Advances in electronics, computing and communications have made a huge impact on every aspect of modern life. This programme gives you the expertise needed to design the computer systems that shape the way we live and includes a year of professional experience to enhance your career prospects.

The range of uses for computers is increasing all the time – from smartphones and tablets to aircraft flight control systems and global telecommunications. Our degree gives you up-to-date knowledge of computer hardware and software, and a background knowledge of electronics, communications systems and control theory.

The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), on behalf of the Engineering Council. This allows graduates to follow an approved process to gain Chartered Engineer status.

Applicants for September 2020 entry can apply for a scholarship of a £2,000 one-off payment. For more information and to apply, see DA VINCI Academic scholarship.

Our degree programme

Computer technology, telecommunications and consumer electronics are rapidly evolving, so experts in these fields are in great demand. This degree is based on leading-edge research and has been designed with strong industrial input.

In your first and second years, you are introduced to a wide range of computing and engineering modules. You can study the theoretical background of digital technologies, communications principles and object-oriented programming, and take modules in robotics, computer interfacing and engineering mathematics.

Your final year allows you to specialise in a particular topic of interest. This could include computer networks and communication, computer security and cryptography, digital signal processing, digital control, digital systems design and embedded computer systems.

All years include project work that replicates industrial practice to maximise the employability of our graduates.

Year in industry

You take a work placement between the second and third years of your degree. This provides valuable workplace experience and can increase your professional contacts. 

Study resources

The School of Engineering and Digital Arts offers cutting-edge equipment and facilities, including:

• four air-conditioned computer suites with 150 high-end computers
• 120-seat engineering laboratory
• extensive professional CAD development software
• PCB and surface-mount facilities
• mechanical workshop
• Matlab for system modelling
• anechoic chamber for EMC (pre-compliance testing) and antenna characterisation.

Kent School of Engineering and Digital Arts is undergoing a £3 million redevelopment and modernisation which is due for completion in July 2020. You gain state-of-the-art engineering and design facilities which include

• a virtual reality suite
• a production studio (including photography, video and green screen facilities)
• a large teaching and design studio
• engineering workshop and fabrication facilities
• a dedicated makerspace. 

Extra activities

There are a number of student-led societies at Kent which you may want to join. These include

• UKC Digital Media
• Kent Engineering Society
• TinkerSoc – Kent’s Maker Society. 

Professional network

The School of Engineering and Digital Arts has a long history of collaboration with industry. We have a strong reputation for our placement year, matching dedicated students with a variety of organisations in the UK and overseas.