Electronic Engineering with Enterprise Development
BEng (Hons) *

About this course

About

This course aims to prepare graduates to contribute to the electronics industry. The course will develop theoretical and practical skills in electronics engineering which are widely sought after across the wider engineering sector. Added to this the enterprise stream will intriduce the business world to studetns and encrouge innovation.

Year 1 provides an understanding of fundamental electrical and electronic engineering principles. It equips students with additional mathematical skills, identifies the potential of computer-based information handling, analysis and graphics, and develops the skills necessary for effective communication. Topics covered include electrical circuits, engineering mathematics, electronic systems, electrical technology, design and CAE and professional studies.

Year 2 builds on those skills developed in year 1. Students’ analytical skills are enhanced through their involvement in a wide range of engineering situations and roles. In the field, engineers will be expected to prepare project specifications, undertake research, create test procedures, write reports and interpret data. Modules offered are: control theory and applications, engineering analysis, microprocessor design and communications.

Year 3 Industrial placement. The third year is spent on Industrial Placement, an integral and compulsory part of the course. The student works as a trainee engineer in a relevant company and is paid an attractive salary. During placement, students develop key skills including project management, leadership and communication, as well as commercial awareness, which are crucial to being a professional electrical engineer.

Year 4 Students in their final year will study topics which include industrial automations and control, design, industrial applications and undertake a final year project.

Attendance

Attendance is full-time and is normally spread over a week. There are 12 weeks of teaching each semester and in full-time mode students cover 2 semesters per year. Between semesters students complete exams. Details of teaching times and dates are available on request.

Each student must complete 120 credits (usually 6 modules) in each academic year, with the exception of placement year (60 credits). Years 1, 2 and 4 are spent in the University. Modules are taught on campus and are web-supplemented. In Year 3, students undertake a years work experience.

Start dates

• September 2022

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

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 of the course. Case studies, groupwork and mini-projects are also extensively used. In the final year there is a major individual project.

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 of the course 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.

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

Grades BBB - no desirable subjects

Desirable Subject Offer: Grades BCC to include one from GCE A Level Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technology and Design, Design and Technology, Double Award Science/Applied Science, Engineering, or Electronics.

For applicants offering Mathematics, Further Maths or Physics in GCE A Level, a two grade reduction will be applied at the time of offer – BCC.

Applied General Qualifications

BTEC Level 3 QCF Extended Diploma in a relevant Engineering or related subject area with overall award profile of DDD. Also requires a Merit in either Mathematics for Engineering Technicians or Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, ANDa Merit in Mechanical Principles and applications.

OR

BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Diploma in a relevant Engineering or related subject area with DDM overall award grades to include a Merit in Engineering Principles and Merit in Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems.

The following are acceptable in particular combinations or with A-Level (s) -

NB Subject requirements apply (see above and A-level section).
BTEC Level 3 QCF Subsidiary Diploma, BTEC RQF National Extended Certificate,
BTEC Level 3 QCF 90-credit Diploma, BTEC Level 3 RQF National Foundation Diploma,
BTEC Level 3 QCF Diploma, BTEC Level 3 RQF National Diploma.

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

Please contact Admissions (contact details below) for further information about acceptable combinations for entry to this course.

Irish Leaving Certificate

120 tariff points to include a minimum of 4 subjects at Higher Level and 1 at Ordinary Level.

Scottish Highers

Grades BBBCC (to include minimum of BB in Mathematics and a science subject).

English & Maths required at Standard Grade 1,2 or 3.

Scottish Advanced Highers

The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is CCC

English & Maths required at Standard Grade 1,2 or 3

International Baccalaureate

Overall International Baccalaureate Diploma requirement is minimum 26 points (13 at Higher Level )

Higher or Subsidiary level in English Language required at Grade 4 or above.

Access to Higher Education (HE)

Access Diploma NI

Successful completion of Level 3 Access programme in Science/Technology with an overall 65%

PLUS GCSE English Grade C or Essential Skills Communication Level 2 or Communication Module (Level 2) in Access programme

PLUS 65% in NICATS Mathematics (level 2) or GCSE Mathematics grade C (or equivalent)

NBApplication of Number Level 2 is not acceptable as an alternative to GCSE Grade C Mathematics for entry to this course.

Access to HE Diploma (GB)

24 Distinctions and 21 Merits in Science/Technology

GCSE (or equivalent) minimum of Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics and English Language

NBApplication of Number Level 2 is not acceptable as an alternative to GCSE Grade C Mathematics for entry to this course.

GCSE

GCSE Mathematics Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent)

GCSE Grade C (or above) in English Language (or equivalent).

Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Essential / Key Skill in Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.

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

OCR/Cambridge Technical Combinations
The University accepts a range of alternative combination of qualifications including OCR Nationals and OCR Cambridge Technicals. However these qualifications do not satisfy the subject requirements for this course but can be used for grade purposes in combination with BTec/A-level subjects which meet the subject requirements (see above for more information).

HNC in Electrical, Electronic, Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering subject
Overall Distinction (with distinctions in 90 Level 4 credits) for year 1 entry only

HNDin Electrical, Electronic, Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering subject

Overall Merit (with distinctions in 60 Level 5 credits

HND applications may be considered for Year 2 entry where the curriculum sufficiently matches that of the Ulster University full - time Year 1 course.

Ulster Foundation Degree
Pass with overall 55% and minimum 55% in all taught level 5 modules. Applicants will normally be considered for entry to an associated Honours degree (normally Year 2 entry).

For further information regarding all of the above qualifications please contact Admissions -see contact details below.

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

Exemptions and transferability

Transfer between this course and other similar courses within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment may be possible on the basis of academic performance.

Exemption from parts of the course may be considered based on appropriate performance in a related, designated course or other approved experiential learning (APEL).

The course has been designed to enable students who graduate with a good honours degree to apply for postgraduate study towards a PhD, MSc, MRes or other higher qualification.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

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

Work placement / study abroad

In Year 3, the student will undertake a period of paid placement in an industrial or academic setting. Placement is compulsory and seen as an integral part providing the student the opportunity to develop into a junior engineer.

Apply

Start dates

• September 2022

Contact

Central Admissions Magee

Margaret Breslin

T: tel:+442871675494
E: admissionsmg@ulster.ac.uk

T: +44 (0)28 7167 5678
E: admissionsmg@ulster.ac.uk

International Admissions Office

E: internationaladmissions@ulster.ac.uk

Course Director: Dr JP Quinn

T: +44 (0)28 7167 5461

E: jp.quinn@ulster.ac.uk

For more information visit

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

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.