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.

  On this electronics and computing engineering course, 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 strengthening 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.

  Computing Society

  During this Computer Engineering BEng course, students will have the opportunity to join the UON Computing Society among other student union societies. Students will also have the opportunity to join professional bodies such as IET, BSc, ACM. IEEE students benefit from discounted memberships, enhancing their engagement with the wider professional body.

  Year 1

  In the first year of this computer engineering degree, 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 on this computer engineering course are Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Applications, Mobile Application Development 2, Advanced Digital Electronics and Engineering Project.

  The knowledge you gain throughout this electronics and computer engineering 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 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

  • 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.
  • Stage 2
    • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2082

      Status: Compulsory
      The module introduces fundamentals of data science and machine learning. Students will gain understanding of ethical and legal considerations when analysing data and acquire skills to address bias. Students will practice using data processing, modelling and visualisation tools for problem solving of practical challenges and the development of AI-driven applications
    • Microprocessors and Internet of Things (IoT) (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2090

      Status: Compulsory
      This purpose of this module is for students to explore a range of applications and design principles of various microprocessor based systems that can support the development and analyse of emerging Internet of Things technologies.
    • Mobile Application Development (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY2091

      Status: Compulsory
      This module is designed to give an understanding of the technologies (hardware/software) and how these are utilised in a modern networks. This understanding is then use to develop the necessary skills to design and implement (programming) software to be deployed within modern networks.
    • Advanced Mathematics for Engineers (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENG2045

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables students to build on the basic mathematical principles studied in the first year and aims to give students the advanced knowledge and analytical techniques needed to enable them to study advanced engineering modules successfully and to analyse and solve practical problems through the application of advanced mathematics.
    • Analogue and Digital Electronics (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENG2051

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces electronic devices, circuits and circuit theory which form the building blocks of a practical electronic system. In understanding the limitations and performances of such devices and techniques students will appreciate how a system may be degraded or enhanced by their selection and application.
    • Electronics Instrumentation and Control Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENG2065

      Status: Compulsory
      The module applies knowledge gained in the study of Mechanical Principles and Electrical Principles and introduces the basic concepts of instrumentation and control systems. This module provides rigorous analysis of control systems and studies the design of controllers and the implementation of control algorithms.
  • Stage 3
    • Advanced AI and Applications (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3060

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to: teach students the fundamental theories and practical applications of advanced artificial intelligence techniques including artificial neural networks, image classification and object detection. The underpinning concepts will be introduced, followed by examples of how responsible and ethical artificial intelligence applications are developed and tested.
    • Mobile Computing (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3063

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to identify modern mobile computing in terms of its hardware and software and the networks that support mobile devices as well as to implement software to run in a mobile computing context.
    • Embedded Real Time Systems (20 Credits)
      Module code: CSY3064

      Status: Designate
      This module is designed to give an indepth appreciation of the design, implementation and testing principles of embedded and real-time systems. Students will explore the complexities andissues involved in the use of embedded systems and interfacing with computer devices.
    • Advanced Electro-Mechanical System Design (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENG3020

      Status: Compulsory
      This module teaches the design of electromechanical systems which integrate mechanical, electrical, and control systems engineering. Laboratories form the core of the module. These cover topics such as transducers, signal conditioning, filters, closed loop control, digital logic, embedded systems and PLCs. Labs involve Arduino and PLC software such as Codesys.
    • Advanced Digital Electronics (20 Credits)
      Module code: ENG3022

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides a modern introduction to logic design and the basic building blocks in digital systems. It covers combinational logic circuits and sequential circuits. State machines are illustrated through case studies of more complex systems. Signal processing techniques using programmable logic devices are introduced using Field Programmable Gate Arrays.
    • Engineering Project (40 Credits)
      Module code: ENG4004

      Status: Compulsory
      This module provides the opportunity to apply and develop theoretical knowledge in an individual project and individual report. By completing the module students will gain experience of researching the necessary technical information, of solving cross-disciplinary technical problems. This module could form the assessment for any University approved industrial placement opportunity.

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• Entry Requirements

  A typical offer for the Electronics and Computer Engineering BEng could be:

  • BCC at A-Level or,
  • DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
  • Pass (C and above) at T Level

  We look for applicants with A-Level Maths at grade C or above, or Engineering at BTEC or T Level.

  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, and also applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical 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 or,
  • Pass (D or E) at T Level

  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 the University of Northampton 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

  2024/25 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
  • International – Full Time: £15,200
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200

  Additional Costs

  There are currently no additional costs anticipated for this Electronics and Computer Engineering course for 2024 entry.

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
  • International – Full Time: £14,750
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £14,750

  Additional Costs

  There are currently no additional costs anticipated for this course for 2023 entry.

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

  For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

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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 computer engineering 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 electronics and computer engineering 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 or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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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 for BEng Electronics and Computer Engineering, 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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