Computer Science and Electronic Engineering BSc Hons

Program Overview

Computer Science and Electronic Engineering BSc (Hons)

Overview

Our Computer Science and Electronic Engineering degree offers a unique learning experience, equipping you with the skills to excel in a rapidly evolving field.

Course Structure

• Foundation Year: A wide range of essential skills and knowledge that feeds into the following Year 1.
• Year 1: Introduction to the fundamental and professional skills required to study a computing programme.
• Year 2: Development of core computing skills in areas such as programming and networks, with concepts from electronic engineering introduced.
• Year 3: Further development of programming skills, building on the concepts of electronic engineering developed at Level 5, and completion of a final year project in the electronic engineering domain.

Modules

Year 1

• User Centred Software Development (40 Credits): Core
  • Design and development of computer software (applications) from two perspectives: implementation of software using programming code and user-centred design approach to software design.
• Fundamentals of Computing (40 Credits): Core
  • Strong foundation in the key areas of computing, including mathematics, modern computing systems, cybersecurity, and professional skills.
• Databases (20 Credits): Core
  • Fundamental concepts in database systems, including design, implementation, and querying relational databases.
• Problem Solving with Programming (20 Credits): Option
  • Application of computer programming and related technologies in solving everyday problems.

Year 2

• Analogue and Digital Circuit Design (20 Credits): Core
  • Electricity and magnetism, analogue and digital circuits, and measurement and test equipment.
• Electrodynamics (20 Credits): Core
  • Electromagnetics, electromagnetic waves, and Maxwell's equations.
• Experiential Learning (40 Credits): Option
  • Experiential learning opportunity that incorporates 20 teaching contact hours/lectures to prepare for 150 contract hours where students can use all their skills learned to date on an actual real-world (external business) client-driven project.
• Work Placement (40 Credits): Option
  • Structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5, or 7 weeks as one continuous block/period with a placement provider.
• Language options (40 Credits): Option
  • Opportunity to pick an optional module to learn a new language or build on existing language skills.
• Web Development (20 Credits): Core
  • Introduction to the basics of static websites, including structure (HTML), aesthetics (CSS), and interactivity (JavaScript).
• Data Analytics (20 Credits): Core
  • Comprehensive introduction to data analytics, focusing on foundational concepts and practical applications.

Year 3

• Control Systems Engineering (20 Credits): Core
  • Embedded systems, interfacing systems, computers, digital and analogue circuits, actuators and sensors, and controller design.
• Embedded Systems (20 Credits): Core
  • Embedded systems design with non-configurable processors, configurable processor design in embedded system-on-chip (SOC), and reliability.
• Implementation Project (40 Credits): Core
  • Large self-directed software project in a specialist topic of the student's choice with guidance and support from a dedicated academic supervisor.
• Network Protocols and Methods (20 Credits): Option
  • Theory and practice of network protocol design, maintenance, and evaluation.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (20 Credits): Option
  • In-depth exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative role in the development of advanced software systems.
• Robotics (20 Credits): Option
  • Introduction to the foundational principles of robotics, exploring the theoretical aspects that underpin the design, application, and ethical considerations of robotic systems.
• Cloud Computing and Cloud Security (20 Credits): Option
  • Range of topics, including basic cloud computing concepts, advantages, and service delivery models, identity and access management, secure networking practices, and design and implementation of highly available and secure cloud architecture.
• Applied Data Science (20 Credits): Option
  • Recognition of the need to apply data science applications in organisations, establishment of correct selection and application of data science techniques, and evaluation of the role of ethics in the application of data science techniques.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students:
  • UCAS points: 112
  • GCE A Level: Typical offer – BCC-BBC must include either Physics, Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Further Maths, Electronics, or Engineering
  • BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM, Computing/Computer Science or Engineering
  • International Baccalaureate: 28 points, including 5 in either HL Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics
  • Irish/Scottish Highers: Irish Highers - H3 H3 H3 H3 H4, including H3 in either Applied Maths, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Computer Science; Scottish Highers - BBBB, including Maths, Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering Science
  • Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma, (Computer Science, Mathematics, or Engineering), to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above
  • T Level: Merit (Engineering or Science)
  • OCR Cambridge Technicals: OCR Extended Diploma: DMM in Engineering or IT
  • Extra Information: GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above is also required.
• International Students:
  • UCAS points: 72
  • GCE A Level: 72 points, including grade D at A Level
  • BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP
  • International Baccalaureate: 24 points
  • Irish/Scottish Highers: Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4; Scottish Highers: CCDD
  • Access requirements: Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall
  • T Level: T Level: Pass (D or E on the core)
  • OCR Cambridge Technicals: OCR Extended Diploma: MMP
  • Extra Information: GCSE Maths at C/4 or above is also required.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £9,535 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International Students: £14,450 per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

How You'll Learn

• Majority of teaching takes place in computer laboratories
• Course is designed around in-person study
• Assessments are completed at the end of each module
• Collaborate with students from related courses on a common first year

Study a Common First Year

• Shares a common first year with students on Computer Science BSc Hons and the Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence pathway

Who You'll Learn From

• Andrew Muncey: Programme Leader for BSc Computer Science
• Dr Stuart Cunningham: Programme Leader for MSc Advanced Computer Science
• Dr Mike Morgan: Senior Lecturer
• Dr Helen Southall: Senior Lecturer
• Graham Logan: Senior Lecturer
• Professor Bin Yang: Professor
• Dr Yanting Hu: Senior Lecturer
• Dr Mohammad Samar Ansari: Senior Lecturer
• Jules Barnes: Lecturer

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester
• Modern learning resources and library
• Fitness facilities
• Student Services
• Chapel, chaplaincy, and multi-faith spaces
• Accommodation
• Catering

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: software developer, web developer, network engineer, database administrator
• Progression options: Programme and Project Management MSc
• Careers service: award-winning Careers and Employability service providing employability-enhancing experiences.