Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

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.

“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

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

Accredited degree

Accredited by The Institution of Engineering and Technology IET

Thriving student life

Aston Students’ Union was rated 8th in the UK in the 2022 What Uni League Table

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What you will learn

In this course you will apply your theoretical knowledge into practice in our state-of-the- art labs equipped with cutting-edge equipment. From building complex circuits to running software projects, you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience that sets you apart in industry.

First year

In the first year, you’ll gain a solid grounding in software engineering and computing systems, complemented by engineering expertise in digital electronics and telecommunications. To build a bridge between hardware and software specialists you’ll study computing and electronics with single honours students from the electronic engineering and computer science subject groups. The course will be split 75% Electronic Engineering and 25% Computer Science focus.

Second year

In your second year, you'll delve deeper into electronics theory and software engineering and put that knowledge into practice in practical lab sessions and group projects. In the second year, you will also enhance your soft skills through employability modules.

Placement year

Your placement will help you gain invaluable practical experience in a real work environment giving you a huge boost to future career prospects. The placement year is academically assessed and the MEng programme includes some distance learning business and sustainability modules, developing your skills in engineering and engineering management to a much greater depth.

Final year

In your final year, you will be able to choose a specialism you are passionate about by selecting from a broad range of master’s level module options from both electrical engineering and computer science. You will then consolidate all your learnings from the course and apply them to an in-depth final research project, based on your area of specialism.

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.

Nishika's placement experience

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.

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Electrical and Electronic Engineering Facilities

Course objectives

Allows you to develop practical, intellectual and employability skills in the field of electronic engineering and computer science, 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 team working, business and communication.
Provides you with an opportunity to gain industrial or overseas study and professional engineering experience as part of an integrated professional placement.
Ensures that you are provided with an up-to-date, broad-based and balanced study programme through strong links with industry & Aston’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
Electronic Engineering Fundamentals	30
Engineering Mathematics	15
Object Oriented Programming	30
Engineering Projects	30
Physical Principles	15
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

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

Be able to apply knowledge of circuit theory and programming principles to design basic electronic & computing systems
Have demonstrated knowledge of and the ability to apply computing and physics principles in engineering contexts
Be able to identify, evaluate and apply mathematical and computational approaches to problem-solving in electrical and electronic engineering
Be able to analyse measurement results and interpret technical data sheet specifications to make reasoned engineering design decisions
Have demonstrated the ability to effectively use electronic engineering components, test equipment and design, analysis, and programming software
Be able to effectively report and communicate technical results and independent study both in writing and orally
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

Year 2 modules

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

Module Title	Credits
Analogue and Power Electronics	15
Data Acquisition and Control	15
Software Engineering	15
Engineering Team Project	15
Professional Engineering Practice	15
Communications Systems	15
Digital Design	15
Programming Language Concepts	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 electronic and software engineering and their relevance to contemporary systems and applications
Be able to apply an understanding of mathematical, programming and engineering concepts and analysis techniques to develop solutions to a wide range of electronic engineering and computing problems
Have demonstrated the ability to design, evaluate and critically review solutions to an engineering problem subject to technical, commercial and societal constraints
Be able to 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
Be able to apply programming and computing skills to the structured design, modelling and implementation of engineering systems
Be able to communicate both technical and non-technical information at appropriate levels for different audiences both in writing and orally
Have demonstrated the ability to apply industry standard team working and project monitoring skills in the development of a prototype electronic and/or computing system

Placement year modules

You will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team. The MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering placement year is academically assessed and includes some distance learning business modules.

Placement Year

Module Title	Credits
Measurement, Automation, and Data Processing	15
Engineering Project Management	15
Sustainability in Science and Technology	15
Leadership in Engineering	15
Total	60

Choose 120 credits from the following options

Module Title	Credits
MEng International Study Placement	90
International Placement Assessment	30
MEng Industrial Placement	90
Individual Research	30
Total	180

*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.

Placement year outcomes

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

Develop new knowledge and understanding of a commercial engineering environment, the role of individuals within project teams and associated professional engineering issues
Be able to communicate effectively in a professional engineering environment
Reflect on experience studying in a different culture leading to personal development in global awareness, intercultural competency and adaptability
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 judgement to recognise and adapt information which 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.

Final year modules

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

Module Title	Credits
Digital Signal Processing	15
Final Year Project	45
Total	60

Choose 60 credits from the following options with at least 2 modules from Section B

Section A	Credits
Digital Systems Design	15
Digital Systems Hardware	15
Internet of Things	15
Total	45

and

Section B	Credits
Reliability in Software Engineering	15
Information Security	15
Data Mining	15
Total	45

Final Year Outcomes

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

Show originality in the application of a systematic understanding of the field to the investigation of issues at the forefront of a specialist area
Independently develop knowledge and understanding of advanced concepts through research, review and evaluation of information from a range of sources
Identify and adapt different problem-solving approaches and methodologies to generate creative engineering solution
Interpret and adapt information that may be partially specified and make informed, insightful engineering judgments to resolve conflicting inter-disciplinary requirements
Identify and select appropriate investigative techniques to devise evidence-based and critically evaluated solutions to an engineering problem subject to multiple real-world constraints
Select and use appropriate communication styles and formats to convey information and ideas and adapt these to the appropriate level for academic, technical and non-technical audiences
Critically evaluate their personal strengths and limitations, assess how these affect the ability to achieve objectives and make an independent appraisal of professional development requirements
Show adaptability and creativity in the planning, monitoring and implementation of a substantial individual contribution to an engineering project to successfully achieve a measurable set of objectives.

Entry requirements

A Levels
BBC to include Maths and a physical science or technology subject at minimum grade B (standard offer)
BCC to include Maths and a physical science or technology subject at minimum grade B (with an EPQ or core maths at grade B)
CCC to include Maths and a physical science or technology subject (contextual offer)
Physical science or technology subjects accepted: Physics, Electronics, Further Maths, Design Technology, Engineering Science
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 (Science/Technical/Engineering types): DDM including the following units at Distinction (QCF): Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians. OR (RQF): Engineering Principles, Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems, Further Engineering Mathematics.
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.

Non-standard qualifications:

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) 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.

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 gained (or be expected to gain) 65% overall and 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university. 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.

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

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.

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
(2024/25)

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

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:	£21,100
During placement year:	£2,500

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, 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.

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

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