Computer Engineering
Qualifications
Overview
Computers are at the heart of innumerable modern products, most of which would not be identified as computers. Computer engineering involves the development, both electronics and software, of such 'embedded' computers. It requires a combination of technical knowledge, science, and creativity with a strong emphasis on design to develop practical solutions to real-world problems.
Applications, industries, and devices associated with computer engineering include computer systems, portable electronics, autonomous robotics, biomedical devices, household electronics, telecommunications and networks, and manufacturing and infrastructure.
Minor in Communications and Network Engineering
If you have an interest in the internet, and specifically in the "internet of things", the design and implementation of computer networks, and in a wide range of communications, the minor in Communications and Network Engineering would be a good choice to complement your Computer Engineering degree.
- The Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Computer Engineering brings together the learning of circuit theory and digital electronics from the Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree, and computer programming, systems, and networking covered in the Computer Science degree. This provides students with the knowledge and expertise to create the next era of reliable smart electronic embedded devices.
- UC has world-class engineering facilities including a futuristic augmented reality lab.
- UC operates BlueGene, the first IBM Supercomputer in the southern hemisphere. UC HPC operates this high performance computing facility, which is available to staff and students and is an essential research tool.
- The College of Engineering | Te Rāngai Pūkaha has specially-designed computer laboratories and software, as well as a specialist Engineering and Physical Sciences library.
- See the Engineering subject page for many other reasons why UC's College of Engineering | Te Rāngai Pūkaha is a world-class destination for engineering studies.
UC offers Computer Engineering as a discipline within the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours.
Students may also choose to complete a minor alongside their discipline in Communications and Network Engineering.
Intermediate Year (first year)
The first year of the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours is called the Engineering Intermediate Year. For Computer Engineering students, this is made up of:
Five compulsory courses taken by all Engineering students:
- ENGR 100 Engineering Academic Skills (0 points, no fees)
- ENGR 101 Foundations of Engineering
- EMTH 118 Engineering Mathematics 1A
- EMTH 119 Engineering Mathematics 1B
- PHYS 101 Engineering Physics A: Mechanics, Waves, Electromagnetism and Thermal Physics
Plus courses specific to Computer Engineering:
And one of:
- EMTH 171 Mathematical Modelling and Computation
- MATH 120 Discrete Mathematics
- COSC 122 Introduction to Computer Science
In addition you must complete another two 100-level optional courses. Check with the College of Engineering | Te Rāngai Pūkaha Student Advisor for suggested options.
More information:
- To see how this qualification is structured, see the degree diagram on the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours page.
- For guidance on how to structure your Intermediate Year, visit the Intermediate Year webpage.
The Professional Years (2nd–4th years)
Once you have completed the Engineering Intermediate Year and successfully applied for entry into Computer Engineering, you will study that discipline within the three professional years.
Most courses consist mainly of lectures, with laboratory work included to complement the theory and show practical application. Some formal laboratory periods are replaced by independent and group projects.
First Professional Year
- ENEL 198 Electrical Workshop Course (0 points, no fees)
- ENEL 199 Basic Workshop Course (0 points, no fees)
- ENGR 200 Engineering Work Experience (0 points, no fees)
- ENEL 200 Electrical and Computer Engineering Design
- ENEL 220 Circuits and Signals
- ENEL 270 Principles of Electronics and Devices
- ENCE 260 Computer Systems
- EMTH 210 Engineering Mathematics 2
- EMTH 211 Engineering Linear Algebra and Statistics
- SENG 201 Software Engineering I
- COSC 264 Introduction to Computer Networks and the Internet or COSC 265 Relational Database Systems
Second Professional Year
- ENCE 361 Embedded Systems 1
- ENEL 300 Electrical and Computer Engineering Design 2
- ENEL 301 Fundamentals of Engineering Economics and Management
- ENEL 320 Signals and Communications
- ENEL 321 Control Systems
- ENEL 373 Digital Electronics and Devices
Plus two courses from:
- COSC 362 Data and Network Security
- COSC 363 Computer Graphics
- COSC 364 Internet Technology and Engineering
- COSC 368 Humans and Computers
- ENCE 360 Operating Systems
- SENG 301 Software Engineering II
- SENG 365 Web Computing Architectures
- Any approved 400-level Engineering course
Third Professional Year
- ENEL 400 Electrical and Computer Engineering Research Project
- ENCE 461 Embedded Systems 2
- ENCE 464 Embedded Software and Advanced Computing
Plus four courses chosen from:
- COSC 411 Advanced Topics in HCI
- COSC 422 Advanced Computer Graphics
- COSC 424 Secure Software
- COSC 428 Computer Vision
- COSC 441 Wireless Networking Systems and Performance
- ENEL 420 Advanced Signals
- ENEL 422 Communications Engineering
- ENEL 491 Nano Engineered Devices
- ENME 403 Linear Systems Control and System Identification
- ENMT 482 Robotics
- Any approved 400-level Engineering course
With approximately 50% of the ICT industry in Aotearoa New Zealand located in the Waitaha Canterbury region, Ōtautahi Christchurch is the ideal location for such a programme, offering abundant opportunities for work experience and excellent employment opportunities for graduates.
There are plenty of exciting job opportunities locally, nationally, and internationally for computer engineers, as they are in high demand. Many find employment with companies that create devices with embedded systems such as Tait Electronics, Allied Telesis, Fisher & Paykel, Dynamic Controls, and Trimble.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Computer Engineering.
Contact us
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Phone +64 3 369 3366 or +64 3 369 4419
Email engdegreeadvice@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
See the Department's website for up-to-date location details.
Postal address
College of Engineering | Te Rāngai Pūkaha
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
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