Computer Systems Engineering with foundation year

This course offers opportunities to work on the design of smart devices, embedded systems and advanced electronics, helping you develop your skills in this field.

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course. The degree with foundation year is only available for the BEng option.

Foundation year
This foundation year aims to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed in mathematics, as well as the theories and concepts of electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering.

Degree
Design and develop intelligent systems that integrate hardware and software, with applications in areas like robotics, smart cities and automation. You'll have the opportunity for hands-on experience with modern technologies used in real-world engineering solutions.

Key features:

• Hands-on learning with industry-standard tools: gain practical experience in embedded systems, electronics and programming using labs and real-world project work.

• Focus on emerging technologies: explore robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart system design.

• Integrated master's (MEng) with undergraduate fees: progress to the master's degree (subject to meeting progression criteria) through an integrated pathway that includes advanced content and leadership-focused study, designed to help support your development and career goals.

Why you should study this course
Foundation year

• Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.

• Provides a grounding in key areas of engineering and mathematics.

Degree

• Industry-relevant skills: master hardware/software integration, AI, IoT, and embedded systems through embedded practical lab sessions and group projects.

• Hands-on learning: access embedded training in PCB design, soldering and robotics in purpose-built labs4, plus optional extracurriculars like robot racing competitions.

• Strong employer links: benefit from guest lectures, placement opportunities and projects with industry collaborators, who have previously included ARM and Bosch.

• MEng route: upon successful completion of the first three years, you may have the opportunity to advance to the master's part of this course, providing you with greater insight into computer systems engineering (subject to meeting progression requirements).

• Team-based and individual projects: build your portfolio through design challenges that reflect real engineering problems and solutions.

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Course Modules

The foundation year seeks to provide opportunities to develop fundamental knowledge and skills in a range of mathematical and business principles, as well as the theories and concepts of electrical and mechanical engineering. Foundation year modules include:
Fundamental Pure Mathematics
Fundamental Applied Mathematics
Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Fundamentals
Mechanical Engineering Fundamentals

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

Year One Modules
Engineering Mathematics
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Principles
Engineering Design
Analogue and Digital Devices
Electronic Systems in Action
Introduction to Programming

Year Two
In your second year, more advanced electronics and system design topics will be covered in the electronic modules. This will include electronic system design, manufacturing, and testing. Computer operating system and advanced programming topics will be taught where security issues will also be introduced. Communication and networking module will introduce the technologies and protocols used in modern communication system.

Modules
Analogue and Digital Systems
Object Oriented Programming
Operating Systems, Security and Networks
Embedded System Design & Development
Manufacture of Electronic Systems
Communication and Networking

Placement Year
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement* can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee* of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Final Year
In the final year, you will continue your studies in advanced hardware and software design, but with a focus on individual/group projects in which you will perform a detailed research or design study into a technical aspect from the course with the help of an experienced supervisor. In the hardware design areas topics such as FPGA based system design and system on Chip design will be covered whereas in the software area advanced security and machine learning topics will be the key focus.

Modules
Security
Hardware Realisation of a Computer System
Individual/Group-based Project Preparation
Individual/Group-based Project Realisation
System on Chip Design

Optional modules (choose one of the following)
Machine Learning and Related Applications
VLSI Design

Additional Year
Following on from successful completion of the BEng (Hons) study you can opt to proceed to the MEng Computer Systems Engineering degree. In this additional year, more advanced topics related to computer engineering will be investigated which is beyond the scope of undergraduate study.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content. For full module details please check the course page on the Coventry University website.
*For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website

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