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3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of PlymouthThis BSc (Hons) in Electronic and Computer Engineering delivers a hands-on, design-led education in electronics, robotics, and computing, empowering you to bring ideas to life using world-class facilities. It's ideal if you're curious, essentially enjoy working with hardware and software, and want to become adept at creating intelligent systems that span from circuits to code
Curriculum structure:
Year 1
In your first year, you'll establish the foundational pillars of electronics and computing through hands-on and theoretical modules. Stage 1 Electrical/Robotics Placement Preparation (0 credits) readies you early on for potential industrial placement opportunities. Analogue Electronics (20 credits) delivers a thorough grounding in analogue circuits, linking component behavior to practical system design (60% exams, 40% coursework). Digital Electronics (20 credits) develops your understanding of logic systems and embedded system circuitry (60% exams, 40% coursework). Engineering Mathematics (20 credits) equips you with essential analytical tools, while Embedded System Design and Build (40 credits) offers a wholly project-based experience in designing prototypes using both hardware and software. Finally, Electrical Principles and Machines (20 credits) introduces material properties, electromagnetism, and machine functionality with a fully coursework-based assessment.
Year 2
The second year builds on your technical skills with deeper dives into software and hardware integration. Stage 2 Placement Preparation (0 credits) continues positioning you for future industry roles. In Software Engineering 2 (20 credits), you explore best practices like parallelism and design patterns, with a focus on practical coursework. Artificial Intelligence (20 credits) introduces AI fundamentals—search, reasoning, learning—and ethical considerations. In Communication Systems (20 credits), you'll strengthen your grasp of signal processing and communication principles (70% exams, 30% coursework). The Real-Time Systems Project (40 credits) immerses you in microcontroller and FPGA programming with equal emphasis on coursework and practical work. Control Engineering (20 credits) teaches dynamic system control through examples like Segway stabilization or robotic arm movement.
Placement Year
Between the 2nd and last years, the 48-week Electrical Industrial Placement offers a full year of professional experience with a host company, enabling you to apply academic learning in real-world contexts, enhance your employability, and often secure final-year sponsorship or job offers.
Year 3 – Final Year
Returning from placement (or continuing into Year 4 if skipped), you’ll focus on advanced computational and engineering topics. Machine Learning (20 credits) covers unsupervised, supervised, and reinforcement learning from a Bayesian perspective (100% coursework). Big Data Analytics (20 credits) introduces key technologies for handling semi-structured datasets and graph databases (100% coursework). Advanced Embedded Programming (20 credits) deepens high-level embedded systems programming with practical challenges (60% coursework, 40% exams). The Individual Project (40 credits) is your capstone—encompassing research, design, ethics, hardware/software implementation, testing, and professional presentation.
Focus Areas:
Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be capable of designing complex, integrated electronic-computing systems, proficient in AI and data analytics, and ready to tackle real-world engineering challenges with both technical excellence and practical know-how.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The program is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), fulfilling the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Plymouth's engineering programs are well-regarded for their emphasis on practical learning and industry connections. Graduates are highly sought after by employers in various sectors, including power systems, communications, and robotics.
Students on the BSc (Hons) Electronic and Computer Engineering programme at the University of Plymouth dive into hands-on, real-world engineering from day one: You're not just learning electronics; you're actively designing, building, and solving real challenges using world-class tools and labs—right from the first lectures. Here's how it all comes together:
Experience begins with robust, research-informed teaching in the £63 million Babbage Building, the university’s new engineering and design facility. It houses one of the best-equipped undergraduate engineering lab suites in the UK—fully interactive, practical, and design-focused. You’ll work in dedicated electronics, robotics, and communications labs that bring engineering to life in exciting ways.
Experiential learning includes:
Cutting-edge labs and facilities:
You’ll learn in the electronics, robotics, and communications laboratories within the Babbage Building—spaces tailored specifically for hands-on learning, design, and build projects.
Project-led learning from Year 1:
Right from the start, you'll be designing and building hardware and software solutions. First-year modules include electronics, digital systems, and embedded systems, and even a Stage 1 Electrical/Robotics Placement Preparation module to get you industry-ready.
Student Showcase with industry feedback:
Every year, you're invited to present your engineering creations at the Student Showcase, where industry professionals like Alstom provide valuable feedback and real-world context for your work.
Optional industrial placement:
You can enhance your development with an optional placement year, helping you gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and potentially influence your final-year project.
Graduates of the University of Plymouth’s BSc (Hons) Electronic and Computer Engineering are highly employable, moving into roles such as electronics engineer, embedded systems developer, computer hardware specialist, IoT solutions architect, and technical consultant. Many alumni also pursue postgraduate study in areas like robotics, artificial intelligence, or renewable energy systems, or work in sectors including consumer electronics, automotive, marine technology, and industrial automation.
Here’s how Plymouth specifically supports your future:
Career Services & Experiential Learning:
The program offers an optional placement year, giving you valuable industry experience with leading technology firms. Your learning will combine practical lab sessions, electronics workshops, software development projects, and team-based challenges using industry-standard equipment. Plymouth’s dedicated STEM Careers Service provides tailored support including CV workshops, mock interviews, and connections to local and national employers in the tech sector.
Industry Partnerships & Research:
The university maintains strong links with regional and national employers like Babcock International, Princess Yachts, and electronics manufacturers in the South West’s growing tech cluster. You’ll have access to specialist facilities including the Embedded Systems Lab, Robotics Research Facility, and Digital Fabrication Lab. The curriculum incorporates current research in areas such as intelligent systems, renewable energy technologies, and marine electronics.
Graduate Outcomes:
You’ll develop strong technical skills in circuit design, microprocessor systems, programming (C/C++/Python), and hardware-software integration, along with practical experience using tools like Altium Designer, MATLAB, and CAD software. These capabilities are highly valued by employers across the electronics, computing, and engineering sectors.
Further Academic Progression:
After your BSc, you can progress to Plymouth’s MEng program or specialist MSc courses in areas like Robotics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or Computer Science. Many graduates also move directly into technical roles in electronics design, systems engineering, or technology development, supported by the program’s practical focus and industry connections.
UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherUCAS Tariff Points: 104 UCAS Tariff points from a Level 3 qualification English test results: IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT: 76 with listening 17, reading 18, speaking 20, writing 18A Levels: 104 points to include a pass at Level 3 Mathematics and a minimum of a grade C at a second relevant subjectInternational Baccalaureate (IB): 26 overall IB pass in Maths and 5 in second science or engineering subject. English and mathematics must be included.GCSE: Grade 4/C in GCSE English languageThe Year 12/Standard 12 Indian School Certificate: minimum aggregate score of 60%Relevant subjects include design technology, electronics, engineering, further mathematics, physics, pure mathematics, statistics, use of mathematics, computer science OR chemistry. Excluding general studiesUSA curriculum: High School Diploma with a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0. And one of the following: AP at grade 3, 4 or 5 (usually two or three subjects relevant to the course), SAT 1200 or above, ACT 25 or above.Offers optional Industrial Placement Year. Tuition Fees: £1,905 for placement year completed in the UK and £1,430 for placement year completed outside the UKEmbedded Systems EngineerSoftware Developer (Hardware Integration)IoT Solutions ArchitectRobotics EngineerControl Systems EngineerElectronics Design EngineerTelecommunications EngineerData Scientist (Signal Processing)Cybersecurity Analyst (Hardware/Network)Semiconductor Design Engineer
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