4 Year On Campus Bachelors Program
The Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons) with Sandwich Placement at the University of Portsmouth is a 4-year degree that combines rigorous academic study with a year-long industrial placement. This course is designed for students who wish to gain practical experience in the field of electronic engineering, enhancing their employability upon graduation. The sandwich year allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, developing professional skills and industry connections.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year introduces core engineering skills across modules such as Energy and Electrical Engineering Fundamentals, Engineering Sciences, Introduction to Electrical and Analogue Electronic Circuits, Introduction to Programming, Mathematical Principles, and Principles of Digital Systems. You’ll cover everything from three-phase AC circuits and electronic components to programming logic and circuit design—all through a blend of lectures, lab sessions, and practical projects.
Year 2
In Year 2, you'll dive deeper into electronics with Engineering Mathematics, Group Design Project, Microcontrollers and Programmable Logic, Analogue Analysis and Design, and Innovation and Enterprise. These modules focus on advanced circuit analysis, system design, microcontroller programming, and entrepreneurial skills—often culminating in real-world group projects and even startup pitches.
Placement Year
Between your 2nd and 3rd years, or after your third year, students undertake a year-long industrial placement, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in a professional engineering environment. This experience enhances practical skills, industry understanding, and employability.
Final Year
In your final year, you’ll complete a major Individual Project (worth 40 credits) alongside Digital Signal Processing and Advanced Electronic Systems. You’ll also have the choice to explore electives like Control Systems Design, VHDL and FPGA Systems, Artificial Intelligence, or Real-Time Embedded Systems—allowing you to specialize in high-tech areas such as DSP, AI, or real-time control.
Focus Areas
Analogue & digital electronics, embedded programming, signal processing, microcontrollers & FPGA systems, innovation in engineering design
Learning Outcomes
You’ll build solid technical foundations in electronics and programming, work on collaborative design and microcontroller systems, choose advanced tech electives, and deliver a substantial final-year project showcasing your engineering capabilities.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation & Placement)
This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), fully meeting IEng academic standards and aligning with the Chartered Engineer (CEng) pathway. You also have an optional sandwich placement year after Year 2 to gain valuable industry experience.
Reputation (Facilities & Student Experience)
From Day One in University of Portsmouth's BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering, you'll immerse yourself in hands-on projects that bridge theory with real-world application. The University of Portsmouth equips you with state-of-the-art laboratories, industry-standard software, and collaborative spaces, ensuring you gain practical experience that sets you apart in the field of electronic engineering.
Here’s how that plays out through your degree:
Analogue and Digital Electronics Laboratory: Dive into circuit design and testing with tools like oscilloscopes and breadboards, forming the foundation of your electronic engineering skills.
Control Engineering Laboratory: Engage with systems that mimic real-world control processes, enhancing your understanding of automation and system dynamics.
Telecommunications and Digital Signal Processing Laboratory: Explore the intricacies of signal processing and telecommunications, preparing you for modern communication technologies.
Computer Suites (Linux and Windows): Access dual-boot systems, ensuring you're proficient in both Linux and Windows environments, essential for software development and system analysis.
Student-led Surgeries in Electronics and Computing: Participate in peer-assisted learning sessions, reinforcing your knowledge and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Industrial Committee Engagement: Benefit from direct interactions with industry professionals, keeping your curriculum aligned with current industry standards and practices.
Faculty Student Placement and Employability Centre (SPEC): Receive guidance and support to secure placements, enhancing your employability and gaining real-world experience.
Graduates of the University of Portsmouth's BEng (Hons) 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 work in sectors including aerospace, defence, consumer electronics and renewable energy.
Here's how Portsmouth specifically supports your future:
Career Services & Experiential Learning:
The programme offers a professional placement year with industry partners, giving you hands-on experience in cutting-edge electronic engineering. You'll develop your skills through practical laboratory sessions, industry-standard CAD tools and real-world engineering projects, with strong emphasis on circuit design, digital systems and embedded programming. The university's Careers and Employability Service provides tailored support including CV workshops, mock interviews and exclusive employer events for engineering students.
Industry Partnerships & Research:
The School of Energy and Electronic Engineering collaborates closely with companies like BAE Systems, Siemens and Thales. Students engage with pioneering research in areas including reconfigurable computing, smart sensors and wireless communications. The university's £11m Future Technology Centre features advanced electronics labs, robotics facilities and clean room spaces. Employers particularly value graduates' expertise in PCB design, FPGA development and signal processing applications.
Graduate Outcomes:
Students complete their studies with professional competencies in electronic system design, microcontroller programming, digital signal processing and engineering project management - skills highly sought after by employers in technology and manufacturing sectors.
Further Academic Progression:
After your BEng (Hons) degree, you can progress to MSc programmes in Electronic Engineering or related disciplines, or enter professional roles in electronics manufacturing, embedded systems or telecommunications, supported by the programme's strong industry connections and research-led teaching approach.
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