Triangle

Course overview

Computer technology can be found in more than just desktop and laptop PCs. Specialist microprocessors are used for communications (there's one in your mobile phone), measurement devices (for example, medical instrumentation) and entertainment (mp3 and BluRay players) to name just a few.

This four-year degree is designed for students with an interest in computers, computing systems and software. Directed specialisms for modules and projects include microelectronics and VLSI design, object oriented software, computer networks and other modules offered by the School of Computer Science. 

A year in industry placement develops additional knowledge in aspects of management and commercial practice within industry.

Final-year projects provide you with the chance to work with members of the Department's research groups working on the latest advances in VLSI applications for computer systems, parallel and embedded architectures, digital signal and vector processing.

Year one

The first year is common to all of our courses. This gives you the option to transfer onto other courses within the department once you know more about the specialist areas. You will gain an understanding of the principles and practices on which all specialisms within electrical and electronic engineering are founded. The electrical and electronic engineering construction project allows you to apply your knowledge and gain valuable practical and fault-finding skills. Week-long practical sessions will help you engage fully in your work and develop as a professional engineer. Your appreciation of science and mathematics will also be enhanced.

Year two

You will continue to improve your understanding of electrical and electronic engineering, and your design skills will be developed through a variety of laboratory-based subjects and modules. This will prepare you to study, in the final years of your course, emerging and advanced technologies usually taught by internationally recognised researchers. Group projects, presentations and seminars will give you the skills and understanding essential for the workplace.

Year three (in industry)

You will spend year three in industry. You can apply for competitively-allocated placements from a pool available to students on the course or can agree your own placement with an appropriate company. During your industry year, you remain fully registered with the University, with regular meetings with your tutor.

Year four

Your individual project forms a major part of the final year. Working in an area of your choosing, you will develop design, analysis, construction and fault-finding skills. Many of these projects support research or development carried out with industry.

More information

See also the  Engineering and Science Foundation Year Programme.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2020 entry.

UK entry requirements
A level BBB in Clearing (B in Maths and B in one of Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Biology or Design and Technology: Systems Control, Design Technology: Design Engineering)

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
Required subjects Maths and a science or electronics subject, plus a third subject (electronics, physics, chemistry or biology preferred) excluding citizenship studies, critical thinking and general studies.

A foundation year is available for those with BBB grades but not in the required subjects.
IB score 36-32 (5 in maths and science at Higher Level)

Mature Students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

How you will be assessed

Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Modules

Introduction to Software Engineering and Programming

Develop the ability to analyse engineering problems; select appropriate softwareand/or techniques to enable the designing, planning, developing andimplementation of practical solutions; to be able to specify criteria fordetermining success.

This module provides first year undergraduate students in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering with the technical skills required to analyse, design and implement solutions to practical engineering problems.

Students will be provided with the skills required to design and develop code solutions that can be implemented on multiple platforms; these skills will be further enhanced through their on-going use in the project component of the first year.

For students on an IET-accredited plan, this course and all assessment elements contributing to the overall mark are non-compensatable (with the pass mark being set at 40%). Reassessment will be taken as per the information provided below.

  • Assessment type: Coursework 1. Weight: 10.00. Original assessment: Design exercise- 10 hours of student work. Reassessment: Reassessment by coursework submitted by the start of the reassessment period.
  • Assessment type: Coursework 2. Weight: 30.00. Original assessment: Three design/programming assignments. Reassessment: Reassessment by coursework submitted by the start of the assessment period.
  • Assessment type: Coursework 3. Weight: 40.00. Original assessment: 1 hr Supervisedprogramming assessment work. Reassessment: Supervised programming examination.
  • Assessment type: In-class Exam 1 (Written). Weight: 20.00. Original assessment: Bi-weekly progress tests. Reassessment: 1 hr on-line multiple-choice test.
Applied Electrical and Electronic Engineering Construction Project

In this module, you will be involved in the development of an autonomous vehicle building on knowledge learned in other parts of the course.

The work will be lab-based and undertaken in project weeks giving you a break from lectures in each semester.

You will work on this module for a third of the year.

Power and Energy

Our world relies on reliable and secure electricity supplies, this module will introduce you to the  concepts and challenges faced in generating traditional and renewable electrical energy. 

Information Systems

This module will introduce you to electronic systems and information.

You will begin by looking at:

  • signals
  • analogue/digital systems
  • electronic devices and communications systems

Teaching will use a 'top down' approach so you start with the big picture and work towards the more detailed view.

Engineering Mathematics 1

This module introduces you to the algebra of complex numbers. It provides a key mathematical tool for analysis of linear mathematical and engineering problems.

You will study the complexity of solving general systems of equations using matrix techniques and review the calculus of a single variable.

You will have a three hour lecture and workshops each week.

 

Contemporary Engineering Themes A

This module introduces you to various themes that are at the forefront of today's electrical and electronic engineering systems. The topics covered will vary each year and typical subjects you might  learn about include:

  • Smart Grids
  • Medical Electronics
  • Electric Transportation
  • Big Data

Topics cover critical technological enablers and breakthroughs and their commercial and socio-economic impact. These drive the engineering research and development process. This will give you a wider understanding of the content covered in the co-requisite modules. 

For students on an IET-accredited plan, this course and all assessment elements contributing to the overall mark are non-compensatable (with the pass mark being set at 40%).

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Tuesday 18 August 2020.
Electronic Processing and Communications

In this module you will study:

  • intermediate level electronic analogue circuits and their use within more complex systems
  • digital design techniques
  • software tools
  • communications systems
  • sources and impact of noise and interference – a key topic for any electrical and electronic engineer
Electrical Energy Conditioning and Control

This module introduces you to the underpinning technologies for the conditioning, control and conversion of electrical energy.

The topics covered in this module include:

  • power electronics
  • control
  • electrical machines
  • renewable energy
Practical Engineering Design Solutions and Project Development

This module partners with the lecture modules in the second year.

It gives you the chance to put your theoretical knowledge into practice through activities drawn from the design and development cycle.

You will be taking part in two, themed group projects:

  • power and energy 
  • electronics and communications 
Contemporary Engineering Themes

Following on from year one, this module continues to introduce to a variety of themes that are at the forefront of contemporary electrical and electronic engineering systems. 

This provides a broader context for the material covered in the co-requisite modules. The topics covered will vary each year and typical subjects might include:

  • Smart Grids
  • Bio-sensing
  • Medical Electronics
  • Photonics
  • Electric Transportation
  • The Internet of Things
Modelling: Methods and Tools

Electrical and electronic engineers are often required to analyse and solve the problems they encounter. 

This module will teach you the required mathematical skills and suitable software tools needed for you to start modelling these problems yourself.

Some topics covered include:

  • analysis techniques for dynamic systems with application to communications and control theory
  • analysis techniques for digital systems and statistical analysis of signals and data
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on

You will spend year three in industry. You can apply for competitively-allocated placements from a pool available to students on the course or can agree your own placement with an appropriate company. During your industry year, you remain fully registered with the University, with regular meetings with your tutor.

Core

Scalable Cross-Platform Software Design (autumn)

Development and deployment of software for a variety of platforms ranging from the web and mobile devices through to large scale parallel computers.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Computing 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 1 25% 25 hours of student time
Coursework 2 25% 25 hours of student time
Coursework 3 25% 25 hours of student time
Exam 25% 1 hour, multiple choice
IT Infrastructure and Cyber Security (autumn)

Providing you with the skills required to commission a complete IT system, this module provides information on network design and implementation, services, security and management of systems.

You’ll also be introduced to new uses of IT infrastructure (such as VoIP).

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 weeks 2 hour
Computing 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 1 10%  Physical infrastructure coursework
Coursework 2 20% Logical design and implementation coursework
Coursework 3 30% Software vulnerabilities coursework
Exam 40% E-assessment
Analogue Electronics (autumn)

This module covers the design and analysis of electronic systems used in telecommunications particularly wireless devices.

You will look at devices including:

  • amplifiers
  • oscillators
  • phase-locked loops
  • mixers

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 7 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours
Lecture 4 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Practicum 4 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 50%
  • Investigation of design issues in single transistor amplifiers
  • submission of schematics
  • final report max 10 pages
Exam 50%
  • Two hour exam

 

Third Year Project

Engineers working in industry usually find that they become involved in extended practical or theoretical projects. This module provides an opportunity for you to work in a similar situation.

You’ll indicate your project preferences then work under the supervision of an expert member of staff to write a dissertation on your work and present it publicly. You’ll have weekly individual tutorial with your project supervisor, but otherwise you’ll be expected to work alone.

Professional Studies

This module assesses your ability to develop a business plan based on an idea for a new product. This will give you the knowledge and skills needed for a graduate entering employment.

You will do this by learning various models, tools and concepts that are commonly used in business including:

  • Belbin’s model of team formation
  • the appropriate use of PEST and SWOT analysis
  • the basics of marketing
  • the product life cycle
  • technology audits
  • finance sources
  • intellectual property
  • ethics
  • product design

By the end of this module, you will be confident in:

  • writing and assessing rudimentary business plans
  • making informed decisions about product and business development

Optional

Power Networks (spring)

This module provides students with an understanding of power system apparatus and their behaviour under normal and fault conditions. This module covers:

  • concept and analysis of load flow
  • voltage/current symmetrical components
  • computation of fault currents
  • economic optimisation
  • power-system control and stability
  • power system protection

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Practicum 11 weeks 1 week 1 hour

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 25% 25 hours of student time
Exam 75% 2 hour exam
Digital Communications (spring)

This module is an introduction to the operation of modern digital communication systems. Topics covered include:

  • communication systems
  • information content and channel capacity
  • digital modulation techniques
  • data compression techniques
  • error-correcting and line coding techniques
  • digital signal regeneration techniques
  • system examples, telephone, digital television and CD technologies.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 weeks 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 1 25% 12.5 hours of student time
Coursework 2 25%  
Exam 50% 2 hour exam
Embedded Computing (spring)

This module aims to introduce principal generic and distinctive features of embedded computing, and develop practical skills in designing firmware for PIC16 microcontrollers using assembly language.

The modules includes:

  • Architectures for embedded programmable digital electronics
  • operation of a microcontroller and its programming
  • assembly language directives and instructions
  • interfacing of microcontrollers
  • embedded peripherals and interrupts in microcontrollers
  • communications for embedded computing
  • special features of microcontrollers (the above items are based on the PIC16 microcontroller family)
  • various microcontroller families
  • introduction to larger scale embedded systems

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Workshop 11 weeks 1 week 1 hour

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 20% 12.5 hours of student time
Laboratory 1 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 2 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 3 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 4 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 5 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 6 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Exam 50% 2 hour exam
Renewable Generation Technologies (spring)

This module covers the analysis and design of renewable and sustainable energy systems. It covers the various types of renewable energy and the resources available. It uses an understanding of the physical principles of various types of energy resources in order to develop analytical models which can be applied to the design of renewable energy systems, including energy conversion and storage, especially for electrical power generation.

Robotics, Dynamics and Control (spring)

This module gives and Introduction to electromechanical fundamentals in robotics, and introduces students to: Direct Kinematics, Inverse Kinematics, Workspace analysis and trajectory planning, Manipulator Dynamics (Lagrange, Lagrange-Euler, and Newton-Euler) and Robot Control.

Optical Networks (spring)

You will be introduced to the concepts and operating principles of optical communication systems and networks and the devices that underpin them.

Topics typically include:

  • characteristics of optical fibres
  • active and passive optical devices: including transmitters, detectors, amplifiers, multiplexers, filters and couplers

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution 
Coursework 1 25%
Coursework 2 25%
Exam 50%
Mobile Technologies (spring)

This module provides knowledge of the fundamentals of mobile communications and its application to real systems.

Typical subjects might be 3rd and 4th generation systems, OFDM and MIMO and how 5th generation systems are likely to develop.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 1 25%  
Coursework 2 25%  
Exam 50% End of module exam 
Sensing Systems and Signal Processing (spring)

The module provides students with the necessary background knowledge so that they can understand sensors and their applications.  The module covers a selection of topics where information is acquired from sensors and subsequently electronically processed. Applications will typically include, optical, acoustic, non-destructive evaluation, medical and bio-photonics.

Advanced Engineering Mathematics (spring)

This module covers advanced analytic mathematical techniques used to provide exact or approximate solutions to common classes of ordinary differential equations (ODES) typical in Engineering.

Each week there will normally be one, one-hour lecture and a two-hour workshop to introduce key mathematical knowledge on module topics.

Techniques covered include:

  • method of variation of parameters
  • Laplace transform methods
  • Taylor series method
  • Frobenius method
  • asymptotic regular perturbations and strained coordinates
  • multiple scales

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Laboratory 5 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 25%  
Exam 75%  
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on

Fees and funding

UK students

£9250
Per year

International students

£23760*
Per year

*For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Faculty-specific funding

In addition to the above, students applying to the Faculty of Engineering may be eligible for faculty-specific or industry scholarships.

Home students*

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

* A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

International scholarships

Careers

Graduates in Electronic and Computer Engineering can find careers in many branches of home and industrial electronics and computing – the choice is almost limitless.

Professional accreditation

Engineering Council accredited degree
 

This degree has been accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords. 

This course is accredited by the Institute of Engineering and Technology.

Boost your earning potential

Which university courses boost graduate wages the most? Studying with us could help you to earn more.

  • We are second highest in the UK for female engineering graduate earnings, five years after graduation
  • We are second highest in the Midlands for male engineering graduate earnings, five years after graduation

(Source: Institute for Fiscal Studies data: www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-44413086)

Average starting salary and career progression

86.7% of undergraduates from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £30,810.*

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

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Related courses

Electronic and Computer Engineering with a Year Abroad BEng

This three-year degree is designed for students with an interest in computers, computing systems and software. Directed specialisms for modules and projects include microelectronics and VLSI design, object oriented software, computer networks and other modules offered by the School of Computer Science.
View course

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Important information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.