Undergraduate Courses

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points (UCAS tariff) do I need to get accepted?

Look up the particular course you are interested in, or download UG Prospectus  

Will you consider my application although I have not taken any IT, computing or electronics related courses in my A-levels?

Yes, it is not necessary to have A-levels in these topics. Many students who have not studied computing or electronics before discover that they have a real aptitude for the subject. In our first year we assume that students are new to the discipline. If you have not learned about programming, for example, this is not a problem - our modules start from the beginning.

Are your degrees accredited?

Our current BSc/BEng degrees are accredited by the BSC or IET. We are currently in discussion with the BCS and IET about accreditation of our new degree programmes for entry in October 2008. For accreditation of our postgraduate degrees, please see more here.

Is there a work placement in industry?

Students who want to spend a year in industry typically do so after their second year of study. Note that you will have to find a placement yourself, although the School will try to assist you to some extent. You need to be aware that after returning for your final year, the syllabus might have changed slightly.

Do you offer sandwich modules?

We do not provide formal sandwich modules at present, but please see the information about work placements in industry above.

Can I spend a year abroad?

Yes, it is possible to study abroad for a year, under the EU Socrates scheme. You would need to be able to speak a foreign language in most cases. Language modules are available, but would be in addition to your other studies.

Can I take a gap year before I come?

Yes, we can accept applications for deferred entry, or you can apply during your gap year.

Can I change my module after the first year?

You can switch between modules provided they have the same first year. For example, all our our Computer Science Single Honours Degrees share exactly the same first year modules. Before coming to university many students will have had little experience of Artificial Intelligence, Internet Technology, Software Engineering or Robotics. As a result of the first year you may find that you are particularly attracted to one area of study and wish to specialize in it, or you may prefer to opt for a broader degree.

In other cases, we will consider applications to change module on their merits, and a change is more likely to be allowed if the new module has a similar first year and the student concerned has passed the first year with a comfortable margin.

How many hours of lectures/classes/labs are there per week?

Typically about 8 hours of lectures, and 4-8 hours of classes, labs, or supervision. You also need to spend time on self-study.

How big are the classes/labs/lectures?

Typically 20-40 students in lectures, with larger numbers in some first year lectures, and smaller numbers in classes and labs, some more specialized classes may have as few as 10 students. The School employs several Graduate Teaching Assistants to assist with the teaching of laboratory classes.

Will I get a choice of modules?

All single honours degree programmes have some choice of modules in the third year. The broader programmes (such as G400 BSc Computer Science and H650 BEng Computer Systems Engineering) offer a choice of modules in year 2 as well as more options in year 3. Details can be found in the description of each Course.
Note that you can switch to a different degree programme in year 2, provided your new choice had the same first year.

Is there any support for non-native speakers

Specific courses at Essex require students to have a certain level of Mathematical skill to enable them to study the modules of their Year 1 curriculum. Students with a minimum level of qualification in the subject, or who have not studied some of the topics involved, may find the practical Mathematics within some modules challenging. For these students there is an In-sessional Numeracy Support programme, run by the University Skills Centre, which offers these students an assessment test and an eight-week programme of Numeracy classes.  Please see the International Academy website for more details.

Can I pursue my own interests?

In the final year all students undertake an individual project of their own choice.

Is there any Group Work?

All undergraduate students undertake a Group Project. You will work together in a small team to produce a significant application with detailed documentation. This provides an experience for students that is highly valued by many potential employers.

Do I need to buy a computer?

No, we have laboratories dedicated to our own students, and you will also have access to university laboratories accessible to students in all Schools. Labs are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However you may prefer to use your own computer in addition. If you live in the Universities accommodation you can access the University network and the Internet from your own room.

Will I be able to live on Campus?

The University has sufficient accommodation, either on the Campus or very near to it, to be able to offer accommodation to all first year students and to many second and final year ones as well. Many second and final year students prefer to rent a house or flat together, and the University has an accommodation service to assist with finding suitable housing close to the University.