Course Overview
Lancaster's international reputation for excellence in research will greatly aid your studies. You'll be taught jointly by the Department of Computing and the Department of Engineering, both highly ranked in the latest Research Assessment Exercise, 2008. Lancaster's Department of Engineering is a broad-based engineering centre with a record of innovative teaching, practical research and close links with industry. Our degrees are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology or the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
Computer Systems Engineering combines the fields of electronics and computer science and develops the cross-disciplinary skills needed to design the next generation of computer systems.
You'll begin your degree with courses including Electrical and Electronics Fundamentals; Sensing and Signals, and The Digital Domain. Your second-year subjects cover Software Design; Engineering Analysis, and Instrumentation and Control. In your third year, you'll complete a Final Year Project and can take modules including Engineering Management and Wireless Systems.
For a list of compulsory modules, please see the tab above.
The flexibility of the course structure gave me lots of control in directing my studies into areas that interested me the most.
Career opportunities
Your degree in Computer Systems Engineering will open up many opportunities in industry, from applications engineering to computer hardware design.
The quality of our graduates is recognised by leading companies, from start-ups and small technology companies through to industry giants such as Philips, BP, Nissan, Hewlett Packard, British Telecom, Rolls-Royce and British Aerospace. These employers are already offering our graduates starting salaries of over £26,000 a year.
Our graduates' versatile communication, project management, logical thinking and problem-solving skills can also lead to roles in areas as diverse as project engineering, management, design, government, law and marketing.
Modules
Here are some of the current modules which are available during your studies at Lancaster:
PartI
- Algebra, Graphs and Elementary Complex Numbers
- Computers and Control
- Determinants, Vectors and Further Complex Numbers
- Differential Equations
- Electrical and Electronics Fundamentals
- Electronic Information Systems Design
- Elementary Calculus
- Fundamentals of Computer Science
- Further Calculus and Numerical Techniques
- Sensing and Signals
- Software Development
- The Digital Domain
PartII
- Computer Architecture and Operating Systems
- Distributed Systems
- Networking
- Software Engineering Evaluation and Evolution
PartII (Year 2)
- Digital Electronics
- Electrical Circuits and Power Systems
- Electromagnetics & RF Engineering
- Engineering Analysis
- Instrumentation and Control
- Software Design
PartII (Year 3)
- Engineering Management
- Final Year Project
- Integrated Circuit Engineering
- Leadership in Technology
- Programmable Systems
- Wireless Systems
PartII (Year 4)
- Advanced Embedded Systems
- Group Project
- Intelligent System Control
- Introduction module
- Microsystem and System-on-Chip Technology
- Smart Systems
For more detailed module information please visit the Engineering department website.
Entry Requirements
A-level: AAA inc. Maths and a Physical Science A-level, i.e. Phys, Chem, Design Tech, Electronics etc.
General Studies: Accepted as one of the best 3 grades if 4 A-levels are presented
Key skills: Not included in offer
Scottish Highers: AAABB. 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: 36 points overall with 16 points from best three HL courses, inc. Maths at higher level
IELTS: 6.0
BTEC: DDD including distinctions in Maths modules
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.
For details of how we evaluate international qualifications, please click here.
Financial Support
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. In addition to government maintenance loans, grants and national scholarships, Lancaster University offers a range of financial support for full time UK Undergraduate students from lower-income backgrounds. Many students each year will be entitled to bursaries or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses.
The Lancaster Scholarship package is designed to reward the hard work and natural ability of full-time UK students applying to study with us regardless of their household income. Students achieving A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications) will receive a £1,000 per year Lancaster Scholarship during their undergraduate studies if they place us as their firm choice institution. Continuation of the Lancaster Scholarship is subject to satisfactory academic progression.
Our combined £5,000 bursary package will help students from England whose household incomes are less than £25,000 per year with fees and living costs.
Students from England eligible for our £5,000 bursary package will also be awarded a £3,000 Lancaster Scholarship if they achieve A*, A, A in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications). This totals £8,000 of support for students during their studies.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our
fees and funding page.
