Intro

With an extra year of integrated study at foundation level, this course opens up opportunities in engineering if you do not hold the required scientific A-levels or equivalent qualifications, are changing career, or returning to study.

The foundation year gives you the support, knowledge and skills you need. On successful completion of the foundation year, you can progress directly to the Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng(Hons).

Combining theory with practical experience, our accredited Electronic and Computer Engineering BEng(Hons) will prepare you for a career in digital, computing, and communications systems.

You’ll learn with a team with an international research reputation and explore areas including computer programming, data communications, microcontrollers, digital signal processing and microprocessor systems design.

Working with other engineering specialists on challenging and rewarding projects, and the chance to join the Brighton Formula Student team, gives you an experience that mirrors industry. Placements and guest lectures from industry provide professional insight and networking opportunities.

See our upcoming events

Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

UCAS code HI62

Full-time 4 years
With placement year 5 years

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Apply now with UCAS for 2023

Course content

Course structure

The foundation year is shared with all engineering disciplines and includes  core maths, engineering maths, core science and mechanics.   

In years 1 and 2 you will explore different aspects of power engineering, electronics and communications. You will also study mathematics, engineering concepts, electrical engineering, computer programming and engineering design, innovation and management.

After year 2 you may also opt to put your studies into practice by undertaking a year-long industrial placement.

The final year includes specialist options and a major individual project, which is often supported by industry.

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.

Please enable targeting cookies in order to view this video content on our website, or you can watch the video on YouTube.

Second year students put learning into practice with the Robot Wars project.

Foundation year

On successful completion of the foundation year you will progress directly to the Electronic and Computer Engineering BEng(Hons) course.

Modules

Core Mathematics
Core Science
Mechanics and Geometry
Engineering Mathematics
Engineering Science
Foundation Year Project

Year 1

The first year is shared with our Electrical and Electronic Engineering course. You will explore fundamental electronic engineering topics including engineering concepts, digital and analogue electronics, and mathematics.

Design projects enable you to integrate practical and theoretical work and help to reinforce what you are learning.

Year 2

Building on the knowledge and skills developed in year 1, you will explore topics such as computer programming, radio and navigation systems, microcontrollers and programmable logs.

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
Embedded Systems 2
Digital Systems Design
Engineering Design
Electrical Engineering 2
Analogue Electronics and Communications

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 such as Network Rail, General Electric, Rolls-Royce and Cummins Generator Technology.

Rolls Royce automotive production line in factory

Final year

Areas of study include digital signal processing, microprocessor systems design, and product innovation and management.

You will also undertake an individual project giving you the opportunity to explore an area that interests you most.

Modules

Project
Product Design
Digital Signal Processing
Communications
Embedded Systems 3

Careers

Becoming an engineer

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Professional accreditation ensures the content of the course prepares you for your career as well as giving you a strong academic grounding.

On successful completion of this course, you'll be eligible to apply for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status.

You can progress to Chartered Engineer status (CEng) after further study and experience.

Prepare for your career

In your career you need a combination of knowledge, skills, personal qualities and relevant experiences – and you’ll get all of this from your degree.

Project work in groups with other engineering specialists develops your teamwork, project management, presentation, and communication skills, giving you hands-on experience that mirrors industry:

Build and fight your own robot for our annual combat robot competition
Join our Formula Student team, Brighton Racing Motors, and help design and build a racing car that will compete at Silverstone motor racing circuit with universities from all over Europe
You’ll also have opportunities to get involved in real industrial projects.

Please enable targeting cookies in order to view this video content on our website, or you can watch the video on YouTube.

The Formula Student team on their journey to Silverstone

Facilities for learning

You’ll have access to our specialist facilities for hands-on learning

Facilities include:

the Sir Harry Ricardo labs
a Simulation Suite with flight simulators and a car simulator that use VR and motion platform tech
a wind tunnel
prototyping labs and workshops in our advanced engineering building
3D printers, CNC machines.

Click to view a virtual tour of some of our facilities.

Industry/Professional links

We work closely with industry to make sure you develop the skills and knowledge needed in the workplace.

Our industrial liaison panel advises on the content of our course.
Guest lectures from industry experts give you a feel for what it’s really like to be an engineer.
You will showcase your individual project to potential employers at the final year project exhibition.
Brighton technology company, Paxton, offers our engineering, computing, maths, and product design students three scholarships a year worth £10,000 and a three-month paid placement.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates are working in companies including: Rolls-Royce; Network Rail; Southern Water; Edwards High Vacuum; Innogy; Electa; Eurotherm; and Paxton Access.

Further study

You can progress to year 3 or 4 of our integrated masters MEng if you achieve the required standard in year 2 or 3 of the BEng.

Supporting your employability

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more...

Coloured background with the words Be More, Connected, Skilled, Emlployable

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff
72 UCAS tariff points with maths and physics at A or AS–level, otherwise 96 points. General Studies excluded.

A-levels
DDD with maths and physics. CCC without maths and physics.

BTEC
MMM/MMP.

International Baccalaureate
24 points, with two subjects at Higher level.

GCSE (minimum grade 4 or grade C)
At least five subjects including maths and a physical science. Mature students without these qualifications but with relevant industrial experience may be considered. EU students must have IELTS 5.0 plus UK AS-level equivalent qualifications including maths and physics.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
A qualification, HE credits or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3.

English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

Flexible admissions

When you apply to Brighton we want to hear about who you are. Grades are never the whole picture; we're interested in things like creativity, resourcefulness, persistence and the capacity to think big and find new ways of doing things. And we recognise that not everyone has the same background. That's why we treat everyone who applies as an individual. We recognise many qualifications and we care about all of your achievements and the experiences you've had that set you apart.

Find out more

Graphic with the text 'Potential + possibility'

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 15,300 GBP

If you choose to take the professional placement (sandwich) year offered on this course you will pay a reduced fee during this year. Our fee for the professional placement year is £1,410 for UK students and £2,180 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2023–24.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Moulsecoomb has been transformed by a recent development of our estate. On campus you'll find new Students' Union, events venue, and sports and fitness facilities, alongside the library and student centre.

Over 900 students live here in our halls, Moulsecoomb Place and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

Accommodation

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:

Mithras Halls are stylish new high-rises in the heart of the student village at our revitalised Moulsecoomb campus with ensuite rooms for more than 800 students.
Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Modern accommodation at Moulsecoomb

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Student Union social space at Moulsecoomb

Local area

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

Loading maps...

Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition.

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Stay in touch

See our upcoming events

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Statistics

Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised, and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at Brighton. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked below). You can find out also about the support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Course and module descriptions on this page were accurate when first published and are the basis of the course. Detailed information on any changes we make to modules and learning and assessment activities will be sent to all students by email before enrolment, so that you have all the information before you come to Brighton.

Discover Uni

Discover Uni enables you to compare information when choosing a UK university course. All UK universities publish Discover Uni data on their website.

Programme specification

The programme specification is the approved description of each course. They give a detailed breakdown of the content and structure of the course, and are updated following course changes.

Programme specification