About this program
BEng Computer Systems Engineering
Computer systems can be found everywhere: inside a mobile phone, at a hospital bedside, and inside your TV, washing machine and games consoles. Computer systems engineers explore how this works – what is needed to convert machines and machinery into useful computing. We’re for people who want to figure out what goes on inside the box.
Our course gives you a thorough introduction to computer science before focussing on systems engineering. You study areas including:
- Writing programs, programming embedded microprocessors and designing embedded microprocessor systems in C
- The design and function of modern operating systems
- The functionality hardware needs to provide for an operating system
We emphasise the importance of practical learning, and you also have the opportunity to undertake a major project or product development specified either by a member of academic staff or a partner company.
In addition to these topics, you also have the flexibility to explore other areas our department specialises in, such as computer security, Big Data, and robotics.
Programming at Essex
Teaching someone to Program is about opening a door. In your first year at Essex you will study a module that introduces you to programming using C. We assess your ability to think in a programmatic way in the very first week of term and if you require additional support, we offer classes which will boost your skills and confidence with programming.
Admission requirements
UK entry requirements
GCSE: Mathematics C/4
A-levels: BBB
BTEC: DDM
IB: 30 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555, including Standard Level Mathematics/Maths Studies grade 4, if not taken at Higher Level.
We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programs at both Higher and Standard Level. Please note that Maths in the IB is not required if you have already achieved GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
Access to HE Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above
T-levels: Distinction
International & EU entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.
English language requirements
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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Program content
Year 1
- Team Project Challenge
- Mathematics for Computing
- Intro to Programming with C
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Introduction to Databases
- Network Fundamentals
- Fundamentals of Digital Systems
- Digital Electronic Systems
Year 2
- Operating Systems
- C Programming and Embedded Systems
- Team Project Challenge
Final Year
- Individual Capstone Project Challenge
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available, please visit the university website for more information.
Program delivery
BEng Computer Systems Engineering: 3 years
BEng Computer Systems Engineering (Including Year Abroad): 4 years
BEng Computer Systems Engineering (Including Placement Year): 4 years
- Courses are taught by a combination of lectures, laboratory work, assignments, and individual and group project activities
- Group work
- A significant amount of practical lab work will need to be undertaken for written assignments and as part of your learning
Tuition
- Home/UK fee: £9,250
- International fee: £20,650
Qualification
Professional accreditation
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.
Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
This course is currently being considered for Partial CEng/IEng accreditation by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Formal accreditation can only be granted after an accreditation visit and approval from the IET’s Academic Accreditation Committee. If accreditation is granted this may be backdated to the 2021-22 intake.
Career paths
Demand for computer scientists and engineers is high; the IT and engineering sectors are growing at a rate that outstrips the supply of fresh talent.
We have many graduates in senior positions in the computer communications industry, as well recent graduates working in IT and computer companies. Many occupy positions in the retail and services sectors, where computer expertise is in high demand, particularly in developing and managing computer servers and communications networks.
Our department has a large pool of external contacts, ranging from companies providing robots for the media industry, through vehicle diagnostics, to virtualisation of networks, and network security, who work with us and our students to help provide advice, placements and eventually graduate opportunities. Read more about computer science and electronic engineering career destinations here.
Our recent graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of high-profile companies including:
- IBM
- BT
- EDS
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Accenture
- Force India F1
We also work with our University's Student Development Team to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.
About this institute
University of Essex
We are Essex: home to the ambitious and the inquisitive. We are proud to be top 39 in the Complete University Guide (2022), a past University of the Year (THE) and internationally recognised for Social Sciences. We're committed to two...
