BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Unlock cutting-edge skills in digital signal processing, VLSI design, robotics, and more with our electrical engineering degree. Study in high-tech labs and gain the expertise to excel in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape.

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Typical offer: 120-128
Entry requirements
Fees: £9,535 per year (UK)
Full details
UCAS code: H600
Course length: 3 years
Find out more
Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Institute code: H36

Study at one of the largest engineering schools in the UK

Outstanding facilities in our new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building

1st in the East of England for overall student positivity* (NSS, 2022) *Based on Q1-24 and Q26-17

Course overview

The BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree provides a solid foundation in the electrical engineering field, offering access to modern tools and a high-tech lab. You'll gain up-to-date skills in digital signal processing, VLSI design, robotics, neural networks, power systems, and advanced power conversion and control.

On this course, you’ll enhance your career prospects with opportunities to study abroad or complete a year-long industry placement. These experiences offer hands-on learning and boost your CV, making you a more competitive job candidate.

Why choose this course?

This electrical and electronical engineering qualification will help shape your career, providing you with essential skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience.

Outstanding placement opportunities offer invaluable hands-on experience: Students from the School of Engineering and Technology have previously completed work placement years at companies including: Airbus Space and Defence, Bosch Thermotechnology, and Microsoft.

Join recent graduates who have gone on to work for some of leading brands and companies: Recent electrical engineering graduates have gone on to work at organisations including Vodafone, Mitsubishi Electric and Stansted Airport.

Professional accreditations

The electrical and electronic engineering course is accredited by IET and satisfies, in part, the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration for the cohort intakes from 2016 up to, and including, 2024.

Your future career

The broad-based skills acquired during this course will equip you to enter a wide range of electrical and electronics sectors. Our previous graduates have found employment in the following fields:

software developer
business analyst
database administrator
network designer
technical consultant
programmer
web developer.

Many others decide to stay at the University and extend their engineering education to a postgraduate level.

What you'll study

Whilst on the electrical engineering course, you will study a range of topics similar to those of the more specialised courses but in a more flexible way, allowing you to choose a more personalised course of study. Many of our students have an interest in one or more of the specialised areas and wish to combine them, and this route allows you to do so.

In your first year, you’ll focus on the basic principles and practices needed in electronic engineering, and on developing relevant analytical, design and organisational abilities. You will learn about digital fundamentals, computing concepts and the problem-solving tools that you will need as the course progresses.

In your second year, you will explore in more depth the theories and techniques involved in product design and development, with particular emphasis on 'embedded' real-time microprocessor systems, programmable logic devices and power control. You will learn to apply practical skills to design, implement and test solutions relevant to electrical and electronic engineering.

In your final year, the focus is on understanding more about the specialist technologies that are at the heart of today's advanced communication systems. Mobile communication concepts and computer networks, the design of high-speed analogue and digital electronics using integrated circuits, and radio frequency circuits and systems are all examined, along with key microprocessor topics, fuzzy logic and neural networks and digital signal processing. You will also carry out an individual double-module project on a topic relevant to electrical and/or electronic engineering.

Final Year students benefit from the opportunity to study modules such as applications of electronics in areas like electrical and electronic power control, digital signal processing, micro-electronics, robotics and the option of telecommunication systems or micro-engineering and micro-technology. The aim is to allow you to keep your expertise broad if you wish, allowing you to specialise later.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Engineering Mathematics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to explore mathematical techniques commonly used in engineering. Topics covered include functions frequently occurring in engineering applications, their manipulation and application, complex numbers, integration techniques, differentiation of functions of one or more variables, ordinary differential equations, determinants, matrices and vectors, statistics and probability. A range of applications will support the mathematical content of the module.
Digital Electronic Circuits	15 Credits	Compulsory
'Digital Electronic Circuits' provides a comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals of digital electronics. A range of fundamental key topics such as binary number systems, base conversion, codes, binary arithmetic operations and Boolean logic are covered. Common types of logic gates and flip-flops are introduced and the basic concepts and principles for the analysis and design of combinational and sequential digital electronic systems are presented. Finally, these and other topics are brought together in the context of computer and microprocessor systems, to introduce students to computer hardware and the principles of operation of peripheral devices.
Circuit Theory and Analysis	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to provide students with a sound understanding of the fundamental concepts of electric circuit theory and the ability to apply these principles to solve engineering problems. Topics covered include basic electric circuits and components such as resistor, capacitor, inductor and their series and parallel connections with a comprehensive coverage of the basic laws and theorems to perform nodal and mesh analysis of DC and AC electric circuits. The module provides an in-depth introduction to AC fundamentals including voltage, current, and power in AC circuits and the concept of power factor correction with an overview of frequency response characteristics and the concept of resonance. Finally, the transient behaviour of basic first order and second order circuits including RL, RC and RLC is introduced.
Project Planning and Design	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will develop their practical skills from the knowledge learned in the relevant level and semester modules. Students will learn how to design and develop electronic system elements, from using discrete components through to designing systems and managing projects. Students will learn how to plan engineering projects that captures the operating requirements based on user specifications. Students will learn how to design against the captured requirements and produce a functional electronic design.
Professional Engineering	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will explore their individual responsibilities when embarking on their careers as professional engineers. Through relevant application of professionalism as students, they will develop skills and knowledge that will be directly relatable to industry practice and/or continued academic study. Using relevant academic research and industry examples, students will learn about codes of conduct, relevant legislation, compliance and ethics as well as developing an understanding of working in teams, leadership and project management. The aim is to develop in the students a personal responsibility for their own learning and professional career development. Through engaging with industry speakers and real-world case studies, students will gain valuable insights into how academic theories and discussions relate to professional discussions and situations.
Programming	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to a variety of programming concepts and variables, constants and arrays. It is also included introductory material on more advanced concepts such as software design methodology. The module is taught both by lecture and practical exercises, with the practical work being largely centred on the use of a high-level language such as 'C'.
Analogue Circuits and Devices	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to the fundamental properties of semiconductor materials and devices commonly used in modern electronics. Topics studied include diodes, bipolar and field-effect transistors with their different configurations and their biasing techniques. The module also covers the essentials on operational amplifiers and their applications in electronic circuit design. The students will gain an in-depth knowledge on construction, testing and analysis of analogue electronic systems.
Electronic Product Development	15 Credits	Compulsory
The students will practise what they have learned including the electronic theories, analogue circuits, and project management to experience a complete cycle of a discrete component analogue electronic circuit design process, which includes conceptual design, breadboard implementation, circuit simulation, PCB fabrication, and components assembling. The students will be trained to use typical electronic laboratory instrumentation to perform the electronic circuit testing and debugging. These activities will be supported by the module team and lab technicians. The students will be provided with a variety of resources including relevant lab equipment and professional software packages. Students will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and test the electronic circuits.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Signals and Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
The students will be introduced fundamentals of signals and systems analysis techniques used in electrical, electronics, control and communication systems. The module covers continuous time signals, linear time-invariant systems, Fourier Analysis, convolution and Laplace transform etc., in mathematical terms alongside with engineering principles. Suitable software packages, such as MATLAB, will be used as an analysis tool to support practical activities.
Digital Design and Embedded Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module extends coverage of digital design into the area of microprocessor, microcontroller, and programmable logic devices. The fundamental aspects of microprocessor system hardware design are covered along with programming. The module also introduces the study of digital systems using field programmable logic devices and modern computer-based tools such as VHDL that are used in the programming of such devices.
Electric Power and Energy Conversion	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to introduce students to the concepts underlying electric power generation, transmission, energy conversion systems and control of electrical systems and electrical machines. Each topic is presented in sufficient depth to enable students to develop their understanding of the fundamental principles, techniques, and methodologies for the analysis and design of electric power systems, electrical machines, and power electronics drives.
Analogue and Mixed-Signal Design	15 Credits	Compulsory
The students will practise what they have learned during 'Digital Design and Embedded Systems' and 'Signals and Systems' to experience a complete cycle of a mixed-mode and FPGA based electronic circuit design process, which includes conceptual design, system implementation, simulation, and system deployment. The students will be trained to use typical electronic CAD/EDA to perform a digital FPGA electronics circuit testing and debugging. These activities will be supported by the module team and lab technicians. The students will be provided with a variety of resources including relevant lab equipment and professional software packages. Students will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and test the digital electronic circuits.
Real-Time Systems and Programming	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module extends knowledge of embedded systems with material on both the hardware design and software issues of real-time systems, including an introduction to aspects such as scheduling, system testing and response analysis.
Connected Systems and IoT	15 Credits	Compulsory
The students will practise what they have learned during 'Real-time Systems & Programming' and 'Communication System Principles' to experience a complete cycle of an electronic circuit design process, which includes conceptual design, system implementation, simulation, and system deployment for the application of IoT. The students will be trained to use typical electronic CAD/EDA to perform a microcontroller-based circuit testing, debugging for IoT applications. These activities will be supported by the module team and lab technicians. The students will be provided with a variety of resources including relevant lab equipment and professional software packages. Students will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and test microcontroller-based circuits.
Mechatronics	15 Credits	Compulsory
The aims of this module are to enable students to understand the basic mechanics, analogue electronics, control systems and electro-mechanical processes in line with wider mechatronics applications. Students should be able to apply problem solving and implement engineering solutions to optimise mechatronics systems. Students should also be able to demonstrate understanding of the multidisciplinary inter-link within mechatronics.
Communication System Principles	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces fundamental concepts of communication systems and communications networks, including baseband signals, communication channel and noise, analogue modulation/demodulation, sampling and digitisation and communication network topologies. Theoretical study is supported by practical exercises and lab experiments and where appropriate, software-based simulation tools.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Industrial Placement	0 Credits	Compulsory
The optional placement year is undertaken in the academic year prior to the final year of study, and must meet University standard requirements for the length of placement to be considered for the conferment of "with Sandwich" upon graduation. Students undertake the placement within an organisation that can provide an appropriate learning experience within an engineering or general STEM environment/role. To be eligible for placement, students must normally have achieved sufficient credit at Levels 4 and 5 to be able to enter the final year upon completion of the placement. While the School and University actively support the placements process ultimately it is the placement company that will select students, normally through an interview process. During the placement, a member of School staff will be assigned to the student as a tutor and will monitor the student's progress during the placement period.
Year Abroad	0 Credits	Optional
The Year Abroad will provide students with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two taught years of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Year Abroad and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.
Microelectronics and VLSI	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to extend students knowledge of analogue and digital electronics into the area of integrated circuit design. Material is biased toward advanced high-speed analogue and digital IC technologies and circuits. The module also covers the way in which these concepts are used in the design of integrated analogue circuits and digital 'systems on chip'. Although treated in an analytical way, learning is supported by the use of modern relevant software design and simulation tools.
Intelligent Systems and Robotics	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to advance students' knowledge of control principles into robotic systems based on the use of fuzzy logic, neural networks and neuro-fuzzy systems. The fundamentals of these artificial intelligence techniques and systems will be covered in depth to provide the student with knowledge and practical basis for applying artificial intelligence techniques to the solution of complex problems in robotics.
Digital Communication Systems	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module further develops students' knowledge of digital communication systems. The emphasis is on digital aspects of communications, with study of typical digital modulation strategies. Also covered in the module is study of the effect of channel properties and of channel equalisation techniques.
Digital Signal Processing	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the student to modern concepts of digital signal processing. Material covered includes typical theoretical concepts as well as an introduction to typical hardware implementations. The theoretical study is supported by practical work using typical software tools for simulating DSP techniques as well as practical work in implementing simple algorithms on selected digital signal processors.
Power Systems and Renewable Energy	0 Credits	Compulsory
Electric power systems around the world are undergoing a profound transformation as a consequence of the transition towards the adoption of clean and sustainable energy sources. This module provides an in-depth knowledge on electric power systems, renewable energy sources including solar, wind and other alternative sources and an advanced technical understanding of the technologies for renewable energy conversion, storage, and integration to electric distribution network. The module will also introduce the concept of smart grids, microgrids, smart metering and communication technologies.
Wireless Networking	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module covers different types of wireless networks, e.g., local/wide area networks, mobile networks, sensor networks and IoT, including the analysis of requirements for hardware, software, methodologies to support data transmission and exchange services in wireless networks. Networking technologies, systems and protocols are included, together with recently developed local access and data communication techniques.
BEng Individual Project (Electrical)	0 Credits	Compulsory
The major individual project occurs in either third or fourth (sandwich awards) year of study can take several forms ranging from design-oriented work to investigative work and research projects and placing their findings in the context of the application of real world engineering. Students are highly encouraged to propose their own topics for investigation. The project title and topic are chosen and moderated to provide an intellectual challenge appropriate to an honours programme of study in a specific engineering field. The student is expected to firstly identify and elucidate the problems through a critical review of a subject area and then plan, organise, and execute a significant individual programme of work related to a chosen field of study through the analysis and synthesis of results. Students should demonstrate initiative and creativity in applying skills, knowledge and experience gained from previous work in an individual practical, problem solving project. Student will be subjected to both end-point assessments and a continuous progress assessment that will assess the learning outcomes.

What if I need support?

You’ll be assigned a personal tutor to guide you through your course. Additionally, all our sites have practice education facilitators with whom we work closely with, who will support you in practice, alongside your lecturers.

You might also want or need extra support during your time at university. From help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. Both our LRCs run drop-in study skills sessions.

Where you'll study

You’ll share College Lane campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.

New School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building now open

Learn in our new state-of-the-art building called Spectra, where you’ll experience a range of experiential learning zones. You will have access to modelling, simulation and research labs, our Merlin Flight Simulator and automotive workshop (complete with electric vehicle facility), wind tunnel, welding bay and controls testing suite.

You will also benefit from our Academic Support Hub, which is aimed at helping you build your employability and academic skills. Plus, you’ll have access to industry mentors who will provide you with pastoral support, vocational guidance, and career progression opportunities.

Spectra also provides space to collaborate, with plenty of workshops, social and meeting spaces available. Even better, the building has been designed with the University’s net zero carbon target in mind, and forms part of our plan to replace or upgrade older sites that are energy inefficient.

Check out our student blogs

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Find out more about support and wellbeing

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	(enter tariff range)
Typical A Level offer	(enter range)
Typical IB offer	(enter range)
Typical BTEC offer	(enter range)
Typical T Level offer	(enter range)
GCSE	EG: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/D Mathematics
Access courses	EG: An overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3.
Additional information	Find out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	120-128
Typical A Level offer	BBB-ABB
Typical IB offer	112–120 UCAS points from three HL subjects at grade 5 or above, including HL Mathematics and either engineering, technology or environmental subjects.
Typical BTEC offer	Mandatory subjects: Extended Diploma in Engineering (DDM) to include Distinction in a Mathematics unit.
Typical T Level offer	None
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English language, mathematics and science.
Access courses	Engineering diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at distinction to include maths or science or principles units. the remaining 15 L3 credits must be at merit
Additional information	Find out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level. For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Start date	Study type	Apply
September 2025	Part time	Apply with Herts
	25th September Full time/Sandwich	Apply via UCAS
	23rd September Full time/Sandwich	Apply via UCAS
	Study Abroad	Apply via UCAS
September 2026	Part time	Apply with Herts
	25th September Full time/Sandwich	Apply via UCAS
	23rd September Full time/Sandwich	Apply via UCAS
	Study Abroad	Apply via UCAS

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Apply through Clearing

Make sure you've got your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

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Find out more before you apply

Our Clearing hotline is open Monday – Thursday, 09:00 – 16:45, and Friday 09:00 – 15:45. To apply you will need your UCAS number, if you've got one (you can find this on your UCAS Hub), your results (including GCSEs, A levels, BTECs or equivalent) and the course(s) you'd like to apply for.

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

	Study type	Fees
UK students	Full time	£9,535 for the 2025/2026 academic year
UK students	Part time	£1,190 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU students	Full time	£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU students	Part time	£1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
International students	Full time	£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
International students	Part time	£1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries	Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.
Disabled Students' Allowance	The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
Student loans	Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.
Accommodation costs	We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.
Additional course fees	Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering	Download PDF
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering	Download PDF

Programme specifications
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering	Download PDF
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering	Download PDF

Additional information
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Part Time, 6 YearsSandwich, 4 Years, 4 Years

BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Unlock cutting-edge skills in digital signal processing, VLSI design, robotics, and more with our electrical engineering degree. Study in high-tech labs and gain the expertise to excel in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape.

What type of applicant are you?

Sign up for Clearing VIP Access

Get info and updates

Sign up for updates

Typical offer: 120-128

Fees: £9,535 per year (UK)

UCAS code: H600

Course length: 3 years

Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Institute code: H36

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Professional accreditations

Your future career

What you'll study

What if I need support?

Where you'll study

New School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building now open

Check out our student blogs

Yasmin - Week at a glance

Yasmin - Things you should know

Yasmin - Why I chose Herts

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

Student Blogs

My week at a glance

Student Blogs

7 Things to know when starting university

Student Blogs

Why I chose Herts

Entry requirements

UK applicants

International applicants

UK applicants

International applicants

Ready to apply?

UK applicants

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

International applicants

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through Clearing

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional information

More about the course

Further information

Not ready to apply?

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Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield