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The BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering at the University of Essex is a three-year, full-time degree offered at the Colchester Campus, with opportunities for a Year Abroad or a Placement Year. The course emphasizes a hands-on, creative approach to electronic design and problem-solving, integrating digital systems, analogue circuits, programming, and project-based learning. It is delivered by the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, a centre of innovation in electronics and computing research.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You’ll begin with foundational skills through the Team Project Challenge, developing teamwork, design thinking, and project management. Core modules include Mathematics for Engineers I & II (analytical methods and MATLAB applications), Introduction to Programming with C for embedded systems, Fundamentals of Digital Systems, and Foundations of Electronics I & II, covering digital logic, device behaviour, logic circuits, and analogue components.
Year 2
You’ll reinforce project and organizational skills through a further Team Project Challenge. Core areas include Engineering Mathematics, Signal Processing, Analogue and Digital Circuit Design, Embedded Systems Programming, and advanced Digital Systems.
Optional Placement or Year Abroad (4-Year Route):
Instead of entering Year 3 directly, you may opt to spend your third year on placement with external organisations like ARM, Microsoft, Intel, BAe, or the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory—gaining practical, workplace experience. Alternatively, you can choose to study abroad at a partner university, immersing yourself in new academic and cultural environments. Both routes maintain the same academic progression upon return.
Year 3
Your studies culminate with the Individual Capstone Project Challenge—a substantial 45-credit design and implementation project. You’ll also complete Advanced Embedded Systems Design and High-Level Digital Design, alongside optional electives to tailor your learning.
Focus Areas
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to design, simulate, and implement electronic systems both collaboratively and independently. They will gain strong analytical, programming, and practical engineering skills, preparing them for careers in electronics, embedded systems, telecommunications, and research and development.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), fulfilling the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration and providing partial alignment toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status with further professional qualifications.
Reputation (Employability & Rankings)
From day one, you’ll dive into the heart of electronics through rich, hands-on learning. At Essex, you’ll develop real skills—from designing circuits and programming embedded systems to prototyping and robotics—supported by modern tools, 24/7 labs, and expert guidance. This practical approach builds both confidence and career readiness right from the start.
Facilities & Learning Environment
24/7 Dedicated Electronics & CS Labs
Round-the-clock access to six labs reserved exclusively for your department gives you the freedom to work whenever inspiration strikes, with minimal restrictions outside scheduled classes.
Dual-Boot Hardware & Software Tools
Lab computers run both Windows 10 and Linux, while Apple Macs are dual-boot with macOS and Windows 10—providing maximum flexibility for different projects.
Industry-Standard Software Suite
You’ll gain experience with professional tools such as Java, Prolog, C++, Perl, MySQL, MATLAB, DB2, Visual Studio, Microsoft Office, and MS Project.
CAD & Simulation Environments
Hands-on use of chip-design tools like Xilinx and network simulators like OMNeT++ enables you to prototype and test designs efficiently.
Specialist Research Labs
Explore advanced technology in dedicated facilities for brain–computer interfaces, robotics, intelligent environments, optoelectronics, video, RF/MW, printed-circuit milling, and semiconductor research.
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Placement & Study Abroad
On the four-year track, you can spend your third year on a professional placement or at a partner university overseas. Recent placements have included industry leaders such as ARM, Microsoft, Intel, Nestlé, British Aerospace, and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.
Research Experience Scheme
Go beyond coursework by joining real research projects in areas like robotics, IoT, communications, and AI—working alongside academic mentors for valuable hands-on research experience.
Outcomes & Student Experience
Industry-Aligned Graduate Success
Essex engineering graduates achieve strong results—92% progress into employment or further study, with the school ranked 7th nationally for student positivity in engineering.
Supportive Environment & Community
You’ll benefit from tailored support throughout your degree, from programming assistance in Year 1 to career guidance and peer networks that share your passion for electronics.
Graduates of the University of Essex’s BEng Electronic Engineering are highly employable, moving into roles such as electronics design engineer, embedded systems developer, telecommunications specialist, control systems engineer, and hardware architect. Many alumni also pursue further study in robotics, IoT, or related fields, or join sectors such as aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, and renewable energy.
How Essex Supports Your Future
Career Services & Experiential Learning
The programme includes a professional placement year with industry partners, giving you direct experience in real-world electronic engineering. Practical laboratory sessions, industry-standard CAD tools, and applied projects develop your expertise in circuit design, digital systems, and embedded programming. The university’s Employability and Careers Centre also provides tailored support, including CV workshops, mock interviews, and exclusive employer networking events.
Industry Partnerships & Research
Close collaboration with companies such as Texas Instruments, BT, and ARM gives you strong industry exposure. Students also engage with pioneering research in reconfigurable computing, smart sensors, and wireless communications. Facilities include the £12m STEM Centre, which houses advanced electronics labs, robotics spaces, and clean-room facilities. Employers particularly value graduates’ skills in PCB design, FPGA development, and signal processing.
Graduate Outcomes
You’ll graduate with professional competencies in electronic system design, microcontroller programming, digital signal processing, and project management—skills that are in high demand across technology and manufacturing sectors.
Further Academic Progression
After your BEng, you can progress to MSc programmes in Electronic Engineering or related fields, or move directly into professional roles in electronics manufacturing, embedded systems, or telecommunications—backed by the programme’s strong industry links and research-led teaching.
UCAS Application • Official High School Transcripts • Personal Statement • Educational Resume • Letter of Recommendation by School TeacherUCAS Tariff Points: 120 - 112 UCAS pointsEnglish test results: IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT: 76 overall, with a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writingA Levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in Mathematics or Further MathematicsInternational Baccalaureate (IB): 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard Level Science grade 4.GCSE: Grade 4/C in GCSE ScienceThe Year 12/Standard 12 Indian School Certificate: overall average of 60% from four best subjects including 60% in MathematicsUSA curriculum: High School Diploma with a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0. And one of the following: ACT – overall composite score of 23, SAT Subject Tests – minimum of 3 SAT subject tests with 500, APTs – minimum of 3 APTs, with two at 3 and one at 4, SATR (pre-2016) – minimum of 1500 out of 2400 with 500 in each test, or SAT (2016 onwards) – minimum of 1100 out of 1600 with 550 in eacOffers optional Industrial Placement and Study Abroad Year. Tuition Fees: 20% and 15% full time rate for Industrial Placement and Study abroad year respectively.Electronics Design EngineerEmbedded Systems EngineerControl Systems EngineerTelecommunications EngineerSemiconductor EngineerPower Electronics EngineerRobotics EngineerIoT Solutions ArchitectTest and Validation EngineerResearch and Development Engineer
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University of Essex
