Course specification and structure
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UDCSENRO - BEng Computer Systems Engineering and Robotics

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Engineering Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Engineering, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Subject Area Communications Technology and Mathematics
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 3 YEARS  
Part-time 4 YEARS  
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

This course is designed to address engineering skills-shortage in the area of intelligent hardware/software systems and applied robotics as an enabler to ongoing AI revolution across a range of sectors such as autonomous vehicles, aviation, construction, telecommunication, software systems, military and consumer electronics.

This exciting course:
• Gives students a good grounding in computer systems engineering and covers the latest developments in robotics;
• It enables students to design, build and deploy various types of intelligent robotic systems;
• Offers them better employment prospects through hands-on hardware and software experience closed linked to industrial practice;
• Has a range of stimulating optional modules for students to choose as they progress through their studies.

The course with balanced theory and hands-on practice prepares motivated and academically minded graduates for entering into postgraduate studies such as MSc and/or MPhil/PhD. The final year project titles are continuously updated in consultation with our industrial partners to reflect recent technological advances and increase employability opportunities for our graduates.
Modules are mainly delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials/lab-based workshop sessions, and blended learning. Teaching materials such as lecture notes and pointers to other support learning materials are accessible via the university VLE network (e.g. WebLearn, Blackboard) and School’s network facilities (e.g. web server).
Appropriate blended learning approaches and technologies, such as, the University’s VLE, and specialised engineering labs are used to facilitate and support student learning to:
• deliver course content;
• encourage active learning;
• provide formative and summative assessments, and prompt feedback;
• enhance student engagement and learning experience.

The course is supported by several specialised laboratories such as:
• Microwave Engineering / Wireless Communications
• Electronics Store / Digital Media Loans Desk
• Prototyping and Production Lab
• Simulation and Modelling Lab
• IOT and Robotics/ Embedded Systems
• Electronic Measurement and Testing Lab
• Cisco Networking Labs

When studying any of our specialised modules students will spend a considerable part of the module in these laboratories, providing an opportunity to practise what students learn in their lectures and seminar sessions and (using an industry-standard simulation package) investigate, design, implement, test and document a variety of industry relevant examples of hardware, software and robotic systems. These sessions are performed individually or as part of a group.

Students will have opportunities to enhance the skills that employers in the industry are looking for and gain real experience through placements on client-driven projects – working with business and industry through our work-related learning module. The course will also help students develop interpersonal, team working and engineering skills alongside commercial, ethical and environmental awareness.

Course aims

This BEng course has been designed with the close collaboration with our Industrial Liaison Committee (ILC) and in accordance with the output standards set out by UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UKSPEC) ensuring threshold academic standard. The course aims:

• To ensure that students are appropriately prepared to develop into professional engineers by meeting the Engineering Council’s UK-SPEC;
• To produce graduates who are numerate, literate, analytical, articulate, practical, adaptive, creative, confident and inquisitive;
• To apply analytical and mathematical modelling techniques used to solve problems in computer based hardware/software systems and applied robotics;
• To develop analytical, practical and ICT skills appropriate for the specification, design, implementation and testing of electronic, embedded and robotic systems;
• To promote awareness of commercial and economic context, social and business factors that influence the choice of solution to engineering problems including health, safety and risk (including environmental risk) issues;
• To prepare students for employment by developing their transferable skills and problem-based learning skills;
• To develop organisational, teamwork and practical management approaches required by professional engineers;
• To develop critical and reflective capacities in students so that they are equipped to assess and plan their continuing developmental needs;
• To provide students with sound knowledge and skills, confidence to solve multidisciplinary problems in the context of computer systems engineering and applied robotics;
• To promote awareness in students of ethical issues concerning their work, their potential roles to operate within the appropriate code of professional conduct, recognising their responsibilities and obligations to society, the profession and the environment;
• To provide a broad educational base with an emphasis on project-oriented activities where students will gain appropriate skills, knowledge and understanding to prepare them for a professional career in the field of distributed and internet systems or network and computer engineering and robotic and AI based systems.

Course learning outcomes

By completing this course, it is expected that the student has developed the knowledge and the skills in five generic areas of competence aligned to UK-SPEC (3rd ed), which broadly covers:

A – Knowledge and understanding
(Use a combination of general and specialist engineering knowledge and understanding to optimise the application of existing and emerging technology).

A1 Maintain and extend a sound theoretical approach in enabling the introduction and exploitation of new and advancing technology by showing an ability to:
• Identify the limits of own personal knowledge and skills and/or
• Strive to extend own technological capability and/or
• Broaden and deepen own knowledge base through research and experimentation.

A2 Engage in the creative and innovative development of engineering technology and continuous improvement systems by showing an ability to:
• Assess market needs and contribute to marketing strategies and/or
• Identify constraints and exploit opportunities for the development and
transfer of technology within own chosen field and/or
• Promote new applications when appropriate and/or
• Secure the necessary intellectual property(IP) rights and/or
• Develop and evaluate continuous improvement systems.

B – Design and development of processes, systems, services and products
(Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of engineering problems).

B1 Identify potential projects and opportunities by showing an ability to:
• Establish and help develop solutions to meet users’ requirements and/or
• Consider and implement new and emerging technologies and/or
• Enhance engineering practices, products, processes, systems and services and/or
• Use own knowledge of the employer’s position to assess the viability of opportunities.

B2 Conduct appropriate research, and undertake design and development of engineering solutions by showing an ability to:
• Identify and agree appropriate research methodologies and/or
• Allocate and manage resources and/or
• Develop the necessary tests and/or
• Collect, analyse and evaluate the relevant data and/or
• Undertake engineering design and/or
• Prepare, present and agree design recommendations, with appropriate analysis of risk, and taking account of cost, quality, safety, reliability, appearance, fitness for purpose, security, intellectual property (IP) constraints and opportunities, and environmental impact.

B3 Manage implementation of design solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness by showing an ability to:
• Ensure that the application of the design results in the appropriate practical outcome and/or
• Implement design solutions, taking account of critical constraints, including due concern for safety and sustainability and/or
• Determine the criteria for evaluating the design solutions and/or
• Evaluate the outcome against the original specification and/or
• Actively learn from feedback on results to improve future design solutions and build best practice

C – Responsibility, management or leadership
(Provide technical and commercial leadership)

C1 Plan for effective project implementation by showing an ability to:
• Systematically review the factors affecting the project implementation including safety and sustainability considerations and/or
• Define a holistic and systematic approach to risk identification, assessment and management and/or
• Lead on preparing and agreeing implementation plans and method statements and/or
• Ensure that the necessary resources are secured and brief the project team and/or
• Negotiate the necessary contractual arrangements with other stakeholders (client, subcontractors, suppliers, etc).

C2 Plan, budget, organise, direct and control tasks, people and resources by showing an ability to:
• Set up appropriate management systems and/or
• Define quality standards, programme and budget within legal and statutory
requirements and/or
• Organise and lead work teams, coordinating project activities and/or
• Ensure that variations from quality standards, programme and budgets are
identified, and that corrective action is taken and/or
• Gather and evaluate feedback and recommend improvements.

C3 Lead teams and develop staff to meet changing technical and managerial needs by showing an ability to:
• Agree objectives and work plans with teams and individuals and/or
• Identify team and individual needs, and plan for their development and/or
• Reinforce team commitment to professional standards and/or
• Lead and support team and individual development and/or
• Assess team and individual performance and provide feedback.

C4 Bring about continuous improvement through quality management by showing an ability to:
• Promote quality throughout the organisation and its customer and supplier
networks and/or
• Develop and maintain operations to meet quality standards and/or
• Direct project evaluation and propose recommendations for improvement.

D – Communication and inter-personal skills
(Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills)

D1 Communicate in English3 with others at all levels by showing an ability to:
• Lead, chair, contribute to and record meetings and discussions and/or
• Prepare communications, documents and reports on complex matters and/or
• Exchange information and provide advice to technical and non-technical colleagues.

D2 Present and discuss proposals by showing an ability to:
• Prepare and deliver presentations on strategic matters and/or
• Lead and sustain debates with audiences and/or
• Feed the results back to improve the proposals and/or
• Raise the awareness of risk.

D3 Demonstrate personal and social skills by showing an ability to:
• Know and manage own emotions, strengths and weaknesses and/or
• Be aware of the needs and concerns of others, especially where related to diversity and equality and/or
• Be confident and flexible in dealing with new and changing interpersonal situations and/or
• Identify, agree and lead work towards collective goals and/or
• Create, maintain and enhance productive working relationships, and resolve conflicts.

E – Professional commitment
(Demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognising
obligations to society, the profession and the environment).

E1 Comply with relevant codes of conduct by showing an ability to:
• Comply with the rules of professional conduct of own institution and/or
• Lead work within all relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks, including social and employment legislation.

E2 Manage and apply safe systems of work by showing an ability to:
• Identify and take responsibility for own obligations for health, safety and welfare issues and/or
• Ensure that systems satisfy health, safety and welfare requirements and/or
• Develop and implement appropriate hazard identification and risk management systems and culture and/or
• Manage, evaluate and improve these systems and/or
• Apply a sound knowledge of health and safety legislation.

E3 Undertake engineering activities in a way that contributes to sustainable development by showing an ability to:
• Operate and act responsibly, taking account of the need to progress environmental, social and economic outcomes simultaneously and/or
• Use imagination, creativity and innovation to provide products and services which maintain and enhance the quality of the environment and community, and meet financial objectives and/or
• Understand and secure stakeholder involvement in sustainable development and/or
• Use resources efficiently and effectively.

E4 Carry out and record CPD necessary to maintain and enhance competence in own area of practice by showing an ability to:
• Undertake reviews of own development needs and/or
• Plan how to meet personal and organisational objectives and/or
• Carry out planned (and unplanned) CPD activities and/or
• Maintain evidence of competence development and/or
• Evaluate CPD outcomes against any plans made and/or
• Assist others with their own CPD.

E5 Exercise responsibilities in an ethical manner by adhering to four fundamental principles:
• Accuracy and rigour
• Honesty and integrity
• Respect for life, law and the public good
• Responsible leadership: listening and informing

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

A to E Learning Outcomes of the course (with detailed sub headings in para 11) are:
• A - Knowledge and understanding
• B - Design and development of processes, systems, services and products
• C - Responsibility, management or leadership
• D - Communication and inter-personal skills
• E - Professional commitment

Key to the reading the table: For example, CT4002 module learning outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3 broadly meets the “A - Knowledge and understanding” learning outcome of the course.

Please check latest Course Handbook for further information.

Principle QAA benchmark statements

The course design refers to Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)’s Subject Benchmark Statements in Engineering (2015) set out in UK Quality Code for Higher Education.

https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/subject-benchmark-statements/sbs-engineering-15.pdf?sfvrsn=f99df781_10

Assessment strategy

A range of assessment methods (class tests, theory and practical examinations, coursework through logbook/ casestudy and laboratory report/ poster / artefact, viva) is employed throughout the course. The method of assessment and marking criteria for each module at each level is clearly described in the individual ‘Module Guide’ which is made available to the students at the start of the semester (via WebLearn - VLE). Every module (core as well as options) has a VLE presence providing students with comprehensive learning/teaching material including Workshops exercises. Module leaders use this site regularly to communicate with their students including providing general feedback, guidelines on how to write technical report/ effective presentations and keeping logbooks. One of the core moudules at Level 4 has a mandatory formative/summative assessment element "Learning reflection essay" to initiate and induct students to reflective learning in order to develop effective and SMART study plans for all modules.

Students are provided with opportunities to develop an understanding of and the necessary skills to demonstrate, good academic practice. Particularly, students will be encouraged to complete weekly tutorials/tests and laboratory exercises as well as periodic formative progress tests to enhance their learning. During laboratory sessions students receive ongoing support and feedback on their work to promote engagement and provide the basis for tackling the summative assessments.

The volume, timing and nature of assessment enable students to demonstrate the extent to which they have achieved the intended learning outcomes.
Formative and summative feedback are be provided using a variety of methods and approaches, such as online, one to one and in groups on the submitted work, at various points throughout the teaching period and in line with University's policy on assessment and feedback.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

The course includes a 15-credit module on Work Related Learning (FC5W51) at Level 5. Work related learning can take the form of a placement (sometimes referred to as an internship) or a work based project. The Careers and Employability team of the University provides advice on all stages of the selection process including developing CV, completing application forms, preparing for interview or online assessment. The School of Computing and Digital Media’s Employment Outcomes Team – EOT offers opportunities to enhance employability skills, gain real experience through placements into real client-driven projects - working with business and industry.
In addition to the work related module FC5W51 Work Related Learning, students have the opportunity to apply for a sandwich year at the end of Level 5 during the course.

Course specific regulations

Degree award:
BEng (Hons) degree is awarded according to the following additional course regulations. Failing to achieve this will result in a lesser award, such as the BSc (Hons) degree, according to the University's academic regulations. Although the student will be enrolled on the BEng (Hons) programme, the final award will be determined at the end of the course.

• The proportion of failed modules deemed to be completed will be less than or equal to 20 credits in each year;
• The minimum acceptable progression marks will be greater than or equal to 30 %; and
• Degree classifications will include all modules in the final 2 years (total of 240 credits at levels 5 and 6) using the standard university weightings;
• Final year project must be passed (not just complete)
• Re-assessment and re-takes will be capped at 40%

For students starting from academic year 2022-23, a pass (or compensated pass) in every module is required. The maximum of 30 credits can be compensated over the degree programme. The minimum module mark for which compensation is allowed is 10% below the nominal module pass mark of 40%. Final year project will not be compensated.

Direct entry:
Direct entry applicants entering to final year (Level 6) must have at Level 5 (or equivalent) in relevant area. Direct entry applicants who do not meet this entry requirement will ONLY be accepted to the second year (Level 5) of the course provided that applicant has achieved 120 credits at Level 4 and 5 (or equivalent) in modules with comparable content and Learning Outcomes. All direct entry students are required to attend an interview with the course leader or his/her nominee prior to being made an offer.

Modules required for interim awards

Certificate of Higher Education: 120 credits at Level 4 as per the course structure in para 23.

Diploma of Higher Education: 240 credits with minimum of 120 at Level 5 as per the course structure in para 23.

BSc: 300 credits with max. 120 at credits at Level 4, 120 at Level 5 and min 60 credits at Level 6 as per the course structure in para 23.

BSc (Hons): 360 credits with max. 120 credits at Level 4, min. 90 credits at Level 6 as per the course structure in para 23 BUT “Course Specific Regulations” are not satisfied.

BEng (Hons): 360 credits with max. 120 credits at Level 4, min. 90 credits at Level 6 as per the course structure in para 23 AND “Course Specific Regulations” are satisfied.

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Most modules are based on lectures followed immediately by small-group tutorials, Laboratory / Workshops, individual and group case studies. These ‘after-lecture’ activities are considered to be an important part of student’s learning process. It is during these activities that students have an opportunity to reflect on their learning. For each activity, students are expected to keep a log book for their workshops giving a full account of the problems, methods of solutions, results and conclusions.

Students are expected to start their ‘Personal Development Plan (PDP) in Level-4 and to complete this during Level 6 project where students are assigned to a supervisor with whom they communicate on a weekly basis throughout the year.

Other external links providing expertise and experience

Output standards set out by Engineering Council’s UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) (3rd ed) ensuring threshold academic standard.

https://www.engc.org.uk/engcdocuments/internet/Website/UK-SPEC%20third%20edition%20(1).pdf

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

The rapid developments and demand in the field of internet connected electronic gadgets and systems suggests that electronic and IoT engineers will remain in high demand. This course will help students develop the necessary skills to work in a range of sectors such as consumer electronics, automobile, aviation, construction, telecommunication, scientific and military.

Some of recent graduates have gone on to work at companies such Qualcomm (Torquay, UK), DHL, Deloitte (London), Accenture (Spain), Spindox (Italy) or Connection software (Zimbabwe) for MSc/PhD level studies just to name a few.

This course is also an excellent preparation for further studies or research by pursuing MSc or PhD.

Career opportunities

As well as setting you up for a rewarding career, this course will also equip you to undertake postgraduate study such as a master's degree or MPhil/PhD.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • a minimum grades CCD, one of which must be from a relevant subject (or a minimum of 88 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Progression Diploma or Access to HE Diploma of 60 credits)
  • English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C/grade 4 or above

Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case by case basis.

If you don't have traditional qualifications or can't meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree may still be able to gain entry by completing our Computer Systems Engineering and Robotics (including foundation year) BSc (Hons) degree.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2019/20 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 29 May 2019 Last validation date 29 May 2019  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes 100162 (computer systems engineering): 100%
Route code CSENRO

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 04 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CS4001 Programming Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
CT4002 Electronics Systems Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR FRI PM
CT4005 Computer Hardware and Software Architectures Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM
MA4005 Logic and Mathematical Techniques Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR THU AM

Stage 2 Level 05 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CC5051 Databases Core 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
CT5003 Microprocessors & Embedded Systems Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR TUE AM
CT5051 Advanced Electronics Systems Core 15 NORTH SPR THU PM
CT5052 Network Operating Systems Core 15 NORTH AUT THU AM
CS5052 Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law Alt Core 15        
FC5W51 Work Related Learning Alt Core 15 NORTH SPR WED PM
          NORTH AUT WED PM
CS5003 Data Structures and Specialist Programming Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON PM
CT5005 Network Engineering Option 30 NORTH AUT+SPR MON AM

Stage 3 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CT6053 Digital Systems Applications Core 15 NORTH AUT WED AM
CT6056 Applied Robotics Core 15 NORTH AUT TUE PM
CT6057 Computer Vision Core 15 NORTH SPR WED AM
CT6058 IoT Systems and Security Core 15 NORTH SPR TUE PM
FC6P01 Project Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
CC6051 Ethical Hacking Option 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
CS6002 Distributed and Internet Systems Option 30        
CS6051 Mobile Applications Option 15 NORTH SPR MON AM
CT6004 Network Security (CISCO) Option 30        
CT6052 Wireless Networks (Cisco) Option 15 NORTH AUT FRI AM
XK0000 Extension of Knowledge Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA