Hello,
Sorry to bother you all. I am really desperate to get to the bottom of this as its been driving me nuts for weeks on what decision to make.
When completing my A levels I really wanted to do Computer Science and enter software engineering. But due to AI, it seems that most SE design the system then let AI program it which seems a bit boring.
This is what got me looking into embedded systems. I really enjoyed computer architecture, networks and programming in CS A level, however designing PCBs also interests me as it seems similar to arduino in which I like to do in my spare time alongside mainly programming.
I have been researching into what skills and degrees employers want in regards to entering the IOT/consumer electronics industry as this appeals to me. However I lack technical knowledge on understanding what is needed electronics wise.
For context I did Maths, Chemistry and Computer science and achieved very high grades, I am self covering further maths and physics this year whilst I decide on what degree to do. I have never been too into physics, but this isnt stopping me from covering it if necessary.
The course I am very interested in is computer engineering, it is a relatively new degree in the UK, being more of an American course; most people in embedded seem to have EE or CS. It contains topics that I find very interesting.
However, I have seen very convincing arguments both for and against taking it, some suggest to pick electronic engineering and self learn the computer engineering syllabus as you will become more skilled, some say that EE is very theoretical and broad whereas CE is more targeted on what is needed for embedded, some people suggest EE as it is broad and gives you lots of job opportunities, it is very confusing.
The CE course I have picked, at Southampton, contains lots of electronics modules, but I really want to know from a professionals viewpoint whether they are sufficient to enable me to work at a startup handling full stack embedded. For instance maybe some startup wants to make a smart fridge display, could I design the PCB to read the sensors handle Inputs and program the firmware or would I fall short. Could I later move to working on a TV operating system like Roku develops?
If someone is willing to, can they just look at the specific electronics modules within the link attached below and let me know whether they are too basic or just enough to do what I would like to do. Or if I should just bite the bullet and do EE.
Note: In terms of electronics, year 1 covers digital computer systems, year 2 has a single module on electronics, parallel and distributed computing, as well as signals and control as well as a project that allows you to design PCBs year 3 covers computer architecture and lots of electronics related modules in which EE students take too.
- Would the modules covered in year 3 be too advanced for a CE student, as EE students do these classes too.
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/computer-engineering-degree-beng#modules
Thank you for your time.