BEng in Computer Systems Engineering

The BEng (Hons) in Computer Systems Engineering at the University of East Anglia (UEA) is specifically designed for students who want to move beyond theory and get hands-on with the hardware and software that power modern technology. From your first year, you'll be immersed in our fantastic facilities, gaining practical skills by working on real engineering challenges.

The philosophy is learning by doing. You'll spend a significant amount of time in our specialist labs, applying the concepts from your lectures to design, build, and test complex systems. This practical focus ensures you develop the confidence and expertise that top employers are looking for:

• Industry-Standard Software & Tools: You'll become proficient in essential professional software, including the Xilinx toolchain (Vivado, Vitis) for FPGA programming and system-on-chip design, LTspice for circuit simulation and analysis, and programming environments for C, C++, and Python to develop embedded software.
• Dedicated Laboratory Spaces: You will have extensive access to our Computer Systems Laboratory, a purpose-built space equipped with modern test and measurement equipment like oscilloscopes and logic analysers, alongside workbenches for prototyping and soldering. You'll also use our Cyber Physical Systems Lab for more advanced work in robotics and intelligent systems.
• Substantial Group & Individual Projects: A core part of your experience will be project-based learning. You'll collaborate on team-based projects that mimic professional engineering environments, tackling problems that require both hardware and software solutions. This culminates in a major final-year individual project, where you'll take a complex system from initial concept through to a fully functional prototype.
• Digital Systems & Robotics Hardware: Get hands-on experience with the actual hardware you're designing for, including FPGA development boards, ARM-based microcontrollers, and Raspberry Pis. You'll use these to build everything from digital logic circuits to automated robotic systems.
• Research-Led Facilities: The School of Computing Sciences has strong research groups in areas like robotics, embedded systems, and cyber-physical systems. As you progress, you'll have opportunities to engage with this cutting-edge research and utilise advanced facilities, applying the latest knowledge to your practical work.

Graduates of the University of East Anglia’s BEng (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering are highly employable, moving into roles such as systems developer, car engine management designer, programmer, network analyst, and control engineer. Many alumni also pursue further study in computer science, electronic engineering, cybersecurity, or related fields, or work in sectors including automotive, telecommunications, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.

Here’s how UEA specifically supports your future:

Career Services & Experiential Learning:
The program offers a highly practical curriculum that allows you to combine computing science with hardware-based subjects like electronics, embedded devices, and networking. You’ll learn through a mix of lectures, laboratory experiments, and hands-on projects, with a strong emphasis on industry-standard software development tools and practices. While the search results do not explicitly detail placement year options for the standard BEng program, UEA emphasizes industrial connections and practical experience through collaborations with partners. The university’s commitment to employability is further highlighted by its award-winning careers service, which supports personal development and graduate career goals.

Industry Partnerships & Research:
The program is taught within a department recognized for its research excellence, with students learning about the latest developments in fields such as cyber security, audio and visual processing, and embedded systems. Although specific facilities like the Smart Materials and Surfaces Lab are not mentioned for UEA, the university provides access to modern practical electronics labs and industry-standard resources. The curriculum is designed with input from industrial partners, ensuring graduates develop skills in computer programming, hardware design, and systems integration that are valued by employers.

Graduate Outcomes:
Students graduate with a strong foundation in software development, electronics, computer architectures, and networking, complemented by practical experience in circuit design and construction. These skills are highly sought after in the technology sector, with roles in computer sciences noted for having some of the highest starting salaries.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BEng (Hons) at UEA, you can pursue a master’s in specialized areas such as cybersecurity or advanced sound and image processing, or enter professional roles in systems development, technical consultancy, or research and development, supported by the program’s accreditation and industry connections.