BEng (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering with a Year in Industry
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Engineering
- UCAS Course Code
- HG6M
- Typical Offer
- ABB (Specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (Specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
How do everyday items like cars, mobile phones, games consoles and washing machines work? How can we use computer science to control equipment and machinery in the food and oil industries? On this BEng in Computer Systems Engineering with a Year in Industry, you’ll master computer science and discover how to apply it to hardware – such as embedded devices, networks and electronics. You’ll spend your third year in the workplace, practicing your skills and gaining experience, contacts and industry knowledge.
If you have an interest in computing, whether it’s through building your own hardware or writing your own code, this course is designed for you. You’ll start by mastering computer programming using different languages and platforms, which will you a strong foundation in software. Then, you'll move on to hardware, exploring computer architectures and networks, not just in PCs but in various devices. You'll also study electronics practically, enhancing your skills in circuit design and construction. Also, you'll have the chance to choose subjects like cyber security, audio and visual processing.
This Computer Systems Engineering degree is highly practical, allowing you to combine your interest in computing science with hardware-based subjects such as electronics, embedded devices and networking. Crucially, it'll give you the flexibility to deepen your knowledge in specialised areas or explore a broader range of subjects. You can follow the exciting developments of the field in the press and on blogs and be excited about contributing your own ideas and creativity to this always-evolving sector.
In this highly flexible course, you’ll be working with the software development tools and practices used in the industry right now. You’ll also learn about the latest research taking place at UEA.
In addition to academic study, you’ll spend a year in industry. You’ll gain valuable work experience and have the chance to build your professional skills and confidence. Relevant work experience is a great asset in today’s competitive job market. A year in industry will give you practical knowledge and greatly improve your chances of progressing within that sector as you gain valuable contacts and insight. Jobs in computer sciences have one of the highest starting salaries. You can work as a systems developer, car engine management designer, programmer, network analyst, or control engineer.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
You’ll spend your third year working in industry, where you’ll put your first two years of learning into practice.
You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement. In the first two weeks of your second year, you’ll be asked to write a CV and apply to a range of companies. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, it’ll also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you’ll require after graduation. We’ll, of course, offer our guidance and support while you’re identifying and negotiating placement opportunities.
During this year, you’ll be supported by an industrial supervisor and a mentor from the university. Your industrial supervisor will give you feedback during the placement to ensure that it’s progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year.
Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers.
If you’re unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year, you’ll have the option to transfer onto the equivalent degree programme without a Year in Industry.
Accreditations
This course has been accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) for full CITP. Accreditation means that a candidate has fully or partially fulfilled the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP).
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll start by mastering the core material underpinning computer science. You’ll then specialise in the areas of computer systems engineering that interest you, structuring your degree to suit you.
In your first year, you’ll learn the fundamentals of computing science with an emphasis on programming concepts. And you’ll study mathematical modules and learn how they're be relevant to your future work.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
We teach a variety of programming and scripting languages including Java, SQL, HTML, CSS and JavaScript. You’ll be working with the software development tools and practices used in the industry right now, getting up to speed with the system development and database principles, gaining computing mathematics fundamental knowledge, practicing employability skills and building your programming experience this year. Teaching methods include team-based learning and hands-on practices
You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and lab classes – where the lab and seminar classes reinforce and expand on the lecture materials. Alongside your formal learning, you’ll study independently to gain a deeper appreciation of specialist topics.
Assessment
Your first year will have a mixture of individual and group assessments. These may include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and in-class tests (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. Additionally, there is a synoptic project, covering material from all modules.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll continue to study core topics in computing science, and also look at areas of computer hardware such as architecture, networking and electronics.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Depending on your interests and career aspirations, you’ll have a range of optional modules to choose from, all of which represent the school’s current research and strengths. You’ll gain core knowledge and hands-on experiences of your chosen subjects.
Assessment
Similar to your first year, you’ll have a combination of individual and group assessments. The balance of assessment types varies according to the options chosen. Additionally, there’s a synoptic project, covering material from all modules.
Structure
Subject to successfully passing the selection procedure of your company of choice, you’ll spend 9 to 12 months working in industry to gain real-life experience of computer systems engineering. Our well-established commercial connections throughout the UK and beyond will help you secure the best possible placement for you. Positions are usually paid, but the amounts may vary.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Typically, you’ll spend between 9 to 12 months out on industry placement. You’ll apply what you have learned in industry practice. In addition, you’ll learn and receive guidance from industry peers as part of your year in industry experience. A UEA mentor will support you.
Assessment
The year in Industry is assessed through a series of periodic reports during the placement and a final report, completed at the end of the placement. The placement year is a pass/fail assessment.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll complete an independent project, focusing on a specialist area of computer systems engineering in more depth. For this, you’ll write a report on your work, develop the software and present it; this will give you the opportunity to develop academic writing and communication skills. You’ll also receive one-on-one supervision from a faculty member. The project you choose will depend on your own interests and career aspirations – for example, you could link it with the work you did during your industrial placement.
You’ll also study advanced subjects, such as embedded devices, and choose from several optional modules, such as cyber security and audio and visual processing.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your final year will give you the opportunity to focus on specific areas of computer science through a piece of independent research. You’ll work on an individual project, which will involve developing high quality solutions (including working software) for real problems – a skill that is highly valued by employers. You’ll explore a topic or work on a problem in depth, under the supervision of a member of the faculty.
You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and lab classes – where the lab and seminar classes reinforce and expand on the lecture materials. Alongside your formal learning, you’ll study independently to gain a deeper appreciation of specialist topics.
Alongside your formal learning, you’ll study independently to gain a deeper appreciation of specialist topics. You’ll build up to your final-year project, where you’ll explore a real-world topic or work on a problem in depth, under the supervision of a member of the faculty. This experience of developing working software and hardware to address real problems is highly valued by employers.
Assessment
In your final year, again, you’ll have both individual and group assessments. Like your second year, the balance of assessment types varies according to the options chosen. Additionally, there’s an individual project assessed through a combination of written work and demonstration or presentation.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade 4 or grade C, and Mathematics at minimum grade 5 or grade B.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Contextual offer: BBC including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in IT, Engineering or Science-based subject OR DDM plus A-Level grade B in Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Contextual offer: DMM in IT, Engineering or Science based-subject.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM in IT, Engineering or Science-based subject OR DDM plus A-Level grade B in Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Diploma: DD in IT, Engineering or Science-based subject plus B at A-level OR DD plus A-Level grade B in Mathematics, Computing Science, Business, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Contextual Offer: DD in IT, Engineering or Science-based subject plus C at A-level OR DD plus A-Level grade C in Mathematics, Computing Science, Business, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Extended Certificate: D in IT, Engineering or Science-based subject plus BB at A-Level OR D plus BB at A-Level including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Contextual Offer: D in IT, Engineering or Science-based subject plus BC at A-Level OR D plus BC at A-Level including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Mathematics, Computing, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Design, surveying and planning for construction, Digital production, design and development, Digital Business Services, Digital Support Services, Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control, and Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing pathways.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Computing Science with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL5 in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Computing Science, Chemsitry, Physics or Economics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Scottish Highers
AAABB including grade A in Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade 4 or grade C, and Mathematics at minimum grade 5 or grade B.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL5 in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Computing Science, Chemsitry, Physics or Economics.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during the year in industry. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees pages.
There may be extra costs related to items such as travel and accommodation during your year in industry, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
As a graduate in Computer Systems Engineering, you can move on to a broad range of exciting careers or on to further study. With your knowledge of hardware, you’ll be well suited for the more practical side of computing or careers in embedded computing and electronics.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Embedded systems developer
- Car engine management designer
- Instrumentation and control engineer
- Network analyst
- Communication systems designer
- Programmer
Discover more on our Careers webpages.