Electronic and Communications Engineering - BEng (Hons)

Accredited by the Engineering Council through the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), this vocational course is a fast-track route to Chartered Engineer status, giving you hands-on expertise in electronic design, development and maintenance as well as real, client-driven project experience.

This course prepares you for a career as an electronic and communications engineer by combining theory with practical work. You’ll develop your technical skills through hands-on modules that give you deep insight into complex circuits, wireless systems, programmable devices, robotics, radars and digital systems.

You’ll trace the full lifecycle of product design, ensuring you have the expertise and knowledge necessary at every step. As well as building industry-specific skills, you’ll develop a broad range of employable skills such as team-working, interpersonal and IT skills, and increase your commercial, ethical and environmental awareness. The course is designed to cover a broad spectrum, enabling you to work in numerous industries as varied as medical devices, defence, aeronautics, smartphones, telecommunication and railways.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through coursework reports, case studies, individual and group research assignments, written and laboratory-based examinations and a final engineering project or dissertation. You'll receive regular, supportive feedback throughout the course. If you don't complete the course with the required achievements to qualify for the IET-accredited BEng (Hons) degree, you may be awarded a lesser degree, such as the BSc (Hons) degree. The final award will be determined at the end of the course.

Professional accreditation

The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). You’ll be able to apply for student membership while undertaking your degree. Your fees will be covered by the University and you’ll have access to resources such as a digital library, jobs boards and networking events.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• A minimum of grades CCD in three A levels, one of which must be from a relevant subject (or a minimum of 88 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma; or Advanced Diploma; or Progression Diploma; or Access to HE Diploma of 60 credits).
• English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the Computer Network Engineering Extended Degree. Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case by case basis.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

Accelerated study

If you have relevant qualifications or credit from a similar course it may be possible to enter this course at an advanced stage rather than beginning in the first year. Please note, advanced entry is only available for September start. See our information for students applying for advanced entry. Specific qualifications that may make you eligible for advanced entry to this course include studies undertaken at an IET-accredited institute.

After the course

The recent advances in technology mean that electronic and communications engineers are in high demand right now. This course will help you develop the necessary skills to work in data, fibre optic, mobile and satellite communications as part of multinational companies. You’ll learn to design, develop, install and maintain electronic and communications systems – skills that will be vital when pursuing a career as a hardware designer or tester, or a process engineer or developer. You could also work as a telecommunications architect, a consultant or a team manager. This programme is also excellent preparation for further research or study.