We live in the age of ‘any device, any time, anywhere’ computing. Technology, communications and consumer electronics are rapidly evolving, and computer systems are central to our everyday interaction, be it a large scale distributed system based on the Internet or an embedded system in a consumer electronic device such as a mobile phone. The demand for expertise in these fields is also rapidly growing. The very nature of the technologies that underpin computer systems means that you need not only to understand state-of-the-art developments in hardware and software, but also to have developed the necessary skills and ability to design computer systems in every aspect of commerce and industry. Brunel’s course comprises four systemic themes: * programming and software engineering; * computer architecture and applications; * data communications; * digital electronic systems. You will develop skills, expertise and knowledge in the areas of computer hardware and architecture, computer software, digital electronics, communication networks, embedded systems and interfacing. The range of options available in later years of the programme will allow you to maintain breadth or to specialise, with a focus on computer hardware design, data communication networks or distributed computing. What do our students think about this course? View student profiles. This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Is this degree right for me? Based on solid computing and engineering principles, this hands-on course is designed for students who are looking for greater intellectual challenge and who wish to develop a professional outlook. You should be fascinated by all aspects of computers, be excited by the prospect of software development and have a desire to gain knowledge and understanding of how they may be integrated to create new and innovative systems. You should be intellectually curious and want to examine and develop your potential. You should be a problem solver with a wish to invent new ways of solving problems using computers. You should also prepared to push the technology to the limit and make it work for you in delivering a solution. Perhaps you are inquisitive as to how computer applications are, and will in the future, changing society. You will probably be a team player, but above all, you must be committed to learning to succeeding in your chosen field. About Electronic and Computer Engineering at Brunel Research activities in Electronic and Computer Engineering cover a wide range of topics that have direct correlation with the vision and requirements of industry. These are carried out in five research centres formed under two broad thematic areas – Telecommunications and Systems. We can boast a large set of comprehensive high-quality teaching and learning resources coupled with strong industrial research links and an excellent record of employability amongst our graduates. Our Undergraduate courses are featured by a number of activities that are summarised at Course Highlights. Read more about our Electronic and Computer Engineering courses. About Computer Systems Engineering The need for systems engineers with knowledge and skills in electronic hardware and software co-design is a key requirement of the industry and for future technological systems progression. This programme aims to produce highly qualified engineers who will take up demanding managerial roles within the electrical industry by developing leadership, innovation and creative skills to enable and encourage graduates to follow successful engineering careers, and aspire to senior managerial roles. Recent graduates have gone on to work for prestigious companies including the BBC, Virgin Airways, Opodo, Philips, Siemens and a variety of design companies. About Computer Systems Engineering (Software) Much like the generic course, the Software route will produce graduates with specific knowledge and expertise in software engineering. Accordingly, the employment careers of these graduates range from being employed in a software house, designing code to any kind of firmware or middleware responsible for driving a variety of hardware. This also includes most types of research leaded professional positions where software development is needed. Aims This course aims to meet the increasing demand for professional engineers who have wide-ranging knowledge of, and who can contribute to, the design and development of hardware and software for computer systems. They will be able to design, integrate, and develop technological solutions for the generation of computer engineering systems. The programme provides a coherent curriculum through which problem solving, professional development and transferable skills required to work in computer systems engineering and related industries are developed. The sandwich programme provides an enhanced awareness of the industry as well as enhanced professional and personal development.

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. The growth in demand for engineers who are able to design computer systems is therefore expected to continue. This, combined with the growth in embedded electronic systems across all aspects of our lives, has resulted in many new and exciting employment prospects across all areas of industry and business. Graduates with appropriate training in this discipline are likely to have excellent employment opportunities in such diverse fields as finance, leisure, media and marketing, as well as in all forms of engineering and computer industries. Careers Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey Electronic and Computer Engineering graduates have a range of employment options open to them. The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) which provides a platform to build on for those who wish to achieve Chartered Engineering status. In 2011/12, six months after graduating: * 71.4% of graduates with a first degree were in employment * 10.7% were in full-time further study Read more about graduate destinations for this subject area There is a relaxed and friendly relationship between students and staff at Brunel 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. Recent graduates have gone on to work for prominent companies including Barclays Global Investors, the Royal Mail, Thales, Accenture, the Bank of Scotland, British Sky Broadcasting, Fujitsu, IBM UK Ltd, Logica, GMC, the Office of Fair Trading, Viglen Ltd and a variety of design companies. They have undertaken such roles as Technologist, Software Developer, Software Engineer, IT Specialist, Technology Analyst, Electronic Development Engineer, Computer Engineer, Consultant, Systems Administrator, Product Development Engineer, IT Support Officer and Project Delivery Officer, to name but a few. Placements You have the opportunity to undertake high quality work placements within prestigious organisations such as Intel, Renesas, O2, General Motors, GSK and Motorola. Increasingly, students are selecting smaller companies to obtain a more flexible placement opportunity. The University maintains close contact with you during your placement year. The industrial placement year is assessed and contributes to your degree – students who successfully complete the placement year graduate with ‘Professional Development’ as part of their degree title in recognition of their time spent in industry. You will be required to keep a record of your training and of work undertaken throughout the year and to submit a report documenting that experience on your return to the University. Some of the benefits of a work placement to students include: experience in a relevant business area; the chance to develop the work-related skills demanded by the majority of graduate employers, and which will dramatically enhance your overall employability; personal development including building self-confidence, self-discipline and responsibility attributes; and financial rewards since placements are paid. Brunel has a purpose built Placement and Careers Centre with over 30 staff, including specialist industry consultants. Each course has a dedicated placement officer who supports students through the placement process. The service includes CV writing, one-to-one guidance and mock interviews. Brunel was names ‘Best University Placement Service’ at the Rate My Placement Awards 2010.