Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Course overview

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) this degree will prepare you for a successful career in a diverse and in-demand sector.

Our dynamic program will enlighten your intellect through hands-on projects, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art facilities. From tinkering with circuits to designing smart systems, you'll experience the thrill of turning ideas into reality.

You will leave with the required skills to innovate, design, test and apply electrical and electronic components and systems to a range of sectors. This course goes beyond technical engineering to include transferable skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and commercial awareness.

“The facilities we use on our course act as a great tool for enhancing our learning experience. Throughout the course I have received a lot of support from academics whether this is working independently or as a part of a team”

Raiyan Al Hossain

Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng

Current student

Why Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Aston University?

Accredited degree

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)*

TEF Gold

Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Top 15 in the UK

Graduate Prospects 'On-Track', Complete University Guide 2023

Ranked 3rd in the UK for expenditure per student

Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Guardian University Guide, 2025

Ranked 24th in the world

Aston University is ranked 24th in the world for reducing inequalities

Top 10% in the world

Aston University placed in the top 10% of all 5,663 institutions evaluated

* IET accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

My Student Journey: Nishika Chettry

Electrical and Electronic Engineering student Nishika Chettry talks about her experience at Aston University

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

Course description

BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

The BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree at Aston University will put you in control, giving you the skills to lead and undertake complex engineering projects and provide you with the experiences you need to succeed in the industry.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by IET-accredited academics, researchers, and visiting professors from industry, who will bring the subject to life. Access to the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, one of the world’s leading photonics research centres. Use of world-class facilities to delve into practical lab sessions, including a dedicated electrical engineering student lab. You'll also receive free IET membership to access development materials and opportunities.

We are an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry. To find out more, visit here.

What you will provide
It is important to have a passion and interest in the sector, but more importantly to be innovative and curious. We are looking for students who are up for a challenge and not afraid to get stuck into practical work, to discover what technological devices you can develop for society.

What skills we teach
You will develop a solid foundation of technical software and hardware skills. On the BEng program, you'll dive into the exciting realms of optical communications, the Internet of things, electrical power, and beyond. Along with fundamental transferable skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and logical thinking. You will also learn skills necessary for industry such as working to client briefs.

Placement year
A placement year is a fantastic opportunity and highly encouraged with Aston University’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering course. Our award-winning careers and placement team and strong industry ties will provide you with exciting placement opportunities. Previous students have gained experience with leading companies, such as Red Bull Racing, Virgin Media, and Network Rail.

Career prospects
Our Electrical and Electronic degree is ranked Top 15 in the UK for Graduate Prospects "On-Track". (Complete University Guide, 2023). Graduates from this in-demand degree have gone on to successful roles such as Electronic and Electrical Engineer, Verification Engineer, Software Engineer, and Embedded systems engineer for leading companies like Rolls Royce, Royal Air Force, and DSTL.

How you will learn

Your learning will take place in our single-site campus in the heart of Birmingham. As well as traditional lectures and seminars, you will spend over half of your study hours in workshops and practical sessions putting theory into practice.

You will be involved in individual and group project work throughout the programme, getting the opportunity to work with students across a range of engineering disciplines. The project work is designed to develop your skills as an engineer, as well as the communication, organisational, and leadership skills needed to work effectively in industry.

Here at Aston University, we are passionate about supporting our students. You will have a personal tutor throughout your studies to provide support and guidance. The Learning Development Centre is there to provide maths support, academic writing development, advice, and strategies for managing your studies. You will also have the opportunity to get involved in PAL sessions, learning from your peers who have been through the course content before you.

Extracurricular activities:

You can join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals in our Electrical and Electronic Engineering Society
Challenge yourself in the annual Aston Hack hackathon, a frenzied 24 hours of designing, coding, and making.
Enhance your skills in the various aspects of robotics and programming through our brand new drone project.
Dive into the Micromouse Competition, where you design autonomous maze-solving robots.
Let your creativity run wild in our Design Challenge, whilst you tackle real-world engineering problems and propose innovative solutions.
Join our Formula Student team where you will design, build, and race your very own formula-style car.

Facilities

Learn in our recent £1.3 million refurbished electronics labs. You will gain hands-on experience in our high-spec workspaces, with support from our exceptional technicians, meaning you will be industry-ready once you graduate. Here are just a few of the exciting facilities you will be able to access and use throughout our BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering course:

Soldering workshop
Power supply multimeter oscilloscope and function generator that are all integrated into one setting and connected to a PC
Workshop space where you can design and produce your prototypes with a laser cutter and a 3D printer
24/7-hour access to the Electrical and Electronic Engineering student society room which has equipment for testing soldering, and a 3D printer that you can use in your free time to work on your own projects and expand your creativity.

You will also have access to an extensive network of computer facilities throughout your course, including high-performance PCs for industrial standard ECAD, Unix workstations, and a large number of embedded processors for lab work. These resources are complemented by specialist electronics, telecommunications, and networked laboratories and research facilities.

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Electrical and Electronic Engineering Facilities

Course objectives

Allows you to develop practical, intellectual, and employability skills in the field of electrical and electronic engineering, which will give you a competitive edge in the search for placements and graduate employment.
Uses a practical, hands-on approach with engaging projects developing the engineering, problem-solving, analysis, management, and transferable skills required in graduate employment.
Makes extensive use of project work to develop skills in teamwork, business, and communication.
Provides you with an opportunity to gain industrial experience in an optional placement year.
Ensures that you are provided with an up-to-date, broad-based and balanced study programme through strong links with industry & Aston University's internationally recognised researchers.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Electronics 1	15
Electronics 2	15
Introductory Mathematics for Engineering, Digital and Physical Sciences	15
Introductory Programming for Engineering and Physical Sciences	15
Interdisciplinary Design Project	15
Electrical Principles	15
Engineering Science 1	15
Power Skills	15
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Apply knowledge of circuit theory and principles to design basic electrical and electronic systems
Have demonstrated knowledge of and the ability to apply electrical and physics principles in engineering contexts
Identify, evaluate and apply mathematical and computational approaches to problem-solving in electrical and electronic engineering
Analyse measurement results and interpret technical data sheet specifications to make reasoned engineering design decisions
Have demonstrated the ability to effectively use electrical and electronic engineering components, test equipment, and design & analysis software
Evaluate and interpret data using industry-standard methods and effectively report and communicate technical results and independent study both in writing and orally to ensure data-driven approaches to decision-making in solving complex problems
Have developed self-study skills and independent learning skills to facilitate professional development
Have developed an appreciation of the team-working and project management skills required in professional engineering employment
Use sustainable development strategies that reflect a deep understanding of the Circular Economy, Net-Zero strategies, Design and Systems Thinking, and Global Social Responsibility and lead to solutions that are ethically sound and globally relevant
Employ integrated problem-solving skills to analyse challenging and multifaceted problems considering professional, social, and ethical contexts.

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Analogue and Power Electronics	15
Robot Control	15
Signals and Systems	15
Electronic Engineering Team Project	15
Embedded Systems and C	15
Communications Systems	15
Digital Design	15
Electrical Power Systems	15
Total	120

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Have demonstrated a critical understanding of the principles of a broad range of topics in the field of electrical and electronic engineering and their relevance to contemporary systems and applications
Apply an understanding of mathematical, scientific, and engineering concepts and analysis techniques to develop solutions to a wide range of electrical and electronic engineering problems
Have demonstrated the ability to design, evaluate and critically review solutions to an engineering problem subject to technical, commercial, and societal constraints
Undertake independent critical analysis of information from a range of sources, evaluate and interpret it to provide valid, reasoned technical recommendations and arguments
Have the ability to identify and apply the practical lab and computer-aided design skills required for the development of new engineering designs and solutions
Apply programming and computing skills to the structured design, modeling, and implementation of engineering systems
Communicate both technical and non-technical information at appropriate levels for different audiences both in writing and orally
Demonstrated the ability to apply industry-standard team working and project monitoring skills in the development of a prototype electrical and/or electronic system.

Placement year modules

If you opt for an integrated placement year, you will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement Year

Module Title	Credits
EPS Placement Year	120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

Develop an understanding of business and the relevant commercial environment and/or intercultural study and their role within it
Gain knowledge of key aspects of good practice relevant to industry and/or intercultural study context
Develop new knowledge and understanding appropriate to the industrial, business, study or research sector related to degree programme
Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a professional and industrial environment and/or in an intercultural study context.

Final year modules

In your final year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Final Year Project	45
Professional Engineering Practice	15
Internet of Things	15

You will choose three of the following optional modules, by selecting one of the streams below and one module from any other stream*

Module Title	Credits
Measurement, Automation, and Data Processing	15
Digital Signal Processing	15

Digital Systems Stream	Credits
Digital Systems Design	15
Digital Systems Hardware	15

Electrical Systems Stream	Credits
Electrical Drive Train Applications	15
Applied Power Electronics and Control	15

Communication Systems Stream	Credits
Digital Communications	15
Optical Communications	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Final Year Outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of established knowledge and practice in electrical and electronic engineering and an in-depth knowledge of current developments in a specialist area
Research, review, and evaluate information from a range of sources to develop knowledge and understanding of advanced concepts
Apply a conceptual understanding to evaluate different problem-solving approaches and methodologies and to identify new approaches to the solution
Use engineering judgment to recognise and adapt information that may be partially specified and resolve conflicting inter-disciplinary requirements
Adopt appropriate investigative techniques to devise and critically evaluate solutions to an engineering problem subject to multiple real-world constraints
Select and use appropriate communication styles and formats to convey information and ideas at an appropriate level for academic, technical, and non-technical audiences
Evaluate and reflect on their knowledge, skills and competencies to formulate a personal development plan in line with their chosen engineering career
Plan, monitor and implement a substantial individual contribution to an engineering project to successfully achieve a measurable set of objectives

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

A Levels
BBC including Maths and one other STEM (a) subjects
BCC including Maths and one other STEM (a) subjects (with an EPQ or core maths* at grade B)
CCC including Maths and one other STEM (a) subjects (contextual offer)

List of STEM (a) subjects: Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Design Technology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Computer Science, Biology and Electronics.

*List of core maths qualifications we accept: AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies, City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics, NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Everyday Life, OCR (MEI)* Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving, OCR (MEI)* Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning, Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context, WJEC Eduqas Certificate in Mathematics for Work and Life and Level 3 Core Math.

Contextual offers
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma (Engineering): DDM including the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics.
Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma (Any Subject): DDM and A Level Maths at minimum grade B.
Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Distinction with the following units at Distinction: - Mathematics for Engineering - Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems or Further Engineering Mathematics
National Diploma and Diploma (Science/Technical/Engineering types): DM including the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics. This BTEC requires 1 A-level at a minimum Grade B
Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade Distinction plus an A-Level in any subject at grade C, with the following units at Distinction: - Mathematics for Engineering - Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems or Further Engineering Mathematics.
OR Achieve overall grade Distinction plus a BTEC Sub Dip/ Extended National Cert in any subject grade Merit, with the following units at Distinction: Mathematics for Engineering - Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems or Further Engineering Mathematics
OR Achieve overall grade Distinction plus an A-Level in Math at grade C
Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (Science/Technical/Engineering type): DM plus 2 A-levels at a minimum grade B. Diploma should include the following units at Distinction if A level is not in Mathematics: (QCF) Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics
Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (any subject): DM plus 2 A-levels at a minimum grade B in Mathematics and Physics or similar physical science A level subject
National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (science/ technical/ engineering type): M plus 2 A-levels at a minimum Grade B. Diploma should include the following units at Distinction (QCF) if one of the additional A level is not in Mathematics: Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians OR (RQF): Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics
National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (any subject): M plus 2 A-levels at a minimum grade B in Mathematics and Physics or similar physical science A level subject
Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted.

29 overall points with 5, 5, 4 in Higher Level subjects, including minimum grade 5 in Higher Level Maths and Physics.

Science or technical Access with at least 30 Distinctions and 15 Merits at level 3 including at least 15 credits at Level 3 in Mathematics and 15 credits at Level 3 in a physical science.

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and the whole application is reviewed which includes previous and predicted qualifications, any experience, references and motivation.

Whilst the grades listed here are our entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only an estimate. We will therefore consider applicants with predicted grades of CCC if the application is of a high standard which includes a strong personal statement and academic reference. However, any offer made will not be lower than stated here.

The following T Levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Design and Development for Engineering Manufacturing Grade D
Engineering Manufacturing Processing and Control Grade D
Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering Manufacturing Grade D

Additionally to our Level 3 requirement, you will also need to have achieved:

GCSE Maths Grade C/4 and English Grade C/4 and above.

Non-standard qualifications

Degree

Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a 1st year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent Level 3) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference from your current institution.

Year 2 entry: Please note that second-year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space in that year of the programme.
Typically, applicants for second-year entry must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have successfully passed (or be expected to pass) your first year with 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university with very similar module content.

The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference from your current institution.

Year 3: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,250
During placement year:	£1,250

International students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:	£21,500
During placement year:	£2,500

For Sandwich courses the placement fee is £1250 for Home/UK students and £2,500 for International students. For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies. For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

Fees listed are for 2024 entry. For Sandwich courses the placement fee is £1250 for Home/UK students and £2,500 for International students. For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies. For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

More information on fees

For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

The BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree is assessed through a combination of exams, project portfolios, client briefs, lab reports, presentations, and coursework. Your final degree classification is determined by your performance in all years after the first year.

The assessment methods will reflect the most effective and relevant way to review your performance for each module. Therefore, each module will be assessed in a variety of ways to reflect your knowledge from that module and how you would apply it in the real world.

Career prospects

Electrical engineering is the backbone of our technology-driven world. Your expertise will be sought after in various industries, guaranteeing a career filled with challenges and endless growth. There is a wide range of exciting career opportunities available to you, from power engineering to zero-carbon industries.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering is ranked Top 20 in the UK for graduates in professional level work or further study 15 months after graduation (The Guardian University League Tables 2023)

Recent graduates have moved on to roles including Sofware Engineer, Researcher, Embedded Systems Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, and Consultant. They are working for high-profile companies and organisations such as Thames Water, Corus, HSBC, Oxford University, Hewlett Packard, Cogent Defence, BAE Systems, Npower, Siemens, Orange, Vodafone, QinetiQ, the National Grid, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Cars and Microsoft.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

Does accreditation matter?

Yes. Working towards accreditation with your professional body means that you are among the best in your field.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Why should I take a year out in industry?

The optional placement year is available with all engineering courses, giving you invaluable practical experience and enhancing your career prospects through a paid professional placement in the UK or abroad.
We have excellent links with industry and will help to arrange this placement for you.