Electronics and Computer Engineering BEng (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Our BEng programme gives you the platform to critically analyse and apply knowledge of key principles, theories and concepts relating to Electronics and Computer Engineering. Each of these applications are coherent, detailed and informed by the academic discipline or area of professional practice.

  You will also develop and apply a range of problem-solving skills to real-world electronics and computer engineering scenarios. The development of these skills will aid you in building towards building your professional and academic career prospects.

  This degree in computer engineering and electronics is carefully designed to provide you with the skillset of both electronics and computer engineering, exposing you to the multidimensional skillset required in both fields.

  Year 1

  In the first year, you will study six modules including Object Programming, Fundamentals of Computing Systems, Electronic Engineering Practice, Engineering Industry Practice, Engineering Mathematics and Engineering Simulations.

  These modules cover the fundamental principles, programming, and practical skills needed to excel on this course. Mastering this skillset will enable you to move on to a more specialised range of modules offered during the second and third year of your course.

  Year 2

  The second-year modules include Microprocessors and Internet of Things (IoT), Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Electrical and Electronics Principles, Advanced Mathematics for Engineers, and Engineering Industry Practice.

  Year 3

  The year three modules are Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Applications, Mobile Application Development 2, Advanced Digital Electronics and Engineering Project.

  The knowledge you gain throughout this course is put to good use through practical activities that will equip you to pursue a career in Industry. You may also  embark upon obtaining Higher Degrees through research and development. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself individually and as part of a team through various hands-on practical activities and group projects. In the final year Dissertation, you get to work individually on a real-world project that showcases the skills you have acquired through various modules on the programme.

   

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • Stage 1
    • Problem Solving and Programming (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1020

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is to: introduce students to the skills, principles and concepts necessary to solve problems in computing; to develop essential skills to enable the solution of these problems with the construction of appropriate algorithms and a computer program; introduce principles underlying the design of a high level programming language (HLPL); gain experience and confidence in the use of a HLPL to implement algorithms; implement HLPL programs using an appropriate programming language e.g. Java; introduce an object-oriented language initially as a non-object language.
    • Fundamentals of Computing Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY1043

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to: introduce basic computing systems concepts by introducing computer architecture, compilers, operating systems, and algorithms; the interdependency of hardware and software design techniques and balance trade-offs between competing design constraints as well as classification of software (systems and application software).
    • Engineering Industry Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENG1048

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to examin key factors which complement technical elements of engineering, understanding of which is regarded essential in todays industrial environment. Analysis of the key areas of qualty, standards sustainability, project management and ethics form strong themes throught the module.
    • Electrical and Electronic Principles (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENG1050

      Status: Compulsory
      This module aims to provide Engineering students with the fundamental knowledge and analytical techniques to build a firm foundation for the analysis, operation, problem solving and circuit simulation exploring both DC and AC electrical and electronics circuits.
    • Mathematics for Engineers (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENG1051

      Status: Compulsory
      This module aims to provide Engineering students with the fundamental knowledge and analytical techniques needed to enable them to study related engineering modules successfully and to analyse and solve practical problems through the application of mathematics and to develop analytical problem-solving skills in the context of engineering and engineering systems.
    • Electronic Engineering Practice (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENG1070

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop students' confidence in the use of electronic design tools in the simulation, design, manufacturing and testing of circuits for real-world applications.

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• Entry Requirements

  A typical offer could be BCC at A-Level or DMM at BTEC. We look for applicants with A-Level Maths at grade C or above. Applicants will be expected to have achieved GCSE Mathematics (or equivalent) at grade C or above. We welcome international applicants and applications from students with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications.

  For information on how to apply to study with us, please see our How to Apply page.

  Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) Entry Requirements

  Admission to this foundation course is normally DEE at A Level or MPP at BTEC. However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level.

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

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• Fees and Funding

  22/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,500 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
  • International – Full Time: £14,000
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £14,000 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply

  Additional Costs

  There are currently no additional costs anticipated for this course for 2022 entry.

  21/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,465 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £6,780
  • International – Full Time: £13,000
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £13,000

  Additional Costs

  There are currently no additional costs anticipated for this course for 2021 entry.

   

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

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• Postgraduate Opportunities

  Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give you a CV that will catch the eye of employers.

  • Computing MSc (with or without Placement)
  • Computing (Computer Networks Engineering) MSc
  • Computing (Internet Technology and Security) MSc
  • Computing (Software Engineering) MSc

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page.

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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Careers and Employability

Our specialist Electronics and Computer Engineering BEng (Hons) degree strategically targets the stat-of-the-art skillset demand in industry and academia for both Electronics Engineering and Computer Engineering.

This programme provides you with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge required to work in a range of roles including full system design cycle, implementation, maintenance, and management of embedded systems. Other roles your skillset will lend itself to include IoT systems, edge devices, electronics and control circuits, computer systems, programmable systems, and mobile applications.

Our graduates have gone onto working with employers such as:

• ITV
• Barclaycard
• Network Rail
• Microsoft
• IBM
• HMGCC.

Common computer engineering job roles include:

• Embedded Systems Engineer
• Full Stack Developer
• Computer Engineer
• Electronics Engineer
• Digital Electronics Engineer
• Mobile App Developer
• Android Developer
• IoS Developer
• Control System Engineer
• FPGA Programmer
• Hardware Programmer
• IT Systems Administrator
• Hardware/Software Developer
• IoT Developer
• Microcontroller Programmer
• Research and Development Engineering roles.

Some of our graduates have also moved on to work in Higher Education as Research Assistants, Teaching Fellows, Graduate Teaching Assistants, Associate Lecturers and into funded PhD positions. Other graduates also work as freelancers or run their own companies e.g. as Mobile Application Developers and IT consultants.