BEng (Hons) in Electronics and Computer Engineering

The BEng (Hons) Electronics and Computer Engineering programme at the University of Northampton is specifically designed to transform you from a curious student into a highly skilled, industry-ready engineer through a massive emphasis on hands-on, practical experience.

Your learning here will be grounded in doing. You'll spend a significant amount of time in cutting-edge labs, working with the same equipment and software used by professional engineers to design, build, and test complex systems. This course is all about applying theory to real-world challenges, ensuring you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to create and innovate. The entire degree is structured around gaining tangible skills through direct application:

Experiental Learning Highlights:

• Industry-Standard Software & Simulation: You will gain proficiency in essential engineering tools, including LTspice for circuit simulation and analysis, and MATLAB & Simulink for complex algorithm development, data analysis, and system modelling.
• Advanced Laboratory Facilities: Get hands-on in dedicated Electronics and Robotics laboratories, equipped with professional oscilloscopes, signal generators, programmable power supplies, and microcontroller development kits for building and debugging your projects.
• Practical Group Projects: Collaborate on substantial team-based assignments, such as designing a complete embedded system, which mirrors the collaborative environment of the engineering industry and develops vital project management skills.
• Integrated Circuit Design: Gain practical experience with Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) design, learning to create and test your own integrated circuit designs using specialised software tools.
• Final Year Individual Project: Undertake a capstone project where you'll tackle a significant engineering problem from conception to completion, resulting in a functional prototype or sophisticated simulation—a major highlight for your professional portfolio.
• Dedicated Learning Resources: You will be supported by the University Library which offers an extensive collection of technical journals, specialised e-books, and access to key engineering databases to support your research and project work.

Graduates of the University of Northampton's BEng (Hons) Electronics and Computer Engineering are highly employable, moving into roles such as electronics design engineer, embedded systems developer, hardware engineer, software developer, and control systems specialist. Many alumni also pursue further study in electronic engineering, computer systems, robotics, or related fields, or work in sectors including telecommunications, automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial automation.

Here's how Northampton specifically supports your future:

• Career Services & Experiential Learning: The program offers opportunities for a professional placement year, providing valuable industrial experience. You'll learn through a practical mix of lectures, laboratory experiments, workshops, and project-based learning, with a strong emphasis on integrating electronic hardware and computer software systems. The University's Employability team provides dedicated engineering career support, including placement assistance, CV workshops, and industry networking events from the start of your degree.

• Industry Partnerships & Research: The School of Science and Technology has strong industry links and modern facilities, including electronics design labs, microprocessor development suites, and embedded systems laboratories. Students benefit from industry-informed teaching in areas such as digital systems, embedded programming, communications engineering, and control systems. The curriculum is designed with employer input, ensuring graduates develop practical skills in circuit design, programming, and systems integration that are valued across the technology sector.

• Graduate Outcomes: Students graduate with a solid foundation in electronic circuit design, programming, systems analysis, and project management, complemented by practical experience from laboratory work and industry-relevant projects. These skills are highly sought after in various technology-driven industries.

• Further Academic Progression: After your BEng (Hons) at Northampton, you can pursue a master's in specialized areas like embedded systems or telecommunications, or enter professional roles in electronics design, systems engineering, or technical consultancy, supported by the program's industry connections and practical focus.