Course overview

This four-year degree will give you the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of computer engineering. You'll be equipped with the programming skills and the practical skills you need to combine software and hardware that will enable you to integrate computer systems into a wide range of electronic systems.

Working on projects designed in collaboration with leading companies, you'll develop the skills and knowledge demanded by industry, through computing laboratories, practical project work and research-informed teaching.

Throughout the degree you will develop skills in Java, C and Python and will gain experience programming microcontrollers and computers, such as the Arduino and Raspberry Pi.

In your final year, you'll complete an industrial project with a company in the UK or abroad. Working on a real engineering project set by your host business, this will allow you to gain vital experience, enhance your CV and develop invaluable contacts within the industry.

Download information about this course as a PDF

Quality and ranking

• top 10 in the UK for world-class research, with 90% of research classed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ – Research Excellence Framework 2014
• top 175 – Engineering and Technology category – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2018
• ranked top 10 in the UK with a 91% overall student satisfaction score – National Student Survey 2019

Teaching excellence

TEF Gold

A ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Professional accreditation

Our degrees are professionally accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council. This means future employers will recognise the quality of your degree because it meets high professional standards.

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

In Stage 1, you'll be introduced to core areas of electronics and engineering, covering topics such as programming, circuit theory, signals and communications, and engineering mathematics. 

Compulsory modules

• Engineering Mathematics I
• Design and Professional Skills I
• Electrical and Magnetic Systems
• Electronics and Sensors
• Thermofluid Mechanics
• Materials I
• Mechanics I

In Stage 2, you'll explore areas including operating systems, computer networks, digital electronics, and analogue electronics. You'll also complete a design-based project, working in groups with students from other electrical engineering programmes.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Operating Systems	20
Computer Networks	20
Computer Systems and Microprocessors	20
Project and Professional Issues	20
Signals and Communications II	20
Digital Electronics	10
Analogue Electronics	10

During your third year, you'll complete modules in database technology, telecommunication networks, and accounting, finance, and law for engineers. 

You'll also complete an individual project and dissertation, and choose optional modules from specialist areas including web technologies, system and network security, digital signal processing, and integrated circuit design. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Database Technology	20
Reliability and Fault Tolerance	10
Design and Test of Digital Systems	10
Telecommunication Networks	10
Accounting, Finance and Law for Engineers	10

Optional Modules	Credits
Distributed Systems	10
Web Technologies	10
System and Network Security	10
Website Construction and Management (Server-side)	10
Linear Controller Design and State Space Analysis	10
Digital Signal Processing	10
Industrial Automation and Robotics	10
Real Time and Embedded Systems	10
Integrated Circuit Design	10
Image Processing and Machine Vision	10
Photonics	10
Individual Project and Dissertation (MEng)	40
Individual Project and Dissertation (MEng)	40
Individual Project and Dissertation (MEng)	40

In Stage 4, you'll work on a group design project, an industrial project, and complete a piece of extended coursework.

You'll also complete two specialist modules – Software Tools for Digital System Design, and Mobile and Cellular Communications (MEng). 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Software tools for Digital System Design	10
Mobile and Cellular Communications (MEng)	10
Extended Coursework on Applications and Design (ECAD)	10
Group Design Project	30
Industrial Project	40

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

You'll learn through a combination of:

• lectures
• lab sessions
• tutorials

Up to 10 hours will consist of practical sessions, including experiments and project work in our state-of-the-art labs. 

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assessments

• 

  Assignments – written or fieldwork

• 

  Case studies

• 

  Coursework

• 

  Dissertation or research project

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Group work

• 

  Portfolio submission

• 

  Practical sessions

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Reports

• 

  Seminar tasks/exercises

Skills and experience

Practical skills

With access to the latest engineering equipment and our state-of-the-art computer labs in the well-equipped Urban Science building, your practical work will focus on electronic systems that involve hardware and software working together. You'll also develop practical skills in Java and GUI programming.

You'll also complete a significant individual design project, where you'll apply your engineering expertise.

Business skills

In your second year, you'll complete the Project and Professional Issues module, where you'll develop an understanding of the planning and management of technical projects, as well as business organisation and planning. 

You'll also have the option to undertake a work placement between Stages 2 and 3, allowing you to put your learning into practice and develop your professional expertise. 

Research skills

You'll be taught by academics who are leaders in their field, with teaching informed by our ground-breaking research.

In your third year, you'll complete an individual research project, resulting in the design and development of an original system or device.

 

Opportunities

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 3 and 4.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Facilities and environment

Facilities

Our Engineering courses are taught at our city-centre campus, within the School of Engineering based in the Merz Court.

You'll benefit from world-class facilities and living labs, ranging from microbiology laboratories through to at-scale engineering equipment. 

Each engineering discipline has its own specialist facilities, including:

• the Millennium Laboratory – home to a wide range of facilities and experimental rigs
• Merz Court Pilot Plant Laboratory – a pilot plant with 28 experimental rigs
• BE:WISE – Europe's largest wastewater treatment research facility
• the Urban Observatory – with sensors gathering over 50 types of data across the city
• Electronics Teaching Lab – home to state-of-the-art Agilent/Keysight digital test equipment
• Clean-Room Microfabrication Lab – home to two class 100-10000 clean rooms

Support

You'll receive comprehensive support from the moment you arrive at the University. You'll be supported by personal tutors, stage tutors, and degree tutors. You'll also benefit from the School's student buddies scheme.

Your future

Electronics and Computer Engineering graduates are in high demand within the growing technology sector. 

Many of our graduates move on to roles within embedded systems, with companies including: 

• Imagination Technologies
• Microsoft
• Apple
• Google
• ARM

You'll also develop a wide range of transferable skills, including analytical skills, teamwork, time management, and IT skills, which are valued by employers across all sectors.

Employability at Newcastle

96% of Newcastle University graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating, with 85.5% in graduate-level employment or further study.

Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates. See what they have gone on to achieve and be inspired to follow in their footsteps.

Statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation (Destinations of (undergraduate and postgraduate UK domiciled) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17).

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme

This degree is approved by DTUS, a Ministry of Defence sponsorship programme for students who wish to join the Royal Navy, British Army, RAF, or Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG) as technical officers after graduation. 

Find out more about the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme

Additional information

Advice on maths and science requirements

If you don’t think you will have the exact mathematics and science qualifications referred to in our entry requirements by the time you need them, you may not be sure what to do.

• If you have a maths qualification but will not have it at A Level (or equivalent) when you start your degree, you should apply for the relevant degree with Foundation Year. We may give you the opportunity to take the Newcastle University Pre-Entry Maths Course* and the option to start in Year 1 if we think that this will be the best route for you.
• If you have A Level Maths (or equivalent) already but not at the required grade, you should contact us for advice. We may decide that you could be considered for Foundation Year entry, or it may be that this course is not the best option for you.
• If you will not have the equivalent of an A Level in the science subject (if any) required, you should apply for the relevant degree with Foundation Year.

If you are still not sure, don’t worry. Whatever you apply for, our Admissions Tutors will help you decide which is the best route for you. They may, therefore, make you an offer for a different course from the one you apply for (eg Foundation Year entry instead of Year 1 entry).

*The Newcastle University Pre-Entry Maths Course aims to provide the requisite mathematical skills and concepts needed on our engineering, maths and physics degree courses and to prepare students for the modes of learning they will encounter. The materials for the course are delivered electronically and include opportunities to practise your skills. You study the materials in your own time and, when you are ready, you book your exam with the Engineering School to which you have applied. A fee of £150 is payable at the time of booking the exam or shortly before the date set for examination.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2020 entry (per year)

UK Students

£9250

International Students

£22800

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).

The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

• different tuition fees
• additional costs

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• scholarships for students applying to study at our London campus
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

Additional information

Sponsorship

Our students are highly sought after. Many industry-leading companies offer sponsorship and scholarships to our students through the E3 Academy and UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF).

We are one of three university members of the E3 academy, which provides scholarships and work placements to electrical engineering students.

We're also a UKESF partner university. UKESF provides bursaries, work placements and mentoring to students.

Find out more about the E3 Academy

Find out more about the UK Electronics Skills Foundation

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages