Course details

Summary

Become part of a community that plays a role in improving our future - blend theory and practice to contribute to an increasingly technologically advanced, sustainable world.

What is Computer Systems Engineering?

Computer systems now pervade almost all aspects of our world and ubiquitous computers are hidden within vast numbers of electro-mechanical environments. Their influence on our daily lives is only expected to increase. In these contexts, computers are used as the controllers and components of systems, in things like wireless communication systems, home automation systems, appliances, automobiles, factory processes, mechatronics, instrumentation, embedded systems and nano-systems.

Computer Systems Engineering is the crucial branch of the discipline that solves practical engineering problems by creating computer-based systems – in particular, systems that have a computer embedded in a large system operation

What will I study?

The pace of change in computer systems is phenomenal; it is simply not possible to provide a lasting professional education based only on the technology.

For this reason, the Computer Systems specialization provides a combination of:

• fundamental knowledge in computer systems
• practical skills in hardware and software design
• general problem solving skills required in design and building systems
• project work
• verbal and written communication
• exposure to a variety of existing and leading-edge electronic, hardware and software technologies

You will learn about embedded systems, computational intelligence, distributed computing, information engineering, intelligent robotics, industrial decision support systems, home automation, automobiles and instrumentation, supplemented by a solid grounding in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Programme structure

Part II introduces fundamental strands of electrical and electronic engineering, including computer hardware and software.

Part III involves considerable project work in computer systems.

Part IV is predominantly comprised of elective courses, allowing you to choose courses that align with your preferences and skills. You will also complete a Part IV Research Project, with a weighting of 25% of the year’s work. This represents the culmination of the engineering design strand.

Where will it take me?

Opportunities for computer systems engineers are vast, and as innovative design and product development continues at a rapid pace, so does the demand for qualified engineers. As a graduate, you might end up working in the mainstream computer industry or in other areas of electrical and engineering disciplines. Opportunities are available in multinational computer companies, consulting firms, the telecommunications industry, research and development of new intelligent systems, manufacturing and resource industries.

You might become a Computer Network Manager, a Product Development Engineer, a System Test or Automation Engineer, an Embedded Systems Designer, or a Field Specialist. You might extend your Part IV Research Project, develop a new technology and form your own start-up company, or commit to a more research-orientated career pathway and continue into postgraduate study. Whatever your path, we are confident that you won’t be short of options.

Further study options

• Master of Engineering
• Master of Engineering Studies
• Master of Disaster Management
• Master of Energy
• Master of Operations Research
• Doctor of Philosophy

Entry criteria

Secondary school qualifications

You need to have one of the following:

• International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
• General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects with at least a 'C' grade or higher. General Studies or similar general papers cannot be included.

GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA, Pearson Education Limited and CIE taken outside of New Zealand.

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.0; TOEFL (iBT) 80; TOEFL (paper-based) 550; CAE or CPE 169; PTE 50; MELAB 80.