Electronic & Computer Engineering (with a Year in Industry) BEng (Hons)

Program Overview

The Electronic & Computer Engineering (with a Year in Industry) BEng (Hons) program equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the rapidly evolving field of electronic and computer engineering. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical "hands-on" projects, supported by state-of-the-art facilities. Students gain invaluable real-world experience through a compulsory placement year and have access to cutting-edge technology and internationally renowned researchers. The program prepares graduates for highly sought-after roles in various industries, including Consumer Electronics and Computer Engineering.

Program Outline

Electronic & Computer Engineering (with a Year in Industry) BEng (Hons)

Degree Overview:

This program equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving field of Electronic and Computer Engineering. You will delve into fundamentals like Analogue and Digital Electronics, Programming, and Software Development, alongside advanced topics such as Embedded Systems, Mobile Devices, and Robotics. The program strikes a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical "hands-on" projects, supported by state-of-the-art facilities. This degree incorporates recent technological advancements in areas such as Embedded Systems, Intelligent Systems, and Mechatronics. You will actively work with specialized software, hardware interfaces, and systems, along with advanced robots and fabrication equipment. The program is guided by academics whose expertise in Robotics and Intelligent Systems is recognized by the latest Research Excellence Framework as internationally excellent.

Outline:

Year One:

• Engineering Principles: Covers fundamental topics in electromagnetism, circuit theory, analogue and digital electronics, mathematics, and engineering programming.
You'll also undertake a small microcontroller-based robotics project.
• Computing Principles & Professional Development: equips you for the challenges of studying engineering while introducing professional values and expectations.

Year Two:

• Applied Electronics: Explores semiconductor devices and circuit applications, control systems, mechatronics, and computer networks.
• Control Theory: Provides the knowledge of control systems for the stable and reliable operation of electronic and electromechanical systems.
• Microcontrollers: This is where you master programming and interfacing with sensors and actuators, crucial skills in electronic systems.
• Software Engineering: Focuses on Java programming, teamwork, project management approaches, and industry-standard technologies.
• Human-computer interaction: Explores design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing systems.
• Professional Skills: Develops skills for success in industry.

Year Three:

• Machine Learning Hardware: Study hardware systems to accelerate machine learning algorithms, including systems specifically designed for AI.
• Internet of Things (IoT): Learn about the emerging Internet-of-things and develop solutions using various technologies.
• Advanced Web Technologies: Focus on Javascript and client-side web application development with various libraries and tools like Node.JS (for server-side) and React.
• Intelligent Systems: Dive into artificial intelligence, focusing on machine learning, including foundational knowledge, metaheuristics (genetic algorithms), reinforcement learning, natural language processing, meta-learning, and semi-supervised learning.
• Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing: Master Android application development using Android Studio and Java.
• Final year Project: Conduct a significant independent project, allowing you to apply your skills and focus on your chosen area of interest.

Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessments including written exams, portfolios, and coursework reflecting the program's practical aspects. In the final year, you complete a research project or dissertation, building on your first two years of learning. Written feedback and opportunities to discuss it with your tutor help you understand your strengths and weaknesses, fostering continuous learning and improvement.

Teaching:

Learning takes place through lectures, seminars (15-20 students), and tutorials (up to 10 students). Approximately 12 teaching hours per week are allocated, decreasing to around 10 in your second and fourth years. Independent study, including group study for assessments, is expected. The faculty consists of internationally renowned researchers, ensuring you learn from experts in their respective fields. They utilize various teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and promote active participation.

Careers:

This degree prepares you for highly sought-after roles in various industries, including Consumer Electronics and Computer Engineering. You will be qualified for various positions, such as Design Engineer. Many graduates pursue postgraduate studies for further specialization and career advancement.

Other:

• The program includes opportunities to gain practical experience through a placement year and project work.
• Students have access to cutting-edge facilities and technology to support their learning and research.
• The university offers various scholarships to assist students with the costs associated with their studies.
• You can opt to spend a semester or a full year studying abroad at one of the university's partner institutions.

• The tuition fees for the 2024/25 academic year are £9,250 for full-time undergraduate courses.
• If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,250.
• The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.
• The International Tuition fees for 2024/25 are £12,500.