Electronic & Computer Engineering BEng (Hons) (with Foundation Year)

The Foundation Year is a great opportunity if you have the ability and enthusiasm to study for a degree, but do not yet have the qualifications required to enter directly onto our degree programmes. A significant part of the Foundation Year focuses upon core skills such as academic writing at HE level, becoming an independent learner, structuring academic work, critical thinking, time management and note taking.

Successful completion of the Foundation Year will enable you to progress into the first year (Level C) of your chosen honours degree. Further details can be found here.

This is a broad introduction to the subject and you develop the theoretical knowledge, problem solving and practical skills that underpin Electronic and Computer Engineering:

• Introduction to Programming: This module explores the foundational concepts of programming and data structures, focusing on Java and Python, and examines how skills in structured coding, object-oriented programming, and core algorithms support the design of efficient, maintainable solutions to computational problems.
  
  
• Introduction to Engineering: Students will study the key underpinning principles for their programme including analogue and digital electronics and engineering mathematics.
  
  
• Data Fundamentals: The Data Fundamentals module introduces the concept of data and its collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation, while exploring storage systems such as relational databases and the end-to-end lifecycle of data in real-world contexts.
  
  
• Fundamentals of Computational Science: This module introduces the foundations of computer science by weaving together mathematics, C programming, cryptography and scientific computing. Students begin with sets, logic, and proofs to build the habits of abstract reasoning and formal problem-solving. These mathematical tools naturally flow into programming, where they gain practical competence in C, learning to manage variables, control flow, memory and debugging while building an appreciation for efficient and reliable code. The curriculum expands into applied domains, showing how mathematics and programming underpin security and scientific analysis. Students implement and break classical ciphers, apply public-key principles and tackle numerical methods such as matrix operations, integration and error analysis. Integration is central, in that through collaborative projects and simulations, students see how these themes combine to support secure, optimised and interdisciplinary problem-solving across computer science.

In the second year, you will develop a broader understanding and knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of Electronics and Computer Engineering. You study:

• Applied electronics: In this block of study you will learn about application circuits, sensors and signal conversion and sequential logic.
  
  
• Networks: You study the key components of the internet and the key protocols that modern software solutions use over the internet.
  
  
• Control theory: Dive into the world of computer network infrastructure and protocols. From understanding the roles of clients and servers to exploring physical media and the various types of networks, you'll gain insights into how data seamlessly travels across the digital realm
  
  
• Microcontrollers: Microcontrollers are everywhere and are fundamental to your course. Being able to program microcontrollers and interface them to sensors and actuators are critical skills
  
  
• Object-oriented Programming with C++: This topic provides a comprehensive understanding of classes, objects, inheritance, polymorphism, and other core OOP concepts, ensuring a strong foundation for advanced software development.
  
  
• Introduction to Software Engineering: This block of study complements the skills you learn for object-oriented coding, but uses the Java programming language.  It is far from just about coding though, and teaches you how to work as part of a team and the different approaches to project management that are available, as well as the latest technology being used in industry.
  
  
• Signal processing: Integrates theoretical concepts with practical implementations and you will learn to anaylse and process both continuous and discrete signals, with applications in filtering, system stability, and real-time processing.
  
  
• Professional Skills: This topic equips you with a diverse set of skills essential for the professional realm. From communication to problem-solving, you'll be prepared to navigate the challenges of industry.
  

In your third year, the curriculum focuses on employability and is more influenced by staff expertise and research. Here, you will develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical aspects of Electronic and Computer Engineering. 

Topics will include the following:

• Electronic systems: This course will prepare you to be able to develop and programme electronics based systems using appropriate tools and language studying topics such as systems, amplifiers, further power electronics and system design.
  
  
• Machine Learning Hardware: You will study the use of hardware systems to accelerate machine learning algorithms using computing architectures that are more appropriate for artificial intelligence.
  
  
• Internet of Things (IoT): You will broaden your knowledge to the emerging internet-of-things, whereby physical things in the world are part of the internet. You will have access to a range of technologies on which to develop and test your ideas.
  
  
• Embedded systems: This course will prepare you to be able to develop and program embedded systems using appropriate tools and languages, studying topics such as further microcontrollers, programmable logic and System On a Chip (SoC).
  
  
• Machine Learning: You will learn the principles of intelligent systems and their application to computer science and the types of algorithms and programming languages used to solve real-world problems.
  
  
• Mobile Development: Here, you'll focus on mobile application development using tools like Android Studio and the Java programming language, you'll create and refine mobile applications adhering to industry standards for quality and user experience.