BEng (Honours) Computer and Network Engineering
UCAS code
HG66Attendance
Full-time
Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-timeAt a glance
Learn how to design, engineer, install and maintain computer systems and networks in well-equipped specialist computing labs. Then spend a paid placement year with one of our industrial partners gaining experience and professional skills.
Key points
• Gain both the academic and professional skills to match the needs of industry.
• Develop your computer and network engineering skills in well-resourced specialist labs.
• Gain real industry experience with a year in industry with companies such as IBM, CISCO and BT Exact.
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
Key areas of study
Key areas include • computer engineering • electronics • data communications • microcomputing • network engineering.
Associated careers
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.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the British Computer Society. It counts towards the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered IT Professional and Chartered Engineer.
Course content
Year one modules
• fundamentals of communication and network engineering • introduction to programming • engineering practice • mathematics for networks • introduction to computer systems • electronics
Year two modules
• fundamentals of wireless LANs • computer networks • environment and society • engineering business management • network services and administration • embedded systems design • integrative product analysis and design
Year three
• optional work placement
At least 36 weeks on a work-based placement. Currently the salary for a student on placement is typically £10,000–£24,000 per annum.
Final year core modules
• final year project • project and quality management • network design monitoring and optimisation • embedded computer networks • telecommunication technology
Final year options
• advanced network design or multimedia networks
Assessment
• coursework • group work • examinations • presentations • lab reports • final year project
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and mathematics, plus one of the following
• 240 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels, or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award, including a scientific subject
• Foundation – pass from the Extended Degree Programme Engineering and Mathematics, dependent on academic performance
• Access – an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.
If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
We will make an offer to all applicants who are likely to achieve or better these entry requirements.
We welcome applications from people of any age. There may be some flexibility in entry requirements provided you have other relevant learning or experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.
2013 entry requirements
Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and mathematics, plus one of the following
• 240 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels, or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award, including a scientific subject
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
For 2013 entry, membership of a professional body is included in the course fee.
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS.
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk