Electrical and Electronic Engineering
BEng (Hons)

Gain a real career advantage on this exciting degree which will put you at the forefront of future technologies. With the BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering on your CV, you can join one of the UK’s most in-demand professions. 

• 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 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
• This course is available part-time for direct entry to the final year only. If you are already employed in a relevant area you can study the FdEng part-time

If you have the potential and ambition to study with us, but feel you’re not quite ready to join the BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering right now, why not consider taking this course with a foundation year?

Electricity lights our homes, runs many of our domestic gadgets, and keeps the wheels of industry turning. We often take it for granted, yet it remains a fascinating and developing field of study – all captured in our distinctive BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

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.

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.

Our annual Derbot (Derby merged with the word 'robot') competition will give you the opportunity in your final year to work as a team to a set brief, creating a robot from scratch before testing its ability on a track.

Use specialist facilities

Your studies will feature practical learning and experiments in our specialist laboratories. Areas include:

• Electronic Principles Lab: Featuring a range of test equipment, demonstration boards, and equipment used to conduct investigative experiments on common electronic circuits as well as more advanced systems, you’ll hone your understanding of circuit behaviour in a safe and supportive environment. The computers are also equipped with the latest simulation software from Matlab, Microchip and National Instruments
• Electrical Power, Sustainable and Renewable Energies Lab: The lab has a range of renewable technologies and a variety of DC and AC electrical machines test rigs.
• Electronics Project Developments and Innovations Lab: In this lab you’ll learn practical skills covering basic hand tools and soldering skills, as well as electronic component identification, following circuit schematics and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layouts, simple design of PCBs, and the complete build and commission of a project
• Multipurpose Lab: This lab doubles as an experimental lab, with several permanently installed tests, and a programming suite for both audio and lighting. Our lighting simulation programme will allow you to view 3D simulations of a lighting design
• Multi-Channel Sound Lab: The Multi-Channel Sound Lab is a Dante audio equipped room containing 32 loudspeakers used for investigative future immersive audio applications
• Multipurpose Lab: Our other multipurpose lab is used for small scale audio testing. Containing a very small anechoic chamber, a vintage hearing test booth and a selection of loudspeakers in different stages of deconstruction

You'll also have access to our Makerspace - a place where you can work on any project and turn your ideas into a prototype. Equipment in the Makerspace includes a laser cutter, 3D printers, soldering irons and CNC machines. All students across the University can use this space and it is a fantastic way of sharing knowledge and skills with one another. 

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 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 team.

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.

Both courses are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), under strict rules laid down by the Engineering Council UK. They therefore help prepare you to work either as an Incorporated Engineer or as a Chartered Engineer. (See the Engineering Council website for a full definition of these roles.)

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. 

Advanced standing

One of the accreditation requirements of the BEng, as laid down by the IET, is that students must normally complete at least their final two years at the awarding institution, in this case the University of Derby. We therefore cannot offer direct entry to the BEng for the final year of study only. If you want to enter the BEng "with advanced standing" – by carrying academic credit over from another institution – you can only be considered for entry into Year 2.

Part-time ‘top-up’ study

The final stage in the BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering, often taken as "top-up" from HND or Foundation Degree qualifications, takes two years of part-time study. The programme is delivered on a day release basis and teaching may take place any time between 9am and 9pm.

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.

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. 

September 2021 typical entry requirements

Alternative entry qualifications:

• BTEC - DDM
• Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15 Merit: 24 Pass: 6. Must include passes in compulsory Level 3 subjects

2021/22 Fees (August 2021 - July 2022)

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

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.

† Additional information about your studies

Full-time: 4 years (with placement year), 3 years (without placement year) 

For final-year direct entry to H600 only. Available over 2 years. 

Teaching hours

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
• Study trips to places such as power stations, NPL, Mitsubishi etc

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• Any cost for final year project over £75 Printing (£100)

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.

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• Electrical and Electronic Engineering BSc (Hons)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year BEng (Hons)