Prepare for rewarding careers in areas as diverse as avionics, medical electronics, automotive electrical and electronic systems, electrical power generation, the rail industry or music and entertainment
Choose a course accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)* and start your journey towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status
Include an optional industry placement year as part of your studies to gain vital insights into professional practice
Study in an inspirational learning environment at our Markeaton Street site, home to our impressive new STEM Centre and fully equipped with laboratories, workshops and the latest technology
Learn from an expert teaching team experienced in the different branches of electrical and electronic engineering and who have produced many influential research publications and textbooks
Take the chance to get involved in far-reaching projects such as the ALICE experiment, on which we are working in partnership with leading organisations at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research
Enhance your career prospects: 91.7% of our Electrical and Electronic Engineering graduates are now in graduate level employment (DLHE 2015/16).
Choose a university with a focus on employability: we are ranked 15th highest among all UK universities and 12th for English institutions, with 96% of graduates in work or further study within six months of completing their degree (HESA 2016)
2ndin the UK for student satisfaction**The Guardian University Guide 2021, Engineering: Electronic and Electrical subject area
No.1in the UK for student satisfaction with teaching and feedback**The Guardian University Guide 2021, Engineering: Electronic and Electrical subject area
No.1in the UK for teaching quality**The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021, Electrical and Electronic Engineering subjects
3rdin the UK for student experience**The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021, Electrical and Electronic Engineering subjects
Electrical and Electronic Engineering - your questions answered
In the below video, Associate Professor, Dr Ahmad Kharaz, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Derby. You can also watch exclusive subject content by signing up to Derby on Demand.
Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.
Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.
Build a broad set of skills
On this course, you will study both electrical engineering - where electricity is used to transport and deliver energy - and electronic engineering, where electricity can be used to process, transmit and store information.
Electrical engineering deals with the study of motors and generators and their control, power transmission and distribution systems, as well as the principles that underpin them.
Electronic engineering depends heavily on semiconductor technology, which has advanced significantly since the invention of the transistor, leading to the so-called microchip, the world of mobile phones and laptops, and the Internet of Things. Both electrical and electronic engineering are underpinned by the same fundamental scientific laws, but diverge widely beyond those basics.
Your studies will feature practical learning and experiments in our specialist laboratories dedicated to electrical and electronic engineering.
Leaving the University with an accredited degree is a great feeling, knowing that there are now several opportunities at my disposal including professional accreditation, further work experience, career changes and post graduate courses.
Kyran Hill
Electrical and Electronic Engineering graduate
Vital practical experience
We give you the opportunity to take a placement year in industry as part of this degree. This experience, which takes place between the second and final stage of your honours degree studies, will greatly enhance your career prospects after graduation. A large number of companies seek placement students each year.
In addition, we offer extensive support to boost your employability while you are studying with us: for more information, contact our Careers and Employment Service.
BEng vs BSc – what is the difference?
We offer both a BEng (Hons) and a BSc (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Each provides an excellent route into professional practice and recognition as a qualified electrical or electronic engineer. The two courses are similar, but the BEng features more analytical study and deeper scientific underpinning.
While the BSc provides the educational requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer, the BEng provides part of the educational requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). The full educational requirement for CEng is met by completing accredited postgraduate study, for example our .
Derby on Demand
Derby on Demand brings you the very best of Open Days on your terms. You can access exclusive online content wherever you are, whenever you want, and see all Derby has to offer.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Live Subject Chats
Join us on Saturday 6 February for a day of Live Subject Chats. You’ll be able to ask our teaching team questions about the courses we offer, speak to Admissions advisors about applying and chat to current students about their experience.
The programme is taught through a mix of lectures, tutorials and laboratory work. Very popular with our students, mini-projects are also used as a hands-on way of learning real-world skills.
The timetable contains up to 16 hours of contact with staff a week, with around the same amount of time designated as "directed study".
All modules are supported through University of Derby Online (UDOL), so you have access to essential support materials at any time of the day or night.
How you are assessed
Assessment is through a careful blend of assignment and examination. Assignments may relate to work at the computer or in the laboratory, or may involve a piece of written or analytical work.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
IELTS
6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills area)
Interview / Audition
N/A
Portfolio
N/A
Alternative entry qualifications:
BTEC - MPP
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
We know there have been changes and there is some uncertainty, however we are here to help and support you every step of the way with your university application.
When you graduate, a wide range of employment opportunities will open up for you in electrical and electronic engineering. 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.
Recent students have moved into roles involving electrical or electronic system design, installation and commissioning, programming, maintenance, and related activities. Derby graduates can now be found developing embedded systems in cars, electrical power distribution systems, railway signalling systems, or rolling stock enhancements. They are also managing major industrial processes, from breweries to assembly lines.
The numeracy and problem-solving skills you develop during the BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering will broaden your career scope further still, with alternative options including teaching, banking, accountancy, technical sales or management.
You could also consider taking your studies to postgraduate level by taking, for example, our MSc Control and Instrumentation.
Contact us
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information below is correct for entry in the academic year September 2020 - August 2021 only. Entry for future academic years may be subject to change.
Included in your fees
Use of resources such as computer rooms, workshops and laboratories
Software to install on own devices such as NI suite including Multisim, Ultiboard and Labview and the student version of Matlab
Student membership of IET (£50)
Study trips to places such as power stations, NPL, Mitsubishi etc
£120 maximum allowance for final year project
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.