BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Start date: September and January. Applications for entry to years one or two only.

Course length: full time: three years or four years with a Technology Foundation year, part time: five years minimum. Direct entry into later stages of the course is available if you've got a relevant HND or equivalent qualifications.

Campus: Markeaton Street site, Derby Campus

This course is available to international students

In electrical engineering, we apply the fact that electricity can be used to transport and deliver energy. It lights our homes, runs many of our domestic gadgets, and keeps the wheels of industry turning. It is such an established and reliable part of our lives that we too often take it for granted, yet it remains a fascinating and developing field of study. Electrical engineering deals with the study of motors and generators and their control, power transmission and distribution systems, and the principles that underlie them.

In electronic engineering, we apply electricity to carry, process and store information. This is the driving force behind today's information revolution, and forms the basis of everyday devices like the mobile phone and the computer, as well as a huge range of systems used in commerce and industry. Electronics depends heavily on semiconductor technology, which has led to the invention of the famous microchip. Both electrical and electronic engineering depend on the same fundamental scientific laws, but diverge widely beyond these basics.

It is one of a suite offered by the Electronics and Sound subject group. The courses are closely related, and each one benefits from its links with the others, so you will work closely with other people who aspire to work in either multimedia, music production or live event technology. You'll all benefit from a learning environment which is challenging, stimulating and creative.

The final Level in BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering, often taken as "top-up" from HND or FD, takes two years part time. In the first year you choose from modules which are offered on Tuesdays. In your second year you choose from modules which are offered on Wednesdays, and take the Independent Engineering Project. Hence you will attend on Tuesdays one year, and Wednesdays the next. Teaching on either day may take place any time between 9am and 9pm.

If you don't have the appropriate qualifications to start this course, you can study the Technology Foundation Programme for a year first.

You'll study a total of 120 credits per year. This will be made up of single or double modules.

Stage one

You'll study modules such as:

• Signal and Circuit Analysis Techniques
• Analogue and Digital Electronics
• Engineering Workshop
• Electromagnetic Devices
• Design and Professional Studies
• Sustainable Energy Systems

Stage two

You'll study modules such as:

• Circuit Analysis
• Management and Business
• Computer Systems and Software Engineering
• Electronic Communication Technology
• Electronic Systems
• Professional Practice
• Electrical Machines
• Control and Instrumentation

Diploma in Professional Practice (optional)

You'll take the following modules:

• Contemporary Issues in Professional Practice (E-learning)
• Applied Professional Practice (Work based learning)

Stage three

You'll study modules such as:

• Independent Engineering Project
• Digital Signal Processing
• Sensors and Control Systems
• Embedded Systems
• Communication Systems and Electromagnetic Compatibility
• Electrical Power Applications
• Power Electronics

Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.

You will need a Grade C at A Level (or equivalent) in Maths, Physics, Science or another related subject.

We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

Fees for 2012/13

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £7,495 (each year)
• Part time: £935 per module (you usually take 18 of these modules in total)

International students

• Full time: £9,975 (per year)

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

Fees for 2013/14

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £8,250 (each year)

We'll be announcing our part time and international fees for 2013/14 later in the year.

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

How you'll learn

The programme is taught through a mix of lectures, tutorials, and laboratory work. The timetable contains around 16 hours of contact with staff a week, with around the same amount of time as "directed study". All modules are supported through UDo, the University of Derby Online, so you have access to essential support materials at any time of the day or night.

How you're assessed

This is by a careful blend of assignment and examination. Assignments may relate to work at the computer or in the laboratory, or may be a piece of written or analytical work. Mini-projects are also used, and these are really popular with our students, as a hands-on way of learning real skills.

You'll have a wide range of employment opportunities in electrical and electronic engineering when you graduate. You could move into areas as diverse as avionics, medical electronics, automotive electrical and electronic systems, electrical power generation, the rail industry or music and entertainment.

The numeracy and problem solving skills you'll develop during this course will also give you a wide range of alternative career options, including teaching, banking, accountancy, technical sales or management.

You could also go on to further study by taking our MSc Control and Instrumentation degree.

Recent graduates have moved into electrical or electronic system design, installation and commissioning, programming, maintenance, and related activities. Derby graduates can be found developing climate data loggers, micro processor systems in cars, safety systems for forklift trucks or railway signals.