Course summary

Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering teaches you to combine digital electronics, microprocessors and software to develop and enable the potential of embedded computer systems. Embedded systems are found in mobile phones, games consoles, car engine management systems, traffic lights, and wireless routers, to name but a few. Unlike PCs and traditional desktop computers that are designed for multiple tasks, embedded computer systems often have a dedicated function or purpose within a larger electromechanical system, and are often small, rugged and low power. They use microprocessors and microcontrollers, and link to sensors and sensor systems. Electronic and computing systems engineers define the hardware, firmware, and software that enable and are implemented within these embedded computer systems. The theory of digital electronics and electrical engineering underpins the studies, but complimented and augmented with subjects such as computer architecture and design, programming and embedded software engineering, field-programmable gate arrays (FGPA) design, digital interfacing and development, control and management theory. Like all computers, embedded systems are subject to Moore’s Law, and are increasing in capability, year by year, thus increasing the opportunity for application management and control. Our course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and will provide you with the digital electronic, microprocessor and software knowledge, tools and experience, to design and implement embedded computer systems in a range of applications, products, environments and industries. What's the difference between MEng and BEng? The structure of the first two years are common between the BEng and MEng and provide you with engineering and electrical science core skills, combined with computer systems and programming modules. The application of engineering and electrical science shared with the solution of industrial problems is a strong theme throughout the courses. The MEng structure is distinct from the BEng course in the third and fourth academic years, providing enhanced opportunities to study your chosen specialist subjects in depth. In addition, MEng students follow extra modules in business management, application of management theory, and design and microprocessor control systems. Students studying on the BEng course may have opportunity to change to the MEng course if their performance in the first and second year is sufficiently strong.