Electronic Engineering, BEng (Hons), University of Portsmouth

the United Kingdom

Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
BEng (Hons)	Full-time, Sandwich	3 - 4 years	September	-	-

About Electronic Engineering, BEng (Hons) - at University of Portsmouth

Overview

Electronic engineering powers the world we live in today. From games consoles, smartphones and fitness trackers to life-saving medical systems, cyber security and self-driving cars.

On this Electronic Engineering degree, you’ll learn to design and develop electronic equipment and devices that could have a significant impact on the world. Develop your knowledge of the theory and design of electronics while putting theory into practice in our extensive facilities.

Electronic technology evolves rapidly. Be part of the future on a course that opens doors to a career as a professional electronics engineer.

BEng or MEng?

You can study this course as a 3-year Bachelor's degree (BEng) or a 4-year integrated Master's degree (MEng).

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.

The MEng allows you to achieve a Master’s level degree with just one extra year of undergraduate study. When you finish the MEng course successfully, you'll meet the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status (CEng).

IEng and CEng status demonstrate your expertise and can include benefits such as improved career prospects and earning potential.

Course highlights

Use the latest equipment for analysing and measuring electronics, including logic analysers, spectrum analysers, digital scopes and multi-function generators
Work with analogue and digital components such as microprocessors, microcontrollers and programmable devices
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)
Get student membership of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, at no cost to you – giving you access to practical, technical and career-related resources, and opportunities to build links with prospective employers
Work on a multidisciplinary group project to get the practical experience sought by employers when you choose the 4-year MEng option

Careers and opportunities

The demand for innovation in medical technology devices, and consumer electronics such as mobile phones and televisions is always increasing. In fact, all engineering roles are listed in the UK Government’s 'skills shortage list' – which means engineers are currently in high demand.

So not surprisingly, 90% of our BEng graduates and 95% of our MEng graduates are in work or further study after completing their course.

With electronic engineering professionals in high demand, graduates of our MEng course are earning £39,500 a year on average, 5 years after graduation.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have worked for companies such as:

Thales
QinetiQ
Barnbrook Systems
Royal Navy
Network Rail
Flylogix
NXP Semiconductors

What jobs can you do with a electronic engineering degree?

Our graduates now work in roles including:

communications and information systems engineer
digital design engineer
electronic design engineer
graduate signalling and telecoms engineer
hardware design engineer
service application consultant

Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.

Placement opportunities

After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.

You might work with an engineering firm in the UK, or take on a role with a company abroad.

A placement year gives you an advantage over other graduates who may understand theory but won't have the experience of applying their learning to a working environment. We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations, and you’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.

Potential roles

Previous students have taken placement roles such as:

aerospace engineer
industrial placement hardware engineer
undergraduate electrical engineer (research and development)

Potential destinations

They've completed placements at organisations including:

LiveLink
Leonardo
Johnston Sweepers
MBDA

Career development activity

You'll set up and run a new engineering business as part of your second year study on this course. Do well on this module, and you'll be eligible to apply for a grant from the SENE start-up fund, a pot set up by our School of Energy and Electronic Engineering, and run a business that provides both income and credits toward your degree.

You'll also have access to extracurricular activities, run by the school and by your fellow students, in which you might work on a nationwide drone competition, the Engineers Without Borders Design Challenge, or the Formula Student racing car competition. Our Badges framework gives you a way to demonstrate professional recognition of what you've achieved in and outside your study.