Communications technology is a crucial part of the world economy, advances in electronics and communications have had immeasurable impact on the modern world, and it is still a growing industry, we all have an innate need and desire to communicate. As communications technology gets ever more advanced, the demand for new devices and environmentally sustainable solutions increases, to improve the quality of everyday life and society we live in. This course is designed to help you take your place in the communications industry, focusing on building your STEM knowledge and skills to start a fulfilling career.

On the course you’ll be taught by professional engineers, many of whom have worked in industry, whilst others have specialised in research. We’ll give you the chance to gain a broad overview of electronic engineering, as well as specialist skills in communications as the course progresses. We’ll also take a wider view to explore other areas of engineering, including:

• General electrical principles
• Electronics and circuits
• Computer systems engineering.

The course also covers Internet of Things, the interconnection via the Internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data. It is a technology of the future for electronics and communications engineers.

There are many opportunities for you to engage in practical work on the course and you also have the chance to undertake a project on a suitable topic of your choice. Year 1 of the course is designed to support you in gaining a through grounding in the principles of electronic engineering. In Year 2 you’ll begin to specialise in communications, from basic methods such as AM or FM through to digital communications aerials and satellite communications. In your Final Year you’ll be supported to expand your knowledge, by looking at topics such as optical communications.

During your studies you have the chance to take a placement after your second year. You could work in the industry and put what you’ve learnt into practice. We’ll also give you the opportunity to take part in national competitions like the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Formula Student,Railway Challenge and UAS (or comparable design and build team projects).

The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council. Once you graduate, you could become registered as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng). The course could also lead on to you gaining Chartered Engineer (CEng) status following further study.

If you achieve an average grade of 60% or more during your first two years, there is a chance to transfer to the Electronic Engineering MEng integrated Master’s course.

Placements

This course offers you the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 3. This opportunity helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

The placement year is a valuable tool that can enhance your employability and help you to develop as an individual. It is acknowledged that graduates with industry experience are generally much more attractive to employers.

Our Placement Unit will be on hand to support you in applying for and finding suitable placement opportunities. They will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported while you gain the experience that employers value so highly.

The Placement Unit team are regularly in contact with local and national companies. Previous students from this subject area have spent their placement year at companies including Nissan, Bosch, Sellafield Ltd, and Intel. You can find more information on placements here.

Alternatively, if you are a student from within the UK, you could consider starting your own small business by applying for the Enterprise Placement Year in conjunction with the University’s Enterprise Team. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from business advice, mentoring and networking sessions. Find out more information on the Enterprise Placement Year.

Your Career

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as systems engineer, electronic design engineer, a senior electronic engineer and senior metrology engineer in organisations including BAE Systems, Siemens, Dyson and Bentley Motors Ltd.**

Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue a career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study and research which may interest you.

* Percentage of graduates from this subject who are in work and/or further study fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 17/18, UK domiciled graduates).