Computer Science and Electronic Engineering BSc (Hons)

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A student examining the internals of a computer

Available with:

  • Foundation Year

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Course Summary

Are you passionate about technology and eager to shape the future? Our Computer Science and Electronic Engineering degree offers a unique learning experience, equipping you with the skills to excel in a rapidly evolving field.

Start by delving into the exciting world of computer science. You'll learn programming, problem-solving and the fundamentals of computer systems and networks, creating a solid base for your future studies.

In your second year, we'll introduce you to the fascinating realm of electronic engineering. Explore concepts like analogue and digital circuit design, and electromagnetic fields and waves, while continuing to advance your computer science knowledge. Looking for real-world experience? Get future-focused by taking a year in industry to apply your skills and gain valuable insights.

In your final year, you will undertake a major project in electronic engineering. This hands-on experience will give you the opportunity to tackle real-world problems and apply your theoretical knowledge to practical applications, such as embedded systems, hardware design or communication technologies.

With a strong foundation in both computer science and electronic engineering, you'll be well-prepared for a diverse range of careers. Explore opportunities in telecommunications, software development, automation, and embedded systems. The possibilities are endless!

Why You'll Love It

Innovate the future: computer science and electronic engineering combined

This course offers a unique fusion of computer science and electronic engineering, equipping students with the skills to design both the software and hardware behind modern technologies. From programming and algorithms to circuit design, students gain a well-rounded education. With a final-year project in electronic engineering, this course opens doors to careers in cutting-edge industries like telecommunications or embedded systems, where the synergy of software and hardware drives innovation.

Programming new application

Strong industry links

The curriculum reflects current industry trends and technological advancements in IoT, embedded systems, and control, wireless and digital technologies. The Electronic Engineering team has rich research experience and collaborations with industries; many of our graduates carried out their research projects with companies such as BRE, Advanced Control, Spiro Control, Passion for Life Healthcare, GHD Environment, Arvia and RFIDdirect.

happy programmer smiling at camera while sitting at workplace i

Subject-specific facilities to enhance learning

The course is taught in dedicated labs, with high specification, regularly refreshed PCs and Macs. We also provide remote access to most of the software used, and agreements with software vendors mean you can download most of it to your own machines.

Young concentrated computer developer writing new code

What you'll study

Computing Foundation Years, you are taught to understand key concepts relating to the role of processors, key algorithms, data analysis, HTML website creation, and programming. You will also learn how IT systems and infrastructures are protected from threats. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If, during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

 

The BSc Computer Science and Electronic Engineering course contains core modules at each level of study, starting with a foundation in computer science. At Level 4, students are introduced to the fundamental and professional skills required to study a computing programme. These fundamental skills are complemented by introductory practical and programming skills, including aspects of user experience. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If, during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Level 5 introduces enables students to develop their core computing skills in areas such as programming and networks, after which concepts from electronic engineering are introduced. During the final term, students get to put skills into practice in a work based learning module towards the end of this year. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If, during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Students can opt to take a year in industry before progressing to Level 6. 

The final year allows students to further develop their programming skills, build on the concepts of electronic engineering developed at Level 5, and complete a final year project in the electronic engineering domain, under the supervision of an academic staff member.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If, during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

How You'll Learn

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The majority of teaching takes place in computer laboratories

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This course is designed around in-person study

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Assessments are completed at the end of each module

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Collaborate with students from related courses on a common first year

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, students study 40 credits comprised of either one or two modules. Scheduled contact hours range between approximately 6 and 12 hours per week depending upon the level of study and the complexity of the material being taught.

This course is delivered primarily through in-person learning supported by online learning materials. Students can expect to take part in labs, workshops, lectures and tutorials. Teaching will be delivered by experienced academics and practitioners in the subject. This will be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers. 

On this course, you should expect to spend an average of 30 – 34 hours per week on independent study which might include following asynchronous learning material on the University’s VLE, using the University’s library, working with peers, and preparing work for assessment. 

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that students are exposed to the different types of tasks they might encounter in the workplace. These will include coursework in the form of programming projects, software artefacts, portfolios of work, written work (e.g. essays) and presentations. In some modules, students will encounter class tests and practical assessments. We continuously review the assessment methods used in order that they adequately prepare students for graduate-level employment. 

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Study a Common First Year

This course shares a common first year with students on Computer Science BSc Hons and the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence pathway.

This means that you’ll learn alongside students studying a similar discipline, helping to broaden your knowledge and exposure to other concepts, perspectives and professions in the first year of your degree.

As you learn and collaborate with students from other courses, you'll not only widen your social and professional network but also learn new skills that will set you up for success in your industry.

In your second and third years, you will progress to studying more specialist modules within Electronic Engineering, developing your skills to become a World Ready graduate.

Entry Requirements

112UCAS points

UCAS Tariff

112 points 

GCE A Level

Typical offer – BCC-BBC must include either Physics, Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Further Maths, Electronics or Engineering

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM, Computing/Computer Science or Engineering

International Baccalaureate

28 points, including 5 in either HL Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers - H3 H3 H3 H3 H4, including H3 in either Applied Maths, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Computer Science

Scottish Highers - BBBB, including Maths, Chemistry, Physics or Engineering Science

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma, (Computer Science, Mathematics or Engineering), to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above

T Level

Merit (Engineering or Science)

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma: DMM in Engineering or IT

Extra Information

GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above is also required.

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72UCAS points

UCAS Tariff

72 points

GCE A level

72 points overall, including grade D in A level

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP

International Baccalaureate

24 points

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4

Scottish Highers: CCDD

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall

T Level

T Level: Pass (D or E on the core)

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma: MMP

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree. 

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials.

Students often elect to purchase a laptop, where students choose to do so, the cost it likely to be around £800-£1000.

Most software specific to your course is available free to students through agreements we have with the software vendors. 

Occasional, optional, field trips may be offered, depending on student demand, these are typically within the UK and where chargeable the cost is likely to be under £100. Students are not required to participate in order to successfully complete the course. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills. 

Who You'll Learn From

Andrew Muncey

Programme Leader for BSc Computer Science
Andrew Muncey

Dr Stuart Cunningham

Programme Leader for MSc Advanced Computer Science
Dr Stuart Cunningham

Dr Mike Morgan

Senior Lecturer
Dr Mike Morgan

Dr Helen Southall

Senior Lecturer
Dr Helen Southall

Graham Logan

Senior Lecturer
Graham Logan

Dr Richard Stocker

Senior Lecturer
Dr Richard Stocker

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Student Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fitness facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Our graduates enter a range of roles, both locally and further afield. Typical roles for students completing the course might include software developer, web developer, network engineer and database administrator among many others. A number of our students have entered graduate schemes at multinational companies. 

Progression options

  • Programme and Project Management MSc

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

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