BEng (Hons) Electronic and Communication Engineering

About the course

Communications technology is a crucial part of the world economy, advances in electronics and communications have had immeasurable impact on the modern world, and it is still a growing industry, we all have an innate need and desire to communicate. As communications technology gets ever more advanced, the demand for new devices and environmentally sustainable solutions increases, to improve the quality of everyday life and society we live in. This course is designed to help you take your place in the communications industry, focusing on building your STEM knowledge and skills to start a fulfilling career.

On the course you’ll be taught by professional engineers, many of whom have worked in industry, whilst others have specialised in research. We’ll give you the chance to gain a broad overview of electronic engineering, as well as specialist skills in communications as the course progresses. We’ll also take a wider view to explore other areas of engineering, including:

• General electrical principles
• Electronics and circuits
• Computer systems engineering.

The course also covers Internet of Things, the interconnection via the Internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data - a technology of the future for electronic and communication engineers.

There are many opportunities for you to engage in practical work on the course and you also have the chance to undertake a project on a suitable topic of your choice. Year 1 of the course is designed to support you in gaining a through grounding in the principles of electronic engineering. In Year 2 you’ll begin to specialise in communications, from basic methods such as AM or FM through to digital communications aerials and satellite communications. In your Final Year you’ll be supported to expand your knowledge, by looking at topics such as optical communications.

During your studies you have the chance to take a placement after your second year. You could work in the industry and put what you’ve learnt into practice. We’ll also give you the opportunity to take part in national competitions like the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Formula Student, Railway Challenge and UAS (or comparable design and build team projects).

The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council. Once you graduate, you could become registered as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng). The course could also lead on to you gaining Chartered Engineer (CEng) status following further study.

If you achieve an average grade of 60% or more during your first two years, there is a chance to transfer to the Electronic Engineering MEng integrated Master’s course.

Your career

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as systems engineer, electronic design engineer, a senior electronic engineer and senior metrology engineer in organisations including BAE Systems, Siemens, Dyson and Bentley Motors Ltd.

Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue a career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study and research which may interest you.