Computer Hardware and Software Engineering BEng (Hons)
Course Code
UCAS Code: GG56
International Code: EECU052
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Sandwich
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
Start date
September 2022
Course overview
Study level: Undergraduate
This professionally accredited course focuses on the engineering and integration of hardware and software systems. The course encourages you to think creatively and independently, and aims to prepare you to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing technological environment.
This course is specially designed to bridge the gap between electronics/hardware engineering and computer science/software engineering. The course covers most aspects of software while focusing on the advanced hardware design based on FPGA and system design based on microcontroller.
This course aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle challenges involved in the development of future technologies such as IoT, smart cities, autonomous car and green technologies.
The course covers most aspects of software while focusing on the advanced hardware design based on FPGA and system design based on microcontroller.
Successful graduates of the course should be able to solve both electronics and software-related problems in areas such as electronic engineering, embedded systems, computer architecture and security, programming, mobile app development, machine learning, FPGA based design and system on chip design.

Global Ready
An international outlook, with global opportunities
Teaching excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
Employability
Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeedWhy you should study this course
- Meets the full academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration upon successful completion of the course (subject to additional costs). Further details can be found on the IET website.
- Well-equipped dedicated electronics laboratory and CISCO laboratory, featuring electronic development and testing equipment, networking devices, associated tools and software.
- Regular free to attend expert guest lectures, which have previously covered topics such as 3D printer PCB design by RS Component, embedded development with ARM processors by ST Microelectronics and system security by IET members (subject to availability).
of Computer Hardware and Software Engineering BEng (Hons) students agreed the course is intellectually stimulating
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Accreditations and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for the 2022-23 intakes on behalf of the Engineering Council, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer.
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What you'll 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.
How you'll learn
Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst:
- Personal tutorials and small group teaching
- Medium group teaching (e.g. seminars, tutorial sessions, lab sessions and workshops)
- Large group teaching (lectures).
In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 18 contact hours per week in the first and second years dropping to around 16 contact hours per week in the final year as you become a more independent learner.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, coursework, tests, portfolios, practical or project work, group work, demonstrations, presentations and 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.
Job Ready
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: communications, computer systems and computer networking; digital electronics, microcomputers, computer systems hardware; operating systems, network security and software; mathematical principles necessary to underpin the discipline; management of engineering including social, environmental, economic, legal and ethical topics.
- Solve engineering problems employing a system approach.
- Design software and hardware for application specific purpose.
- Design computer systems and networks.
- Search and evaluate information sources.
- Adopt a holistic approach to using computer hardware and software technology in a commercial context.
- Use electrical and electronic test equipment in experimental work.
- Implement and test software solution.
- Simulate computer systems and protocols.
- Apply computer technology, software tools and quantitative methods.
- Configure and connect electronic and computer systems.
International experience opportunities
Computer technology is an international business, so we encourage a global perspective throughout our teaching.
If you opt for a sandwich year, you have the opportunity to spend a period of time abroad* for part of your studies; we have current student exchange links with universities in approximately 20 countries around the world and we will support you in trying to find a work placement abroad. We have had past students secure international placements in, for example, Austria and France.
We have previously organised a number of international field trips* for our students. For example, three groups of our past students and a team of staff members have attended the annual European Embedded Digital Signal Processing (eDSP) group project events three years running and worked with local staff and students in Lithuania, France and Germany. We have also previously undertaken three separate visits to China; we visited the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST) in Shanghai, Jiang Su SAS-Tech Auto Industrial Company in Taicang City and worked with Chinese staff and students on an embedded system development project, experiencing Chinese culture throughout the visits.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
2022/23 Tuition fees
Student | Full time | Part time |
---|---|---|
UK | £9,250 per year | Not available |
International | £18,050 per year | Not available |
For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.
Facilities
The faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing boasts modern, multifunctional teaching and research buildings that support hands-on learning. Laboratories and workshops are equipped to commercial and industrial standards and are available to students both in and out of class time (subject to availability).

Cisco lab
The Cisco lab is used for working with general networking and towards accreditation by Cisco. Optional modules allow students to work in the lab to develop skills in preparation for the Cisco certification exam.

Virtual labs
Our virtual labs provide a cutting-edge environment to create entire virtual networks, complete with services, users and even attackers. Students can access this environment from anywhere on or off campus.

Games Technology lab
This lab contains high-end gaming PCs with the capacity to run industry standard games engines and programming environments. It also supports Virtual Reality (VR) game development.
Careers and opportunities
Engineering remains one of the most in-demand jobs in the UK, with a particular shortage of Power System Engineers, Control Engineers and Protection Engineers. However, opportunities exist throughout the world for highly trained professionals who combine computing and engineering skills.
The course focuses on computer hardware-software design and integration, giving you the opportunity to gain substantial practical experience which aims to support you in demonstrating your capabilities to potential future employers upon successful completion.
Course content is regularly reviewed to reflect what is relevant and in demand in the industry. We seek external feedback from the External Examiner and a current group of professionals and subject experts from industry, universities and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) through the IET accreditation process. Please see the Accreditation and Professional recognition section for further information.
Where our graduates work
Previous graduates from the course have gone into predominately industry roles in diverse range of industries, for example, JLR, GE and National Grid, Jaguar Land Rover, Blackberry, IBM, DSTL – Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Advanced Electronics Company, Ultra Electronics Sonar Systems, PX Group and more. Some choose to progress to further study of an MSc or PhD.
Further study
You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Electrical and Electronic Engineering MSc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.
How to apply
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UK Students
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS. Part-time students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form.
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International Students
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International Guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team.
Complete our contact form.
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Disclaimer
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
Tuition fees
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
Facilities
Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Placements and study abroad opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Additional costs
This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).