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Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)
Image from Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)

Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) - BEng (Hon)

Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year)

Coventry University

(4.2)
162 reviews

Entry requirements

Here's what you will need to get a place on the Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year) course at Coventry University.

Select a qualification to see required grades

UCAS Tariff

64

5 GCSEs at A-C/4-9 including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

Most popular A-levels studied

See who's studying at Coventry University. These students are taking Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year) or another course from the same subject area.

Computer systems engineering
SubjectGrade
Source: HESA

Course summary

What this course is about

UCAS code: GGDF

Here's what Coventry University says about its Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year) course.

This course offers opportunities to work on the design of smart devices, embedded systems and advanced electronics, helping you develop your skills in this field.

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course. The degree with foundation year is only available for the BEng option.

Foundation year This foundation year aims to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed in mathematics, as well as the theories and concepts of electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering.

Degree Design and develop intelligent systems that integrate hardware and software, with applications in areas like robotics, smart cities and automation. You'll have the opportunity for hands-on experience with modern technologies used in real-world engineering solutions.

Key features:

  • Hands-on learning with industry-standard tools: gain practical experience in embedded systems, electronics and programming using labs and real-world project work.

  • Focus on emerging technologies: explore robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart system design.

  • Integrated master's (MEng) with undergraduate fees: progress to the master's degree (subject to meeting progression criteria) through an integrated pathway that includes advanced content and leadership-focused study, designed to help support your development and career goals.

Why you should study this course Foundation year

  • Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.

  • Provides a grounding in key areas of engineering and mathematics.

Degree

  • Industry-relevant skills: master hardware/software integration, AI, IoT, and embedded systems through embedded practical lab sessions and group projects.

  • Hands-on learning: access embedded training in PCB design, soldering and robotics in purpose-built labs4, plus optional extracurriculars like robot racing competitions.

  • Strong employer links: benefit from guest lectures, placement opportunities and projects with industry collaborators, who have previously included ARM and Bosch.

  • MEng route: upon successful completion of the first three years, you may have the opportunity to advance to the master's part of this course, providing you with greater insight into computer systems engineering (subject to meeting progression requirements).

  • Team-based and individual projects: build your portfolio through design challenges that reflect real engineering problems and solutions.

Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Source: Coventry University

Course details

There are a few options in how you might study Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year) at Coventry University.

Check the

6 course options available.

Qualification

Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) - BEng (Hon)

Department

School of Science

Location

CU Coventry | Coventry

Duration

4 Years

Study mode

Full-time

Subjects

• Computer systems engineering

Start date

September 2026

Application deadline

14 January 2026

Tuition fees

LocationFees
England£9,535 per year (provisional)
Scotland£9,535 per year (provisional)
Wales£9,535 per year (provisional)
Northern Ireland£9,535 per year (provisional)
Channel Islands£9,535 per year (provisional)
Republic of Ireland£9,535 per year (provisional)

The modules you will study

The foundation year seeks to provide opportunities to develop fundamental knowledge and skills in a range of mathematical and business principles, as well as the theories and concepts of electrical and mechanical engineering. Foundation year modules include: Fundamental Pure Mathematics Fundamental Applied Mathematics Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Fundamentals Mechanical Engineering Fundamentals

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

Year One Modules Engineering Mathematics Electrical and Electronic Engineering Principles Engineering Design Analogue and Digital Devices Electronic Systems in Action Introduction to Programming

Year Two In your second year, more advanced electronics and system design topics will be covered in the electronic modules. This will include electronic system design, manufacturing, and testing. Computer operating system and advanced programming topics will be taught where security issues will also be introduced. Communication and networking module will introduce the technologies and protocols used in modern communication system.

Modules Analogue and Digital Systems Object Oriented Programming Operating Systems, Security and Networks Embedded System Design & Development Manufacture of Electronic Systems Communication and Networking

Placement Year There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement* can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee* of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Final Year In the final year, you will continue your studies in advanced hardware and software design, but with a focus on individual/group projects in which you will perform a detailed research or design study into a technical aspect from the course with the help of an experienced supervisor. In the hardware design areas topics such as FPGA based system design and system on Chip design will be covered whereas in the software area advanced security and machine learning topics will be the key focus.

Modules Security Hardware Realisation of a Computer System Individual/Group-based Project Preparation Individual/Group-based Project Realisation System on Chip Design

Optional modules (choose one of the following) Machine Learning and Related Applications VLSI Design

Additional Year Following on from successful completion of the BEng (Hons) study you can opt to proceed to the MEng Computer Systems Engineering degree. In this additional year, more advanced topics related to computer engineering will be investigated which is beyond the scope of undergraduate study.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content. For full module details please check the course page on the Coventry University website. *For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website

How you will be assessed

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

Formal examinations Phase tests Essays Group work Presentations Reports Projects Coursework Exams Individual Assignments Laboratories Posters

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Coventry University student reviews

(4.2)
Based on 162 reviews from Coventry University's students and alumni
5 star
54%
4 star
24%
3 star
14%
2 star
3%
1 star
4%
All reviews

Showing 160 reviews

3rd year

1 year ago

literally the biggest waste of time and money. all the good courses are full so good luck getting a place, all the arts courses are extremely underfunded and extremely politically charged. I've met multiple young people like me who have multiple jobs. wasted 36k, just get an apprenticeship

(1)
Overall

5th or higher year student

2 years ago

The student union is active but they are not very accommodating

(3)
Student Union

5th or higher year student

2 years ago

The campus life is amazing . There are alot of events and activities that can be done.

(5)
University life

5th or higher year student

2 years ago

The cost of living is not that high as most of this area is filled with students but the university fee is high

(3)
Finance

5th or higher year student

2 years ago

I recieved a lot of help from my lectures in the beginning and till now as they try to accommodate you as best as they can.

(5)
Support

5th or higher year student

2 years ago

The facilities are amazing. The classes are well equipped and the library and hub is amazing.

(5)
Facilities

National Student Survey (NSS) scores at Coventry University

The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.

Here you can see ratings from Coventry University students who took the Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year) course - or another course in the same subject area.

Electrical and electronic engineering

Select an option to see a detailed breakdown

How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?

93%

high

How good are teaching staff at explaining things?

93%

med

How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?

72%

med

How often is the course intellectually stimulating?

86%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?

78%

med

How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?

93%

high

How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?

93%

high

To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?

79%

med

To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?

72%

low

How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?

93%

high

How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?

93%

high

How often does feedback help you to improve your work?

62%

med

How often have you received assessment feedback on time?

90%

high

How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?

72%

med

How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?

69%

low

How well have teaching staff supported your learning?

93%

high

How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?

69%

low

How well organised is your course?

62%

low

How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?

62%

low

How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?

90%

med

How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?

69%

low

How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?

76%

med

To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?

83%

med

To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?

76%

med

How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?

79%

med

During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?

90%

med

How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?

76%

low

Student information

See who's studying at Coventry University. These students are taking Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year) or another course from the same subject area.

Computer systems engineering
Mode of study
Full-time100%
Gender ratio
Female6%Male94%
Where students come from
International39%UK61%
Number of students30
Source: HESA

Graduate prospects

What graduates do next

Facts and figures about Coventry University graduates who took Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year) - or another course in the same subject area.

Electrical and electronic engineering

Graduate statistics

70%

In a job where degree was essential or beneficial

95%

In work, study or other activity

70%

Say it fits with future plans

60%

Are utilising studies

Top job areas

55%

Engineering professionals

15%

Information Technology Professionals

10%

Sales occupations

5%

Elementary occupations

Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates

Earnings after graduation

Earnings from Coventry University graduates who took Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year) - or another course in the same subject area.

Engineering

Earnings

£29.2k

First year after graduation

£34.3k

Third year after graduation

£40.9k

Fifth year after graduation

Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Computer Systems Engineering (with foundation year).

Source: LEO

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree

Discussions

Chat with Coventry University

Coventry University offers a quality learning experience, awarded a gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. Students benefit from excellent employability and careers support, as well as personalised success coaching from day one. Our modern facilities across the campus provide plenty of opportunities for hands‑on, practical learning.

With multiple start dates available throughout the year, you can begin your studies at a time that suits you. The campus is located in the heart of Coventry and is just a short 10‑minute walk from student accommodation, making day‑to‑day life simple and convenient.

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Coventry University open days

Come and see for yourself what it’s like to live and learn at our campus in the heart of Coventry. Chat to our staff and students to find out more about our courses, explore our campus and accommodation, and learn more about what support is available to you to make the most out of your time at uni. At our Open Days you can park for free and lunch is on us!

Source: Coventry University

Explore more courses at Coventry University

Coventry University

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