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Electronic and Communication Engineering BEng(Hons)

2023-24 (also available for 2024-25)

It’s not too late to apply for September.
It’s not too late to apply for September.

Start date

18 September 2023

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years inc. placement

Entry requirements

A Level - BBB-BBC

BTEC - DDM-DMM

See full entry requirements

Places available (subject to change)

80

About the course

Reasons to study

  1. Accreditation: This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which means it goes towards helping you get Incorporated Engineer status (IEng) or Chartered Engineer status (CEng).
  2. Industry experience: Gain professional experience by undertaking a placement year in industry. Previous students from this subject have spent their placement year at companies including Nissan, Bosch, Sellafield Ltd, and Intel.
  3. Prepare for your future career: In your first and second year, you'll study through EnABLE (Engineering in an Activity Based Learning Environment), working in small teams to solve real engineering problems, just like engineers do in industry. 

We were ranked best in Yorkshire* for student satisfaction for the subject Electrical and Electronic Engineering (National Student Survey 2022).

Why Electronic and Communication Engineering?

Communications technology is a crucial part of the world economy, advances in electronics and communications have had immeasurable impact on the modern world, and it is still a growing industry, we all have an innate need and desire to communicate. As communications technology gets ever more advanced, the demand for new devices and environmentally sustainable solutions increases to improve the quality of everyday life and the society we live in. This course is designed to help you start a fulfilling career in the communications industry.

The Course

Our course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which means that on completion you will satisfy the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status. Once you've spent the required time in industry it could then lead to CEng status, your professional engineering qualification.

This course covers a broad range of topics, including, the Internet of Things, digital and analogue system integration, digital signal processing, AM and FM detectors, as well as aerials and satellite communications, we aim to give you a thorough understanding of how it all works. You’ll be taught by academics who are also professional engineers, many of whom have years of industry experience.

In our Electronic and Electrical Engineering subject area, all of our degree programmes share the same first year of study, this means you can leave your options open until the start of your second year. During your first and second year you'll take part in our initiative called EnABLE (Engineering in an Activity Based Learning Environment). This will give you the opportunity to work together in small teams solving real Electronic and Communication Engineering problems and testing your solution against other groups in a supportive and friendly competitive environment.

In your third year you will have an option to take an industrial placement, we are always supportive and encouraging about having students spend this year in industry. This offers excellent real world engineering experience to help you stand out at graduate interviews. In the fourth year you will work on a selected individual research/design project with the support of your academic supervisor. It is possible to align this with one of the Master's team projects. These involve the design, build and friendly competitive testing of either a road, airborne or rail vehicle, for example, Team HARE, Team Hawk or HudRail.

*subjects rankings refer to Common Aggregation Hierarchy level 3 and are further filtered to include English HEI's with income over £100m+ in the 20/21 academic year.

Course detail

Core modules:

Computer Programming

On this module you’ll explore how to systematically design computer programs. You’ll be introduced to coding, testing and documenting software appropriate for engineering systems using the “C” programming language. You’ll be supported in developing your knowledge and understanding of the underlying syntax and logic structures specified by the programming language by solving practical problems in dedicated lab sessions. You’ll be expected to design and implement a software solution to a given problem specification.

Electronic Design Manufacture and Test

This module is laboratory based and you’ll complete a log book to record your progress, leading to you developing a formal report/business plan on which you’ll be assessed. Detailed assessment criteria and examples of excellent past work are provided to you at the outset and feedback is given at regular intervals. In the first term you’ll work in pairs or groups on a series of design, build and test exercises, which you record in your log book. In the second term you’ll work as part of a team to design, construct and evaluate a marketable electronic product. The formal report (one per team) should include business/marketing plans as well technical information.

Mathematics

The module contains a range of basic engineering mathematics including numbers, functions, linear mathematics, calculus and numerical techniques to support the engineering modules.

Professional Development

The Professional Development module will introduce you to the business dimension of engineering. Emphasis will be placed upon developing an appreciation of the role of the engineer/ technologist in terms of their responsibilities, ethical behaviour and contribution to the business team. You will acquire general transferable skills related to your study techniques, communication (including report writing and oral presentations), CV preparation and planning for your career. The module integrates the development of personal and practical skills in the context of problem based learning (PBL) and laboratory-based activities.

Electrical Principles 1

In this module you’ll study the fundamentals of electrical engineering. You’ll explore how to determine the voltage and current of circuits (circuit theorems) as well as studying electrostatics, conduction and electromagnetism (field theory). You’ll be encouraged to discuss practical examples of resistors, capacitors and inductors, which can be an aid when you come to use these components in practice. The topics this module covers are fundamental to the whole of electrical engineering and will be useful throughout your course.

Electronics 1

In this module you’ll explore the fundamentals of electronics, both digital and analogue. You'll be introduced to the basic digital functions AND, OR and NOT and the appropriate methods of representing digital information. Along with helping you to gain an understanding of technical datasheets parameters and memory devices, you’ll have the chance to gain skills in designing digital circuits from a given specification. Analogue design covers diode, transistor and operational amplifier circuit operation. You’ll also be supported in building circuits in the laboratory and testing them.


Entry requirements

BBB-BBCat A Level . A Levels must include Mathematics and at least one other suitable Science/Technology subject as listed in Additional Information.

120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications which must include the accepted qualifications as listed in Additional Information.

DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering. DDM-DMM in BTEC Science/Technology Level 3 Extended Diploma is also acceptable with A Level Mathematics at least at Grade C. See Additional Information for further details of what is accepted.

  • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above in a relevant Science/Technology subject as listed in Additional Information.
  • 120-112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications which must include Science/Technology subject as listed in Additional Information.

Additional Information

Entry is also possible from the Engineering Foundation Year. To progress onto this course from the Foundation Year you must pass all modules and achieve an average mark of 40% or above.

A Levels (in addition to A2 Mathematics) must include one of the following: Electronics, Physics, Further and Additional Mathematics, Statistics, Design and Technology: Systems and Control, Computer Science, Chemistry.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering (instead of A2 Mathematics) must be one of the following: Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Engineering.

Please note that we do not accept T Levels for entry to this course for 2023.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our Where are you from information pages.

Other suitable skills or experience gained in a relevant industry will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

EnABLE


When you study Engineering at Huddersfield, you'll study through EnABLE – which stands for Engineering in an Activity Based Learning Environment. 

You'll take part in EnABLE during your first and second year. This initiative allows you to work in small teams solving real engineering problems, and testing your solutions against other groups, in a supportive and friendly competitive environment.

Placements


You will have the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 3. This opportunity helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

Our Placement Unit will be on hand to support you in finding suitable placement opportunities, through timetabled and drop-in sessions as well as by appointment. They will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported while you gain the experience that employers value so highly.

The Placement Unit team are regularly in contact with local and national companies. Previous students from this subject area have spent their placement year at companies including Nissan, Bosch, Sellafield Ltd, and Intel.You can find more information on placements here.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. Find out more information on the Enterprise Placement Year.

We have recruited engineers from University of Huddersfield with great success. Huddersfield students come equipped with the necessary skills for a career in electronic product design.

John Dobson

John Dobson, Managing Director, Matrix Multimedia

Gallery

Your career


Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as systems engineer, electronic design engineer, a senior electronic engineer and senior metrology engineer in organisations including BAE Systems, Siemens, Dyson and Bentley Motors Ltd.**

Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue a career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study and research which may interest you.

*Percentage of graduates from this course who are in work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduation (HESA Graduate Outcomes 19/20 data, UK domiciled graduates)

**Source: LinkedIn

85%* Graduates employed

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey. Find out more about all our support services.

A wide range of resources are also offered within the School of Computing and Engineering, which provides you with support in a variety of areas. These include:

Student Support Office: a one stop shop for students studying within the School. The team deal with every aspect of student life from enrolment, module queries, timetabling, exams, assessments, course-related committees and graduation. They are the first place to go with any query, and they can also signpost to other support networks.

Student Guidance Office: provides guidance about how students can develop their academic study skills and learning development. The team provide support with academic skills including research and project planning, referencing and paraphrasing, essay writing, critical thinking, understanding assessments and the presentation of academic work. Common learning development topics include, developing effective study habits, time management, how to manage deadlines, plan, structure and organise work and understanding the University regulations and systems.

Technical Support: technicians support our students across each department. Based in our labs with different specialisms and knowledge they are on hand to advise and guide, students can access our technician’s expertise during lectures and seminars as well as during self-study. A technical Helpdesk is also available to all students within the School of Computing and Engineering to help troubleshoot any computer issues or to borrow hardware and software.

Personal Academic Tutor (PAT): you will be allocated a PAT who will be an academic based in the School of Computing and Engineering. You will be offered the opportunity to meet with your PAT at various points throughout the year. PATs are there to help you get the most out of your time at University, to discuss academic progress so that you can achieve your best and to direct you towards appropriate support services such as wellbeing and finance.

Research excellence

Research plays an important role in informing all our teaching and learning activities. Through research our staff remain up-to-date with the latest developments in their field, and contribute to society, which means you develop knowledge and skills that are current and highly relevant to industry. For more information, find out more about our Research institutes and centres.

Important information

We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

Changes to a course you have applied for

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

Cancellation of a course you have applied for

Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

Termination of course

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

Equal opportunities

The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

Data protection

The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

Students’ Union membership

Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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