A wide-ranging course where you will develop a solid understanding of electronic practice, theory and industrial applications.
Students will complete the next academic year (2020/21) on the Jordanstown campus *
Thereafter, from 2021, they may transition campuses.
Precise timings will be communicated as we progress through the final stages of the build of the enhanced Belfast campus.
*subject to COVID-19 restrictions and on-line learning provision
Electronics engineers are the brains behind the iPad, the mobile phone and GPS devices - in fact, any innovative piece of technology you can think of.
Every device with an electrical current running through it has been designed, built and manufactured by electronics engineers. They work closely with product designers, manufacturers and consumer experts to develop ideas for new products - it is the job of the electronic engineer to make sure they work.
Electronic engineering graduates are highly employable and can find work in areas such as electronics, automotive, IT, telecoms, manufacturing, utilities and construction.
The university has worked closely with employers to develop this MEng Hons course to prepare students for a wide range of industrial electronic roles.
Expanding on the knowledge gained in the first four years (three years study plus a one year industrial placement), this course will allow you to choose specialist subjects in the fifth year. This will let you extend your knowledge in an area of interest to you, or an area which will provide further career opportunities.
Using a connected programme of study which allows you to build on the knowledge gained in each semester, this degree will prepare you to become a well-rounded engineer equipped for a wide range of roles within industry.
Sign up to register an interest in the course.
In this section
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.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Find out more about placement awards
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
A globally recognised hub of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Students will complete the next academic year (2020/21) on the Jordanstown campus *
Thereafter, from 2021, they may transition campuses.
Precise timings will be communicated as we progress through the final stages of the build of the enhanced Belfast campus.
*subject to COVID-19 restrictions and on-line learning provision
High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.
Find out more - information about accommodation
At Student Support we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
Find out more - information about student support
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.
In this section
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.
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.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides an introduction to Electronic Design and manufacturing, specifically in relation to the design, development and manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCBs).
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will introduce students to studying Electronic and Mechatronic Engineering at Ulster University and will develop some of the foundational knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed on their degree programme.
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. It will also introduce the field of digital electronics, with simple combinational logic circuit analysis and simplification
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will introduce students to working in multidisciplinary teams to solve a real-world problem and present their solution to an audience of their tutors and peers.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides a foundation in the fundamental principles of signals and communication systems.
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.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will equip students with necessary knowledge and hardware-software design skills needed to design/implement microcontroller based embedded systems.
Year: 2
Status: C
The understanding of electrical power systems, AC and DC motors including selection, performance and analysis; plus their relevance to mechanical drive systems.
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.
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.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
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.
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.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module gives the student an overview of nanotechnology and its applications in engineering.
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.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides a foundation in the principles of modern communication circuits.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module covers theoretical and practical aspects of advanced state space controllers.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module is offered in Germany and covers theoretical and practical aspects of digital communication 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.
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.
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.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module provides a knowledge of analogue and digital signal processing of simple level systems;
with particular application to basic signals generated by biological systems.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module addresses important aspects the control and conversion of electrical energy using power electronics devices, their efficiency, power dissipation and thermal control.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module introduces environmental issues, key aspects and provides coverage of science, technology, design, regulations and management systems pertaining to environmental protection, resource conservation and alternative energy sources.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
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
Year: 5
Status: C
This module enables the student to understand, design apply and evaluate digital signal processing algorithms.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module enables the student to understand, design apply and evaluate electronic systems.
Year: 5
Status: C
A module which integrates lectures with group activities in the study of the basics of research methods and management processes. The student will consolidate their learning of research methodologies, management processes, data processing, literature review, report and dissertation making.
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
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.
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.
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.
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
This module covers some advanced control theories including: Lyapunov and function analytic techniques for nonlinear systems stability analysis, sliding mode, concept of fault diagnosis, computer-aided control systems design using optimal and robust control methods, and aspects of control research.
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
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.
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
To provide participants with the capability to improve the competitiveness of companies through entrepreneurship practice and new product and/or process innovation. A major team design project is addressed derived from a real problem from within a local/global manufacturing company. Material covered is supported through tutorial, lecture and workshop sessions as appropriate.
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.
In this section
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.
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
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.
The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BBBBC (to include minimum of B in Mathematics and another science subject).
The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is BBC (to include Mathematics and a science subject).
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.
MEng entry is not available directly from an Access course.
GCSE Grade C,4 (or above) in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent).
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.
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
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.
In this section
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.
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.
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.
Applications to full-time undergraduate degrees at Ulster are made through UCAS.
Fees illustrated are based on 21/22 entry and are subject to an annual increase.
Correct at the time of publishing. Terms and conditions apply.
Additional mandatory costs are highlighted where they are known in advance. There are other costs associated with university study.
£4,530.00
£9,250.00
£14,910.00
The Faculty of Computing and Engineering Prize list is available at :
ulster.ac.uk/academicoffice/prizes.html
Tuition fees and costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges), and normal living are a part of university life.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering) inoculations, security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.
We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi is also available on each of the campuses.
There will be some additional costs to being a student which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs as well as tuition fees.
Please contact the course team for more information.
Course Director: Dr Robert J McMurray
Admissions Contact: Susan McRoberts
Admissions Service: