4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Brighton’s Electronic and Communication Engineering BEng (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year is a thoughtful four-year pathway tailored for students building strong academic foundations. The integrated foundation year equips you with essential mathematical, scientific, and engineering project skills before progressing into the honours programme.
Curriculum Structure
Foundation Year
In the foundation year, you'll focus on building the bedrock of your engineering knowledge. Core Mathematics sharpens your algebra, calculus, complex numbers, and matrix algebra skills. Core Science and Engineering Science introduce physics concepts—from electromagnetism to waves—through practical labs and workshops. Mechanics covers forces, motion, and momentum. And the Foundation Year Project brings it all together—you’ll collaborate on a technical project, honing research, presentation, and time-management skills.
Year One
The first year launches you into engineering with a shared foundational year that builds core competencies through modules like Engineering Mathematics, Introduction to Electrical Engineering, Engineering Practice, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Analogue and Digital Electronics, and Embedded Systems 1. This gives you a balanced blend of theoretical grounding and practical design in electronics and programming—with early exposure to problem-solving and teamwork in real contexts.
Year Two
The second year deepens your understanding and practical abilities. You’ll work with Communication Networks, explore Dynamics and Control, understand Electrical Engineering 2 for power systems, design with Digital Systems Design using FPGA and VHDL, collaborate in Engineering Design projects, and advance your embedded systems abilities through Embedded Systems 2—all within Brighton’s specialist labs.
Placement Year (Optional)
This year offers a valuable industry immersion. Typically taken in Year Three of a four-year track, this professional year lets you apply classroom learning in real organisational settings, build a network, gain confidence, and even qualify toward Engineering Technician (EngTech) status. Companies like Network Rail, General Electric, Rolls-Royce, and Cummins have hosted students.
Final Year
The final year brings everything together. You’ll complete an Individual Project, taking full ownership from technical conception to execution. Other key modules include Product Design and Wireless Computer Networks, along with choice options such as Digital Signal Processing, Networking (with optional CCNA prep), or AI/ML for Robotics Communication Systems—allowing you to tailor your degree to your passions.
Focus Areas
Embedded systems and C programming; analogue and digital electronics; communications and networking; AI/ML integration; control theory; digital systems design; project-based learning.
Learning Outcomes
You’ll come away ready to design and develop complex electronic systems, simulate and prototype hardware, lead engineering projects, communicate ideas confidently, and embed AI or wireless technologies—all while grounded in professional ethics and engineering fundamentals.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), satisfying academic requirements toward Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and helping pave the way to Chartered Engineer (CEng) qualification with further accredited study.
Reputation (Employability & Outcomes)
Students on the BEng (Hons) Electronic and Computer Engineering degree at the University of Brighton experience learning by doing—from day one, you’re actively building, testing, and designing, not just reading.
You’ll study at Moulsecoomb and Falmer campuses, with access to modern engineering facilities, hands-on labs, and immersive project spaces designed to bring your creativity and technical skills to life. The course structure emphasizes real-world application—project work, simulations, placements, and close connections with industry partners.
Here’s how the experiential learning unfolds:
Experiential Learning Highlights
Specialist, hands-on engineering labs and creative spaces
Learn within project-focused zones featuring electrical engineering labs, a Formula Student lab, wind tunnels, and a Simulation Suite equipped with car and flight simulators, VR and motion platforms. Plus, there’s space for prototyping with 3D printers, CNC machines, and workshop tools.
Cross-disciplinary team projects and the STEP Lab
You'll work in engineering teams across disciplines—designing and building robots, rocket cars, or sustainable technology prototypes. The STEP Lab (Sustainable Technology and Engineering Projects) is a hub where practical and professional skills take shape in collaborative environments.
Research-linked learning and real-world briefs
The school maintains strong industry ties through an Industrial Advisory Board and visiting lecturers. These professionals help shape your course content and bring real-world challenges into the classroom.
Final-year project independence and creativity
In your final year, you'll get to design and build your own project from scratch. For example, one student investigated network traffic configurations using tools like Cisco Packet Tracer and GNS3—creating simulations and presenting their findings through a poster exhibition.
Supportive labs and expert technical staff
Your learning is supported by a skilled technical team dedicated to helping maintain, teach, and guide engineering projects and equipment use.
Graduates of the University of Brighton's BEng(Hons) Electronic and Communication Engineering are highly employable, progressing into roles such as communications engineer, electronics design specialist, RF engineer, network systems developer, and telecommunications consultant. Many alumni also pursue postgraduate study or work in emerging fields including 5G technology, IoT systems, and satellite communications.
Here's how Brighton specifically prepares you for success:
Career Services & Experiential Learning:
The programme offers a paid placement year with industry leaders like BT, Vodafone, and Leonardo. You'll gain practical experience through Brighton's specialist facilities including the Communications Engineering Lab and Embedded Systems Centre. The university's award-winning Careers Service provides tailored support including industry mentoring, networking events with tech employers, and dedicated engineering career workshops.
Industry Partnerships & Research:
Brighton maintains strong collaborations with key players in the communications sector, including National Instruments, Keysight Technologies, and local tech startups. The curriculum incorporates current industry challenges in wireless communications, digital signal processing, and network security. Students benefit from the university's research strengths in antenna design, mobile networks, and satellite communication systems.
Graduate Outcomes:
You'll develop expertise in RF circuit design, digital communications, network protocols, and embedded systems, with hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment including spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and software-defined radio platforms. These skills are highly valued by employers in telecommunications, aerospace, and defence sectors.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can progress to Brighton's MSc in Mobile Communications and Smart Networking or related disciplines, or move directly into professional roles with communications providers, electronics manufacturers, or defence contractors. The programme's coastal location near major tech hubs provides excellent access to graduate opportunities.
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