I came to Brunel University with an HND in Computing. I was keen to study at a well-established university with a good Engineering background. Now I can proudly say that Brunel has lived up to my expectations. The modules are interesting and cover current areas of study in Computer Systems, and the lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 300 points (BEng) or 370 points (MEng), from:
- GCE A and AS-level Tariff points typically from 3 A-levels together with either 1 AS-level or Extended Project Qualification (typical offer BCC, to include a Science or Engineering subject and preferably Maths, plus a C in either an AS or EPQ). General Studies/Critical Thinking not accepted.
- Irish Tariff points from 5 subjects, including a Maths, Science or Engineering subject.
- Scottish Tariff points from 3 Advanced Highers, including a Maths, Science or Engineering subject, plus 1 Higher.
- Advanced Diploma Tariff points in Engineering, including the Specialist Unit in Maths for Engineers for Additional and Specialist Learning.
- BTEC ND DDM (BEng) or DDD (MEng) including Distinction in a Maths module. BTECs are welcomed in a variety of related subjects. Please contact the Admissions Tutor for details.
- IB Diploma 31 (BEng) or 34 (MEng) points, including 5 points in Maths (excluding Maths Studies) at Standard Level or in a Science or Engineering subject at Higher Level.
- Access: Pass in an Engineering, Computing or Science subject, with average of Merits in all units, including Merit in Maths Level 3. All others considered on an individual basis.
For all of the above, 5 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C or above are also required, to include English and Maths.
Foundations of engineering courses: For Brunel Foundations of Engineering progression requirements, see course page. For external foundation courses, please contact the Admissions Tutor.
Please note that the above are the requirements for 2010 entry. Please click here for the 2009 entry requirements.
Course Aims
The aim of the course is to produce creative and flexible professional engineers with the skills to design the next generation of computer systems.
The rapidly changing nature of the underlying technology means that you need to understand not only state of the art developments in hardware and software, but also have the skills and ability to design computer systems and networks in every aspect of commerce and industry.
Course Content
The course comprises four main themes:
- Programming and software engineering
- Computer architecture and applications
- Data communications
- Digital and electronic systems
Level 1 modules are similar to those offered to Electronic Engineering students, plus modules and workshops in computing and internet technologies. Specialisation continues at Level 2, and at Level 3 you will pursue your particular interests further through your selection from a list of topics and your project. You can also study for a fourth year (Level 4), which will take your degree to the standard of a Master's degree.
Typical Modules
Level 1 (BEng and MEng)
- Engineering Mathematics
- Computers and Digital Systems
- Programming and Software Engineering
- Internet Technologies and Web Site Design
- Personal Skills and Electronic Technology
- Computer Engineering Workshops
Level 2 (BEng and MEng)
- Digital Control and Interfacing
- Data Networks, Services and Security
- Object Oriented Software and Systems Design
- Computer Architecture and Digital Systems
- Quality Engineering and Management
- Computer Systems Engineering Workshop
Level 3 (BEng and MEng)
- Individual project
- Distributed Systems and Computing
- Software Engineering and Technology
- Advanced Digital Systems
- Network Design and Advanced Data Security
Level 4 (MEng only)
- Group Project (core)
- Research Methods and Case Studies (core)
- Business and Enterprise for Engineers (core)
- Intelligent Signal Processing
- Embedded Systems Engineering
- Network Design and Management
- Biomedical Applications
- Digital Broadcast Technologies
- eBusiness and mBusiness Strategies
- XML Enterprise Technologies
- Grid Middleware
Is this degree right for me?
This is not a purely vocational course nor one for technicians. Based on a solid computing and engineering tradition, it is definitely hands-on, but is designed for students who are looking for a greater intellectual challenge and a professional outlook. You should be fascinated by computers, not just using them, but understanding how they work.
You must want to examine and develop their potential, to invent new ways to solve problems, be prepared to push the technology to the limit and make it work for you. Maybe you are curious as to how computer applications will change society.
You will probably be a team player but above all, you must be committed to learning and looking to succeed in your field.
Can't decide which of the degrees to study?
If you can't decide which of our degrees you are most interested in, don't worry. All our courses, except Multimedia Technology and Design, have a common first term during which you will gain exposure to a wide range of engineering activities.
Based on this experience, you will get the opportunity to re-evaluate your degree choice and switch to a related course if you decide another programme is better suited to your needs and interests.
Teaching and Learning
Staff Expertise
We take pains to maintain our high level of teaching. Lecturers are at the leading edge of their fields and many are internationally and nationally recognised for their work.
They act as consultants for major companies, are often widely published and have good links with industry, so they know exactly what is going on in the commercial world.
Hours
In level 1 you will have about 18 taught hours a week. This will fall to around 8 hours lectures and seminars in level 3, with one whole day of project work. In addition to this, staff are normally happy to answer queries outside this time.
We operate an open door policy where you can drop in and chat or email lecturers with your questions. Students are expected to carry out a total of 40 hours study a week, including contact hours.
How will I be taught?
- Lectures: These provide a broad overview of key concepts and ideas relating to your course and give you a framework from which to carry out in-depth study.
- Laboratories: Staff/student ratio of 1:10 - one supervisor and a demonstrator. These are normally stand alone three hour sessions where students can develop, understand and practice using industry standard equipment.
- They provide an informal environment in which to explore new ideas and apply what you have learnt in lectures, with the help of a tutor.
- Workshops: In a workshop you will work on more complex problems with guidance from a member of staff. This might involve producing an artefact or a design solution. These allow you to develop new intellectual and practical skills and also serve to reinforce material learnt in lectures.
- Tutorials: Up to six students. At level 1 this will be an opportunity to look at your academic knowledge and to develop personal skills, such as communication ability and study skills.
- One-to-one: You will get one-to-one supervision for all project work, throughout all levels. If you go on a placement you will also be allocated an industrial tutor who will help you set objectives, monitor your progress, and provide further support if you need it. You will also have a personal tutor who is available to discuss both academic and personal problems.
- Other: Guest speakers from prominent organisations, research seminars and external site visits.
Assessment
Level 1 does not count towards your final degree mark but you have to pass this year in order to progress to level 2. Level 2 is worth a third of your final degree classification. Level 3 the rest.
In the final year you will carry out a major individual project worth a third of your final year marks. This is in addition to other project work at level 2. The percentage of coursework to exam varies from course to course and also depends on the modules you select.
Assessment is by a variety of methods and varies depending on your degree programme. In general, the following techniques are used:
- Traditional exam
- Pre-seen exam - a case study to prepare in advance
- Written assignments
- Practical and creative design assignments
- Laboratory work
- Individual and presentations.
Equal emphasis is put on teamwork and individual contribution in assessed group projects and presentations.
Careers
Computers have had a tremendous impact on every facet of our lives at home and work, in leisure and in communication.
Now, and for the foreseeable future, the most significant growth will be in the development of reliable and efficient computer systems, and the unprecedented demand for engineers able to design computer systems is therefore set to continue.
So graduates with appropriate training in this discipline are likely to have excellent opportunities in such diverse fields as finance, leisure, media, marketing as well as all forms of engineering and computer industries.
Facts and Figures
The School of Engineering and Design
The wired society, intelligent appliances, and the information revolution are phrases we are all used to in describing the increasing integration of electronic and computer technology in our working and personal lives.
Engineers, technologists and designers are the architects and implementers of this technological revolution and are in very great demand throughout industry, commerce and the public sector. We aim to produce well-educated, imaginative and professionally-trained engineers and designers who can meet the challenge of rapid technological development.
Our undergraduate courses allow you to specialise so that you can match your studies to your own particular interest, or maintain a broad approach. You can also develop language skills and may have the opportunity to work abroad either as part of your scheme of studies or on placement. We have well-established links with organisations in France, Germany and Italy.
Engineering and Design is one of the largest Schools in the University with over 60 members of staff involved in teaching and research, an undergraduate population of over 800 and a postgraduate population of over 200.
Despite our size, there is a relaxed and friendly relationship between students and staff and we take a genuine interest and pride in the success of our students and graduates. This, together with acknowledged high quality teaching and resources, results in an excellent record of employment amongst our graduates.
We benefit from being located near much of the country's information engineering industry. Our courses and research are aimed squarely at developing the expertise, knowledge and new ideas needed for the information age, and cover the full breadth of electronic, computer and multimedia engineering.
Special Features
- General Engineering at Brunel is rated in the top 10 in the UK, according to the 2008 Times Good University Guide.
- Our expertise in data communications and networks is almost unparalleled in the UK.
- Our students have excellent employment prospects. Recent graduates have gone on to work for the BBC, Virgin Airways, Opodo, Philips, Siemens and a variety of design companies.
- You may have the opportunity to work abroad as part of your study or as a professional work placement – we have well-established links with France, Germany and Italy. We also offer free foreign language classes.
- You have the opportunity to undertake high quality work placements within prestigious organisations.
- "Good links with business" say inspectors. For our students this means: courses designed to meet the needs of industry and the market place and greater choice and quality of work placements.
- Labs are very well-equipped, with extensive gifts of software and hardware from prestigious industrial collaborators.
- This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).