Overview
Advances in electronic technology have a significant impact on the world, from games consoles, digital cameras and smartphones to drones and self-driving cars.
If you're interested in a career designing, developing and manufacturing electronic equipment and devices, this Electronic Engineering degree is the first step to achieving your ambition. You can study it as a Bachelor's degree over 3 years (BEng) or integrated Master's degree over 4 years (MEng).
You’ll examine the theory and design of electronic systems, devices and circuits and learn how electronic engineering contributes to the wider field of electrical engineering.
You’ll work with analogue and digital components such as microprocessors, microcontrollers and programmable devices, using sophisticated facilities and technology. In years 2 and 3, you can study specialist topics that match your interests and ambitions, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and telecommunications.
You’ll apply your skills on projects that solve the types of challenges you’ll face in your career. This includes the option to be part of one of the University’s Formula Student racing teams, where you can specialise in design, production, costing or manufacture of a racing car.
You can also get valuable professional experience by spending a sandwich year working in industry.
The course opens doors to a career as a professional electronics engineer and puts you on the path towards Chartered Engineer status.
What you'll experience
On this degree course you'll:
- Get theoretical and practical knowledge in the design of electronic systems
- Use the latest equipment for analysing and measuring electronics, including logic analysers, spectrum analysers, digital scopes and multi-function generators
- Learn in facilities including a microcontroller and digital lab, analogue electronics lab, telecommunications lab and computing suites with software applications such as Matlab
- Use experimental kits, such as ServoSET servo-mechanism (which helps you learn how to stabilise systems) and superheterodyne radio receivers (which help you understand the principles of radio receiver operation)
- Tailor your studies, choosing module options that match your interests and career ambitions
- Complete a high-level dissertation under the supervision of a member of staff
- Develop skills you can use in all areas of your life and career, including team working, research, critical thinking and time management skills
You can also:
- Get student membership of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) – this gives you access to practical, technical and career-related resources, and opportunities to volunteer build links with prospective employers
- Work on a multidisciplinary group project (MEng only) to get the practical experience sought by employers
- Get valuable professional experience by spending a year working in industry between years 2 and 3
- Learn a language while you earn credit towards your degree as part of the University's IWLP programme
Work experience and career planning
To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, our Careers and Employability service can help you find relevant work experience during your course.
We can help you identify placements, internships and voluntary roles that will complement your studies and build your CV.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Laboratory and project work
- CAE system activity
- Open access study
There's an emphasis on honing your practical skills and putting what you learn into practice.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- Written examinations
- Coursework
- Practical tests
- Project work
- Presentations
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You will get feedback on all formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
The way you're assessed may depend on the modules you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:
- Year 1 students: 55% by exams and 45% by coursework
- Year 2 students: 62% by exams, 38% by coursework
- Year 3 students: 33% by exams and 67% by coursework
- Year 4 students (MEng only): 48% by exams and 52% by coursework
Careers and opportunities
Electronic engineering has a significant impact on our lives, from telecommunication systems bringing people together to medical technology looking after our health.
Due to the ongoing demand for innovation in medical technology devices, and consumer electronics such as mobile phones and televisions, there's high demand for skilled electronic engineers.
Previous students have gone on to work in the following areas, many on graduate training programmes:
- Defence electronics
- Aerospace
- Product design
- Robotics
- Broadcasting
- Telecommunications
- Advanced product manufacturing
Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.
Our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the industry. You can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years after you leave the University as you advance in your career.
IEng and CEng status
When you finish the MEng course successfully, you'll meet the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status (CEng) status.
When you finish the BEng course successfully, you'll meet the educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status. Once you've met the work experience requirements for IEng status, you can progress to Chartered Engineer status (CEng) with further study and experience.
IEng and CEng status demonstrate your expertise and can include benefits such as improved career prospects and earning potential.
