Computer Engineering
Computer engineering sits at the boundary between hardware and software, concerned with the design and implementation of the computing systems that underpin modern technology. Where computer science tends to focus on algorithms and software, and electrical engineering on circuits and signals, computer engineering brings these worlds together, asking how physical devices can be built and programmed to carry out complex computational tasks efficiently and reliably. It is the discipline that underlies everything from microprocessors and embedded systems to robotics, artificial intelligence hardware and the infrastructure of the internet.
At Edge Hill University, this part-time programme allows you to develop expertise in computer engineering while managing other commitments, making it accessible to those already working in technology or related fields. You will study the architecture of computing systems from the hardware level, including microprocessors and digital circuits, through the operating systems and software that control them. You will also engage with areas such as robotics, automation, AI systems and the engineering processes by which complex digital tools are built and tested.
The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities, providing substantial professional experience alongside your academic studies.
The breadth of computer engineering means that graduates are well placed to move into a wide variety of technology roles. These include embedded systems engineering, hardware design, robotics and automation, systems architecture, software development, and roles at the intersection of electronics and computing. The demand for professionals who understand both the hardware and software dimensions of computing systems is growing as devices become more sophisticated and as robotics and automation reshape manufacturing and infrastructure.
Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in specialist areas such as AI, embedded systems, communications engineering, or computer architecture.