This degree offers you an excellent route into professional practice and recognition as a qualified electrical or electronic engineer, fully equipped to develop and manage demanding projects.
- Prepare to achieve Incorporated Engineer status: we have applied for renewed accreditation by the Institution of Engineering and Technology to ensure this course gives you the relevant recognition
- Build your skills in working with machines, electronic circuits, microprocessors, simulation software and renewable energy equipment
- Study in an inspirational learning environment at our Markeaton Street site, home to our impressive new STEM Centre and featuring laboratories, workshops and the latest technology
- Gain valuable industry experience on an optional work placement as part of your studies
- 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
- Prepare for a fulfilling career in areas as diverse as avionics, medical electronics, automotive systems, electrical power generation, mining or the rail industry
- 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)
Our BSc (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering leads to excellent career prospects in areas such as rail, aerospace, medical electronics, power generation, food processing or manufacturing control.
A powerful combination
Both electrical and electronic engineering depend on the same fundamental scientific laws but diverge widely beyond these basics.
In electrical engineering, our focus is on how 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 take it for granted all too often, 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 look at how electricity is applied 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.
Become an Incorporated Engineer
The BSc (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering is designed to help you become an Incorporated Engineer (IEng). Incorporated Engineers are practitioners in the world of engineering, using current technology to implement and manage demanding and fascinating projects.
For many years, we have had accreditation through the Engineering Council which shows that our courses meet the educational requirement for IEng status and we have applied to renew this for the BSc (Hons). See the Engineering Council UK website for a full definition of the role.
BSc vs BEng: what is the difference?
This BSc (Hons) course is closely related to our . Both programmes provide an excellent route into professional practice.
The two courses are similar, but the BEng contains more analytical study and deeper scientific underpinning. The BSc contains somewhat less theory and Maths. Instead you will refine your skills in configuring, implementing and managing equipment or systems which make use of the currently available technology. This could mean, for example, leading the installation of a new rail signalling system.
While the BSc aims to provide the educational requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer, the BEng provides part of the educational requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). You can then meet the full educational requirement for CEng status by completing accredited postgraduate study, for example through our own
Within certain criteria, it is possible to transfer between the BSc (Hons) and BEng (Hons) courses at the end of your first year.
A dynamic learning experience
You will benefit from learning in an environment which is challenging, stimulating and creative.
The course runs at our Markeaton Street site, which boasts an impressive array of labs and equipment. Here you will work with machines, electronic circuits, microprocessors, simulation software, renewable energy equipment, and much more. There is every opportunity to design and test your own circuits and devices.
Consider a foundation year
Taking a foundation year first is an ideal choice if you have the potential and ambition to study this BSc programme but lack the formal entry requirements or feel you are not quite ready to embark on a full honours degree right now.
It is also a smart move if you have changed your mind about your career direction since you chose your A-levels or BTECs and need to improve your skills in a different subject area.
The foundation year will cover general concepts in your chosen subject, together with essential skills in areas such as writing reports and giving presentations.
You will study modules such as:
Stage one
- Analogue and Digital Electronics
- Design and Professional Studies
- Electromagnetic Devices
- Engineering Workshop
- Signal and Circuit Analysis Techniques (Mode B)
- Sustainable Energy Systems
Stage two
- Circuit Analysis (Mode B)
- Computer Systems and Software Engineering
- Control and Instrumentation
- Electrical Machines Technology
- Electronic Communication Technology
- Electronic Systems (Mode B)
- Professional Practice
- Project Management and Team Leadership
Stage three
- Communication Systems and Electromagnetic Compatibility
- Embedded Systems
- Independent Tech Project
- Industrial Control
- Power Electronics
- Renewable and Smart Energy Systems
- Power Systems Technology
You will be assessed through a blend of assignments and examinations. Assignments may relate to work at the computer or in the laboratory, or may entail a piece of written or analytical work.
September 2018 typical entry requirements
| UCAS points | 96-112 (up to 16 from AS-levels) |
| Specific requirements at A-level | At least a C in either Maths, Physics, Science or another related subject at A-level (or equivalent qualification). |
| Specific requirements at GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade C/Grade 4 (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Interview / Audition | N/A |
| Portfolio | N/A |
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.
September 2019 typical entry requirements
| UCAS points | 112 (up to 16 from AS-levels) |
| Specific requirements at A-level | At least a C in either Maths, Physics, Science or another related subject at A-level (or equivalent qualification) |
| Specific requirements at GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade C/Grade 4 (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Interview / Audition | N/A |
| Portfolio | N/A |
Alternative entry qualifications:
- BTEC - DMM
- Access to HE Diploma - 60 credits: 45 at level 3 with a minimum of Dist: 15 Merit: 24 Pass: 6
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.
This course opens doors to a wide range of employment opportunities in electrical and electronic engineering.
You could move into development, installation or maintenance roles in areas as diverse as avionics, medical electronics, automotive electrical and electronic systems, electrical power generation, mining or the rail industry. It may not be long before you become a team or project leader, managing significant budgets as well as the work of others.
Derby graduates can be found working in railway signalling, train construction and maintenance; managing oilfield instrumentation systems; and developing microprocessor systems in cars, safety systems for forklift trucks or aircraft engine controls.
The numeracy and problem-solving skills you develop during our BSc (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering will also pave the way to a wide range of alternative career options, including teaching, banking, accountancy, technical sales or management.
Part time: Five years minimum; Day release: Two years part-time (part-time mode only available for final year of the degree).
Download programme specification
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.
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.
