Computer Engineering

Profile of the Programme

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering program is intended to qualify students to begin a professional career in the field as Engineering professionals or to pursue further advanced post-graduate studies at the level of Master’s or Doctorate degrees. The major engineering courses of the Bachelor’s program contain, apart from theory and fundamental principles, elements of analysis and design, as well as significant laboratory work.

The program prepares the students to have a fundamental understanding of a broad spectrum of topics in Computer Engineering as well as advanced knowledge and in-depth understanding of at least one of the specialization areas of the field. The program builds upon the basic knowledge of mathematics, physics and computer technology, offering specialized knowledge on the areas of electronic circuits, telecommunications, microprocessors, VLSI, computer networks, embedded systems, databases, software engineering and many more. Students can select elective courses according to their preferences from two thematic areas:

• Computer Systems and Networks
• Software Engineering and Applications

During the course of the program, students acquire extensive hands-on laboratory experience in designing hardware and software solutions for challenging real-world problems as well as an interdisciplinary fundamental knowledge for a more fulfilling and rewarding career. Upon completion of the studies, graduates are equipped with independent thinking and problem-solving skills to tackle real-world Computer Engineering problems. They develop their ability to communicate technical ideas effectively through both oral presentations and written reports. Moreover, the program aims in developing well-rounded individuals with knowledge beyond science and engineering including business, and liberal arts. Computer Engineering graduates have advanced software programming and hardware design skills necessary to analyse and design of computer systems and are well prepared for either an entry-level job in the field or further post-graduate studies.

The program is fully accredited by the Ministry of Education. It has also been approved by the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) and our graduates are in a position to register as licensed Engineers with ETEK. The program conforms to the undisputable academic guidelines set by international accreditation bodies such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in the United States. It includes a considerable number of major and elective courses of theoretical and applied nature which add to program diversity and contribute to a foundation of a broad range of skills for career positions in academia and industry.

Also, like all programs of study the University of Nicosia, it is certified by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA).

The University of Nicosia is recognized by the Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center (D.O.A.T.A.P.) as equivalent to Greek H.E.I., while the degrees of its graduates have been recognized by D.O.A.T.A.P.

Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples

Graduates of Computer Engineering will be able to use the acquired technical knowledge and analytical skills to effectively tackle engineering problems and provide efficient solutions. Computer Engineers may work in both the government and private sectors. Potential employment opportunities include occupation in:

• automation companies to program computers and microcontrollers for specific applications;
• IT companies to analyze user needs and design application-specific computer systems;
• software development companies as programmers/software engineer;
• computer hardware companies to design computer architectures and networks;
• big firms as IT and/or network engineer;
• telecommunication companies to design and monitor large-scale telecommunication systems;
• electronics industry to design circuits for a wide range of applications such as mobile phones, electronic gadgets, televisions, cameras, entertainment devices, etc.;
• companies that design and implement algorithms for the optimization in efficiency and performance of engineering applications;
• large, multi-national companies as consultants in the fields of telecommunications, semiconductors, electronics, and networks;
• army, navy, and defense companies;
• high schools as teachers of technology and computer science;

Access to Further Studies

After completion of the BSc program in Computer Engineering, students may choose to broaden and deepen their academic qualifications and skills by pursuing post-graduate (Master and PhD) studies in the same or related field in Cyprus or overseas.

Academic Admission

The minimum admission requirement to an undergraduate programme of study is a recognized High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) or equivalent internationally recognized qualification(s). Students with a lower HSLC grade than 7.5/10 or 15/20 or equivalent depending on the grading system of the country issuing the HSLC are provided with extra academic guidance and monitoring during the first year of their studies.

English Language Proficiency

The list below provides the minimum English Language Requirements (ELR) for enrollment to the programme of study. Students who do not possess any of the qualifications or stipulated grades listed below and hold IELTS with 4.5 and above, are required to take UNIC’s NEPTON English Placement Test (with no charge) and will receive English Language support classes.

• IELTS, 6 and above
• Anglia Examinations, Advanced and above
• Cambridge GCE AS Level English Language, C and above
• Cambridge GCE English A Levels, C and above
• Cambridge IGCSE or GCSE English as a First language, C and above
• Cambridge IGCSE or GCSE English as a Second language, B and above
• IB English A: Literature SL & HL, 4 and above
• IB English Standard Level (SL), 5 and above
• IB English High Level (HL), 4 and above
• Michigan Language Assessment (also known as Proficiency of Michigan), 650 and above
• Password Test, 6 and above
• TOEFL (IBT), 72 and above
• Cambridge Exams (First Certificate), 160 and above or Pass
• Cambridge Exams (Proficiency Certificate), 180 and above or Pass

Course assessment usually comprises of a comprehensive final exam and continuous assessment. Continuous assessment can include, amongst others, class participation, homework assignments, laboratory reports, tests, mid-term exam, and semester project.

Letter grades are calculated based on the weight of the final exam and the continuous assessment and the actual numerical marks obtained in these two assessment components. Based on the course grades the student’s semester grade point average (GPA) and cumulative point average (CPA) are calculated.

The student must complete 240 ECTS and all program requirements.

A minimum cumulative grade point average (CPA) of 2.0 is required. Thus, although a ‘D-’ is a PASS grade, in order to achieve a CPA of 2.0 an average grade of ‘C’ is required.

Upon successful completion of this program, the students should be able to:

1. Show solid foundation in fundamental areas of mathematics such as differential and integral calculus, linear algebra and discrete mathematics, science including physics and engineering; knowledge of probability and statistics applicable to computer engineering. Ability to apply this knowledge to solve engineering problems;
2. Prove breadth of knowledge in basic areas of Computer Engineering including electric circuits, digital and analogue electronics, numerical methods, signals and systems, signal processing, microprocessors, computer organization and architecture, data communication and computer networks, programming, systems analysis and design, data structures and operating systems;
3. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and technical expertise in at least one of the specialized fields of computer systems and networks and software engineering and applications;
4. Have broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
5. Identify, formulate and solve engineering problems using techniques, skills, creative thinking and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice;
6. Show advanced knowledge of basic computer and electronic components and their use in analogue and digital circuits and ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs;
7. Develop and use models for the analysis and design of components and systems and ability to design, conduct and troubleshoot laboratory work involving engineering technology as well as analyze and interpret data;
8. Apply acquired knowledge and analytical tools to solve engineering problems;
9. Function on a multi-disciplinary team and to perform in leadership roles;
10. Expand their knowledge of contemporary issues and understanding of the importance of considering economic, social and ethical factors in engineering design and practice;
11. Communicate ideas effectively;
12. Recognize the need for and the ability to engage in life-long learning.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

Semester 7

Semester 8

The above semester breakdown is an indicative one. A few of the courses are electives and can be substituted by others. Students may contact their academic advisor and consult their academic pathway found on this website under “Schools & Programmes”.