Computing for Embedded Systems (with Foundation Year) - BEng(Hons)

If you have technical curiosity and strong interest in finding out how computer systems actually work, you will enjoy this course. It involves lots of practical work concerned with the different aspects of digital electronics and programming. There are option routes to choose from, which concentrate more on hardware or on software. However, both options specialise in the design and implementation of computer systems.

You will spend your initial year at City of Bristol College, where studies focus on Programming, Mathematics, Computer Architecture, Internet Systems and Professional and Communication skills. The rest of the course will be based at UWE Bristol's Frenchay campus.

Foundation year (Year zero)

You will study the Foundation year alongside students from our other Computer Science and Creative Technologies courses, and therefore may be able to transfer to a course in one of these areas at the end of the Foundation year. Transfer onto the Creative Music Technology course is subject to an audition.

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Foundation Maths for Computing
• Professional and Communication Skills
• Computer Architecture
• Internet Systems
• IS Fundamentals
• Programme Design and Implementation
• Programming Project.

The normal expectation is that you must pass all Year zero modules before progressing to Year one.

Year one

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Computer and Network Systems
• Programming in C
• Web Programming
• Digital Principles.

Year two

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Mobile and Embedded Devices
• C++ Development
• Computer Networks and Operating Systems.

In addition, you will study one of the following optional modules:

• Data, Schema and Applications
• Digital Design.

Optional Placement Year

Final year

You will study the following compulsory modules:

• Computing Project
• Embedded Systems Development
• Building and Porting Embedded Operating Systems.

In addition to the above, you will also study one of the following optional modules:

• Professional Experience
• Integrated Case Studies.

Along with this, you will study one of the following optional modules:

• Designing and Developing Device Drivers
• Group Design and Integration Project.

The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we will inform you.

Getting to grips with new subjects can be demanding, but by offering the correct level of assistance we aim to support you throughout your studies. Our use of a practical approach during laboratory investigation and direct experiment means that theory and principles can be more easily assimilated. You will frequently work in pairs or small teams, which will help you understand difficult concepts by discussing them. This style of collaborative working provides an excellent preparation for the most common career scenarios, where you will be contributing to the success of a team.

Programmes of lectures provide explanation and overall guidance for the course. Extra assistance and guidance is available from a team of trained senior students (PALs), who are available to help small groups or individuals with particular subject problems. This is of special relevance when course work assignments are due.

For more details, see our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.

Assessment generally takes the form of a mix of practical coursework and yearly examinations.

For more details, see our full glossary of assessment terms.