BEng Hons Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Derby

Program Overview

This four-year route begins with a Foundation Year designed to equip you with the essential knowledge, confidence, and study skills needed to seamlessly transition into the BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree. It’s a fantastic choice if you're eager to develop engineering capabilities but need that extra academic runway—perfect for building momentum toward a rewarding career in sectors like sustainable energy, embedded systems, avionics, or medical electronics.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year
This brings together engineering fundamentals and academic confidence through a suite of core modules such as Foundation Electrical and Electronic Principles, Preliminary Mathematics, Scholarship for Technologists, Technology Project, and Engineering Science—all aimed at bridging gaps and solidifying your readiness for the full honours degree.

Year 1
This year sets a strong base across multiple engineering disciplines to ensure you're well grounded before specialising. You’ll immerse yourself in Engineering Workshop sessions for practical prototyping, explore the principles of Engineering Science, and develop your design thinking in Engineering Design 1. You’ll build your analytical skills through Engineering Mathematics 1, and gain insights into the professional world of engineering via Engineering Applications and Professional Development—all while learning the fundamentals of electronics through Electrical Circuits and Devices.

Year 2
Year two moves you deeper into domain-specific knowledge and collaborative working. You'll further hone your design abilities in Engineering Design 2, tackle more advanced mathematical problems in Engineering Mathematics 2, and sharpen your teamwork and professional development in a dynamic Team Project. Meanwhile, your technical core grows as you tackle Control Systems and Electrical Machines, Electronic Systems, and Electronic Communication, preparing you for the integrated, interdisciplinary world of electronics engineering.

Optional Placement Year
Between the second and third years, you have the opportunity to take an Optional Placement Year, where you apply your classroom learning directly within an industry setting—supercharging your real-world capabilities and enhancing your employability.

Year Three (Final Year)
The final year brings everything together through advanced engineering practice and personal initiative. You’ll design and deliver your own Individual Project, supported by Professional Development. You’ll explore the broader role of engineering in society through Engineering Practice, Sustainability and Ethics, while also studying Power Electronics Applications, Sensors and Embedded Systems, and Sustainable Electric Power Systems Engineering—ensuring you graduate with both technical proficiency and ethical awareness.

Focus Areas
Practical prototyping; circuit theory; embedded and electronic system design; control and power engineering; communication systems; professional development; sustainability and engineering ethics.

Learning Outcomes
Gain deep knowledge in electronics and electrical systems; integrate theory and hands-on design; manage engineering projects confidently; embed sustainability and ethical thinking; and graduate equipped for roles in automation, renewable power, embedded design, or further study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
While Derby’s course details don’t explicitly state accreditation, the strong professional development focus and use of industry-standard tools and labs strongly suggest alignment with Chartered Engineering pathways—providing a firm springboard toward Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Reputation (Employability & Outcomes)
In the National Student Survey 2025, this subject ranked in the Top 20 for academic support and assessment & feedback, and Top 25 for teaching—highlighting Derby’s responsive and supportive environment. You’ll work in world-class facilities at the £12 million STEM Centre, complete with advanced labs, maker spaces, and simulation environments for hands-on learning.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering programme at the University of Derby gain immersive, hands-on experience from day one—supported by modern facilities, real-world projects, and strong industry connections.
You’ll learn by doing, with first-year studies covering the essentials of engineering across disciplines. Based in Derby’s impressive STEM Centre at Markeaton Street, you’ll have access to specialist laboratories and workshops designed for prototyping, testing, and building real systems. From the start, theory is immediately applied in practice.

Inspiring, Career-Ready Learning Environment
The STEM Centre provides an ideal setting for engineering students, with purpose-built labs, workshops, and advanced technology for hands-on learning.

Multidisciplinary First-Year Experience with Flexibility
In Year 1, you’ll gain a foundation across electrical, mechanical, and motorsport engineering before choosing to specialise or continue with a broad pathway.

Cutting-Edge Labs for Practical Skills
You’ll work with test equipment, simulation software such as MATLAB, Microchip, and National Instruments, and demonstration boards in the Electronic Principles Lab—perfect for experimenting and understanding circuit behaviour.

Optional Placement Year
An optional sandwich year between Years 2 and 3 allows you to gain industry experience, test your skills in a professional setting, and shape your final-year projects to suit your career goals.

Projects, Competitions & Real-World Exposure
Students can take part in the annual Ebot competition, designing and racing robots on a track—developing teamwork, prototyping skills, and creative problem-solving.

Research-Active Teaching Staff
You’ll learn from experts like Dr Amar Bousbaine, specialising in EV power systems, renewable energy, drones, and hydrogen fuel cells, and Dr Uchenna Diala, an authority on smart energy systems, vibration control, and rail innovation.

Industry Connectivity
Long-standing partnerships with companies such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota, and Alstom provide opportunities for site visits, internships, and live projects—ensuring your studies connect directly to industry practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the University of Derby’s BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering are highly employable, progressing into roles such as electrical systems engineer, electronics design engineer, control and instrumentation specialist, power network engineer, and renewable energy consultant. Many alumni also pursue postgraduate study or work in sectors including energy, manufacturing, telecommunications, and transport systems.

Career Services & Experiential Learning
The program offers a guaranteed placement year with industry partners such as Rolls-Royce, JCB, and Siemens. You’ll gain practical experience through Derby’s £12 million Engineering and Technology Centre, featuring industrial-scale power systems labs and electronics workshops. The university’s dedicated STEM careers team provides tailored support including placement coordination, industry mentoring programs, and recruitment events with regional and national employers.

Industry Partnerships & Research
Derby maintains strong collaborations with key employers in the Midlands engineering sector, including Alstom, Bombardier, and Toyota. The curriculum incorporates current industry challenges in areas like smart energy systems, industrial automation, and sustainable transport technologies. Students benefit from the university’s research expertise in power electronics, control systems, and embedded technologies.

Graduate Outcomes
You’ll develop specialist skills in electrical machine design, power distribution analysis, industrial control systems, and embedded electronics, with hands-on experience using industry-standard software including MATLAB, LabVIEW, and AutoCAD Electrical. These capabilities are particularly valued by employers in the energy, rail, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Further Academic Progression
Graduates can progress to Derby’s MSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or related disciplines, or move directly into professional roles in design, testing, or project engineering. The program’s strong industry focus and central location in the UK’s engineering heartland provide excellent graduate opportunities.

Program Key Stats

£16,900
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

DDD
2.5
24 - 26
60

NA
NA
6.0
79

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Electrical Engineer
  • Electronics Engineer
  • Control Systems Engineer
  • Embedded Systems Engineer
  • Test Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Electrical Project Manager
  • Robotics Engineer
  • IoT Solutions Architect
  • Power Systems Engineer

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