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.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Top 140 for Engineering and Technology – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 200 for Engineering – Electrical and Electronic – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
- Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
This degree is 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 may change 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
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Programming Portfolio | 30 |
| Engineering Mathematics I | 20 |
| Electrical and Magnetic Systems | 15 |
| Electronics and Sensors | 10 |
| Properties & Behaviour of Engineering Materials | 15 |
| Introduction to Programming Languages (C, Matlab and Python) | 15 |
| Sustainable Design, Creativity and Professionalism | 15 |
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Security Programming | 20 |
| Project and Professional Issues | 20 |
| Signals and Communications | 20 |
| Semiconductor Devices and Analogue Electronics | 20 |
| Engineering Internet-of-Things Project | 10 |
| Computer Programming and Organisation | 20 |
| Digital Electronics | 10 |
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 |
|---|---|
| System and Network Security | 20 |
| Signal Processing and Machine Learning | 20 |
| Individual Project and Technical Report | 30 |
| Business and Law for Engineers | 10 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Digital Communication Systems | 20 |
| Electronic Devices and Semiconductor Technology | 20 |
| Integrated Circuit Design and Embedded System | 20 |
You’ll also complete two specialist modules – Software Tools for Digital System Design, and Mobile and Cellular Communications (MEng).
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Reconfigurable Hardware Design | 20 |
| Engineering Study project | 10 |
| Group Design Project | 30 |
| Industrial Project | 40 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Bioelectronics | 20 |
| Low-Power VLSI Design | 20 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You’ll learn through a combination of:
- lectures
- lab sessions
- tutorials
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 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
To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive:
- a tablet so you can download the online learning resources you’ll need for your course (helping us to make our campus more sustainable)
- a start-up pack containing essential personal protective equipment
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
- 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.
Our graduates go on to work in a wide range of roles, industries, and sectors. Recent graduates have secured positions in:
- ABB
- Centrica
- Satorius
- BP
- Nissan
- BAE Systems
- Ministry of Defence
- Caterpillar
- ABS Group
- Anek Lines
- Royal Navy
Engineering is a broad field with a number of different specialisms. Whichever engineering discipline you study, you’ll emerge as an in-demand graduate with great career prospects.
From global careers in the oil, gas and energy, pharmaceutical, or consumer products sectors, through to marine engineering and offshore engineering. There are also opportunities in groundbreaking research and consultancy, as well as business and management.
Many of our students also progress on to further study, either within engineering or in a related field.
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
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| AAB including Mathematics or Further Mathematics. | |
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| 34 points with Mathematics at Higher Level grade 6. | |
