HELPPP!!!

1

I am interested in both software and hardware. I want to program apps and system software but I also want to make machines and hardware components so I am really confused. Should I do EEE, EIE or ECE at university? Which is more related to my interests? Which has better job/career opportunities?

Reply 1

mesub

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

22

Original post

by m1c_h3ll3

I am interested in both software and hardware. I want to program apps and system software but I also want to make machines and hardware components so I am really confused. Should I do EEE, EIE or ECE at university? Which is more related to my interests? Which has better job/career opportunities?

Explain each of them to me. :smile:

Reply 2

LSBU

Official Rep

11

Original post

by m1c_h3ll3

I am interested in both software and hardware. I want to program apps and system software but I also want to make machines and hardware components so I am really confused. Should I do EEE, EIE or ECE at university? Which is more related to my interests? Which has better job/career opportunities?

Hi there,

If you’re interested in both software and hardware, it’s completely normal to feel torn, but the good news is LSBU offers strong pathways for both directions, so you don’t have to limit yourself.
If you enjoy building machines, working with circuits, electronics, robotics or embedded systems, then Electrical and Electronic Engineering – BEng (Hons) is a great fit. This course focuses heavily on hardware, electrical systems, signal processing, power systems and real-world engineering design. It’s ideal if you see yourself designing physical systems, working in energy, robotics, or advanced electronics industries.

If you want a balance between hardware and computing systems, then Electronic and Computer Systems Engineering – BEng (Hons) may suit you even better. This course combines electronics with computer architecture, embedded programming and intelligent systems. It’s perfect if you like low-level programming, microcontrollers, and understanding how hardware and software integrate together.

However, if your passion leans more towards programming apps, developing system software, AI, cybersecurity or data systems, then one of LSBU’s Computer Science pathways would be ideal:

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Computer Science BSc (Hons) – broad foundation in programming, systems, software engineering and computing theory.

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Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons) – focuses on machine learning, AI systems and intelligent technologies.

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Computer Science (Cyber Security) BSc (Hons) – ideal if you’re interested in ethical hacking, digital security and secure systems.

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Computer Science (Data Engineering) BSc (Hons) – great if you’re interested in data pipelines, cloud systems and large-scale infrastructure.

The big advantage of studying at LSBU is that you're based in central London, surrounded by tech companies, engineering firms and startups. The courses are practical, industry-focused and designed to prepare you for real careers, whether that’s software engineering, embedded systems development, AI engineering, cybersecurity, robotics or hardware design.

If you’re still unsure, I highly recommend attending LSBU’s upcoming Open Day on 21st March. It’s the perfect opportunity to tour the labs, see the engineering facilities, speak directly with lecturers, and chat with current students about their experiences. It really helps you visualise which path feels right for you.

LSBU Open Day

Choosing between hardware and software doesn’t mean closing doors, it’s about choosing the starting point that excites you most. And at LSBU, both routes are strong.

Reply 3

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

13

Original post

by m1c_h3ll3

I am interested in both software and hardware. I want to program apps and system software but I also want to make machines and hardware components so I am really confused. Should I do EEE, EIE or ECE at university? Which is more related to my interests? Which has better job/career opportunities?

Hey,

Many degree titles look very similar but focus on slightly different areas. The acronyms you mentioned usually refer to slightly different specialisations, although the exact content can vary depending on the university. I did some extra research to find out exactly what each acronym stands for.

EEE, which stands for Electrical and Electronic Engineering, is usually the broadest option. It focuses heavily on electronics, circuits, embedded systems, signal processing and electrical systems. You will normally do some programming as well, especially for things like microcontrollers and embedded systems, but the main emphasis tends to be on hardware and electronics. EIE, or Electronic and Information Engineering, is quite similar but often leans a bit more towards information systems, communications, signal processing and computing related topics, so you may see more modules on networking, digital communication or data systems alongside the electronics.

ECE, meaning Electrical and Computer Engineering, usually sits somewhere in the middle between hardware and computing. You still learn about electronics and hardware design, but there is typically a stronger computing component as well, including areas such as embedded programming, computer architecture and system level software. Based on what you described, wanting to program apps and system software while also designing machines or hardware components, something like ECE or a hardware focused engineering degree with strong computing modules often ends up being a good balance.

It is also worth remembering that degree titles can sometimes be misleading. Two universities might offer courses with the same name but teach quite different modules. Looking at the actual module list for each course is usually the best way to see how much programming versus hardware content is included. Many engineering degrees also start with a fairly broad first year, which gives you exposure to both electronics and programming before specialising later on, which can be helpful if you are still deciding which direction interests you most. Attend open days to get the best idea.

Good Luck 😊
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

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