Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

MEng (Hons)

This innovative integrated master’s degree is designed to reflect the demands of ‘real world’ digital electronics, so you can make an impact in society. 

Location: Aston University, Birmingham

Course type
Full-time
Entry requirements
Duration

4 years

UCAS code(s)

GH64

Start date

Course overview

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), successful completion of this degree will put you on the path to Chartered Engineering status. Setting you up for a successful career in a diverse and in-demand sector.

This integrated master’s focuses on the two pillars that underpin modern society. Electronic Engineering focuses on designing, developing, and optimising electronic systems, while Computer Science deals with the theory and application of computing. 

Studying both disciplines equips you with a holistic understanding of technology, enabling you to create groundbreaking solutions that integrate hardware and software seamlessly.

Devang testimonial image

“The teaching and student support enhanced my time at Aston as it helped me on the path to achieving an integrated master’s degree with a placement year experience within 4 years! My placement gave me an insight into what I would like to do after university and assisted me in beginning my path towards professional accreditations aiming towards Chartered Engineer status.”

Devang Shah
Electronic Engineering
Electrical Engineer Graduate, Network Rail

Why Electronic Engineering and Computer Science at Aston University?

Tef_gold
TEF Gold
Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)
IET accreditation logo
Accredited degree
Accredited by The Institution of Engineering and Technology IET
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Thriving student life
Aston Students’ Union was rated 8th in the UK in the 2022 What Uni League Table


* 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. 

Course description

MEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

This course will expand the breadth and depth of your knowledge in digital electronics, a highly sought after skill set.

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What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by accredited academics, researchers, and visiting professors from industry. You will receive free IET membership, and access to the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, one of the world’s leading photonics research centres. Use of world-class facilities, including a dedicated electrical engineering student lab, and a brand-new high-spec laptop to keep.

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.

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What you will provide 
If you have a passion for innovation, a thirst for knowledge, and a desire to be at the forefront of technological advancement, then this is the course for you. Studying on our integrated master’s it is essential you are dedicated and hardworking and someone who enjoys problem-solving and getting stuck into practical work.

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What skills we teach
You will develop a solid foundation of technical software and hardware skills. From mastering a range of programming languages to delving into the world of data mining. The design of this innovative course emphasises ‘doing’ as well as ‘knowing’, helping you to develop essential practical, intellectual, business, and communication skills, critical to the workplace. 

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Placement year
You will have the option to undertake a 12-month industrial placement, alongside undertaking our distance learning business modules. 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 BNFL, ConocoPhillips, GSK, Kraft, Thames Water, AMEC and 3M.

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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 flexible and in-demand degree have gone on to successful roles such as Software Engineer or Developer, Electronics Design Engineer and Graduate Consultant Engineer for leading companies like BT, Microsoft, Open Cosmos and JLR.

How you will learn

You will spend a substantial amount of time in workshops allowing you to apply your theoretical knowledge into practice, designing your own products and working with cutting-edge equipment will be a core part of the course. 

You will be involved in individual and group project work throughout the programme, getting the opportunity to collaborate with students across a range of engineering disciplines.

Here at Aston University, we are passionate about supporting our students. You will have a personal tutor and a dedicated programming support officer 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 and Aston Computer Science Society
  • Become a member of the 'Industry Club'. Where you'll gain access to hands-on industry experience, internships, and projects with tech companies. Helping you build your professional network from the get-go.
  • 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.
  • 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.
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My Placement at Renesas Electronics

Nishika acquired her placement year with Renesas Electronics through the UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF) Scholarship Scheme. During her placement, Nishika worked as a software developer, writing code for microprocessors.

Facilities

You will learn in our recent £1.3 million refurbished electronics labs, gaining hands-on experience in our high-spec workspaces, with support from our exceptional technicians, meaning you will be industry-ready once you graduate. Some of the facilities include;

  • 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

As part of our innovative, modern delivery model we also provide a free laptop to all Computer Science students and is yours to keep at the end of your studies. We ensure these laptops are fitted out with a specification to suit the range of our teaching.

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) subject
    BCC including Maths and one other STEM (a) subject (with an EPQ or core maths* at grade B)
    CCC including Maths and one other STEM (a) subject (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.
  • National Diploma and Diploma (Science/Technical/Engineering types): DM including the following units at Distinction, if one of the additional A level is not in Mathematics (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians. OR (RQF): Engineering Principles, Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems, Further Engineering Mathematics. This BTEC requires 1 A-level at a minimum Grade B.
  • 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, Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Mechanical/Electrical Principles, Further Mechanical/Electrical Principles. OR (RQF): Engineering Principles, Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems, Further Engineering Mathematics, Specialist Engineering Project.
  • Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (Science/Technical/Engineering types): DM plus 2 A-levels at a minimum grade B in Mathematics and Physics 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, if one of the additional A level is not in Mathematics. (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians. OR (RQF): Engineering Principles, Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems, 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, 5 in Higher Level subjects, including Higher Level grade 5 in Maths and a physical science or technology subject.

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 Physical Science.

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 English and Maths 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. 

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 MEng Electronic Engineering and Computer Science degree is assessed through a combination of exams, project portfolios, quizzes, quality reviews, lab reports, presentations, and analysis reports.

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

The demand for professionals who have mastered both fields of electronics and computing is consistently high. Our MEng Electronic Engineering and Computer Science graduates have gone on to work in a variety of roles including Software Engineer and Developer, Electronics Design Engineer, Graduate Consultant Engineer and Electronic Engineer. For a range of employers, such as: HSBC, Renesas Electronics, BAE Systems, Npower, Siemens, Vodafone, QinetiQ, the National Grid, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Cars and Microsoft.

Many of our MEng Electronic Engineering and Computer Science graduates have gone on to complete their PhD with us in the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, one of the world’s leading photonics research centres.

Graduation

Be part of our community

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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. 

How will a placement year benefit me?

The 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. 

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

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