Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The BEng in Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering aims to: 

• A1.   Cultivate 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.
• A2.   Provide a high-quality learning experience across a complete range of core subjects in order to give students the skills to investigate electronic and computer systems engineering problems.
• A3.   Develop engineers capable of designing systems and managing the development process in order to deliver solutions that meet the requirements of customers.
• A4.   Produce engineers knowledgeable of engineering management and business practices and of the relevant ethical, business, sustainability and legal constraints.
• A5.   Promote high-quality engineering practice by applying appropriate knowledge, skills, tools and techniques in the analysis, diagnosis and solution of industry-related problems.
• A6.   Support personal and professional development, including problem solving, leadership and team work and both oral and written presentation skills.

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.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

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

• K1.   Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific, mathematical and engineering principles appropriate to electronic and computer systems engineering;
• K2.   Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of general engineering principles;
• K3.   Understand the commercial, economic and sustainable aspects in the application of engineering processes;
• K4.   Demonstrate awareness of the relevant codes of practice and regulatory frameworks and the operational practices for safe operation of engineering processes;
• K5.   Show knowledge of the management and business practices appropriate to engineering industries;
• K6.   Recognise the professional and ethical responsibilities of engineers.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

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

• C1.   Apply engineering principles to the analysis of electronic and computer systems engineering problems;
• C2.   Apply mathematical and computer-based methods for modelling and analysing a range of practical and hypothetical engineering processes, components and products;
• C3.   Investigate and define engineering problems within the framework of economic, social, ethical and environmental issues;
• C4.   Evaluate and respond to customer needs, including fitness for purpose and cost;
• C5.   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: 

• P1.   Apply design, modelling, simulation and analytical methods and tools appropriate to electronic and computer systems engineering;
• P2.   Define and solve practical engineering problems;
• P3.   Demonstrate an ability to manage the design process;
• P4.   Use conventional laboratory equipment and relevant test and measurement equipment in an appropriate and safe manner;
• P5.   Apply relevant codes of practice and industry standards;
• P6.   Demonstrate awareness of contractual issues and intellectual property rights;
• P7.   Work with technical uncertainty;
• P8.   Adopt a suitable engineering lifecycle approach to the solution of embedded systems problems;
• P9.   Use appropriate management tools for project work.

c. Key transferable skills:

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

• T1.   Search and retrieve information, ideas and data from a variety of sources;
• T2.   Select and analyse appropriate evidence and data to solve problems;
• T3.   Apply skills in problem solving, communication, team working and in the use of general software tools;
• T4.   Develop a personal work plan and take responsibility for its execution, both  independently and as a member of a team;
• T5.   Produce appropriate technical reports, papers, diagrams and drawings;
• T6.   Plan self-learning as the foundation for lifelong learning.

4. Programme structure

4.1 Part A 

Semester 1 and 2

Compulsory Modules (20 credits)

Semester 1

Compulsory Modules (50 credits)

Semester 2

Compulsory modules (50 credits)

4.2 Part B 

Semester 1 and 2

Compulsory modules (20 credits)

Semester 1

Compulsory modules (50 credits)

 Semester 2

Compulsory Modules (30 credits)

Optional Modules (20 credits)

4.4 Part I 

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

4.3 Part C 

Semester 1 and 2

Compulsory modules (30 credits)

Semester 1

Compulsory modules (30 credits)

 Optional Modules (20 credits)

Semester 2

Compulsory modules (40 credits)

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

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B and from Part B to C and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements and other provisions set out in Regulation XX.

To meet PSRB requirements students must achieve a minimum of 100 credits in each part with the remaining modules achieving a mark no lower than 10 percentage points below the usual pass mark.

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 and C 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 40: Part C 60 to determine the final Programme Mark.