BEng Electronics and Computer Engineering

Students in this programme engage in rigorous, hands-on engineering learning from Day 1, progressing from circuits and CAD design to embedded systems and field-grade prototypes in Sheffield’s new Diamond building. You’ll have access to modern labs, guidance from embedded electronics faculty and technicians, and an optional year‑in‑industry placement to help elevate you into a professional engineer role. Learning here is practical, team-driven, and aligned with actual engineering workflows.

Your path through the course unfolds with clear practical milestones:

Experiential Learning Highlights:

• State-of-the-Art Labs (The Diamond):
  Large, modern engineering labs equipped with test benches, embedded hardware suites, instrumentation, and 1,000+ study spaces—where lecture theory is immediately applied to hardware and software builds.

• Multi-Year Embedded & Systems Projects:
  From early years you'll join modules that require microcontroller builds, FPGA programming, signal system testing and joint electronics-software integration—reflecting real-world design workflows.

• Sheffield Industrial Project Scheme (Year 2+):
  Students collaborate on real industrial briefs under academic supervision—tackling authentic electronics challenges in areas such as power systems, communications, or aerospace.

• Individual Honours Project (Year 4):
  Undertake a substantial research or design project—often aligned with research groups on devices, circuits, telecoms or renewables—supervised by academic staff and showcased in university-wide exhibitions like GradEX.

• Optional Industrial Placement Year:
  Take a fully supported year in industry between Years 3 and 4—working in roles at companies like ARM, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Nissan, Bosch and Siemens—with placement assistance from Sheffield’s Careers team.

• Dedicated Technical Support & Maker Spaces:
  The labs are staffed by technical and academic teams focused on practical training—empowering you to build, debug and innovate using EDA tools, power electronics platforms and test rigs.

• Software & Simulation Infrastructure:
  You’ll regularly use MATLAB/Simulink, CAD tools, circuit simulators, embedded C/C++, FPGA environments and measurement platforms as part of your embedded, electronics and systems coursework.

• Library & Study Support Facilities:
  In addition to department labs, you benefit from Sheffield’s Information Commons—a sprawling 24‑hour facility with 500+ computers, 1,300+ study spaces, campus-wide access to journals and group workrooms.

This isn't education by lectures alone. From live labs and system prototyping to attending society-run hackathons and year‑long placements, Sheffield builds your skills through real engineering workflows, project ownership, and industry-standard tools—all helping you emerge career-ready with confidence, technical depth and a portfolio of real prototypes.

Graduates of the University of Sheffield's BEng Electronics and Computer Engineering are highly employable, moving into roles such as embedded systems engineer, hardware design specialist, IoT solutions developer, robotics engineer, and computer systems architect. Many alumni also pursue further study in computer engineering or work in sectors including consumer electronics, automation, telecommunications, and emerging technologies.

Here's how Sheffield specifically supports your future:

Career Services & Experiential Learning: 
The three-year BEng program offers opportunities for an industrial placement year with leading technology companies. Students gain hands-on experience through practical lab sessions, design projects, and individual research using the university's advanced electronics and computing facilities. The Engineering Careers Service provides tailored support including tech industry networking events, CV workshops, and employer-led skills sessions throughout the degree.

Industry Partnerships & Research: 
The program benefits from Sheffield's strong industry connections with companies like ARM, Siemens, and Jaguar Land Rover, as well as research collaborations with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). Students access excellent facilities including the Diamond building's electronics labs, embedded systems workshops, and robotics equipment. The curriculum incorporates current research in areas like reconfigurable computing, machine learning hardware, industrial automation, and smart sensor systems.

Graduate Outcomes: 
Students develop strong technical skills in digital systems design, embedded programming, computer architecture, and electronic circuit design - competencies that are increasingly valuable across multiple technology-driven industries.

Further Academic Progression: 
After completing the BEng at Sheffield, graduates can progress to the MEng Electronics and Computer Engineering or pursue master's study in specialized fields. Alternatively, they can enter professional roles in hardware-software integration, embedded systems development, or technical consultancy - supported by the program's industry-relevant training and excellent employer connections.