Electronic and Computer Systems (Top-up)

Electronic and Computer Systems
Electronics-based products play a vital role in our daily lives, from the sophisticated diagnostic equipment used in modern hospitals to leading-edge fibre optic communications. Computer technology, telecommunications and consumer electronics are advancing at an ever-increasing pace.

Our Electronic and Computer Systems BEng (top up) is designed to allow suitably qualified students, such as successful Engineering Foundation Degree graduates, to take a one-year Stage 3 course. This leads to the same level of qualification as for students taking a traditional three-year course so you can take your expertise into the industry faster, to match your ambitions.

At Kent, we offer degree programmes teaching state-of-the-art technology, which means our graduates can work at the forefront of all the major areas of electronic engineering and build a sustainable future.

You'll study the principles and methodology of electronic and communications engineering and gain specialist skills in hardware and software. Subjects covered include electronic circuit and system design, embedded systems design and control engineering. Our teaching is research-led so you get to know about the latest cutting-edge technologies, and this one-year programme combines theory with vitally important practical and project work - the chance to turn ideas into real systems.

Your Future
Our graduates find employment in a huge range of sectors such as electronic engineering and computing, telecommunications industries including radio, television and satellite communications; medical electronics, instrumentation and industrial process control. The nature of this top up programme means that if you find yourself wanting to entry the workforce quickly, to kickstart your career, Kent can provide an accelerated timeline to match your ambitions.

Top-up

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Top-up compulsory modules currently include the following:

• Digital System Design - In this module, you'll learn to program in a hardware-description language (VHDL) to model and simulate digital electronic circuits. Through a series of practical sessions, you will learn the necessary electronic design automation tools and how they are used to compile and simulate VHDL code but also “synthesise” VHDL code for placement onto actual physical hardware. You'll also learn the fundamental operational principles of programmable logic devices, FPGAs and their main processing elements, and also how modern FPGAs are used to build system-on-chips (SoCs). You will be introduced to the concepts of boundary scan testing and learn about the JTAG protocol (IEEE standard 1149.1). You'll apply knowledge gained in mini projects that will involve designing complete digital systems implemented onto FPGA, deepening your understanding and building your experience.

• Project - This is an opportunity for independent study on a topic of your own choice. Working on the project is a major part of your final year of study, taking place in Spring and Summer Terms, aiming to provide an appropriate environment for you to research in-depth subject relevant to your programme and the continued development of key skills. It will also challenge you to solve problems which involve the critical consideration of engineering relevant legal, social, ethical and professional issues and enable you to develop and practice a professional approach to the delivery and appraisal of written and oral presentations. You will be allocated a supervisor who will support you through weekly meetings and other communications.

• Communications and Networking - You will gain specialist knowledge in areas like electromagnetic wave propagation, RF circuit design, antenna principles, communication system model, digital modulation/demodulation, network topologies, and protocols. The module emphasizes practical applications, with workshops and example classes to reinforce theoretical concepts. By combining theory with hands-on experience, you will acquire the skills needed to address real-world challenges in communication systems and networks, preparing you for success in this evolving field.

Optional modules may include the following:

• Image Analysis and Applications

• Robotics and AI

• Microcomputer Technology

• Embedded Systems and IoT

• Fundamentals of Cyber Security

• Signal, Image, and Data Analysis

• Natural Language Processing

For more detailed information about these modules, please visit our website.