BEng Hons Electronic Engineering (With Foundation Year)

Electronic Engineering (with Foundation Year) BEng (Hons) at the University of Lancashire is a four-year, full-time degree designed for students who meet the potential for degree-level study but lack the direct entry qualifications. The foundation year builds essential engineering and mathematical skills, while the subsequent years focus on core electronic engineering principles, digital system design, embedded programming, and modern industrial applications—ideal for careers in electronics design, embedded systems, digital communications, and high-value manufacturing.

Curriculum structure:

Foundation year:
You'll strengthen your core skills through modules like Fundamental Tools for Engineers, focusing on engineering drawing and CAD; Design Studies for Engineers, honing communication, design problem-solving, and presentation; Analytical Studies for Engineers, reinforcing qualitative mathematics skills; Fundamentals of Engineering Practice, emphasizing hands-on practical engineering and confidence building; and Foundation Mathematics, designed to bolster mathematical proficiency for science and engineering studies. Optional modules such as Professional Communication Skills and Study Skills and Information Technology further enhance your learning readiness. 

Year 1:
Your first year builds a broad engineering foundation, introducing you to digital systems, electronics fundamentals, design, analysis, and practice. Through modules such as Digital and Programmable Systems, you learn the basics of embedded microcontroller programming. In Electrical and Electronic Systems, you explore electronic devices, circuit fundamentals, and practical system development. Alongside these, Design and Sustainability develops your CAD, technical drawing, and sustainable design skills; Engineering Analysis strengthens your mathematical and computational methods; and Engineering Practice gives you exposure to design, programming, digital electronics, and manufacturing techniques. These combined with Fundamentals of Engineering Science deliver the technical and analytical grounding necessary for more advanced learning..

Year 2:
In the second year, you deepen your technical skills and begin engaging with applied projects. The Project module tasks you with jointly developing an electronic system to meet specified technical and environmental criteria—building your project management and development skills. Through Software Development, you enhance your proficiency in high-level and object-oriented programming tailored to engineering. In Signals and Systems Analysis, you tackle both theoretical and practical aspects of signal processing and control systems. Meanwhile, Electronic Systems sharpens your circuit design and experimental capabilities. Digital Systems teaches methods for designing reliable digital architectures. Plus, you can choose optional modules such as Robotic Systems—focusing on designing robots that interact with their environment—or Data Communications and IoT, which explores digital communication and Internet of Things principles.

Year 3:
The third—and final—year pushes you toward autonomy and advanced applications. Microcontroller Systems equips you with hands-on skills to design and implement embedded systems, blending software development with hardware interfacing. With Machine Intelligence, you explore fundamental and modern topics in machine learning and AI within an electronic context. The Computer-Aided Instrumentation module hones your abilities to develop microcomputer-based data acquisition and control systems for laboratory equipment. This year is thus focused on consolidating embedded design, instrumentation, and intelligent system skills in preparation for professional practice or further study.

Optional Placement Year:
This course offers an optional, full-time 48-week sandwich placement between Year 2 and Year 3 that immerses you in an industry environment. You’ll build your professional skills, grow in confidence, and graduate with invaluable work experience—bridging theory and real-world engineering to give you a head start in your career.

Focus areas:
Electronic system design, microcontrollers, FPGAs, signal processing and conditioning, communications, embedded programming, industrial networks, automation systems, and practical engineering project work. 

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be equipped to design and program embedded systems, work with industrial manufacturing technologies, engage in practical engineering projects, and adapt to rapidly evolving electronics sectors.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council, fully satisfying the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially meeting the requirement for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
UCLan’s Electronic Engineering degree is supported by world-class facilities—like the £35 million Engineering Innovation Centre and cutting-edge ADMT labs—ensuring you gain industry-ready skills in robotics, 3D printing, CISCO networks, and industrial manufacturing systems.
Graduates frequently enter highly sought-after roles in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing—thanks to those hands-on facilities and strong academic backing.