Study Areas

Computer Systems Engineering

What is computer systems engineering?

Computer systems engineering is concerned with the design of computer systems. This can be anything from large computer systems, to desktop computers, to what is called 'embedded' computers in mobile phones, games, media players etc. You will learn about microprocessors and how to program them - 'talking' directly to the chip, as well as some programming languages. Some of the courses also deal with multimedia signals - video and audio, which might be processed by an embedded computer system.

Career opportunities

Opportunities in this field range from product design, especially for 'special-purpose' computer control systems, to network engineering and some areas which you might not expect, such as computer aids for the disabled. Many opportunities exist in both government and private industry. The types of industry which employ computer systems engineering graduates are not limited to computer companies. Many different types of industries employ engineers with these skills, as most industries are heavily dependent on computers for their everyday operations.

Research opportunities

Graduates will be able to pursue research in electronic design as well as computer architecture and telecommunications or networking. The Faculty of Engineering and Surveying, for example, has an active program of research in wireless networking.

The continuing evolution of computer hardware and software is causing very rapid changes within society as we move into the 'Information Age'. Engineers with a computer systems qualification are well placed to keep abreast of these developments and take advantage of the rapid growth of employment opportunities and demands, in this field.