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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of EssexThis four-year BEng in Computer Systems Engineering (Including Year Abroad) combines a strong foundation in computer science and systems engineering with the enriching experience of studying abroad. It’s ideal for students eager to apply their embedded systems, hardware, and software skills in an international context, gaining a global perspective and enhancing their employability.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In your first year, you'll get grounded in practical programming in C with modules like Intro to Programming with C and Fundamentals of Digital Systems, alongside foundational courses such as Mathematics for Computing, Digital Electronic Systems, Object-Oriented Programming, Introduction to Databases, Network Fundamentals, and the team-based Team Project Challenge. These give you essential computational thinking, programming skills, and hardware-software insight.
Year 2
Moving into your second year, you’ll tackle more advanced topics—Operating Systems, C Programming and Embedded Systems, and continue the collaborative Team Project Challenge—learning how software and hardware interact within real-world systems and building your embedded systems know-how in a team setting.
Year 3 – Year Abroad
During your third year, you'll have the opportunity to study abroad at one of Essex's partner institutions. This experience will allow you to immerse yourself in a different academic and cultural environment, broadening your horizons and gaining a global perspective on computer systems engineering. The university provides support to help you secure a placement that aligns with your academic and professional goals.
Final Year (Year 4)
In your final year, you'll take on an Individual Capstone Project Challenge, where you’ll drive a major project—whether an innovative product development or research problem—supported by staff or industry partners, showcasing everything you’ve mastered across computing systems and engineering.
Focus Areas
Embedded systems architecture, hardware-software integration, operating systems, programming in C, digital systems design, with exposure to computer security, Big Data, and robotics.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates emerge with hands-on skills in programming embedded microprocessor systems, designing digital and electronic systems, understanding the interplay between hardware and OS, and the ability to lead individual and team-based engineering projects—all backed by a systems thinking mindset.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This degree is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, fully meeting academic requirements for Chartered IT Professional, Incorporated Engineer, and partially for Chartered Engineer status. It’s also accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for Incorporated Engineer and partially for Chartered Engineer registration.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The University of Essex is a respected public research university, named University of the Year in 2018 by Times Higher Education and currently holding a Silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. Within the subject area, the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering was ranked 6th in the UK for research power in computer science (REF 2021). 92% of engineering and technology undergraduates go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2025), and the course is rated 7th for student positivity in engineering (NSS 2025)
From day one, you’ll dive straight into hands-on, practical learning from day one — building real systems, programming embedded microprocessors in C, and understanding the critical hardware that makes modern operating systems run smoothly. At Essex, you’re not just learning theory; you’re designing, building, and testing systems using cutting-edge tools and real-world challenges.
Here’s what makes the practical side of this course truly impressive:
State-of-the-art Embedded Systems Lab (EIS Laboratory): Packed with high-gate-count FPGA boards, diverse processor architectures, advanced developer kits, iOS/Android devices, sensors, and actuators — perfect for designing real-world prototypes.
Robotics Laboratory: A massive 100 m² space with ceiling 9 m high — home to over 50 robotic systems, motion-tracking VICON setup, UAVs with robotic arms, grippers, sensors, and more, ideal for experimenting with autonomous systems and navigation algorithms.
Brain-Computer Interfaces & Neural Engineering (BCI-NE) Lab: One of the largest and most advanced in Europe — equipped with Faraday cages, EEG/fNIRS/EMG systems, VR kits, robotic TMS systems, motorised wheelchairs and arms, and bio-signal measurement tools for cognitive augmentation research.
Access Networks Laboratory: Equipped with advanced wireless and system measurement tools for networking experiments.
Computing Labs with Specialist Software: Dual-boot machines (Windows/Linux) loaded with Java, Prolog, C++, Perl, MySQL, MATLAB, DB2 — giving students hands-on software engineering and data tooling.
Research Experience Scheme: Join faculty-led research in networks, IoT, robotics, multimedia, and optoelectronics — collaborating with real research teams and building your research and technical skills in a professional context.
Centre for Computational Finance & Economic Agents (CCFEA): As part of the School, this interdisciplinary centre bridges AI and finance — offering exposure to computational modelling and data science applications.
Graduates of the University of Essex’s BEng Computer Systems Engineering are highly employable, moving into roles such as systems architect, embedded systems engineer, network designer, automation specialist and IoT developer. Many alumni also pursue further study in artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity or related fields, or work in sectors including telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare technology and smart infrastructure.
Here’s how Essex specifically supports your future:
Career Services & Experiential Learning:
The program offers opportunities for a professional placement year, allowing students to gain valuable industrial experience. Learning is delivered through a combination of lectures, laboratory practicals, team projects and individual research, with emphasis on both hardware and software systems integration. The University’s Employability and Careers Centre provides specialist support for engineering students, including placement application help, CV clinics and connections to a network of technology employers.
Industry Partnerships & Research:
The School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering maintains strong industry connections and modern facilities including robotics labs, IoT development spaces and embedded systems laboratories. Students benefit from research-led teaching in areas such as intelligent systems, computer vision, digital electronics and network security. The program’s industrial links ensure curriculum relevance, with graduates valued for their expertise in systems integration, software development and electronic design.
Graduate Outcomes:
Students develop strong technical skills in system modelling, programming, electronic design and project management, complemented by practical experience from industry-relevant projects. These competencies are highly sought after in fields such as automation, telecommunications and smart technology.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BEng at Essex, graduates can progress to integrated MEng study, pursue specialist MSc degrees in areas like AI or robotics, or enter professional roles in systems design, technical consultancy or R&D, supported by the department’s industry links and research excellence.
Study Abroad Year. Tuition Fees: 15% of full time rate.UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherUCAS Tariff Points: 120 - 112 UCAS pointsEnglish test results: IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT: 76 overall, with a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writingA Levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in Mathematics or Further MathematicsInternational Baccalaureate (IB): 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard Level Science grade 4.GCSE: Grade 4/C in GCSE MathematicsThe Year 12/Standard 12 Indian School Certificate: overall average of 60% from four best subjects including 60% in MathematicsUSA curriculum: High School Diploma with a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0. And one of the following: ACT – overall composite score of 23, SAT Subject Tests – minimum of 3 SAT subject tests with 500, APTs – minimum of 3 APTs, with two at 3 and one at 4, SATR (pre-2016) – minimum of 1500 out of 2400 with 500 in each test, or SAT (2016 onwards) – minimum of 1100 out of 1600 with 550 in eacEmbedded Systems EngineerComputer Hardware EngineerNetwork ArchitectRobotics EngineerCybersecurity AnalystSoftware DeveloperIoT Solutions ArchitectControl Systems EngineerSemiconductor Design EngineerAI Hardware Specialist
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