Electronic Engineering
MEng (Hons)

About this course

About

Core to this degree is the Industrial Placement, in which you will take up employment in an engineering company, within the UK or worldwide. This industrial placement provides an important real world context for your studies and also allows you to gain relevant industrial experience, which is beneficial when applying for graduate positions.

Associate awards

Diploma in Professional Practice DPP

Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI

Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS

Find out more about placement awards

Attendance

Duration and Mode of Attendance

Full-time: five years (including placement).

Attendance
Typically 18-20 timetabled hours per week between 09.15 am and 5.15 pm. There are no timetabled activities on Wednesday afternoons.

Start dates

• September 2021

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching Methods

Formal lectures are supplemented by tutorials and laboratory investigations, as appropriate. Practical ‘hands on’ laboratory sessions are an integral part of many modules throughout all years. Case studies and group mini-project work are also extensively used. In the final year there is a major individual project.

Assessment

Generally, a combination of continuous assessment and examination is employed in each module. Continuous assessment includes class tests, library and laboratory based assignments, and individual and group project work. Some modules across all years are continuously assessed.

Content

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

• the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
• the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
• the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

Attendance and Independent Study

As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.

The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.

Calculation of the Final Award

The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Academic profile

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Engineering Mathematics

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides an understanding of the language and terminology of mathematics, together with the mathematical techniques from algebra, calculus and statistics that are necessary for the description and analysis of engineering systems.

Engineering Fundamentals

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides the fundamental principles mechanical and electrical technologies and provides a methodology for their practical application. The module covers topics such as: Statics and Strength of Materials, Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Linear DC Circuits, Energy Storage and AC Circuits.

Electronics 1

Year: 1

Status: C

This module will provide an introduction to semiconductor devices and their application in electronic circuits such as power supplies, voltage regulators and simple amplifier circuits.

Introductory Software Development

Year: 1

Status: C

Students will be introduced to the basic aspects of software development through the use of the Python programming language. An emphasis is placed on developing a broad understanding of the types of programming used in Engineering and beyond, rather than depth in each specific area. Students will learn about objects, modules and code re-usability and self-documentation. They will be encouraged to take a platform independent approach to development and choose their own tools. They should complete the module with a basic knowledge of the development landscape in terms of tools and techniques.

Electronic Design Automation

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides an introduction to Electronic Design Automation, specifically in relation to the design, development and manufacture of electronic circuit boards.

Professional Studies

Year: 1

Status: C

This modules makes students aware of the relevant professional, ethical, legal, and sustainability issues associated with being a professional engineer. Induction in how to study at university is included at the start of the module. Assessment is a combination of individual report, class test and team group report.

Manufacturing Processes

Year: 1

Status: C

A module which integrates formal study with a significant practical programme for the understanding and application of common manufacturing processes. Production of a working electro-mechanical product will deepen knowledge and develop basic skills for selected manufacturing processes. Candidates will critique their work to improve the product design and select appropriate production processes for batch manufacture.

Year two

Microcontroller Systems

Year: 2

Status: C

This module is designed to enable students to be able to implement intelligent digital systems based on microcontroller technology.

Signals and Communications

Year: 2

Status: C

This module provides a foundation in the fundamental principles of signals and communication systems.

Control Theory & Applications

Year: 2

Status: C

This module provides an understanding of the theoretical concepts and use of feedback-control systems. Theoretical studies are supported by the use of appropriate PC-based analysis and design simulation packages.

Engineering Analysis

Year: 2

Status: C

This module provides a strong basis in important analytical techniques from algebra and calculus and statistics, which are necessary for the description and analysis of engineering systems.

Electrical Machines

Year: 2

Status: C

Electrical services: the operation and application of transformers, AC and DC motors including selection, electromagnetic fields, circuits and electronics. Lighting systems. Students will also conduct laboratory experiments and undertake pratical laboratory based projects.

Electronics 2

Year: 2

Status: C

This module considers further component and system level analysis and design of analogue and digital electronic circuitry, appropriate to fields such as computing, communications, signal processing and instrumentation.

Engineering Programming

Year: 2

Status: C

This module is designed to introduce engineering students to the basic principles of algorithmic programming, and the solution of engineering problems using MATLAB and Simulink.

Year three

Industrial Placement

Year: 3

Status: C

This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.

International Academic Studies

Status: O

Year: 3

This module is optional

This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.

Year four

Signal Processing

Year: 4

Status: C

The module provides a knowledge of analogue and digital signal processing with particular application to biomedical signals.

Advanced Control Systems

Year: 4

Status: C

This module covers theoretical and practical aspects of advanced state space controllers.

Embedded Systems

Year: 4

Status: C

This module will provide knowledge relating to embedded systems from programming to interfacing and relating IoT based applications. More importantly, the focus will be to increase skills of students to develop a design from a paper to a prototype level.

Industrial Management

Year: 4

Status: C

This module provides an insight to key areas of management within organisations; operations management, strategic management and human behaviour within organisations. Teaching methods include lectures, guided discussions and seminars.

German (ab initio)

Year: 4

Status: C

This introductory module is to equip students with a basic linguistic competence and give them confidence in their own language learning abilities. The teaching methods aim at encouraging learner autonomy at the crucial early stages of language acquisition. The research on aspects of contemporary German society is to tune the students' sensitivity to another culture.

Nanotechnology

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module gives the student an overview of nanotechnology and its applications in engineering.

Object Oriented Programming

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module extends the students understanding of the design and creation of software structures using an object-oriented paradigm. The programming language is C++ which is of particular relevance to engineering students.

Communication Circuit Design

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module provides a foundation in the principles of modern communication circuits.

ASICs and digital design

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module will introduce the building blocks of the digital circuits and approaches to analyse, synthesis, verify and test the digital circuits using EDA tools and relating hardware (e.g. FPGA).

Microelectronics

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

The course covers the theoretical background, analytical tools and practical skills to design digital integrated circuits in CMOS technology from device level up to register level.

Power Electronics

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module is designed to enable students to be able to implement power electronic circuits based on modern switch technology with the aid of calculations and simulation programs.

Scientific Project with Seminar

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module is designed to equip students with the appropriate research and project management skills needed to complete an electrical engineering project.

Academic Placement - Kempten

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module is offered in Germany and enables the student to study electrical and electronic engineering through the German language and partially fulfils the requirements for being awarded the German Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering.

Electrical Drive Systems

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module covers the theoretical and practical aspects of modern electric drive systems and enables students to work on the field of development and application.

Academic placement - Augsburg

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module is offered in Germany and enables the student to study engineering through the German language and partially fulfills the requirements for being awarded the German Master's Degree in Mechatronic Systems.

Power Electronics and Electrical Drives

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module is offered in Augsburg, Germany, and covers the theoretical and practical aspects of Power Electronics and Electrical Machines combined with the required new power semiconductors.

VLSI Design

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module is offered in Germany and covers the theoretical and practical aspects of VLSI by design and fabrication of ASIC chips specified to perform signal processing functions.

Control and Automation

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module is offered in Germany and covers theoretical and practical aspects of modern process automation concepts.

Communications

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module is offered in Germany and covers theoretical and practical aspects of digital communication systems.

Telecommunication Systems

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This course covers the theoretical background, algorithmic details and practical aspects of modern digital telecommunication systems.

Mechatronics

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

This module is offered in Germany and covers the theoretical and practical aspects of mechatronics, control and simulation techniques for micro-mechanical systems combined with electronics and bonding technologies to connect both.

Electric Power Systems

Status: O

Year: 4

This module is optional

The module covers theoretical and practical aspects of electric power systems with a large share of decentralised and renewable generation units.

Year five

MEng Final Year Dissertation

Year: 5

Status: C

This module is designed to equip students with the appropriate research and project management skills needed to complete an MEng level project and prepares them to be able to contribute positively in their first engineering graduate employment.

An ethos of professionalism can be developed and demonstrated in the way that earlier learned material can be successfully applied in engineering applications; this can continue after graduation and is an essential requirement of a practising Chartered Engineer.

Students are expected to design the project in collaboration with their supervisor. They will be responsible for carrying out the project and writing up and presenting their work in the form of an oral/poster presentation and a final written dissertation.

Product Innovation

Year: 5

Status: C

This module aims to provide participants with the capability to improve the competitiveness of companies through new product and/or process innovation. A major team design project is addressed, derived from a real problem from within a local manufacturing company. Material covered is supported through tutorial/lecture sessions as appropriate.

Embedded Systems RTOS Design

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module enables the student to design and implement cost-effective reliable real-time embedded systems that can be shown to meet the current industry performance, reliability and safety standards.

Microwave and RF Design

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module will equip the student with a deeper knowledge of microwave and RF circuit design and provide an understanding of how practical microwave devices are implemented in integrated circuit form for deployment in modern communication systems.

Digital Signal Processing

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module enables the student to understand, design apply and evaluate digital signal processing algorithms.

Micro- & Nano-Scale Devices

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

The course provides an in depth knowledge of micro-nanodevices, as well as micro and nanofabrication techniques using elements from nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Electronic Systems Design

Status: O

Year: 5

This module is optional

This module enables the student to understand, design apply and evaluate electronic systems.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

A level

The A Levels requirements are grades ABB to include Mathematics and one from GCE A Level Physics, Chemistry, Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Engineering or Electronics.
Desirable Desirable Subject Offer - GCE A Level Physics.
Applicants presenting A Level Physics will receive a one grade reduction at the time of offer i.e. BBB.

Applied General Qualifications

The requirement for this course is successful completion of BTEC QCF Level 3 Extended Diploma/National Extended Diploma in Engineering with overall award profile of D*DD. Also required Distinction in a unit of Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians.

OR

BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Diploma in Engineering with profile DDM to include a Distinction in Engineering Principles and Distinction in Further Engineering Mathematics.

NOTE: The RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Engineering will satisfy the subject requirement as long as it includes Merit in Engineering Principles and only when presented with Merit in an additional module, Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems

The Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment accepts combinations of A Levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate, 90-Credit Diploma/National Foundation Diploma and BTEC Diploma/ National Diploma. For further information on the requirements for this course please contact Admissions staff by telephone on +44 (0)28 9036 6309 or email admissionsjn@ulster.ac.uk

Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence

Irish Leaving Certificate

128 UCAS Tariff points to include a minimum of four subjects at Higher Level and one subject at Ordinary Level. English Grade H6 or above (HL) or Grade 04 or above (Ordinary Level) if not sitting at Higher Level. Higher Level subjects must include Mathematics and one other Higher Level subject from Physics, Chemistry, Physics/Chemistry, Biology, Technology, Engineering, Technology and Design.

Scottish Highers

The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BBBBC (to include minimum of B in Mathematics and another science subject).

Scottish Advanced Highers

The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is BBC (to include Mathematics and a science subject).

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate Diploma requirement for this course is a minimum of 27 points to include 13 at Higher Level and to include minimum grade 6 in Higher Level Mathematics and grade 5 in another Higher Level science subject. Grade 4 in English Language also required in overall profile.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

MEng entry is not available directly from an Access course.

GCSE

GCSE Grade C,4 (or above) in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent).

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

• English language requirements
• Your country

Additional Entry Requirements

The General Entry Requirements must also be met including English Language minimum GCSE grade C (or equivalent). Please check the following link http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#ger

Exemptions and transferability

Applicants who have successfully completed studies equivalent in content and level to the Year 1 modules are considered for direct entry into Year 2. Students on the MEng Hons course have the opportunity to transfer to the linked MEng Electronic Engineering + German Masters degree course. Transferability is dependent on academic performance and availability of places.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

Job prospects in a wide range of engineering industries are excellent, with the majority of graduates finding employment within four months of graduation. Graduates with a MEng Hons, first class or upper second class award all satisfy the requirements for a wide range of postgraduate research posts and scholarships in electronic, computing, mechatronic and biomedical engineering.

Work placement / study abroad

Core to this degree is the Industrial Placement, in which you will take up (paid) employment in an engineering company, within the UK or worldwide, normally in year 3 of the programme.

The industrial placement provides an important real-world context for your studies and also lets you gain relevant industrial experience, which is beneficial when applying for graduate positions.

Professional recognition

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

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 a Chartered Engineer.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Apply

Applications to full-time undergraduate degrees at Ulster are made through UCAS.

Start dates

• September 2021

Contact

Course Director: Dr Robert J McMurray

T: +44 (0)28 9036 6176

E: rj.mcmurray@ulster.ac.uk

Admissions Contact: Susan McRoberts

T: +44 (0)28 95367074

E: s.moore@ulster.ac.uk

Admissions Service:

T: +44 (0)28 9036 6309

E: admissionsjn@ulster.ac.uk

For more information visit

• Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
• School of Engineering

Disclaimer

1. The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
2. Although reasonable steps are taken to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses and introduce new courses if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key staff, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding or other circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
3. If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
4. The University does not accept responsibility (other than through the negligence of the University, its staff or agents), for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University but will take into consideration the effects on individual students and seek to minimise the impact of such effects where reasonably practicable.
5. The University cannot accept any liability for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its control, but the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.