Computer Engineering is a dynamic and collaborative degree programme; combining academic thought with practical application. Computer Engineers make the impossible possible. They challenge conventional processes and look beyond what exists towards what comes next.

From everyday systems, like games consoles and mobile phones to advanced systems for surveillance and medical devices, the modern world is made possible by the devices you will be taught to understand and develop during the Computer Engineering undergraduate programme. Additionally, Computer Engineering is one of the few research-led degrees in Queen’s which includes the design of both electronic hardware and software. As a CE graduate you can not only design the physical hardware but also write the software to run it.

Through our diverse network of industry links you begin learning from prospective employers from day one. Industry placements, company-sponsored hackathons and project challenges are a core part of the curriculum and vastly improve our graduate employability rates.

Course highlights

Industry Links

Our students are constantly given the opportunity to put theory into practice. We regularly consult a large number of employers including, for example, Civica and Sensata Technologies, who provide sponsorship for our students as well as NIE Networks who are members of the employer liaison panel for the course.

Career Development

Graduates in Computer Engineering are in high demand, with many developing careers in software, electronics or roles that combine both. Additionally, there are excellent, well-paid career prospects across a wide spectrum of positions: design; research; development; production; marketing and sales in industries such as avionics and space; telecommunications and broadcasting; connected health and medical electronics; consumer electronics and gaming; computing and software; embedded systems, smart networks and electronic security.

World Class Facilities

The School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has a world-class reputation for research and provides excellent facilities, including access to major new research centres in Secure Information Technologies (CSIT), Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT) and Sonic Arts (SARC).

Student Experience

Scholarships: students may be eligible for scholarships, eg the Sensata Technologies Scholarship, NIE Networks Scholarship and the Civica Scholarship. For further information, visit the School Website.

Further Study Opportunities

Further study is also an option open to Software and Electronics graduates. Students can choose from a wide range of Masters programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics.

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Introduction

This degree requires three years of full-time study plus an optional year in industry, which is usually taken after Stage 2. Transfer from the BEng degree to the MEng is possible subject to satisfactory performance.

The programme contains the following themes which may change due to technology and industry needs:

Stage 1

May include topics such as:-

Embedded Systems
Mathematics
Analogue & Digital Electronics
Computer Architecture
Procedural & Object-Oriented Programming

Stage 2

May include topics such as:-

Embedded Systems
Professional Engineering Practice
Data Structures & Algorithms
Mathematics
Electric Circuits
Digital Electronics
Signals & Systems
Control
Communications Systems
Artificial Intelligence
Cyber-security

Stage 3

Placement Year

Stage 4

Individual Technical Project
Engineering Entrepreneurship
Advanced Electronics
Networks & Communication Protocols
Control Systems Engineering
Signal Processing
Communications Systems Engineering
Connected Health
Concurrent Programming
Machine Learning
Data Analysis
Cyber-Security

• People Teaching You
  EEECS
  T: +44(0)28 9097 4669 E: eeecs@qub.ac.uk

• Contact Teaching Hours

  Personal Study

  24 (hours maximum)
  22-24 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities etc.

  Medium Group Teaching

  6 (hours maximum)
  6 hours of practical classes, workshops or seminars each week

  Large Group Teaching

  9 (hours maximum)
  9 hours of lectures

• Learning and Teaching

  The School has a world class reputation for research and provides excellent facilities, including access to major new research centres in Secure Information Technologies, Electronics, Communications and Information Technology and Sonic Arts. A number of modules on the course are closely linked to the research expertise of these centres and evolve and change rapidly to reflect some of the current, emerging and exciting developments in the field.
  
  At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
  
  On the BEng Computer Engineering we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

  E-Learning technologies

  Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT and statistics modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project- based work etc.

  Lectures

  Introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).

  Personal Tutor

  Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.

  Practicals

  Where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts.

  Self-directed study

  This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

  Seminars/tutorials

  Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.

  Supervised projects

  In final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology that you have chosen. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you on at least 2 occasions during the write up stage.

  Work placements

  Students taking Software and Electronic Systems Engineering undertake a work-placement after Stage 2. This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity.

• Assessment

  Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

  • The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction

A level requirements

ABB including Mathematics and at least one from Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Digital Technology, Electronics, Further Mathematics, Geography, ICT [not Applied ICT], Physics, Software Systems Development, Technology and Design or Double Award Life & Health Sciences.

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.

Irish leaving certificate requirements

H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Mathematics and a Science subject (see list under A-level requirements)

Access Course

Successful completion of Access Course with 80% in each module.

Must be a relevant Access Course including two modules in Mathematics (Level 3) and two modules in Physics (Level 3).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

33 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and a relevant Science

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

QCF BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3) with overall grades D*DD. Distinctions will be required in four specified units (40 credits), including Mathematics for Technicians and Further Mathematics for Technicians.

RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 GLH at Level 3) with overall grades D*DD. Distinctions will be required in four specified units, including Engineering Principles and Further Engineering Mathematics.

Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma must be relevant

Graduate

A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirement is also met

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Option to transfer

Transfers between BEng and MEng may be possible at the end of Stage 2.

• How we choose our students

  Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Once your application has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.
  
  Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.
  
  Applicants offering A-level/BTEC Level 3 qualifications must have, or be able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better, to include English Language and Mathematics. However, this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. Selectors will also check that any specific entry requirements in terms of A-level subjects can be fulfilled.
  
  Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS are also considered. Candidates are not normally asked to attend for interview. The offer for repeat candidates is set in terms of three A-levels and may be one grade higher than for first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.
  
  Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of the overall BTEC grade awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.
  
  For applicants offering the Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Irish Junior Certificate (IJC) is taken into account. For last year's entry, applicants for this degree must have had a minimum of 5 IJC grades C/Merit, including Mathematics. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied.
  
  Applicants offering other qualifications, such as BTEC Extended/National Extended Diplomas, Higher National Certificates, and Higher National Diplomas, will also be considered.
  
  The same GCSE profile is usually expected of those candidates taking a BTEC Extended/National Extended Diploma and must include GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4 or better.
  
  Applicants offering a Higher National Certificate (HNC) will require an appropriate GCSE profile, which must include grade C/4 or better in GCSE Mathematics. A relevant HNC in Engineering is required, including Engineering Mathematics. Where offers are made for Stage 1 entry, these are currently conditional on successful completion of this HNC with 2 Distinctions and remainder Merits, including Merits in three specified units, including Engineering Mathematics.
  
  For those offering a Higher National Diploma (HND), some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile, but this must include grade C/4 or better in GCSE Mathematics. To be eligible for an offer, the grades obtained in the first year of the HND must allow the overall offer to be achievable. A relevant HND in Engineering is required for admission to this degree and offers for Stage 1 entry are currently conditional on successful completion of this HND with 2 Distinctions, 10 Merits and 4 Passes overall, with Merits required in three specified units, including Engineering Mathematics. Applicants with sufficiently high grades in the first year of a relevant HND in Engineering may be considered for entry to Stage 2 and, where offers are made, these are currently conditional on successful completion of this HND with 3 Distinctions and 13 Merits overall, with Merits required in four specified units, including Engineering Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
  
  The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.
  
  A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not normally considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.
  
  If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held during the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice; the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.
  
  If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

• International Students

  Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

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  International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

  For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

  If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

  • Foundation
    The progression course suited to this programme is
    https://qubisc.com/en/courses/international-foundation-for-science-and-engineering.
  • International Year One
    The progression course suited to this programme is
    https://qubisc.com/en/courses/international-year-one-in-engineering.