School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Do you have the ambition to develop the electrical power systems and renewable energies of tomorrow? Whether focused on embedded microcontrollers, power converters, or high frequency communications, you’ll be developing your understanding of the high-level aspects of electronics on the BEng course. Electrical and electronic engineering, accredited by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), will provide you with a solid foundation for engineering a wide range of electrical systems.

Careers with this subject

Discover employment and further study opportunities that you could consider once you graduate with an electrical and electronic engineering degree.

Key features

  • From the day you join us until the day you graduate you’ll be testing and applying everything you learn in our fantastic labs.
  • Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
  • Ranked 14th overall in the country for electrical engineering (Guardian league tables 2020).
  • You will balance teaching sessions with hands-on practical experiences throughout the course.
  • Students in engineering, science and the arts have access to a range of specialist equipment and innovative laboratories in our new engineering and design facility.
  • Draw on our strong industry links and benefit from industry participation in course development, delivery and project sponsorship.
  • Take advantage of our flexible course, allowing you to switch between electronics and robotics until your final year, as your interests develop. 
  • Benefit from free IET membership (while at University) as the University is an IET Academic Partner.
  • Take part in our final year student project open day, showcasing the excellence of the engineering skills development and the high levels of achievement of our undergraduates, with many industrially sponsored prizes awarded.
  • Balance laboratory sessions with hands-on practical experiences throughout the course. 
  • Develop your skills, with opportunities throughout your degree to build and program embedded systems, advanced mobile communications devices, and solar power systems.
  • Hone your expertise in your final year project, offering you a chance to design and develop an original system or device on the theme of your choice.
  • Demonstrate your abilities to future employers with your final year project. Many of our graduates quote this aspect as having helped them get a good job.
  • Access one of the largest undergraduate laboratory spaces in the country, which you can use to further your own understanding of communications, electronics and renewable energy technologies. 
  • Receive electronic tools for studying.
  • Transfer to MEng is possible after the first or second year following the demonstration of an excellent overall achievement. 
  • Study a broad range of topics from electrical and electronics, power, communications and microprocessors before choosing your final year project to gain expertise and experience in a specialist area.
  • To complement your formal learning we offer regular PALS sessions that provide the opportunity for you to learn with and from your peers. Share knowledge, discuss ideas, and ask questions in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • From the start of your studies, you will find that there is an emphasis on learning by doing. Group project work will enable you to develop your problem solving and communication skills and you'll use our well-equipped laboratories to develop your knowledge and practical problem solving skills. In our integrating project you'll bring together structured design procedures for both hardware and software.

    Core modules

    • Stage 1 Electrical/Robotics Placement Preparation (BPIE112)

      This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

    • Analogue Electronics (ELEC141)

      This module provides an overview of analogue circuit characterisation, analysis and design, linking theory to practice. It will examine how common analogue systems are constructed from elementary components.

    • Digital Electronics (ELEC142)

      This is a foundation module in digital electronics and computer control, which introduces digital devices and provides a background in the principles, design and applications of combinational and sequential logic circuits.

    • Electrical Principles and Machines (ELEC144)

      This module gives an introduction to the electrical properties of materials, capacitance, Inductance, and electromagnetism. Basic circuit principles and their application in dc and ac circuit analysis are then applied to electrical machines, transformers and energy conversion.

    • Embedded System Design and Build (PROJ100)

      The module enables students to work collectively to build prototype solutions to real-world problems using both software and hardware. This will include development and verification skills in both hardware and software. 

    • Engineering Mathematics (ENGR104)

      This module provides students with a number of fundamental mathematical skills, and techniques, which are essential for the analysis of engineering problems.

  • Year 2

  • In Year 2 you will develop a greater understanding of underlying engineering principles and circuit design methods. Again, there is an emphasis on team work and you will have opportunity to do both group and individual presentations of your projects. You'll have the opportunity to use industrial standard software tools for design and simulation, which is great preparation for your final year individual project or for a placement year.

    Core modules

    • Stage 2 Electrical/Robotics Placement Preparation (BPIE212)

      This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (BPIE111) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

    • Power Electronics and Generation (ELEC237)

      This module introduces power electronics devices and motors. Students will build switching power systems and also build and interface motor drive systems and generators.

    • Communication Systems (ELEC239)

      This module extends the student's knowledge and understanding of electrical engineering in order to develop a deeper understanding of electronic engineering principles and their application to electronic and communication engineering.

    • Engineering Mathematics and Statistics (MATH237)

      This module provides an introduction to mathematical and statistical methods that are important in the study of electronic and communications engineering. The mathematical techniques (transforms) are central to the study of linear, time-invariant systems. As well as introducing descriptive statistics, basic probability distributions, the module also considers the more advanced topics of reliability and quality control.

    • Control Engineering (ROCO219)

      This module introduces basic concepts in how to control systems that have dynamics. This can involve making an unstable system stable, like balancing a Segway transporter to ensure it always remains upright. Or to get a system to follow a desired input and reach the desired goal. For example, controlling a robot arm so it moves directly to a target location without oscillating or overshooting.

    • Real Time Systems Project (PROJ200)

      The module enables students to build robust and scalable real-time solutions to real-world problems using both Microcontroller and FPGA technologies. This will include both hardware and firmware development skills.

  • Optional placement year

  • Enhance your studies with relevant experience and an excellent opportunity to seek final year sponsorship. Many of our graduates are offered permanent jobs with their placement company. We can help you find industrial placement opportunities in the UK, France, Germany and Japan. Your optional work placement experience gives you opportunities to put theory into practice. This means you are well prepared for your final year of academic study and your specialist, individual project.

    Core modules

    • Electrical Industrial Placement (BPIE332)

      A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.

  • Final year

  • Your final year gives you an exciting opportunity to develop an individual project, consolidate your knowledge, explore and evaluate new technologies. You'll demonstrate your communication skills in the oral and written presentation of your project and refine the independent learning skills vital for your continuing professional development in your chosen career path.

    Core modules

    • Information and Communication Signal Processing (ELEC347)

      This module provides a thorough understanding of basic and advanced signal processing and coding techniques. This will equip students with knowledge that is vital for the processing, manipulation, encoding and transmission and efficient storage of information in most areas of IT, electronics and communications.

    • Design and Control of Renewable Energy Technology (ELEC349)

      The focus of this module is on the generation of energy using solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. The effect of the environment, the PV material characteristics and the technology to achieve maximum power point tracking (MPPT) are described.

    • Advanced Embedded Programming (ELEC351)

      The module aims to develop programming skills in embedded programming, by making use of advanced features of high-level programming languages and by deepening the knowledge of modern programming techniques in embedded systems. The module has a strong practical bias where students are required to solve various problems by programming existing microcontroller hardware.

    • Individual Project (PROJ300)

      Investigate problems from industry or current research, define the problem boundaries, investigate possible solutions and present your results.  You’ll have the chance to demonstrate a wide range of skills in project management, ethics, IP, research, critical thinking, engineering decisions, hardware, electrical/electronic and mechanical, design and simulation, software implementation, schematic capture and testing.

    Optional modules

    • High Speed Communications (ELEC345)

      A circuit and system design module covering analogue and high frequency techniques and their place in modern communications systems.

    • Machine Learning for Robotics (ROCO351)

      This module introduces basic concepts in the area of machine learning, which is a rapidly expanding field that allows computers to learn how to behave and perform complex tasks without being explicitly programmed to do them. Applications range from signal processing, image recognition through to the control of robotics systems.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BEng Electrical And Electronic Engineering Programme Specification September 2023 0125

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

120

A level
To include C @ A level Mathematics and grade C at second relevant subject. Relevant subjects include design technology, electronics, engineering, further mathematics, physics, pure mathematics, statistics, use of mathematics, computer science OR chemistry. Excluding general studies. 
BTEC
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DDM in engineering/science/technology BTEC. To include merit in mathematics as a core module: mathematics for technicians, mathematics for engineering.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
All Access courses
The tutor will look at Access on an individual basis. Please contact the admissions team at admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
International Baccalaureate
30 overall to include 4 at Higher Level mathematics and 4 at Higher Level relevant second science/technology subject. English and mathematics must be included.
Other qualifications considered, please enquire for further details.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. 

Fees, costs and funding

Student 2023-2024 2024-2025
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £16,300 £18,100
Part time (Home) £770 £770
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

IET Awards and Scholarships

All our electronics and robotics courses are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET); any student embarking on our courses are eligible to apply for a number of IET engineering scholarships. Amounts can vary between £1,000 and £3,000 per annum, and closing dates for applications are usually at the end of June. For more information on the different scholarships available, details on how to apply and confirmed closing dates for applications, please visit IET Awards and Scholarships.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs.

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2023/2024 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2023/2024 is £1,385.
Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). 
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code. 
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

New engineering and design facility

Situated on the western edge of our city centre campus, the landmark new facility is home to the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics and offers additional space for the School of Art, Design and Architecture.
We have one of the best-equipped undergraduate laboratory suites in the UK, and all courses are highly practical, with an emphasis on design and build. Use our dedicated robotics and communications laboratories to focus on industrial and intelligent robotic systems and high frequency electronics.
New Engineering and Design Facility
circuit board

Electrical and electronic engineering and robotics

Our department offers strong teaching and research and we're very proud of the support we offer our students. Our facilities are world class, with bespoke laboratories and workshops where you will put your learning into practice.
Our satisfaction ratings are among the highest in the UK and 90 per cent of our graduates are in professional or managerial roles after six months.*

Mathew Hodgett – student profile

“The thing that I enjoy most, and which attracted me the most, was the amount of practical work on the course. This, for me, is very important as you are able to learn a lot more from actually building and testing a circuit than just learning the theory.”
Mathew Hodgett, BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Graduate profiles

Work placements

A ‘placement year’ is an excellent way to gain a competitive edge. It will set you up for when the graduate schemes launch and help you make better career decisions.
Josh Sullivan gained important skills and career-defining experiences working for Rolls Royce as an electronics engineer.
Student Placements - Josh Sullivan

Student Showcase

Celebrating the range of research and development projects students undertake, the event allows students to demonstrate their creations to industry.

Student experience
Jack speaks about his experience on the course and presenting his project at the Student Showcase event.

Employer insight
Kevin Stewart, Senior Designer at Alstom, talks about his experience as an employer at the Showcase.

Emily-Jane Rolley-Parnell

Student Showcase
Find out more about the event.

Meet some of your lecturers

Meet our school technical staff 

Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.

The Tamar Engineering Project

Are you inspired and fascinated by the potential of technological and engineering advancements? Do you want to make a positive difference to the world around you?
The Tamar Engineering Project is for ambitious students who want to embark on a career in engineering and who have shown potential for high academic achievement at A level, but whose background or personal circumstances may be a barrier to university study.
Learn if you are eligible for this scholarship at the University of Plymouth through the Tamar Engineering Project 
Successful applicants will receive:
  • £3,000 per annum towards living costs for the duration of the taught element of their degree (usually three years)
  • £1,500 fee waiver per annum
  • one-to-one mentoring from an industry expert.
Gemma Maynard
athena swan bronze

Athena Swan Bronze

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was awarded an Athena Swan Bronze award in October 2020 which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all.
*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni is updated annually in September. The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Unistats website.