Electrical and Electronic Engineering
BSc (Hons)

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: accredited 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 15^th highest among all UK universities and 12^th 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 BEng (Hons). 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.

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. 

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.

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 2019 typical entry requirements

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.

September 2020 typical entry requirements

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.

2019/20 Fees

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

Additional costs and optional extras

2020/21 Fees

* The fees stated above are for the 2019/20 academic year; fees for 2020/21 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. We will update this information as soon as it is available.

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

Additional costs and optional extras

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. 

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

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.

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.

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 and Mitsubishi
• Allowance for final year project

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• Any cost for final year project over £75
• Printing approx. £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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