MEng Computer & Electronic Systems
ApplyKey facts
- UCAS Code: GHK6
- Start date: Sep 2020
- Accreditation: Institution of Engineering and Technology, British Computer Society, Science Council
6th in the UK for Electrical & Electronic Engineering (Complete University Guide 2020)
Scholarships: access to annual bursaries and scholarship schemes
Study with us
- learn how to design electronic systems and use software engineering to develop the next generation of digital technology
- access to IET Power Academy & Scholarship programme with paid work placements
- gain international experience through studying abroad
- triple professional accreditation by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Engineering Council and British Computer Society means you can choose to become a Chartered Engineer, IT Specialist or both
Why this course?
What do 3D TV, digital cameras, smartphones, the iPad and sports instant replay have in common? They're all examples of technology which have been developed combining skills from both Computer Science and Electronic Engineering.
These subjects have become increasingly intertwined in recent years, so there's a need for engineers with the ability to create and embed intelligence into the products and systems of the future.
Engineers with operational and technical expertise in both electronics and software engineering are needed to design the next generation of computer apps, interactive vehicle robotic agents that monitor driver information and respond accordingly, or digital cinema technology. This degree is designed to produce these skilled professional engineers.
This is one of the few UK degrees with triple accreditation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology, British Computer Society and the Science Council.
What you'll study
Year 1
You’ll learn the fundamental principles and concepts in electronic engineering, mathematics and computer science classes.
Years 2 & 3
You’ll build upon this base while being introduced to programming languages and techniques, computer communications and hardware and software engineering systems.
Years 4 & 5
You’ll choose specialist topics to match your career aspirations. Topics include multimedia information, embedded systems, AI techniques, e-commerce and computer security.
Facilities
Students have exclusive access to our extensive computing network, and purpose-built teaching spaces including high voltage facilities, and student design and project labs equipped with the latest technologies.
Accreditation
The Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) - this programme is CEng accredited and fulfils the educational requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Accredited by the British Computer Society:
- for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional
- on behalf of the Science Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Scientist
Top-ranked departments
The course is run jointly by the departments of Electronic & Electrical Engineering and Computer & Information Sciences.
Electronic & Electrical Engineering is one of the premier providers of electronic & electrical engineering education in the UK, renowned for its teaching and research quality, student satisfaction ratings and excellent graduate employment rates. It provides the specialist theoretical and practical training in electronics, communications design and operation, hardware engineering systems, image/video processing and robotics.
Computer & Information Sciences is consistently ranked in the top five departments for its subject in Scotland and delivers the specialised teaching in computer programming, artificial intelligence, information sciences and software engineering.
Core Engineering & Science Skills
In first year you'll learn the essential skills and disciplines required to provide a strong foundation for future learning in electronic engineering, maths and computing science. You'll study subjects such as the principles of electronic circuits, software engineering, relevant mathematics and business skills. These skills will be reinforced by practical laboratory sessions which will help to develop your ability to translate concepts into reality.
Compulsory classes
Engineering Industry & Profession
To provide an overview of industry and give you some understanding of the industry environment that you would enter as well as the types of roles you would/could undertake. To explain role and responsibility of the engineering profession and individual engineer.
The class is delivered to first-year undergraduate students in the specific context of electronic and electrical engineering together with relationship to mechanical engineering and computer systems.
Machines, Languages & Computation
Programming Foundations
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
This class will further your knowledge of the design parameters of a typical computer system and the impact these have on the functionality, and implementation, of the hardware and software components.
Electronic & Electrical Principles 1
Engineering Mathematics 1E
Engineering Mathematics 2E
Core Engineering & Technology Skills
In second year you'll build on the strong foundations of the first year and further broaden your knowledge through the introduction to a range of programming techniques and languages, and computer communications. More analysis of both hardware and software systems will be undertaken to enable you to see the bigger picture. Small scale projects will be introduced to allow you to hone the skills and techniques you have developed in the first two years of the course.
Compulsory classes
Engineering Design & Manufacture
An overview of manufacturing and the manufacturing industry will provide a general appreciation of the range of processes employed in manufacturing together with an understanding of how components can be manufactured economically and reliably.
Advanced Programming
This class will further your skills in object-oriented programming, provide knowledge of key abstract data types along with their implementation and usage, and to provide experience in the development of larger scale software and an introduction to design.
Your main goal is to be able to develop larger programs with specialized data structures and utilizing APIs from a specification, and being able to ensure and show how the system they developed matches the specification.
Computer Systems & Architecture
Electronic & Electrical Principles 2
Digital Electronic Systems
Engineering Mathematics 3E
- to develop the means of solving certain differential equations
- to consider applications of Taylor and Maclaurin series
- to generalise earlier ideas in calculus to deal with functions of several variables
- to discuss in more detail matrices, determinants and functions of a complex variable
- to introduce vector calculus and eigenvalues/eigenvectors
Elective classes
A maximum of two classes are to be chosen.
Logic & Algorithms
Physical Electronics
Early experiments – e/m, photo-electric effect
Structure of the atom
Wave-particle duality
Schrodinger equation and application in simple systems
Basic Semiconductor Physics
Crystal structure Electron mobility Band theory
Doping of semiconductors
Physics of p-n junctions
Basic Device Physics
Diode operation
LED and laser diodes
.
Electromagnetism
Specialist Engineering Skills
In third year you'll be given the opportunity to choose from a range of specialist modules. You'll also study a carefully designed core curriculum which will cover aspects of computer communications and interfacing hardware and software systems.
Compulsory classes
Building Software Systems
This class will extend and deepen your understanding of the analysis, design and implementation of software systems; to provide further experience in the activity of designing and implementing non-trivial systems; and to enable you to demonstrate practical competence in a group environment.
Your goal is the development in a group setting of significant systems from scratch aiming not just at any solution but a good solution, and to be introduced to more general Software Engineering topics.
Computer Systems & Concurrency
This class will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of highly concurrent hardware and software systems. The class will also further your knowledge of the need for, and the design and implementation of, those other vital hardware and software components of a concurrent system, namely multiprocessors and their interconnections, operating systems and networks.
The interactions between many of these components will be investigated by means of significant practical work that consolidates the lecture content in the context of: (i) multiprocessor architectures, (ii) concurrency, (iii) protection and security and (iv) networked and concurrent applications. Software developed in appropriate programming languages will form the basis of much of the practical work thus enabling the student to enhance their software design and implementation skills in this domain.
Signals & Communications Systems
Engineering Innovation & Management
This class aims to provide you with an understanding of the importance of innovation in today’s business environment. The class aims to also develop understanding and skills in the area of innovation management. It aims to develop practical skills for you to integrate a number of themes including:
- product development
- IP
- product finances
- project management
- market analysis with a view to successfully exploiting new ideas
CES mini project
Elective classes
One to be chosen.
Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
Pre-requisites: Advanced Programming, Logic & Algorithms.
This class will help to give you a broad appreciation of the scale and nature of the problems within Artificial Intelligence and to a detailed understanding of some of the fundamental techniques used to address those problems.
Programming Language Definition & Implementation
The class will provide familiarisation with the definition of programming language syntax and semantics, and the translation of these definitions into an implementation of a programming language.
Instrumentation & Microcontrollers
INSTRUMENTATION
To develop techniques for system modelling based on block diagrams and transfer functions and to use such techniques in the context of analysis and design. To introduce you to instrumentation and measurement as an interdisciplinary engineering activity. To explain the basic principles of feedback and control systems.To enable understanding of the dependence of measurement and control on a wide variety of scientific and engineering disciplines; to provide appreciation of the universal application of measurement and control within the same range of disciplines.
To demonstrate engineering design as applied to instrumentation systems and control engineering; in particular, to explain the important contribution of electrical, mechanical and software engineering to this process.
MICROCONTROLLERS
To allow you to gain practical design, implementation and test experience of the techniques required to create combined hardware/software systems with an emphasis on measurement.
Analogue & Digital System Design
Engineering Analysis
The aim of this class is to further develop your skills and abilities in advanced mathematical concepts in the field of engineering. This will be achieved through contextualised problem solving using applicable mathematical and statistical techniques and tools on problems of moderate complexity.
Engineering for Your Professional Future
In Year 4 you undertake an individual research project, which will help you gain valuable technical and project management skills, along with a selection of advanced technical modules of your choice.
Compulsory class
Individual Design Project
Elective classes
At least four classes to be chosen.
Software Architecture & Design
This class aims to:
- enable you to understand the challenges of advanced software design and the issues associated with large-scale software architectures, frameworks, patterns and components
- develop your understanding of the tools and techniques that may be used for the automatic analysis and evaluation of software
Theory of Computation
Communications Networks
Digital Signal Processing Principles
Embedded Systems
Digital Forensics
Information Transmission & Security
Control Principles
- to introduce you to the basic concepts, mathematical tools and design methods of classical control theory
- to enable you to use analysis and design tools used in control engineering and appreciate the industrial applications of control systems
- to enable you to analyse and design closed loop control system specifically using industrial three-term (PID) controllers
- to introduce you to advanced control methods and to provide a basic understanding of a time-domain approach to control analysis and design of industrial processes
- to appreciate the application of control theory in industrial applications
Photonic Systems
Analogue Systems
Engineering for Your Professional Future
In year 5 you'll have the opportunity to develop your team-working skills through a multidisciplinary group project.
In addition to the project, you'll select from a range of advanced computing and electronic application areas.
Compulsory class
CES group design project
This project will have a strong industrial influence and provide you with the opportunity to utilise both your hardware and software skills by developing a fully functioning system, which you're required to demonstrate at an internal business tradeshow/exhibition at the end of the year.
Elective classes
At least four classes are to be chosen.
Computer Security
This class aims to develop an in-depth understanding of the nature of security in the contexts of computers, information and networks.
Designing Usable Systems
To develop research level understanding of the design of interfaces for newly emerging technologies and computing domains such as ubiquitous and mobile computing, universal access and collaborative displays.
Distributed Information Systems
This class will help you to gain an extended understanding of the deep technical issues underlying information systems in the particular context of distributing content over the world-wide web.
Advanced Topics in Software Engineering
The class will introduce you to a selection of recent advances in software engineering, along with some of the challenges and outstanding problems.
The detailed aims of the class are:
- To make you aware of key aspects of current software engineering research
- To familiarise you with the state-of-the-art in terms of what problems can be solved and what are the current exciting challenges
- To develop the necessary skills to allow you to contribute to the software engineering research community
- To equip you with the skills and background to appreciate the contributions to software engineering research across the full range of material presented at the key international conferences in the field
Image & Video Processing
Mobile Software and Applications
The aim of this class is to develop an understanding of the underpinning theories, paradigms, algorithms and architectures for building software applications to function in mobile computing environments.
Advanced Digital Signal Processing
Advanced Microcontroller Applications
Control Techniques
This class aims:
- to introduce you to the concepts and tools of modelling, simulation for control of dynamical systems
- to introduce you to the concepts of computer control engineering and enable you to learn the skills required to understand and analyse digital control systems for real time engineering applications
- to enable you to appreciate the design of estimation and its use in control design
- to introduce you to the methods of system parameter identification and its application in control engineering
- to present you with the concepts of fault monitoring, detection, isolation in dynamical systems
- to introduce you to the monitoring and evaluation of closed-loop system performance
- to appreciate the industrial applications of control engineering methods
DSP & FPGA-Based Embedded System Design
We're a 5-star
QS-rated University
Learning & teaching
You’ll learn through interactive lectures, small group problem-solving tutorials, practical laboratories as well as industrial visits and seminars by professional engineers.
We aim to develop not only technical engineering and computing expertise but also, and equally importantly, communication, project management, leadership and entrepreneurial skills in our students.
The course typically consists of around 10 lectures, five tutorial/problem-solving classes and three practical classes per week. To enhance their understanding of the technical and theoretical topics covered in these, students are expected to undertake a further 20 hours of self-study, using the web-based virtual learning environment (MyPlace), computing and library facilities.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed by a wide range of methods including assignments, exams and individual and group-based projects. You’ll make use of web-based and multimedia facilities.
In Years 1 to 3, you'll complete at least six modules per year. Each module is made up of a combination of written assignments, individual and group reports, oral presentations, practical lab work, and where appropriate, an end-of-term exam.
In Year 4, you'll complete at least four modules and an individual project. Assessment of this project consists of four elements, interim report, poster & oral presentations, conduct and final report.
In Year 5, you'll complete at least four modules and a major group project. Assessment of this project is based on project specification, interim report, oral presentation, group conduct, peer review, individual assessment, tradeshow show demonstration and a final report.
Entry requirements
Required subjects are shown in brackets.
| Highers | Standard entry requirements: AAAAB (Maths A, Physics or Engineering Science) Minimum entry requirements*: AAAB (Maths and Physics or Engineering Science) |
|---|---|
| A Levels | Year 1 entry: AAB-BBB (Maths, Physics) Year 2 entry: A*AA-AAB (Maths A, Physics, Computing) |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 (Maths HL6, Physics HL6) |
| HNC/HND | Entry to BEng in the first instance |
| International students | Find out entry requirements for your country by visiting our country pages. |
Additional information
- deferred entry is not accepted
- applicant interviews are conducted in January and February
Widening access
We want to increase opportunities for people from every background. Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.
Degree preparation course for international students
We offer international students (non-EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation year programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
Upon successful completion, you will be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based in the very heart of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. National Geographic named Glasgow as one of its 'Best of the World' destinations, while Rough Guide readers have voted Glasgow the world’s friendliest city! And Time Out named Glasgow in the top ten best cities in the world - we couldn't agree more!
We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Find out what some of our students think about studying in Glasgow!
Find out all about life in GlasgowFees & funding
2020/21
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
| Scotland/EU | TBC Fees for students domiciled in Scotland and the EU are subject to confirmation in early 2020 by the Scottish Funding Council. (2019/20: £1,820) |
|---|---|
| Rest of UK | TBC Assuming no change in RUK fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2020/21, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and integrated Masters programmes), MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply. (2019/20: £9,250) |
| International | £18,100 |
| Additional costs | Course materials & costs
Placements & field trips
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| Additional costs | Study abroad
Other costs
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| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my studies?
Students from Scotland and the EU
If you're a Scottish or EU student, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.
For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.
Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland
We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:
You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Have a look at our scholarship search for any more funding opportunities.
International Students (Non-UK Scholarships, EEA)
We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.
Careers
With skills including numeracy, problem-solving, IT, critical thinking and analysis, computer and electronic systems graduates can choose from a wide range of careers.
The degree’s triple accreditation ensures graduates have the technical expertise and skills to compete for jobs on an equal footing with computer scientists and electronic engineers, so can consider careers in a diverse range of sectors including:
- Communications
- Software Engineering
- Consumer & Electronics Design
- Automotive & Aerospace Industries
- Information Technology
- Finance & Banking
- Power & Energy
- Project Management & Engineering Consultancy
How much will I earn?
The average salary of graduates in full-time work is £33,000. However, your earning potential will depend on your job and the industry you work in.
With experience, communication engineers earn up to £45,000 software engineers up to £49,000. Project managers can earn up to £75,000.*
Where are they now?**
100% of graduates are in work or further study.
Job titles include:
- Applications Developer
- Electrical & Instrumentation Engineer
- Graduate Instrument Engineer
- Graduate Software Engineer
- Instrument and Protective Systems Engineer
- Software Developer
- IT Project Manager
- Software Engineer
- Technical Solutions Specialist
Employers include:
- Aker Solutions
- BP
- CGI
- EADS Astrium
- General Electric
- IBM Corporation
- JP Morgan
- Maersk Oil
- Simul8
- Wood Group
*Information is intended only as a guide.
**Based on the national Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) Survey
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Computer & Electronic Systems
Qualification: MEng