BEng (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering with Foundation Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Coventry University London

Program Overview

Computer Systems Engineering, BEng (Hons) with Foundation Year at Coventry University London is a four-year, full-time degree designed to bridge foundational engineering concepts with advanced hardware–software system design. The programme begins with a Foundation Year at CU Coventry, providing grounding in mathematics, science, and engineering, before students progress to the standard three-year BEng course at CU London. It emphasizes FPGA and microcontroller design, embedded computing, software development, and practical laboratory skills—preparing students for careers in IoT, smart systems, and autonomous technologies.

Curriculum structure:

Foundation Year:
In this initial year, you’ll build essential foundational knowledge across Fundamental Pure Mathematics, Fundamental Applied Mathematics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Fundamentals, and Mechanical Engineering Fundamentals. These modules bolster your quantitative, logical, and technical skills—setting the stage for deeper study in computer systems engineering.

Year 1 
You’ll build core engineering foundations across a range of related disciplines, including Engineering Mathematics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Principles, Engineering Design, Analogue and Digital Devices, Electronic Systems in Action, and Introduction to Programming. These modules give you the mathematical, theoretical, and hands-on skills needed to specialise later.

Year 2
Now focusing on the heart of systems engineering, you study Analogue and Digital Systems, Object-Oriented Programming, Operating Systems, Security and Networks, Embedded System Design and Development, Manufacture of Electronic Systems, and Communication and Networking. These build deep expertise in both digital logic and secure software systems.

Year 3 (Placement/Industry Experience)
You have the opportunity to take a UK Work Placement or an International Study/Work Placement—optional credits that let you gain real-world professional experience, either domestically or abroad, between Years Two and Three.

Final Year (Year 4)
In your final year, you focus on advanced design and innovation with modules such as Security, Hardware Realisation of a Computer System, Project Preparation and Project Realisation, and System on Chip (SoC) Design. You’ll also choose one optional module—either Machine Learning and Related Applications or VLSI Design—to steer your final-year specialisation.

Focus Areas
Hardware-software integration; embedded and FPGA-based systems; operating systems and network security; digital electronics and SoC design; project-based engineering.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:

  • Understand and apply principles of computer systems, computer networking, digital electronics, microcontrollers, and software.
  • Solve complex engineering problems using systems thinking.
  • Design both hardware and software components for specific applications.
  • Use modern engineering tools and methods, including SoC and VLSI design.
  • Operate effectively in a professional environment, especially with optional placement experience.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The Computer Systems Engineering BEng (Hons) is accredited by the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology), meeting the educational standards required toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status—given completion of appropriate further learning.

Reputation (Employability & Facilities)

  • The course holds a Gold overall rating in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 and earned 5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities—highlighting exceptional learning quality and resources.
  • Students benefit from industry-standard electronics and Cisco networking labs, and gain practical design, prototype, and networking skills.Many graduates go on to work for leading employers like Jaguar Land Rover, IBM, DSTL, National Grid, and others—reflecting strong industry connections and career outcomes.
  • National Student Survey data (2023–24) reports extremely positive outcomes: 98% praised the teaching, 100% found staff supportive, and 100% lauded learning resources—signaling outstanding student experience.

 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BEng (Hons) in Computer Systems Engineering at Coventry University, London is specifically designed for students who want to dive in and start building real systems from day one, using industry-standard tools in a dynamic, project-led environment. You'll be based in the central London campus, which puts you at the heart of the UK's tech industry and provides a unique, career-focused learning experience.

The approach is all about immersive, hands-on learning that mirrors the professional engineering world. You'll constantly be applying theory to practice in our specialist labs and on live projects, ensuring you graduate with a robust portfolio of work and the confidence to tackle complex engineering challenges.

Experiental Learning Highlights:

Industry-Standard Software & Simulation Tools
You'll gain expert-level proficiency in essential software, including MATLAB and Simulink for system modelling and control design, Xilinx Vivado for programming FPGAs, and electronic design automation (EDA) tools like Cadence for designing and testing complex circuit boards.

Specialist Laboratory Facilities
You will have dedicated access to the Advanced Engineering and Computing labs in London. These are equipped with professional-grade hardware, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and soldering stations for prototyping, alongside workstations configured for sophisticated design and simulation tasks.

Live, Client-Focused Projects
The curriculum is built around practical application. You'll work on collaborative group projects that often involve solving real-world problems posed by industry partners, giving you invaluable experience in teamwork and client management. This builds towards a major final-year individual project where you'll take a complex system from concept to a functional prototype.

Cisco Networking Equipment
The course provides hands-on experience with Cisco networking hardware and software, allowing you to configure and manage network systems—a critical skill for any computer systems engineer.

Professional Development & Internships
While the course is intensive, the university's strong industry links and dedicated Talent Team provide robust support in helping you secure a valuable professional placement or internship, allowing you to apply your skills in a commercial setting.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Coventry University's BEng (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering are highly employable, moving into roles such as systems engineer, embedded systems developer, network designer, automation specialist, and IoT solutions developer. Many alumni also pursue further study in computer science, electronic engineering, artificial intelligence, or related fields, or work in sectors including telecommunications, automotive, consumer electronics, and smart technologies.

Career Services & Experiential Learning
The program offers opportunities for a professional placement year, providing valuable industrial experience. You will learn through a practical mix of lectures, laboratory sessions, workshops, and project-based learning, with a strong emphasis on integrating hardware and software systems. The University's Talent Team provides dedicated engineering employment support, including placement assistance, career coaching, and industry networking events from the start of your degree.

Industry Partnerships & Research
The School of Engineering, Environment and Computing has strong industry links and modern facilities, including electronics labs, embedded systems development suites, and networking laboratories. Students benefit from industry-informed teaching in areas such as digital systems design, Internet of Things (IoT), communications engineering, and intelligent systems. The curriculum is designed with employer input, and graduates are valued for their practical skills in designing and implementing computer systems for real-world applications.

Graduate Outcomes
Students graduate with a robust skill set in circuit design, programming, systems analysis, and project management, backed by practical experience from lab work and industry-themed projects. These competencies are highly sought after in the technology and engineering sectors.

Further Academic Progression
After your BEng (Hons) at Coventry, you can pursue a master's in a specialised area like embedded systems or telecommunications, or enter professional roles in systems design, technical consultancy, or research and development, supported by the program's accreditation and strong industry connections.

Program Key Stats

£19,850
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

DDD
NA
24 - 25
-

NA
NA
6.0
-

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Embedded Systems Engineer
  • Computer Hardware Engineer
  • Network Architect
  • Robotics Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Software Developer
  • IoT Solutions Architect
  • Control Systems Engineer
  • Semiconductor Design Engineer
  • AI Hardware Specialist

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