BEng (Hons) Electronic and Computer Engineering with a Foundation Year

From the start, the BEng (Hons) Electronic and Computer Engineering degree at the University of Kent is built around hands-on, practical learning. You’ll be designing and building real systems—from electronic circuits to embedded microcomputer systems and robotics. The course is rich with live projects and guided by modern tools, giving you that vital experience to confidently step into industry or research.

Here’s how that commitment to experiential learning translates into your student journey:

Real-Time Module Projects Woven into Every Year:
From Year 1’s Design and Manufacturing Project, where you’ll blend electronics, CAD, and programming to create a working prototype, to Year 2’s Engineering Team Project that boosts your collaboration skills through sensor, hardware, and software integration—with a sustainable, entrepreneurial edge.

Software and Hardware Tools You’ll Use:
You’ll work with circuit analysis and fabrication tools in Electronics for Engineers; microcontroller coding, I/O, and communication protocols like RS232, SPI, and I²C in Microcomputer Technology; and VHDL, FPGAs, digital system simulation/synthesis (including JTAG testing) in Digital System Design.

Embedded Systems, IoT, Control and Signal Processing Labs:
Through focused modules like Embedded Systems and IoT, and Signal Processing and Control Systems, you’ll get practical, workshop-based exposure to real-time operating systems, actuator/sensor interfaces, simulation, and hardware experimentation.

Capstone-Style Independent Project:
In your final year’s Research Project, you’ll choose your own engineering topic and use both lab and supervisory support to build a solution—developing your technical, ethical, and presentation skills along the way.

Group Projects Build Teamwork and Communication:
Whether it’s developing robotic components, embedded systems, or combining hardware and software under constraints like sustainability and security, the group work labs mirror real engineering team environments.

Year in Industry Placement Option:
You can embed a full industrial placement into your course—most placements are paid, supported by placement advisers and employers, and count toward the Industrial Panel’s industry-aligned curriculum.

Modern, Re-Developed Facilities and Support:
Learning takes place in new computer suites, embedded systems design tool environments, and mechanical workshops, backed by approachable lecturers, technicians, and hands-on technical guidance.

Strong Academic and Career Support Ecosystem:
The School’s Industrial Panel keeps your learning current; the Careers Service and Employability Officer guide placement and job preparation; plus, the university boasts high research quality in instrumentation, robotics, communications, and more.

Graduates of the University of Kent's BEng (Hons) Electronic and Computer Engineering are highly employable, moving into roles such as embedded systems engineer, hardware design specialist, robotics developer, telecommunications analyst, and IoT solutions architect. Many alumni also pursue further study in artificial intelligence, computer systems engineering, or related fields, or work in sectors including consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, and smart technologies.

Here’s how Kent specifically supports your future:

Career Services & Experiential Learning:
The programme offers a year in industry option, allowing you to gain professional experience with leading technology firms. You’ll develop your expertise through practical lab sessions, industry-standard design tools, and team-based engineering projects, with strong emphasis on digital systems, computer architecture, and embedded programming. The university’s Careers and Employability Service provides specialist engineering career guidance, including placement support, employer networking events, and professional skills workshops throughout your degree.

Industry Partnerships & Research:
The School of Engineering and Digital Arts maintains strong connections with companies like ARM, BAE Systems, and IBM. Students benefit from research-led teaching in areas including machine learning applications, FPGA design, and cyber-physical systems. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities include electronics prototyping labs, robotics workstations, and clean room facilities. Employers particularly value graduates’ skills in hardware-software co-design, real-time systems development, and digital signal processing.

Graduate Outcomes:
Students graduate with professional capabilities in embedded systems design, computer architecture, hardware description languages, and engineering project management—skills in high demand across the technology, manufacturing, and research sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After your BEng degree, you can progress to MSc programmes in Computer Systems Engineering or related disciplines, or enter professional roles in embedded systems development, electronic design automation, or robotics, supported by the programme’s strong industry links and research-informed curriculum.