Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

MEng (Hons) Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering (2018 Entry)

Academic Year: 2018/19

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Final award MEng / MEng+DIS / MEng+DIntS
Programme title Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering
Programme code WSUM30
Length of programme The duration of the programme is 8 semesters or 10 semesters if taken with the Diploma in Industrial Studies (DIS) or the Diploma in International Studies (DIntS). The programme is only available on a full-time basis.
UCAS code H613, H612
Admissions criteria

MEng - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/h613

MEng+DIS /DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/h612

Date at which the programme specification was published Wed, 29 Aug 2018 11:02:07 BST

1. Programme Aims

The MEng in Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering aims to: 

  • Cultivate highly skilled graduates who will shape the future of embedded systems across industries requiring expertise in electronics and software, such as aerospace, automotive, communications, entertainment, gaming and manufacturing
  • Provide a high-quality learning experience across a complete range of core subjects in order to give students the skills to investigate new and emerging electronic and computer systems  engineering problems
  • Develop engineers capable of designing innovative systems and managing the development process in order to deliver solutions that meet the requirements of customers
  • Produce engineers with extensive knowledge and understanding of engineering management and business practices and of relevant ethical, business, sustainability and legal constraints
  • Develop graduates capable of integrating their knowledge of mathematics, science and the broader engineering context to solve complex problems.
  • Promote innovation in engineering by applying appropriate knowledge, skills, tools and techniques in delivering successful solutions to both familiar and unfamiliar technical problems
  • Support personal and professional development, including, problem solving, leadership, team work and both oral and written presentation skills, as well as the ability to take the initiative in improving personal performance

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

  • UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence: Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer Standard, Engineering Council UK, 3rd edition, 2013.
  • UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence: The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes, Engineering Council UK, 3rd edition, 2014.
  • Guidance Note on Academic Accreditation, Engineering Council UK, July 2014.
  • The UK Quality Code for Higher Education, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, April 2012.
  • Subject Benchmark Statement: Engineering: The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, November 2010.
  • Master's Degree Characteristics, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, March 2010.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of scientific, mathematical and engineering principles appropriate to electronic and computer systems engineering
  • Demonstrate an understanding of general engineering and broader principles relevant to engineering
  • Understand the commercial, economic and sustainable aspects in the application of engineering processes
  • Demonstrate awareness of the relevant codes of practice and regulatory frameworks and the operational practices for safe operation of engineering processes
  • Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the application of management and business practices appropriate to engineering industries, including their limitations
  • Recognise the professional and ethical responsibilities of engineers
  • Demonstrate awareness of developing technologies in electronic and computer systems engineering
  • Draw on a deep understanding of electronics and computer systems to form original solutions to engineering problems, some of which may have incomplete specifications

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

  • Apply engineering principles to the analysis of electronic and computer systems engineering problems;
  • Apply mathematical and computer-based methods for modelling and analysing a range of practical and hypothetical engineering processes, components and products;
  • Generate innovative designs for engineering problems within the framework of economic, social, ethical and environmental issues;
  • Evaluate and respond to customer needs, including fitness for purpose and cost;
  • Follow essential design principles appropriate to relevant components, equipment and associated software.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of design, modelling, simulation and analytical methods and tools appropriate to electronic and computer systems engineering
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of current practice in defining and solving practical engineering problems, including its limitations and likely future direction
  • Demonstrate an ability to manage the design process
  • Use conventional laboratory equipment and relevant test and measurement equipment in an appropriate and safe manner
  • Apply engineering techniques taking into account relevant codes of practice, commercial constraints and industry standards
  • Demonstrate awareness of contractual issues and intellectual property rights
  • Work with technical uncertainty
  • Use appropriate management tools for project work.
c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

  • Search and retrieve information, ideas and data from a variety of sources
  • Select and analyse appropriate evidence and data to solve problems;
  • Apply skills in problem solving, communication, team working and in the use of general software tools;
  • Develop a personal work plan and take responsibility for its execution, independently, as team member or as a team leader;
  • Produce appropriate technical reports, papers, diagrams and drawings;
  • Plan self-learning and be able to take the initiative in improving personal performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning

4. Programme structure

These Programme Specifications apply to the conduct of the programme in the 2018-­19 session and should not be construed as being relevant to any other session.  These Programme Specifications may be subject to change from time to time. Notice of change will be given by the School responsible for the programme. 

In the following tables, ‘c’ indicates a compulsory module and ‘o’ indicates an optional module. 

Modules which are indicated as being taught in both Semester 1 and Semester 2 have elements of assessment in each semester however examinations for these modules normally occur during the Semester 2 examination period. Modules indicated as being taught in a single semester are assessed entirely within that semester. 

4.1 Part A 

Code

Title

Weight

Semester

C/O 

WSA017

Industrial Project in Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering

20

1+2

C

WSA011

Electronic Circuits

20

1

C

WSA010

Introduction to Programming

20

1

C

MAA103

Core Mathematics 1

10

1

C

WSA012

Electrical Science A

20

2

C

WSA013

Digital Systems

20

2

C

MAA203

Core Mathematics 2

10

2

C

 

4.2 Part B 

Candidates must choose one option ‘o’ from semester 2. 

Code

Title

Weight

Semester

C/O 

WSB013

Engineering Project Management

20

1+2

C

WSB014

Embedded Systems Programming

20

1

C

WSB010

Electronics

20

1

C

MAB103

Advanced Mathematics 1

10

1

C

MAB203

Advanced Mathematics 2

10

2

C

WSB019

Computer Architecture

20

2

C

WSB002

Communications

20

2

O

WSB004

Control System Design

20

2

O

 

 

4.3 Part C 

Candidates must choose one option ‘o’ from semester 1. 

Code

Title

Weight

Semester

C/O 

WSD002

Group Project

30

1+2

C

WSC200

Engineering Management: Finance, Law and Quality

10

1

C

WSC018

Embedded Systems Design and Implementation

20

1

C

WSC054 Electronic Systems Design with FPGAs 20 2 C

WSC055

Digital Interfacing and Instrumentation

20

2

C

WSC002

Digital Communications Theory and Practice

20

1

O

WSC003

Sustainable & Renewable Energy Systems

20

1

O

WSC039

Microwave Communications

20

1

O

WSC041

Digital and State Space Control

20

1

O

 

4.4 Part D 

Candidates choose optional modules totalling 30 credits 

 

Code

Title

Weight

Semester

C/O 

WSD030

Advanced Individual Project

50

1+2

C

WSD034

Applying Management Theory

10

1+2

C

WSD521

Advanced FPGA Design

15

1

C

WSD522

Embedded Software Development

15

2

C

WSD506

Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing

15

1

OA

WSD509

Communication Networks

15

1

OA

WSD510

Personal Radio Communications

15

1

OA

WSD511

Information Theory and Coding

15

1

OA

WSD515

Communication Channels

15

1

OA

WSD568

Sensors and Actuators for Control

15

2

OA

WSD508

Digital Signal Processing for Software Defined Radio

15

2

OA

WSD516

Telecommunications Network Security

15

2

OA

WSD517

Mobile Network Technologies

15

2

OA

WSD525

Engineering Applications

15

2

OA

WSD032

Microwave Circuits Laboratory

15

1+2

OB

XXXXXX

Options from the University Catalogue

30

1+2

OC

The optional modules listed oA are block taught in one week or two week long blocks, while those listed oB run over both semesters.

 

The option oC allows a free choice of modules worth 30 credits from the University Catalogue. This choice should be restricted to modules from Part C or D level, subject to the overall requirement for the Part that at least 90 credits should be from Part D level or above. The total of 120 credits should be arranged as near to 60 credits per semester as possible.

All optional module choice is subject to availability, timetabling, student number restrictions and students having taken appropriate pre-requisite modules. 

4.5 Part I 

For candidates who are registered for the Diploma in Industrial Studies (DIS) or the Diploma in International Studies (DIntS), Part I will be followed between Parts B and C or between Parts C and D and will be in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XI and Regulation XX.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 Criteria for programme progression 

Progression from Part A to Part B, from Part B to Part C and from Part C to Part D will be subject to the provisions set out in Regulation XX and in addition candidates must accumulate 120 credits and achieve an overall average of 55% in each part. 

At the end of Parts A, B, or C candidates not meeting the progression requirements for the MEng after reassessment, or at the option of the candidate, may transfer to the BEng degree programme providing they meet the minimum requirements set out in Regulation XX. 

In the event of a candidate transferring onto the BEng programme following assessment (or reassessment) at the end of Part C the degree mark will be calculated by combining average marks in the ratio Part B:40 and Part C:60.  The degree award in this case will be governed by the provisions set out in Regulation XX. 

5.2 Degree Award

To qualify for the award of the degree of Master of Engineering, candidates must accumulate 100 credits from Part D, with no module marks less than 30%, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XX.  

In addition, candidates must achieve a minimum mark of 50% in all modules with the prefix WSD5xx in order to accumulate credit. 

Should a candidate fail to qualify for the MEng award at the end of part D following reassessment (or at the option of the candidate) the BEng degree will be awarded on the basis of performance at Parts B and C. The degree mark will be calculated by combining average marks in the ratio Part B:40 and Part C:60

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

A candidate's final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments at Parts B, C and D in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX. The average percentage marks for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 20: Part C 40: Part D 40 to determine the final Programme Mark.

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