dynamics; Sensing, control and human-robot interaction technologies; Design and build of a small robot for a particular application (e.g. space/aerospace, automotive, driveless cars, renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture, mining, etc.);
AI and ML: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML); applications of AI in robotics;unsupervised, supervised and reinforcement learning;ML in robot path planning, navigation, positioning, and obstacle avoidance.
Principles of microwave communication technologies and how signals are transmitted via transmission lines.
Introduction to microwave circuits used in modern communication systems and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Information theory and Shannon capacity, information measure and mutual information, source coding and channel coding/decoding, multiuser communications.
Optical communication systems. Propagation in optical fibres. Sources (LEDs, laser), modulation. Photodiodes, receivers. Optical components. System power budgets, noise and dispersion.
The module introduces fundamental techniques employed in image processing and pattern recognition providing an understanding of how practical pattern recognition systems may be developed able to address the inherent difficulties present in real world situations. The material is augmented with a study of biometric and security applications looking at the specific techniques employed to recognise biometric samples.
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.
For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules. Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
For programme aims and learning outcomes please see the programme specification.
Our graduates find employment in a huge range of sectors such as aerospace and automative industries, the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence, construction and building services, energy utilities, government agencies, manufacturing industries, medical engineering, oil and gas industries, process industries, the public sector, research establishments and transport including road and railways.
The School of Engineering holds an annual Employability and Careers Day where you can meet local and national employers and discuss career opportunities. Ongoing support is provided by the School’s dedicated Employability Officer.
The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
You may be eligible for government finance to help pay for the costs of studying. See the Government's student finance website.
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.
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence.
The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.
The scholarship is also extended to those who achieve AAB at A level (or specified equivalents) where one of the subjects is either mathematics or a modern foreign language. Please review the eligibility criteria.
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
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Next steps
If you are from the UK or Ireland, you must apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not from the UK or Ireland, you can apply through UCAS or directly on our website if you have never used UCAS and you do not intend to use UCAS in the future.
We welcome applications from students all around the world with a wide range of international qualifications.
Student life
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