BEng (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering with a Year in Industry
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Engineering
- UCAS Course Code
- HG6M
- Entry Requirements
- ABB (specific subject requirements apply).
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
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Why you should choose us
in the UK for Computer Science for Graduate Prospects - Outcomes
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Course Overview
How do everyday items like cars, mobile phones, games consoles and washing machines work? How can we use computer science to control equipment and machinery in the food and oil industries? On this course, you’ll master computer science and discover how to apply it to hardware – such as embedded devices, networks and electronics. You will spend your third year in the workplace, putting your skills into practice and gaining experience, contacts and industry knowledge.
If you have an interest in computing, whether it’s through building your own hardware or writing your own code, this course is for you. You should also be passionate about the contribution computing can and does make to humanity, in everything from arts, culture and entertainment, to business, health, communications, and society as a whole. And you should already follow the exciting developments of the field in the press and on blogs, and be excited about contributing your own ideas and creativity to this always-evolving sector.
This degree is highly practical, allowing you to combine your interest in computing science with hardware-based subjects such as electronics, embedded devices and networking. Crucially, it will give you the flexibility to deepen your knowledge in specialised areas or explore a broader range of subjects.
You’ll start by mastering computer programming using various languages and on different platforms, giving you a solid grounding in software. You’ll build on this by focusing on hardware – including looking at computer architectures and networks, not just in PCs but in a range of devices. Underpinning this will be the practical study of electronics, and you’ll develop your skills in circuit design and construction too. You will also have options to take subjects such as cyber security and audio and visual processing.
In addition to academic study, you’ll spend a year in industry. You will gain valuable work experience and have the chance to build your professional skills and confidence. Relevant work experience is a great asset in today’s competitive job market. A year in industry will not only give you first-hand knowledge of the way in which your field operates, it will also greatly improve your chances of progressing within that sector as you gain valuable contacts and insight.
Your final year project will allow you to bring all of this work together to focus on a particular real-world problem.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Your third year is spent working in industry, where you will put your first two years of learning into practice.
You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement. In the first two weeks of your second year, you will be asked to write a CV and apply to a range of companies. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you will require after graduation. We will, of course, offer our guidance and support while you are identifying and negotiating placement opportunities.
During this year, you’ll be supported by an industrial supervisor and a mentor from the university. You and your industrial supervisor will feed back during the placement to ensure that it is progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.
Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers.
If you are unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year, you’ll have the option to transfer onto the equivalent degree programme without a Year in Industry.
Accreditations
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll learn the fundamentals of computing science with an emphasis on programming. And you will study mathematical modules and learn how they will be relevant to your future work.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You will learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and lab classes – lab and seminar classes reinforce and expand on the lecture material. And you’ll spend a substantial amount of your time carrying out practical coursework and projects.
You’ll use a variety of programming languages depending on the devices and application areas being focused on. Importantly, you will be working with the software and hardware development tools and practices used in the industry right now, building your experience in each year. When you graduate, you’ll have the technical ability to develop high quality software and hardware for a range of platforms.
Independent study
Alongside your formal learning, you will study independently to gain a deeper appreciation of specialist topics. You’ll build up to your final-year project, where you will explore a real-world topic or work on a problem in depth, under the supervision of a member of the faculty. This experience of developing working software and hardware to address real problems is highly valued by employers.
Assessment
We have a mixture of individual and group assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. Additionally, there is a synoptic project, covering material from all modules.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (approximately 30%)
- Demonstrations and Presentations (approximately 40%)
- Written assignments (approximately 30%)
Structure
In your second year, you’ll continue to study core topics in computing science, and also look at areas of computer hardware such as architectures, networking and electronics.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You will learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and lab classes – lab and seminar classes reinforce and expand on the lecture material. And you’ll spend a substantial amount of your time carrying out practical coursework and projects.
You’ll use a variety of programming languages depending on the devices and application areas being focused on. Importantly, you will be working with the software and hardware development tools and practices used in the industry right now, building your experience in each year. When you graduate, you’ll have the technical ability to develop high quality software and hardware for a range of platforms.
Independent study
Alongside your formal learning, you will study independently to gain a deeper appreciation of specialist topics. You’ll build up to your final-year project, where you will explore a real-world topic or work on a problem in depth, under the supervision of a member of the faculty. This experience of developing working software and hardware to address real problems is highly valued by employers.
Assessment
We have a mixture of individual and group assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. The balance of assessment types varies according to the options chosen. Additionally, there is a synoptic project, covering material from all modules.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (typically 30%)
- Demonstrations and Presentations (typically 40%)
- Written assignments (typically 30%)
Structure
Subject to successfully passing the selection procedure of your company of choice, you’ll spend 9 to 12 months working in industry to gain real-life experience of computer systems engineering. Our well-established commercial connections throughout the UK and beyond will help you secure the best possible placement for you. Positions are usually paid, but the amounts may vary.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Typically, you’ll spend between 9 to 12 months out on industry placement. You will apply what you have learned in industry practice. In addition, you will learn and receive guidance from industry peers as part of your year in industry experience. You’ll be supported by a UEA mentor as well.
Assessment
This year is assessed through a series of periodic reports during the placement and a final report, completed at the end of the placement. The placement year is a pass/fail assessment.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll complete an independent project, focusing on a specialist area of computer systems engineering in more depth. For this you will receive one-on-one supervision from a faculty member. The project you choose will depend on your own interests and career aspirations – for example, you could link it with the work you did during your industrial placement.
You’ll also study advanced subjects, such as embedded devices, and choose from several optional modules, such as cyber security and audio and visual processing.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You will learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and lab classes – lab and seminar classes reinforce and expand on the lecture material. And you’ll spend a substantial amount of your time carrying out practical coursework and projects.
You’ll use a variety of programming languages depending on the devices and application areas being focused on. Importantly, you will be working with the software and hardware development tools and practices used in the industry right now, building your experience in each year. When you graduate, you’ll have the technical ability to develop high quality software and hardware for a range of platforms.
Independent study
Alongside your formal learning, you will study independently to gain a deeper appreciation of specialist topics. You’ll build up to your final-year project, where you will explore a real-world topic or work on a problem in depth, under the supervision of a member of the faculty. This experience of developing working software and hardware to address real problems is highly valued by employers.
Assessment
We have a mixture of individual and group assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. The balance of assessment types varies according to the options chosen. Additionally, there is an individual project which is assessed through a combination of written work and demonstration or presentation.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (typically 20%)
- Demonstrations and Presentations (typically 25%)
- Project (30%)
- Written assignments (typically 25%)
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB including one A-Level in Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Physics, Chemistry, Electronics or Economics. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: Science, Design Surveying and Planning for Construction, Digital Production Design and Development, Digital Business Services, Digital Support Services.
- BTEC
- DDM acceptable in an IT, Engineering or Science-based subject, excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB including Grade A in Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC including Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Mathematics, Computing, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 including HL5 in Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics.
- GCSE
- You are required to have Mathematics at a minimum of Grade B or Grade 5 and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Computing Science with a Foundation Year.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
See our Tuition Fees page for further information.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You are eligible for reduced fees during the year in industry. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees page.
There may be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year in industry, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
As a graduate in Computer Systems Engineering, you can move on to a broad range of exciting careers or on to further study. With your knowledge of hardware, you’ll be well suited for the more practical side of computing or careers in embedded computing and electronics.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Embedded systems developer
- Car engine management designer
- Instrumentation and control engineer
- Network analyst
- Communication systems designer
- Programmer