Computer Systems Engineering - BEng (Hons)

Course structure

Duration: 3 years full-time

Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.  

On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘elective’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.

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.

Contact hours

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.

Programme aims

The programme aims to:

• educate students to become engineers, well-equipped for professional careers in development, research and production in industry and universities, and capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing subject
• produce computer systems engineers with specialist skills in hardware and software engineering, prepared for the complexities of modern computer system design
• enable students to satisfy the professional requirements of the IET
• provide academic guidance and welfare support for all students
• create an atmosphere of co-operation and partnership between staff and students, and offer students an environment where they can develop their potential.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You gain knowledge and understanding of:

• mathematical principles relevant to computer systems engineering
• scientific principles and methodology relevant to computer systems engineering
• advanced concepts of embedded systems, signals and image processing, control, computer communications and operating systems
• the value of intellectual property and contractual issues
• business and management techniques which may be used to achieve engineering objectives
• the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in computer systems engineering
• current manufacturing practice with particular emphasis on product safety and EMC standards and directives
• characteristics of materials, equipment, processes and products
• appropriate codes of practice, industry standards and quality issues
• contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied.

Intellectual skills

You develop the following intellectual abilities:

• analysis and solution of hardware and software engineering problems using appropriate mathematical methods
• the ability to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines to support study of computer systems engineering
• the use of engineering principles and how to apply them to analyse key computer systems engineering processes
• the ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques
• the ability to apply and understand a systems approach to computer systems engineering problems
• the ability to investigate and define a problem and identify constraints including cost drivers, economic, environmental, health and safety and risk assessment issues
• the ability to use creativity to establish innovative, aesthetic solutions while understanding customer and user needs, and ensuring fitness for purpose of all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance and disposal
• the ability to demonstrate the economic and environmental context of the engineering solution.

Subject-specific skills

You develop subject-specific skills including:

• the use of mathematical techniques to analyse and solve hardware and software problems
• the ability to work in an engineering laboratory environment and to use electronic and workshop equipment, and CAD tools to create electronic circuits
• the ability to work with technical uncertainty
• the ability to apply quantitative methods and computer software relevant to computer systems engineering in order to solve engineering problems
• the ability to implement software solutions using a range of structural and object- oriented languages
• the ability to design hardware or software 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
• the ability to apply management techniques to the planning, resource allocation and execution of a design project and evaluate outcomes
• the ability to prepare technical reports and presentations.

Transferable skills

You gain transferable skills including:

• the ability to generate, analyse, present and interpret data
• the use of information and communications technology
• personal and interpersonal skills and working as a member of a team
• effective communication (in writing, verbally and through drawings)
• effective learning for the purpose of continuing professional development
• critical thinking, reasoning and reflection
• how to manage time and resources within an individual project and a group project.

Careers

Graduate destinations

The School of Engineering and Digital Arts has an excellent record of student employability. Previous graduates have gone on to careers in:

• design of electronic and computer systems
• software engineering
• real-time industrial control systems
• computer communications networks.

Other graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations including:

• BAE Systems
• RAF
• CISCO
• Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (MOD).

Help finding a job

The School of Engineering and Digital Arts 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 University also has a friendly Careers and Employability Service which can give you advice on how to:

• apply for jobs
• write a good CV
• perform well in interviews.

Career-enhancing skills

Alongside specialist skills, you also develop the transferable skills graduate employers look for, including the ability to:

• think critically 
• communicate your ideas and opinions 
• work independently and as part of a team.

You can gain extra skills by signing up for one of our Kent Extra activities, such as learning a language or volunteering.

Professional recognition

Our programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which enables fast-track career progression as a professional engineer.