What is computer and network engineering? In modern society, computer systems and computer networks are essential to the operation of many electronic systems and the IT infrastructure in businesses and large organisations. Applications can range from very large networked systems such as web servers, cloud computing and Client-Server applications, down to very small embedded microcontrollers such as smart networked sensor monitoring for healthcare, automotive or process control. This provides a challenging environment for the computer and network engineer, who must adapt to these changes to ensure the systems meet the changing requirements of business. About this course This course emphasises the need to be adaptable to the constantly evolving systems and changing needs of the computer and networking industry. You learn to design, develop, install, maintain and monitor computer systems and computer networks for many areas of industry and commerce. You learn in specialist labs comprising • four dedicated network laboratories where you research and investigate computer networks. You configure your design in the laboratory ready for testing in the real world. • a multimedia laboratory where network performance issues for multimedia application are investigated • an electronics and communications laboratory where low level system performance may be examined, such as packet loss, bit error rate or quality of service • an embedded system laboratory where you design, develop and implement computer programs on embedded micro-processors and micro-controllers You design and develop embedded systems and networks using ARM processors, CAN bus, Zigbee wireless networks. The laboratories provide you with the practical skills to specify the hardware and software for a system and consider other issues such as security, communication media and managing a network. Once you’ve honed your skills, you get the opportunity to use them in industry on a paid one-year placement in various businesses and organisations such as • IBM • CISCO • Citrix • BT Exact • PlusNet • Red Bull-Racing • Proact. On placement, you may be tasked with projects such as • providing first to third line computer systems to computer networks support • designing a network infrastructure for a client base • designing and developing computer systems

You can find careers in supporting, designing, developing, commissioning and maintaining • computer networks • telecommunication • microcomputer • software • IT infrastructure • embedded/mobile technology • IT management • computer systems engineering. Our graduates have found careers with companies such as • IBM • CISCO • Vision Express • CSE Global • Hewlett Packard.