Programme information
Computer engineering is one of the three internationally accepted and closely related subdisciplines of the traditional field of electrical engineering (electrical engineering, electronic engineering and computer engineering). Computer engineering is the most dynamic and rapidly growing engineering discipline in the vast and constantly expanding field of information and communication technology (ICT), and almost every technological system in the world relies on it. It involves a combination of electronics, computer systems (hardware and software) and communication systems. A computer engineer is someone with a talent for optimising electronic systems by introducing dedicated computing systems and control software. This includes computer and communication networks of all sizes – from a couple of microcontrollers to the worldwide web. It is essential to know what this career entails before enrolling for the programme.
A computer engineer has a thorough understanding of the basic sciences and a sound education in the theoretical and practical aspects (including design methodology) of electronics, digital systems, computer systems and control software. Due to the dramatic increase in computing and storage capabilities, as well as a decrease in size and cost, most technological systems include components of computer engineering.
The computer engineering degree offered by the University of Pretoria was developed in 1998 to deliver graduates who are able to deal with the most demanding challenges of the ICT world in all its forms. Examples of computer engineering include cellphone technology, car control computers for engine management, entertainment systems, security systems, air-conditioning systems, active suspension and anti-lock braking systems (ABSs), which all use the principles of sensing, computing and actuation under optimised software control. This is the fastest- growing new discipline in engineering, and job opportunities for graduates exist all over the world.
Computer engineering is used in the following fields in particular: telecommunications, computer networking, cell phone operations, computer system companies, military technologies (avionics, night vision, electronic warfare, drones), transport technologies, internet banking, security systems, consumer equipment, modems, handheld scanners, voting, medical systems (portable and remote diagnostic recorders), robotics, entertainment and equipment, global positioning system (GPS), navigation, measurement and control software, and fibre-optic (self-healing networks). For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.Programme coordinator
(012)4204111 [email protected]Programme code
12130009Closing Dates
Admission requirements
Important information for all prospective students for 2024
The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.
Minimum requirements: 4-year programme
Achievement level
English Home Language or English First Additional Language
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
APS
NSC/IEB
NSC/IEB
NSC/IEB
5
6
6
35
The suggested second-choice programmes for BEng (Computer Engineering) are BSc (Chemistry), BSc (Mathematics) and BSc (Physics) if your APS and subject requirements of your first-choice programme are not obtained.
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Minimum requirements: ENGAGE 5-year programme
Achievement level
English Home Language or English First Additional Language
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
APS
NSC/IEB
NSC/IEB
NSC/IEB
5
65%
65%
33
Students may apply directly to be considered for the ENGAGE programme.
Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.
Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.
Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.
Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the Brochure: Undergraduate Programme Information 2024: Qualifications other than the NSC and IEB, available at click here.
International students: Click here.
Transferring students
A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.
Closing dates: Same as above.
Returning students
A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.
Note:
Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements. Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed. Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.Closing date for applications from returning students
Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.
Minimum duration
4 years, full-timeFaculty notes
All modules will only be presented in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication and correspondence.
The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at the University of Pretoria is a leading source of graduates in the engineering, built environment and information technology professions. We achieve this by a focus on research to drive innovative and enquiry-led teaching for educating and positioning our students to be leaders in their professions. The Faculty has extensive and cutting-edge teaching, learning and laboratory facilities integrated with the excellent suite of facilities and services offered by the University. We facilitate access to our qualifications through our extended programmes but expect our students to excel and develop as future professionals through our programme offering. We invite you to consider enrolling in one of our programmes if you share our vision of excellence and want to position yourself as a leader in the professions that we support.
The Faculty is organised in four schools: the School of Engineering, the School for the Built Environment, the School of Information Technology and the Graduate School of Technology Management. The School of Engineering is the largest of its kind in the country in terms of student numbers, graduates and research contributions and offers programmes in all the major engineering disciplines with many specialisations also offered at undergraduate and graduate level.
The University of Pretoria aims to be internationally competitive while also locally relevant. Advisory boards at both faculty and departmental level promote alignment and excellence in our teaching and research activities. Where applicable and available our programmes are accredited by statutory and professional bodies at both national and international level.
Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.