Multimedia and Interactive Computer Systems: University of Birmingham

Degree: BSc/MSci
Address: Electronic, Electrical & Computer Engineering,The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Duration: 3 years for BEng/BSc, 4 years for MEng/MSci
Telephone: +44 (0) 121 414 5630
Fax: +44 (0) 121 414 4291
E-mail
Website: http://www.eee.bham.ac.uk
Scholarship and Grants: http://www.eng.bham.ac.uk/study/undergrad/scholarships.shtml

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Multimedia Computer Systems BSc/MSci
UCAS code: G450
Computer Interactive Systems BEng/MEng
UCAS code: GH46
Computer Interactive Systems with Business Management BEng/MEng
UCAS code: G9NC

The first personal computer revolution put computers on to desktops and into homes. The second revolution is now giving people the power of the internet where and whenever they need it.

Mobile multimedia devices offer the possibility of learning, knowledge sharing and entertainment on the move. Everyday devices from watches to refrigerators are being connected to the internet to offer new services, such as location-based information, or automatic checking and ordering of goods. New interactive technologies, including virtual reality and online gaming, are being applied to aerospace training, telemedicine, advanced surgery, tourism and archaeology.

Designing such systems requires new interdisciplinary skills such as multimedia authoring and interaction design. Our courses provide a professional training in multimedia technology, human–computer interaction, educational technology and computer-mediated communication.

Internationally, Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Birmingham is a highly ranked department, having scored a maximum 24 points for teaching quality in the last Teaching Quality Assessment and a score of 5 (maximum is 5* or 6) for research in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise. The department is housed in a newly refurbished building with dedicated, state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities.

First and second years

You learn about multimedia technology, human-centred design, software design, data networks, electronic communications, electronics and systems.

Third and fourth years

You undertake a major individual project in your final year, providing an opportunity to develop a complete system such as a multimedia learning environment, a wearable computer, or a hand-held communicator. In the third year of the MEng or MSci degree, you also undertake a group project, as a member of a team of seven to ten students.

Year abroad

A year abroad is available, only in the third year of the four-year MEng/MSci programmes, provided it is taken at an approved overseas university.

Year in industry

A year-long industrial placement is also available; this adds a year to the duration of your degree and can lead to the award of a Certificate in Industrial Studies.

Teaching and assessment

The course modules are taught through lectures, corresponding to approximately 11% of the student’s time during term time; tutorial problem classes taking approximately 4% of the student’s time; and laboratory and/or project work taking approximately 27% of the student’s time. The remaining 58% of the student’s time is devoted to private study, which includes examination revision time.

The course modules are assessed through a mixture of written examinations (approximately 44% of the overall assessment), laboratory work (36%); and continuously assessed coursework (approximately 20%). These percentages change dramatically throughout the years of a degree; during the earlier years the course modules are directed more through lectures, and in the later years the final-year project work dominates.

Career opportunities

Through these degrees you acquire skills needed by the computer and engineering industries in the design of multimedia and interactive systems, from mobile phones to websites, and in the management of interdisciplinary development teams. More generally, you gain entry to an exciting and rapidly evolving discipline that could lead to a career in computing, software design, electronics, communications engineering or e-business.

Entry requirements

Number of A levels required: 3
Typical offers: AAB for MEng/MSci; BBB for BEng/BSc
Required subjects and grades: At least one science or technology A level. Mathematics A or AS level preferred but not required. If no Mathematics A level or AS level is offered, Mathematics GCSE grade B is the minimum required.
General Studies: not accepted
International Baccalaureate Diploma: 32–36 points including both Mathematics and at least one physical science at HL

Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details

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