Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng(Hons) with integrated foundation year

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Top reasons to choose this course

• Foundation year that opens up opportunities in engineering if you don’t hold the required qualifications, are changing career or returning to study.
• Exciting project work that mirrors industry.
• Accredited by IET.
• Learn with researchers who are part of the Advanced Engineering Centre and the Centre for Precision Health and Translational Medicine.
• Student-led Sustainable Technology and Engineering Projects (STEP) lab – projects to problem-solve energy challenges.
• Specialist facilities including Simulation Suite with flight and car simulators, wind tunnel, prototyping labs and workshops, CNC machines, robotics and VR labs.
• Professional engineers visit to share their experiences through guest lectures.
• Gain a year of work experience on a placement during the BEng(Hons) degree.

Foundation year

On successful completion of the foundation year, students will transfer to the Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng(Hons) course.

Modules

• Core Mathematics

  Core Mathematics enables you to develop the mathematical knowledge that you need to study engineering. You’ll explore key concepts from arithmetics and algebra to quadratic equations and logarithmic functions through lectures, tutorials and computer-based workshops.

• Core Science

  Core Science introduces you to the concepts and applications of physics and electricity and helps you to build the study skills needed on an engineering degree. You’ll learn basic experimental techniques, measurements and technical report writing.

• Engineering Mathematics

  This module builds on the concepts learned in Core Mathematics and further develops the mathematical skills needed to study an engineering degree. You’ll be introduced to concepts including calculus, complex numbers and matrix algebra. 

• Engineering Science

  Building on the skills learned in Core Science, this module introduces further key physical concepts including light, heat, sound and electromagnetism. As well as taking attending lectures and taking part in tutorials, you’ll take part in practical classes and workshops in the lab.

• Mechanics

  Mechanics introduces you to the key concepts of classical mechanics used across different branches of engineering which you will then use to analyse the behaviour of simple mechanical systems. Content includes equations of motion, Newton’s law of motion, momentum and its conversion and resolving forces into components.

• Foundation Year Project

  The foundation year project is your opportunity to develop study skills including time management, research methods, problem-solving and presentation techniques. You’ll work in a small team to produce a technical report and a formal presentation.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Year 1

The first year is shared with our Electronic and Computer Engineering course.

You will explore fundamental electrical and electronic engineering topics and undertake design projects which integrate practical and theoretical work to help reinforce your learning.

Modules

• Engineering Mathematics

  In this module you will learn to apply mathematical concepts and software tools to solve engineering problems. On completion you will be able to use analytical techniques and software tools to solve simple algebraic problems, develop mathematical models of engineering systems and apply an appropriate analytical method or software tool to solve a mathematical model.

• Engineering Practice

  On this module you will develop your engineering skills using projects as the focus of your learning. You will work on group projects, applying engineering skills such as reflection, organisation, planning, design, communication and planning. You will be introduced to concepts across a range of engineering specialisms as part of a problem-based approach.

• Embedded Systems 1

  This module enables you to build a base of knowledge and skills in programming using the C language (a very common language used in embedded systems). By using the open-source electronic prototyping platform Arduino with its mix of sensors and actuators, you will be motivated to set programming challenges for yourself.

• Analogue and Digital Electronics

  This module will introduce you to the essential components and signals found in analogue and digital electronic systems. You will explore analysis tools that enable you to extract reliable and usable data and signals from circuits and learn how to use the tools to measure and improve electronic systems.

• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

  This module introduces artificial intelligence (AI) and gives you the skills needed for specialist study later in your degree. You will cover the principles and techniques of AI and gain an understanding of how to apply the techniques to real-world problems and situations.

• Introduction to Electrical Engineering

  This module will provide you with context and practical experience of electrical engineering. You will be introduced to fundamental characteristics of power system components, electrical power generation and distribution systems.

Year 2

You will learn programming to an advanced level and spend time in our specialist labs compiling, simulating and implementing your designs.

Modules

• Control and Applications

  On this module you'll explore the theory of the modelling and control of first and second order continuous systems. You'll apply what you learn in a series of hands-on lab-based exercises. 

• Embedded Systems 2

  Building on Embedded Systems 1 from your first year, this module enhances your understanding of microcontroller operation by relating software instructions to the hardware architecture using assembly code. You'll extend your C programming skills to be able to use the full functionality of microcontroller technology in an embedded real-time application.

• Digital Systems Design

  Digital Systems Design builds on your knowledge of basic combinational logic and sequential systems design. You'll apply these designs to programmable logic using VHDL as a hardware description language. The module is hands-on and you'll spend time in the laboratory compiling, simulating and implementing your designs using FPGA development software and hardware.

• Engineering Design

  On this module you’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to undertake and apply engineering theory to design practice. You’ll work in multidisciplinary groups on the design and manufacture of an engineering project – from market research to product ideation, development and launch – ending with a competitive test of the product’s functionality.

• Electrical Engineering 2

  Electrical Engineering 2 is an exploration of fundamental concepts used in the electrical power industry. You'll be introduced to the design and analysis of single and three phase electrical power systems, and to the design and operation of electrical power and conversion devices.

• Analogue Electronics and Communications

  This module enables you to explore the fundamental principles and concepts of analogue electronics and radio communications systems. Practical work, such as designing, building and testing an AM radio receiver, helps you to put the theories you are learning into practice.

Placement year

A placement year offers you a great opportunity to:   

• build knowledge of real-world businesses and organisations   
• develop existing skills and discover new ones   
• make contacts in industry and commerce   
• increase your confidence   
• improve your time management. 

You will also gain the appropriate amount of work experience to reach Engineering Technician (EngTech) status. 

Our students have been on placement with companies including:

• Rolls-Royce
• General Electric
• National Rail.

Final year

You will take an individual project from business plan stage through to project completion.

Modules

Core modules

• Individual Project

  In this module you’ll be both technical expert and project manager of your major individual project which investigates a technical problem in significant depth. You’ll work independently, with a member of academic staff acting as project adviser, building your confidence and competence in project management. The project enables you to bring together the skills you’ve learned during your degree, such as research, analysis and engineering application.

• Product Design

  You will further develop the knowledge and skills needed to design engineering products and components. Through a project-based approach, you will develop your ability to apply design techniques that underpin the generation of new products and examine the management and professional techniques used when releasing new products onto the market.

• Electronics

  This Electronics module will prepare you for advanced electronic design of switched-mode power supplies and linear interfaces for signal conditioning. You will gain an in-depth understanding of power electronic devices and circuits, analyse and design complex power electronic circuts and design power controllers for various electrical machine types.

• High Voltage Power, Distribution and Utilisation

  This module enables you to gain an in-depth understanding of high voltage power generation, distribution and associated technologies, helping you to prepare for the high voltage power engineering and high voltage testing industries.

Options*

• Digital Signal Processing

  Digital Signal Processing prepares you to apply digital signal algorithms to real-time signals. You'll develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to implement digital signal processing algorithms operating on real-time one-dimensional data. Part of your assessment will be a technical report detailing your investigation, evaluation and implementation of FIR and IIR filters in a real-world situation.

• Communications

  You will develop an understanding and knowledge of the principles of communications protocols and technology during this module. You’ll focus on case studies of particular applications in communications networks, digital television systems and mobile communications. You will use your new theoretical knowledge in practical design exercises such as investigating the use of digital television technology and data communications networks using industry-standard software.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Staff profile

Dr Zuhaib Khan, course leader

“In my role as a course leader I make a conscious effort to bring real-world examples and experiences into the classroom, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications. Engaging with current industry trends, challenges and innovations allows me to provide students with valuable insights that extend beyond the textbook. Additionally, I maintain an active presence in professional networks, fostering collaborations and partnerships that can enhance the learning experience for my students.

“Our students engage extremely well in practical, hands-on learning from industry visits and guest lectures to design and build projects and participating in competitions. Students also have opportunities to get involved in diverse and impactful research projects, applying their theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. Recent examples of student involvement include students contributing to the optimisation of a communication protocol for a low-power, long range wireless sensor network, and a research initiative focused on developing a real-time algorithm for the early detection of anomalies in ECG signals.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching undergraduates lies in witnessing the transformative journey as students navigate through their academic pursuits. The joy stems from facilitating the acquisition of knowledge and skills, fostering critical thinking, and observing students evolve into capable, enthusiastic professionals. The vibrant interactions with students, their diverse perspectives and the collaborative learning environment create a dynamic and enriching atmosphere that adds a sense of purpose and excitement to the teaching experience.”

Course fees

This course offers a professional placement (sandwich) year in year 3. If you choose to take this placement you will pay a reduced fee during this year. For students starting their undergraduate degree in the 2025–26 academic year, the fee for the professional placement year is £1,500 for UK students and £1,850 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases in line with inflation.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

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