Computer Engineering – BEng (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest

Program Overview

The Computer Engineering BEng (Honours) at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone is designed for students who love understanding how technology really works — from computer hardware to software, networks, and smart systems. You will learn how to design and build modern computing solutions that power everything from mobile apps and cloud platforms to cybersecurity and connected devices — opening doors to some of today’s fastest-growing tech careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Your Technical Foundations

Your first year is all about getting confident with the core building blocks of computer engineering. You’ll study Mathematics, Software Development, and Electronic Systems, learning how computers process information and how to write functional programs. Modules like Computer Systems and Network Infrastructure introduce you to how devices and networks communicate, while communication-focused modules help you present technical ideas clearly.

Year 2 – Developing Core Engineering Skills

In second year, you begin connecting theory with real system design. You’ll explore Linear Algebra and Probability and Engineering Economics, alongside practical modules such as Computer Systems Administration, Connected Devices, and Cybersecurity. You will also study Wireless LANs and Network Operating Systems, gaining the skills to manage and secure modern digital environments.

Year 3 – Applying Knowledge in Real-World Contexts

By third year, your learning becomes strongly hands-on. You’ll work with Embedded Systems, Data Communications and Networks, and Agile Software Design, building solutions that mirror real industry practices. You’ll also undertake an industry placement, giving you invaluable experience working in a professional engineering environment before graduation.

Year 4 – Specialisation and Capstone Project

In your final year, you’ll bring everything together through a Computer Engineering Project, where you design and develop a substantial solution to a real engineering problem. Advanced modules such as Digital Signal Processing, Database Architecture and Design, Enhanced Networks, and Security allow you to specialise, while The Engineer in Society prepares you for professional practice and industry responsibility.

Focus Areas

Computer systems and architecture • Embedded and connected devices • Cybersecurity • Networking and communications • Software engineering and system integration

Learning Outcomes

You will graduate able to design complete computing systems, integrate hardware and software solutions, secure digital infrastructure, analyse complex technical problems, and deliver engineering projects with professional confidence.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This honours engineering degree is delivered at NFQ Level 8 and follows recognised Irish engineering education standards. Graduates are well-positioned to progress toward professional engineering accreditation and registration pathways.

Reputation & Employability

Ireland is one of Europe’s leading technology hubs — home to global companies in software, cloud services, medical devices, and cybersecurity. This programme’s strong applied focus and built-in industry placement ensure graduates are highly employable in roles across these growing sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone, learning Computer Engineering is never limited to classrooms or textbooks. From your first year, you’ll be working in modern engineering labs, building circuits, programming devices, configuring networks, and testing real systems — exactly the kind of hands-on experience that turns knowledge into confidence. Lecturers with industry backgrounds guide you through practical projects, while the programme’s built-in industry placement year ensures you graduate not just with a degree, but with real workplace experience.

Your practical learning journey includes:

Specialist Engineering Laboratories: You’ll work in dedicated computer and electronics labs where you design circuits, develop embedded systems, and test networking solutions using professional equipment.
Project-Based Learning: Many modules involve team-based assignments where you plan, design, and build working computing solutions — mirroring how engineering teams operate in industry.
Embedded and Connected Systems Work: Practical modules allow you to program microcontrollers, develop smart devices, and integrate hardware with software systems.
Networking and Cybersecurity Practice: You’ll configure real network environments, explore wireless systems, and apply security techniques in controlled lab settings.
Industry Placement (Year 3): A structured work placement year gives you hands-on experience in a professional engineering or technology company — often leading directly to graduate job offers.
Modern Campus Facilities: The Athlone campus offers contemporary learning spaces, computer suites, engineering workshops, and extensive library resources to support your studies.

By the time you graduate, you won’t just understand computer engineering — you’ll have built, tested, secured, and deployed real systems, backed by industry experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Computer Engineering BEng (Honours) at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) leave with a rare blend of hardware, software, and networking expertise — making them highly sought after in today’s technology-driven world. You’ll be ready for careers designing smart devices, securing digital systems, building network infrastructure, or developing next-generation computing solutions. Typical graduate roles include Computer Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer, Network Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist, and Software Systems Developer.

Thanks to the programme’s strong industry alignment and placement experience, your transition from student to professional is smooth and well-supported:

Career and Employability Support: TUS provides dedicated career guidance, interview preparation, CV workshops, and employer networking events to help students secure placements and graduate roles.
Industry Placement Advantage: The built-in Year 3 work placement gives you real professional experience — often leading directly to job offers before graduation.
Ireland’s Tech Industry Ecosystem: Ireland is home to global technology, cloud, medical-device, and cybersecurity companies, creating strong demand for computer engineering graduates.
Accredited Engineering Pathway: As an NFQ Level 8 Honours Engineering degree, this programme positions graduates to pursue professional engineering registration and long-term career progression.
Project-Driven Graduate Portfolio: Your final-year capstone project gives you a tangible engineering solution to showcase to employers.

Further Academic Progression

After completing this degree, you can progress to postgraduate Master’s programmes in areas such as Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Embedded Systems, Data Analytics, or Software Engineering — either at TUS or other universities in Ireland and internationally. This pathway also opens doors toward research degrees (MSc or PhD) for students interested in innovation, technology development, or academic careers.