BEng Computer Systems Engineering: University of Westminster

Introduction

Computer systems of one kind or another support almost every aspect of our lives. The worlds of entertainment, healthcare, communication, transportation, manufacturing and finance all depend heavily on such systems. Computer Systems Engineering involves their innovation, design and application and offers an exciting, creative and rewarding career in a growing industry. This course not only gives you the expertise necessary to pursue such a career but also provides you with key life skills for many other professions.

The course provides a solid grounding in the design and realization of modern embedded systems, building upon more than two decades of experience in digital signal processing and electronic system design within the department. Embedded systems exist in every part of modern life, including portable digital cameras, kitchen appliances, collision avoidance systems in cars, and robotics. This has created a surge in demand for highly skilled engineers who can program computers and utilise and implement hardware systems. These degrees give you the skills required by engineers to efficiently combine software and hardware solutions and create the next generation of embedded electronic devices.

Course Content

This course shares a common Year 1 (Credit Level 4) with the MEng/ BEng Electronics Engineering degree. Project-based learning plays a large part in the courses, with project modules relevant to modern industry. At Year 2 (Credit Level 5) these include a voice-over amplifier project, and the Micromouse competition where teams of students vie to build the fastest maze-solving robot mouse. At Year 3 (Credit Level 6) you take an individual project of your choice, as well as a group project tackling the design of a very large scale integrated (VLSI) programmable processor.

You can transfer to the MEng/BEng Electronic Engineering at the end of the common first year. Subject to performance, it is possible to transfer from the BEng to the MEng Computer Systems Engineering at the end of Year 2 (Credit Level 5).

Sandwich placement year

You have the chance to take a placement in industry between Year 2 and Year 3. This gives you practical experience in the workplace and a competitive edge in the job market. It contributes to your professional development towards Chartered Engineer status.

Associated Careers

With an industry-wide skills shortage, employers are looking for creative people with the breadth of technical expertise to take a good idea from conception through to a viable product. Our graduates have gone on to work for the BBC and electronics giants such as British Aerospace, BT, GEC and Nokia, as well as for smaller private companies. Some have started up their own businesses in manufacturing or consultancy.

Entry Requirements

• BEng subjects of study include:
  • Algorithm Realisation
  • Business Finance and Management
  • Embedded Processor Architecture
  • Individual Project
  • Mobile Platform Programming
  • Real-Time Embedded Systems
  • Robotic System Design
• Year 4 (Credit Level 7) MEng
  • Subjects of study include:
  • Embedded Media Processing
  • Industrial Group Project
  • Multirate DSP
  • Video and Image Processing
  • plus one option module from the other MSc modules
• Qualification type Grade/points
  • A Levels MEng: BBB to include Maths BEng: BBC to include Maths
  • International Baccalaureate MEng: 32 points to include Maths at Higher Level BEng:30 points to include Maths at Higher Level
  • BTEC National Diploma MEng: DDM in Engineering BEng: DMM in Engineering
  • Advanced Diploma MEng: Grade B in Engineering and relevant ASL at Grade B including Certificate in Mathematics for Engineering or A2 Maths BEng: Grade B in Engineering or IT and relevant ASL at Grade C including Certificate in Mathematics for Engineering or A2 Maths