BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering at University of York
A three‑year, full‑time honours degree offering a rigorous foundation in electronic engineering, combining core theory with hands-on system design, programming, and lab-based learning. Ideal for aspiring engineers looking to work in embedded systems, communications, control, power electronics, or pursue postgraduate study.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1:
Students begin with core modules in Introduction to Engineering, Programming and Digital Interfacing, Mathematics, Digital Electronics, Analogue Electronics, and Electronic Engineering Project 1, complemented by an academic integrity module to establish writing and study standards. These ensure a solid grounding in electronic principles, mathematical analysis, programming, and product design through practical labs and group projects.
Year 2:
The second year includes Mathematics, Signals and Systems; Electronic Engineering Project 2; Circuit Design; Control, Sensors & Instrumentation; Electrical Circuits & Systems; and Electromagnetism—developing skills in systems analysis, control engineering, analogue/digital circuit design, and further practical electronics exposure.
Year 3 (final year):
In the final year, all students take core modules in Communications Systems & Digital Communications, Renewable Power Generation, and an Individual Final Project. They also choose three specialist modules such as Robotics Design & Construction, Biomedical Engineering, Innovation Management, Electric Powertrain Design, Digital Signal Processing, Photovoltaics & Solar Thermal Technology, or Advanced Sensors & Instrumentation, enabling tailored depth based on interest.
Optional extended pathways:
The degree offers opportunities for both study abroad and industrial placements, allowing students to enrich their education through global exposure or real-world engineering experience
Focus areas:
The programme balances embedded electronics and analogue/digital systems with control, communications, and power engineering. Emphasis is placed on hands-on project work, system design, and real-world applicability through lab-backed teaching and flexible elective choice.
Learning outcomes:
Graduates emerge with practical capabilities in programming, circuit design, systems integration, technical communication, and project management—equipping them for careers in electronics, renewable energy devices, robotics, and related industries.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
This course is fully accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and meets the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. York’s electronic engineering degrees have maintained this accreditation for over 25 years.
Reputation (employability & rankings):
University of York holds a Gold rating for teaching and ranks 12th overall in the UK and 30th for Electrical & Electronic Engineering with strong graduate prospects (~86%) (The Complete University Guide). The programme earned 7th place for Overall Satisfaction (among Russell Group institutions) in the National Student Survey 2022. Employer outcomes are strong—employment rate reaches about 96% within six months.
From the very first year, you’ll dive into engineering by designing and building hardware, programming in C, and collaborating on team-based lab projects using modern tools and fabrication facilities—helping you gain the kind of experience employers value.
Here’s what your experiential learning journey looks like:
Experiential learning includes:
Group and individual projects from Day One:
In Year 1, modules like Electronic Engineering Project 1 challenge you to design and build products in labs, applying what you learn in Digital Electronics, Analogue Electronics, and programming.
Advanced project work and sensor systems in Year 2:
Your learning continues with Electronic Engineering Project 2, alongside Circuit Design, Control, Sensors and Instrumentation, and Software Design—all rooted in real hardware‑software tasks.
Individual capstone project in Year 3:
In your final year, you’ll tackle an Individual Final Project, tailoring your work with optional modules in areas like robotics, nanoelectronics, digital signal processing, and renewable power systems.
Year in Industry option:
You can choose an optional placement year, giving you industry experience before graduating, supported by the School to find and manage pitches and opportunities.
Well-equipped labs, workshops & fabrication tools:
The course is delivered through well‑equipped laboratories and teaching spaces where you design, build, test, and prototype using state-of-the-art hardware, software, and fabrication facilities.
Graduates of the University of York'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 verification engineer. Many alumni also pursue further study in electronics or work in sectors including consumer electronics, automotive systems, aerospace, and emerging technologies.
Here's how York specifically supports your future:
Career Services & Experiential Learning:
The three-year BEng program offers opportunities for an industrial placement year with leading electronics companies. Students gain practical experience through laboratory sessions in York's £30m Electronics Department facilities, working on projects in circuit design, embedded systems, and electronic communications. The university's Careers and Placements team provides dedicated support including electronics industry networking events and one-to-one career guidance throughout the degree.
Industry Partnerships & Research:
The program benefits from York's strong industry connections with companies like ARM, Rolls-Royce, and BT, as well as research collaborations with the Institute for Safe Autonomy and the Intelligent Systems and Nanoscience Group. Students access excellent facilities including the Electronics Teaching Laboratory, Embedded Systems Laboratory, and Communications Research Laboratory. The curriculum incorporates current research in areas like microelectronics, wireless communications, control systems, and power electronics.
Graduate Outcomes:
Students develop strong technical skills in analog and digital circuit design, embedded systems programming, electronic communications, and control engineering—competencies that are highly valued across the electronics industry.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BEng at York, graduates can progress to the MEng Electronic Engineering or pursue master's study in specialized fields. Alternatively, they can enter professional roles in electronics design, embedded systems development, or technical consultancy—supported by the program's industry-relevant training and strong employer connections.
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