Bachelor in Electronic Telecommunications Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Polytechnic University of Catalonia

Program Overview

The Bachelor's Degree in Electronic Engineering and Telecommunications at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) is a dynamic 4-year program (240 ECTS credits) delivered face-to-face at the Barcelona School of Telecommunications Engineering (ETSETB), perfect for students passionate about designing cutting-edge electronics, telecom networks, and innovative systems like IoT and smart devices. You'll build a strong foundation in math, physics, and programming while gaining hands-on skills to create real-world solutions in a high-demand field—imagine turning your ideas into the next big thing in 5G, AI-driven hardware, or renewable energy tech.

Curriculum Structure
First Year
You'll kick off with a solid base in core sciences and engineering principles, diving into Algorithms and Programming, Calculus, Electronic Components and Circuits, Linear Algebra, and Physics to understand how code, math, and basic electronics power modern telecom systems. This year sets you up perfectly for tackling complex problems right from the start, blending theory with practical circuit-building that feels exciting and immediately applicable.

Second Year
Building momentum, you'll explore Circuit Analysis, Differential Equations and Transforms, and subjects like Introduction to Networks or Linear Circuits and Systems, learning to model and simulate electrical systems essential for telecom signals and data flow. It's here that concepts start clicking into real telecom applications, making you confident in handling everything from signal processing to network basics.

Third Year
Things get hands-on with advanced topics like Applied Electromagnetism and Photonics, Digital Design, Electronic Devices, Probability and Stochastic Processes, and Signals and Systems, plus electives such as Linux System Administration or Ethics for Engineering. You'll master wave propagation, chip design, and data randomness—key for wireless tech—while projects like Cooperation Project with Wifi Technologies let you collaborate on cutting-edge prototypes.

Fourth Year
Cap it off with specialized depth in Information Processing Hardware Systems, Microelectronic Design, System Integration, Information Security and Privacy, and options like Reinforcement Learning and Deep Learning or Space Telecommunications, culminating in an 18 ECTS Bachelor's Thesis. This year hones your ability to integrate full systems securely and innovatively, preparing you to lead projects in AI hardware, cybersecurity, or satellite comms with pro-level expertise.

Focus Areas
Core strengths include electronics design (devices, circuits, microelectronics), telecommunications systems (signals, electromagnetism, photonics), hardware-software integration (real-time systems, IoT, embedded sensors), and emerging tech like AI/ML in engineering, security/privacy, and space/optical networks—giving you versatile skills for today's digital revolution.

Learning Outcomes
Graduates can conceive, design, implement, and operate electronic systems, telecom networks, audiovisual tech, and secure data services; you'll excel in signal processing, hardware prototyping, system simulation (e.g., using Matlab/PSpice), and innovative problem-solving across frequencies and protocols.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This official UPC degree is recorded in the Ministry of Education's register, aligning directly with regulated engineering professions; it pathways seamlessly to master's programs like Telecommunications Engineering (PARS) for full professional certification, with credits recognized from prior telecom/electronics studies.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)
UPC's ETSETB boasts top-tier employability, with alumni in high demand at global tech firms—official stats show a 10.240 admission mark for 2025-2026, reflecting elite selectivity and strong industry ties in Barcelona's innovation hub.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), the Bachelor's Degree in Electronic Engineering and Telecommunications at the Barcelona School of Telecommunications Engineering (ETSETB) puts practical skills front and center, so you're not just studying theory—you're building real-world expertise with hands-on tools and projects right from the start. You'll dive into labs and simulations using industry-standard software like PSpice for circuit analysis and Matlab for engineering applications, while tackling group-based cooperation projects that mirror professional teamwork. The program dedicates 18 ECTS specifically to elective training, internships, and university extension activities, giving you opportunities to apply what you've learned in real settings, all within a face-to-face curriculum at ETSETB's state-of-the-art facilities.

Here are some standout ways you'll gain experiential learning tailored to this program:
- Circuit Simulation and Analysis Using PSpice (2 ECTS): Hands-on lab work mastering PSpice software for designing and testing electronic circuits, essential for telecom hardware.
- Cooperation Project with Wifi Technologies (2 ECTS): Group project collaborating on WiFi tech implementations, building teamwork and practical networking skills.
- Matlab and its Applications in Engineering (6 ECTS): Practical sessions applying Matlab to signal processing, data analysis, and simulations for telecom systems.
- Sensors, Actuators and Microcontrollers in Mobile Robots (6 ECTS): Build and program robotic systems with real sensors and microcontrollers, focusing on embedded electronics.
- System Integration (12 ECTS): Large-scale project integrating hardware and software for complete telecom systems, often in teams.
- Elective training, internships, and university extension activities (up to 18 ECTS): Options for external internships, industry placements, and extension projects directly tied to electronics and telecom engineering.
- ETSETB laboratories and facilities: Access to specialized labs for electronics, photonics, microelectronics, and telecom systems, supporting courses like Electronic Devices, Microelectronic Design, and Space Telecommunications.

Imagine finishing your degree with a portfolio of projects using tools companies like Ericsson or Huawei seek—this is your path to standing out. The application cutoff was competitive last year at 10.240, so apply soon to secure your spot and start hands-on learning at one of Europe's top engineering schools.

Progression & Future Opportunities

At the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), the Bachelor's Degree in Electronic Engineering and Telecommunications at the Barcelona School of Telecommunications Engineering (ETSETB) puts practical skills front and center, so you're not just studying theory—you're building real-world expertise with hands-on tools and projects right from early semesters. You'll dive into circuit simulation, digital design, microelectronic systems, and advanced topics like sensors in mobile robots or space telecommunications, using industry-standard software and collaborative projects that mimic professional engineering workflows. This approach ensures you're ready to design, integrate, and innovate in electronics and telecom from day one.

Here are some standout ways you'll gain that experiential edge::

- Specialized software training, including PSpice for circuit simulation and analysis (3rd semester) and Matlab for engineering applications like signal processing and reinforcement learning (7th semester).
- Group projects and cooperation initiatives, such as the "Cooperation Project with Wifi Technologies" (3rd semester), where you'll team up on real wireless tech challenges.
- Elective credits for internships (up to 18 ECTS total in electives, internships, and extension activities), giving you professional placements in companies or labs to apply your skills on the job.
- Dedicated laboratories at ETSETB for electronics, photonics, microcontrollers, and system integration, supporting hands-on work in courses like Electronic Devices, Sensors/Actuators, and Photovoltaic Devices.
- Capstone experiences like the 12 ECTS System Integration project (7th semester) and 18 ECTS Bachelor's Thesis (final semester), often involving practical hardware-software builds and industry-relevant prototypes.

This is your chance to turn passion into a top-tier career—spots fill fast with an admission mark of 10.240 for 2025-2026, so apply now through the official ETSETB page and start engineering the future.