Internship ASIA

First off, this is from an Imperial perspective; the only other UK University that does a near exact course is Bristol University.

So what is ISE? The lovely long technical name is Information Systems Engineering, and the majority of people asking which degree you’re reading will merely shake their head after hearing this reply. So what exactly is it? I prefer to tell people it’s a mix between Computer Science (CS) and Electronic and Electrical Engineering (EEE) which seems to be more relevant to people :)

One person said its 70% computing and 70% Electronic Engineering. This adds to 140%, which is correct because that is how it sometimes feels for the first two years. However it does not mean it is impossible, far from it in fact. Although the workload can push you to your limits, it is still manageable and it will pay off in the end. In the first and second year you will be studying an even split of computing based courses such as Language Processors and ARM architecture. You will also be studying courses such as Communications and Digital Electronics, which are more EEE based. Most of the EEE subjects are studied in conjunction with EEE students so the lecture theatres can be pretty full. You also have to partake in the double session labs, which will broaden and supplement your understanding in the EEE subjects. The second year i s essentially the same where you will study the majority of the subjects you studied in year 1 in greater depth in year 2

Regardless of whether you are taking a three or four year course, in year 3 you get to decide which modules you would like to study, from both the department of computing and EEE, although 1 or 2 may be compulsory from each or both departments. You also get to choose a management or humanities subject. This applies to the 4th year too, except obviously there are a new variety of courses to choose from.

In your final year you will also do a final year project that counts to a lot of your final mark that year. Marks over all the years are amalgamated to bring you a final mark, so no slacking off in any years at Imperial!!

Although this may not paint a pretty picture, ISE is fun; believe me, since only a small number choose this degree (approx 40) everyone gets to know each other, and often help each other. Activities and events are planned together so you really do get to know all of your course-mates.

The job prospects are very high. Majority of graduates go into the financial sector (Investment Banking) or into a software engineering based job. A fair percentage also carries on to do further study. Have no fear, with this course you are guaranteed a job after you graduate, because companies are specifically looking for people who have completed this course from Imperial