BEng/MEng Hons Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Cardiff Metropolitan University Llandaff Campus

Program Overview

Electronic & Computer Systems Engineering – BEng / MEng (Hons) at Cardiff Metropolitan University is a program that blends hardware and software engineering with practical, industry-aligned learning. The BEng is a three-year degree, while the MEng extends to four years (with the first three years identical to the BEng) and represents the UK’s highest undergraduate engineering qualification, ideal for those aiming to become Chartered Engineers. The program also offers a foundation year option and an optional sandwich year—the foundation year provides entry support for those needing to strengthen their academic preparation, while the sandwich year gives valuable industrial experience.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
You’ll establish foundational skills in systems engineering. Modules include Architectures and Operating Systems, Principles of Programming, Analog and Digital Electronics 1, Engineering Mathematics, Introduction to Mechatronics, and an Explore module. Practical projects help consolidate theoretical knowledge in real-world engineering contexts.

Year 2:
You’ll build on Year 1 by studying more advanced topics. Core modules include Analog and Digital Electronics 2, Network & Security, Physical Computing, Control Systems, Signals and Systems, and Engineering Project Management. You’ll engage in hardware-based system developments, control theory, cybersecurity considerations, and research/project discipline.

Year 3:
Year 3 deepens your expertise in electronic systems. Core studies include Professional Engineering Practical Project, Power Electronics and Systems, Low-Level Hardware Programming, and Digital Signal Processing. Optional modules allow specialization—choose from Parallel & Distributed Systems, Computational Intelligence, Digital & Analogue Communications Systems, or undertake an Industrial Work Experience (placement). An individual project caps the year and consolidates your learning by addressing a real-world engineering problem.

Year 4 (MEng Route):
Building on your previous experience, the MEng year emphasizes mastery and advanced engineering. Core modules include Team Development Project, The Internet of Things, Professional & Ethical Issues in Engineering, and Measurement & Instrumentation. Optional modules offer further depth in areas such as Frontiers in Technology, Image & Video Compression, Advanced Signal Processing, Programming for Data Analysis, and an Internship.

Focus Areas:
Embedded Systems, Analog & Digital Electronics, Mechatronics, Network Security, Control Systems, Signal Processing, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Power Electronics.

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be adept at designing and implementing electronic-computer systems, applying low-level programming, managing engineering project dynamics, engaging with IoT and instrumentation, and navigating professional and ethical challenges—all with strong project and teamwork experience.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council. This accreditation fulfils the educational requirements for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially fulfils the requirements for a Chartered Engineer (CEng), providing a clear path to professional recognition.

Reputation (employability rankings)
The course is designed with input from industry and features modern facilities, including PCB prototyping, IoT tools, Industry 4.0 technology, circuit simulation, and more. An optional industrial placement enhances real-world experience. Cardiff Met emphasizes practical readiness and graduate employability, aligned with national engineering standards.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme is built on a "learning by doing" philosophy. From your very first week, you'll be getting hands-on in our state-of-the-art laboratories, moving beyond theory to build and test real-world systems. You'll work with the same industry-standard equipment and software used by professional engineers today, giving you a genuine competitive edge. This practical approach is woven into every aspect of the course to ensure you graduate with a portfolio of demonstrable skills:

  • Industry-Standard Software & Tools: You'll gain proficiency in essential software packages like MATLAB and Simulink for algorithm development and system modelling, Xilinx Vivado for programming Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and CAD tools for electronic design automation.

  • Cutting-Edge Laboratories: Our dedicated electronics and embedded systems labs are equipped with advanced hardware, including Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and National Instruments myRIO platforms. You'll also have access to our communications lab for working with RF systems and our digital systems lab for microprocessor design.

  • Project-Based Learning: A major part of your assessment will be through collaborative group projects, mirroring the team-based environment of the engineering industry. In your final year, you'll undertake a significant individual project, allowing you to specialise in an area you're passionate about, from robotics to Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

  • Professional Placement Year (Optional): We strongly encourage you to take a sandwich year to complete a paid internship. Our dedicated placement office will support you in finding a role with one of our industry partners, giving you invaluable professional experience and a massive boost to your CV.

  • Specialist Facilities: Beyond the labs, you'll have full access to the university's extensive resources, including the specialist library at the Llandaff campus, which holds a vast collection of engineering texts, journals, and online databases to support your research and learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Cardiff Metropolitan University's Electronic & Computer Systems Engineering - BEng / MEng (Hons) Degree are highly employable, moving into roles such as systems engineer, embedded systems developer, hardware design engineer, automation specialist, and network architect. Many alumni also pursue further study in electronic engineering, computer science, robotics, or related fields, or work in sectors including telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation.

Here's how Cardiff Met specifically supports your future:

Career Services & Experiential Learning:
The program offers both BEng and MEng pathways with opportunities for industrial placements, providing valuable professional experience. You'll learn through a combination of lectures, laboratory practical sessions, design projects, and individual research, with a strong emphasis on practical skills in both electronic hardware and computer software integration. The University's Careers and Employability service provides dedicated support including placement assistance, CV workshops, and industry networking events from your first year of study.

Industry Partnerships & Research:
The School of Technologies has strong industry links and modern facilities, including electronics design labs, embedded systems laboratories, and networking suites. Students benefit from industry-informed teaching in areas such as digital systems design, Internet of Things (IoT), communications engineering, and control systems. The curriculum is designed with employer input, ensuring graduates develop the systems integration, programming, and electronic design skills that are valued across the technology sector.

Graduate Outcomes
Students graduate with a solid foundation in electronic circuit design, programming, systems architecture, and project management, complemented by practical experience from laboratory work and design projects. These skills are highly sought after in various technology-driven industries.

Further Academic Progression
After your degree at Cardiff Met, you can progress to postgraduate study in specialized areas such as embedded systems or telecommunications, or enter professional roles in systems design, technical consultancy, or research and development, supported by the program's accreditation and industry connections.

Program Key Stats

£16,000
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


64 %

Eligibility Criteria

BCC - ABB
3.0
30 - 36
60

1050
20
6.0
72

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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