Two students working on an electronic engineering project added

Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons) / MEng

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

University of Portsmouth Connected Degree - 3 year course with 4th year placement

Key information

UCAS code:

H610 (BEng), H613 (MEng)

Accreditation:

This course is Accredited

Typical offer:

112-120 points (BEng) / 120-128 points (MEng), from 2 or 3 A levels or equivalent, to include a relevant subject

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
Start date

Showing content for section Overview

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
The Institution of Engineering and Technology - Accredited Programme

90%

of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course

(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19)

90%

overall student satisfaction for our MEng Electronic Engineering course

(NSS, 2022)

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Accreditation of European Engineering Programmes (EUR-ACE) and Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The MEng meets in full the academic requirement for registration as CEng (Chartered Engineer), while the BEng partially meets these requirements.

Accrediting bodies such as the IET give my degree an edge compared to other universities. This means I have a career boost before I graduate as my degree is accredited by a well-known engineering institution.

Isaac Emere Johnson, MEng Electronic Engineering

Contact information

Admissions

+44 (0) 23 9284 5566

Contact Admissions

Entry requirements

BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering entry requirements

Typical offers

  • UCAS points - 112-120 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject. (calculate your UCAS points)
  • A levels - BBB-BBC, to include a relevant subject.
    Relevant subjects: Further Mathematics; Mathematics; Statistics ; Physics; Electronics.
  • T-levels - Merit
    Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Building Services Engineering, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
  • International Baccalaureate - 29

You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications.

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

MEng Electronic Engineering entry requirements

Typical offers

  • UCAS points - 120-128 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject. (calculate your UCAS points)
  • A levels - ABB-BBB, to include a relevant subject.
    Relevant subjects: Further Mathematics; Mathematics; Statistics ; Physics; Electronics.
  • T-levels - Merit
    Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Building Services Engineering, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM  
  • International Baccalaureate - 29-30

You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications.

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

We look at more than just your grades

While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.

Explore more about how we make your offer

If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.

Facilities and specialist equipment

Female students using an oscilloscopes

Microcontroller and Digital Laboratory

Access to equipment including oscilloscopes, network analysers and other electronic equipment for measurement purposes, as well as hardware and software development tools for design, development and implementation of microcontroller systems.

Male student in the telecommunications lab

Telecommunications Laboratories

Get experience with instruments for generating, receiving and analysing high-frequency signals, such as signal generators and spectrum analysers that cover communication bands up to 22 GHz, with an emphasis on 3G frequencies.

Learn more

Not for large scale publications

"After I saw the lab equipment and facilities on offer, I knew I wanted to come to Portsmouth. I spend my day in the labs, working on a range of projects. Being able to put in place what I’ve learned in lectures into a successful project is always exciting."

Discover Savannah's story

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.

Female student at computer

Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

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. 

Student driving a single-seater racing car

Design and build a single-seater racing car to be judged and raced at Silverstone

If you're keen to put your studies into practice, you can apply to be involved in the international Formula Student competition. You'll compete with over 100 teams worldwide to design, build and race a single seater race car and be judged by leading industry experts from motorsports.

Discover Uni course data – BEng

Discover Uni course data – MEng

Modules

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.

What you'll study

Core modules

You'll master core physics principles in this module, and use them to analyse engineering scenarios and problems. As you widen your scientific perspectives and problem-solving skills, you'll learn to bring calculations to bear on practical engineering issues.

In this module, you'll progress logically through building blocks of coding, from variables and data structures up to problem-solving algorithms and procedural software design. You'll develop career-friendly skills in identifying challenges, and creating solutions using your own code and existing software libraries.

In this module, you'll dive into the fundamental physics behind electrical components, before progressing to analyse and design simple analogue systems. Through project-based learning, you'll gain practical skills in circuit analysis, component selection, and system testing. By the end of the module, you'll be able to understand analogue circuits and communicate your observations - talents that are highly valued across technology and engineering.

In this module, you'll begin with the concept of energy in different contexts, and consider the social and environmental impacts of energy system designs. You'll learn to analyse important 3-phase AC systems and their components, and begin designing simple energy systems for various usage models.

Build your mathematical foundations for ongoing engineering studies in this module. You'll learn to use functions, equations and matrices in engineering problems, and recognise when to use particular mathematical techniques in your projects.

You'll start by grasping the essential theory behind combinational and sequential logic, Boolean algebra, and other core concepts. Then you'll directly apply this knowledge as you analyse, design and implement digital circuits and systems using microcontrollers. Through hands-on practical sessions and projects, you'll reinforce your learning, while developing crucial real-world engineering skills. By the end, you'll be able to confidently identify key digital components, understand microcontroller architecture, and describe assembly language commands - ready for advanced study and career opportunities across electronics and computer engineering.

Core modules

Through this module, you'll learn to apply Laplace, Fourier and Z-transforms to solve complex differential and difference equations in engineering contexts. You'll pair this with matrix algebra and statistical analysis, laying the ground for confident evaluation of engineering designs and solutions throughout your studies and future career.

In this team-based module, you'll work through the full product design process, considering economic, social and sustainability aspects at each stage. You'll learn how to adopt an inclusive approach, make group decisions, and report on your processes. You'll also identify and take up professional development opportunities to get yourself career-ready.

You'll analyse and develop complex, sequential systems to meet specified requirements, using microcontrollers, interfacing systems and programming skills. Through a module-long project, you'll explore the uses and limitations of sequential systems, apply your understanding in a design-led solution, and prepare for careers across digital electronics and computer engineering

You'll apply physics to the design and analysis of circuits, learning how analogue signals flow from sensor to actuator, with reference to both time and frequency domains. You'll also design and analyse filters, amplifiers and oscillators, and implement them in circuits to solve practical analogue problems.

You'll formulate a smart business plan in this career-driven module, covering viability, licensing, funding, launch, and growth. Working in groups, you'll use risk management principles to protect your plans, identify ethical issues and relevant regulations, and develop your ability to sell your vision to investors.

Optional modules

In this module, you'll use models and computer aided engineering techniques to investigate problems in control engineering. You'll work with stability and performance analysis, Laplace transformations and time and frequency assessments. By designing control systems, you'll demonstrate the importance of feedback control systems for next-generation intelligent systems and processes.

In this module, you'll analyse radio receivers and digital transmissions, with focuses on modulation schemes, thermal thresholds and line-of-sight communications. You'll evaluate and optimise the performance of existing communications systems, as you enhance your experience designing robust real-world telecommunication solutions.

Core modules

In this self-guided module, you'll apply what you've learned on your degree to a significant piece of research or design work. You'll consider economical and ethical factors alongside technical criteria, and develop your project management skills for future self-managed tasks. Finally, you'll evaluate your results, present your analysis, and prove your skills are ready for Master's study.

In this module, you'll begin by focusing on the maths that underpins digital signal processing (DSP), with particular attention to the Discrete Fourier Transform method for analysing the frequency content of a digital signal. You'll also learn to implement and evaluate digital filtering algorithms, completing your DSP toolkit.

In this module, you'll appraise examples of instrumentation and communication circuits, learning about the implementation of advanced systems in electronics. You'll apply your theoretical studies in lab-based work, test your circuits, and demonstrate your grasp of the complex electronics powering sectors like aerospace and telecomms.

Optional modules

You'll determine system requirements and design relevant controllers in this module, using industry-standard computer aided engineering packages. You'll also explore the relative stability of systems, apply function identification to live data, and analyse the effects of changing parameters in a control system.

You'll use VHDL, the industry standard hardware description language, to describe and design multilayered systems in this module. Using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) in your design, you'll verify expected behaviour, document your design process, and build your skills with appropriate software. On completion, you'll have a toolkit in digital system design to pursue specialised roles in electronics.

In this module, you'll study the principles and theories of AI, exploring heuristic search, deep learning and reinforcement. You'll then apply these computational methods to real-world problems, and evaluate their performance and limitations. Upon completion, you'll have the understanding of AI's current applications that prepare you for work with future intelligent systems.

Through this module, you'll move from the fundamental architecture of embedded systems to the practical optimisation of microcontroller applications. You'll design and develop your own solutions for given problems in the field, evaluating current practice as you go. On completion, you'll have demonstrable experience of making real-time systems work reliably, securely and intelligently.

Core modules

Through activities using simulations and hardware, you'll explore static and rotating magnetic fields, analyse DC and AC machines, and investigate power transformers. You'll also evaluate power electronics approaches for controlling machinery and demonstrate your understanding of the operation of synchronous machines.

In this module, you'll demonstrate a rounded understanding of the topics that go into successful management of engineering work. You'll look at creating an ethical work environment, preparing for risk and uncertainty, and modelling financial decisions for investment in engineering projects. When you complete the module, you'll have gained vital commercial awareness for turning engineering potential into economic and social impact.

In this module, you'll look at the efficiency, sustainability and economic viability of exciting new fuel technologies. You'll analyse energy scenarios, undertake a feasibility study, and design a practical renewable energy solution for a given need. You'll complete the module ready to implement alternative energy technologies in a rapidly changing sector.

You'll learn multiple data processing methods in this module, and apply them to enhance efficiency, security and reliability in electronic systems. As you analyse algorithms used in contemporary industry, you'll develop skills in data compression, encryption and protection – and use those data skills to solve practical engineering problems.

In this module, you'll work under professional conditions as you collaborate on a challenging systems design brief. You'll design an engineering response that meets a given business goal; as you do so, you'll polish and demonstrate skills such as communication, risk mitigation, project planning and control, and critical thinking. You'll emerge from this module with experience of the soft skills that companies will expect from you.

In this module, you'll analyse the measurement needs of given projects, evaluate existing solutions, then design and implement your own proposal. Building on a theoretical grounding in measurement and sensor technology, you'll learn key skills for roles ensuring accuracy and reliability in process control, biomechanics or autonomous vehicles.

On this course, you can do an optional study abroad or work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years, or after your third year, to get valuable experience working in industry.

We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

Electronic Engineering - Module Highlight

Today we've been working on a random dice project.

So last term we did it just using like logic gates but this term we're doing it with a microcontroller.

So I think that me had maybe one or two others have done it completely different to everybody else, don't know whether that's worryingly or not.

I thought there'd be a hard right and wrong, but essentially we've written a code for this.

And again, not knowing anything about coding beforehand, there's a million ways to do everything it's completely up to the designer's discretion.

In the summer, I'm going to do work experience for radio test engineering.

Being a graduate in electronic engineering just opens doors.

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed.  This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.

Innovative Speaker

Alex Paterson, who studied MEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering, talks about his portable, lightweight innovative rotating speaker cabinet.

My final year project was building a lightweight, portable, innovative, rotating speaker unit. 

I've always had an interest in music and speaker design is something that I would actually consider going into job wise, this was the perfect project for me. 

The best thing I can take away from the project that I've created is working with new people in different areas of knowledge and being able to combine all of our ideas together to create a final design. 

I'm very proud of the project we created. It works and we're able to sort of think about what limitations it had and where we'd go further if we continued our design. 

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.

Teaching staff profiles

Richard Walters is the course leader for electronic engineering. Find out more about some of the expert staff who’ll also teach you below.

Ludovico Ausiello Portrait

Dr Ludo Ausiello

Senior Lecturer

Ludovico.Ausiello@port.ac.uk

School of Energy and Electronic Engineering

Read more
Abdulkarim Naji Tawfik Portrait

Dr Abdulkarim Tawfik

Principal Lecturer

Abdul.Tawfik@port.ac.uk

School of Energy and Electronic Engineering

Read more

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.

How you'll spend your time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, practical classes and workshops for about 16 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2–4, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. Optional field trips may involve evening and weekend teaching or events. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Supporting you

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your Master's.

As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.

You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

  • improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
  • understanding and using assignment feedback
  • managing your time and workload
  • revision and exam techniques

All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.

As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).

ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • academic writing
  • note taking
  • time management
  • critical thinking
  • presentation skills
  • referencing
  • working in groups
  • revision, memory and exam techniques

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

Costs and funding

Tuition fees

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship)
  • International (non-EU) students – £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Additional costs

Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

You’ll need to pay additional costs of £50–£1000 to cover travel, accommodation or subsistence if you take a placement abroad. The amount you’ll pay will vary, depending on the location and length of your stay.

If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £2,875  a year (subject to annual increase)

Apply

How to apply

To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – H610 (BEng) or H613 (MEng)
  • our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS (BEng)

Apply now through UCAS (MEng)

 

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Applying from outside the UK

As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things. 

You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

Find out what additional information you need in our international students section

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.