Course Overview
This three-year combined honours degree is taught jointly by Lancaster's Engineering Department - a broad-based engineering centre with a record for innovative teaching - and the Department of Computing, which is recognised for its world-leading research in the Research Assessment Exercise, 2008. Lancaster's degrees are also accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology or the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
Studying Computer Systems Engineering at Lancaster gives you the opportunity to combine the fields of electronics and computer science and gain the skills and understanding needed to design the next generation of computer systems. The flexible structure of your degree allows you to focus your studies on hardware or software aspects, depending on your personal interest.
You'll begin your degree with core modules including Electrical and Electronics Fundamentals; Sensing and Signals, and The Digital Domain. In your second year, you'll study subjects such as Software Design; Engineering Analysis, and Instrumentation and Control before completing your degree with a Final Year Project and modules such as Engineering Management and Wireless Systems.
Related Courses
- Computer Science : BSc Hons
- Computer Science Innovation : BSc Hons / MSci Hons
- Computer Science (Study Abroad) : BSc Hons
- Computer Science (with Industrial Experience) : MSci Hons
- Software Engineering (with Industrial Experience) : MSci
- Software Engineering : BSc Hons
- Computer Science and Mathematics : BSc Hons
- IT for Creative Industries : BSc Hons
- IT for Creative Industries (with industrial Experience) : MSci Hons
- Management and Information Technology (4 years including placement) : BSc Hons
- French Studies and Computing : BSc Hons
- German Studies and Computing : BSc Hons
- Spanish Studies and Computing : BSc Hons
- Engineering : BEng Hons
- Engineering (Study Abroad) : BEng Hons
- Engineering (Study Abroad) : MEng Hons
- Sustainable Engineering : BEng Hons
- Sustainable Engineering : MEng Hons
- Mechanical Engineering : BEng Hons
- Mechanical Engineering : MEng Hons
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering : MEng Hons
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering : BEng Hons
- Communication Systems and Electronics : BEng Hons
- Communication Systems and Electronics (with Industrial Experience) : MEng Hons
- Chemical Engineering : BEng Hons
- Chemical Engineering : MEng Hons
- Nuclear Engineering : MEng Hons
- Mechatronics : BEng Hons
- Computer Systems Engineering : BEng Hons
- Mechatronics : MEng Hons
- Computer Systems Engineering : MEng Hons
- Accounting, Finance and Computer Science : BSc Hons
Modules
Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to compliment their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied. For a full list contact the Engineering department.
Year 1
- Electrical and Electronics Fundamentals
- Sensing and Signals
- Computers and Control
- The Digital Domain
- Electronic Information Systems Design
- Algebra, Graphs and Elementary Complex Numbers
- Determinants, Vectors and Further Complex Numbers
- Calculus
- Differential Equations
- Further Calculus and Numerical Techniques
- Software Development
- Fundamentals of Computer Science
Year 2
- Engineering Analysis
- Instrumentation and Control
- Electrical Circuits and Power Systems
- Electromagnetics & RF Engineering
- Digital Electronics
- Software Design
- Operating Systems
- Advanced Programming
- Networking
- Electronic Systems A
- Electronic Systems B
- Electronic Systems C
Year 3
- Networking
- Final Year Project
- Engineering Management
- Integrated Circuit Engineering
- Programmable Systems
- Wireless Systems
Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three modules of study which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects, a higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.
For further information about the department, staff and courses please visit the Engineering department website.
Entry Criteria
A-level: AAB inc. Maths and a Physical Science
General Studies: Accepted as one of the best 3 grades if 4 A-levels are presented
Key skills: Not included in offer
Scottish Highers: ABBBB. Advanced Higher in Maths is helpful.
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 35 points overall with 16 points from best three HL courses, inc. Maths at higher level
IELTS: 6.5
BTEC: DDD/DDM
HNC/HND: Distinctions and merits in all relevant units
New UK 'Diploma' & Cambridge Pre-U: Contact us for information
Direct entry to second year: Appropriate qualifications include a good Higher National Diploma or Certificate in relevant subjects, or a Higher Diploma from polytechnics in Hong Kong and Singapore. Candidates with other qualifications of comparable standing should write to enquire.
Careers
Specialising in Computer Systems Engineering opens many doors in industry, such as the design of computer hardware and applications engineering.
Our graduates' versatile skills are in high demand from smaller technology companies and start-ups through to well-known companies like Philips, BP, Nissan, Hewlett Packard, British Telecom, Rolls-Royce and British Aerospace, where our graduates often start on salaries over £26,000 a year.
The problem-solving and project management skills you'll learn will also help you succeed across a wide variety of professions and fields, from sales and marketing to design, project engineering, management or a legal career.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability/career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Studying
Teaching and Learning Methods
At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments which include the traditional lectures, tutorials, interactive workshops, laboratory and practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based delivery.
The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using various methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, exercises, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include basic and in-depth questions, essays and data analysis. Students are supervised in the production of final year project reports and dissertations, while students in laboratory classes are supported by demonstrators. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university's online module catalogue.
In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.
Assessment Methods
We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.
As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.
Funding
Lancaster University has committed £2.7m in scholarships and bursaries to help with your fees and living costs. Our financial support depends on your circumstances and how well you do in your A-levels (or equivalent academic qualifications) before starting study with us.
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. For students starting their study with us in 2014, over 600 each year will be entitled to bursaries and/or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. For UK students entering in 2014 we will have the following financial support available:
- An Academic Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year of study to any student from the UK entering with A*, A*, A or equivalent academic qualifications
- An Access Scholarship of £1,000 per year for all UK students from households with an income of less than £42,600 who achieve grades of A*, A, A or the equivalent academic qualifications
- A Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 per annum for all students from England with a household income of more than £25,000 but less than £42,600
- As part of the National Scholarship Programme, a £1,000 Bursary, a £1,000 Fee Waiver and a £1,000 Accommodation Discount in the first year of study, for students from England with a household income of less than £25,000. Plus a Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 in subsequent years.
*All of the financial awards above are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access July 2013.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page