Electronic and Communication Engineering BEng(Hons)

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Top reasons to choose this course

• Exciting project work that mirrors industry
• Learn with internationally recognised researchers who are part of our Advanced Engineering Centre, and our Centre for Precision Health and Translational Medicine
• Student-led Sustainable Technology and Engineering Projects (STEP) lab – working to solve energy challenges
• Specialist facilities including CISCO certified communications and cybersecurity lab, flight and car simulators, wind tunnel, prototyping labs and workshops, CNC machines and robotics and VR labs
• Professionally accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology
• Work with engineering specialists and innovative researchers on challenging and rewarding projects such as fighting robots, rocket cars and the International Engineering Without Borders challenge
• Professional engineers visit to share their experiences through guest lectures
• Gain a year of work experience on placement

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.

Second year students put learning into practice with the Robot Wars 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 electronics and mathematics.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• Communication Networks

  Communication Networks will develop your understanding of the principles of analogue communications systems and network protocols. You'll get to grips with basic network configuration and troubleshooting, identifying LAN security threats alongside configuring and securing a basic WLAN.

• Dynamics and Control

  This module introduces concepts to describe the dynamic behaviour of practical engineering systems. You'll learn to build mathematical models for engineering systems that can be used to analyse and predict the dynamic behaviour of mechanical systems. You'll also explore design and simulation methodologies for systems to control the dynamic behaviour of engineering systems. 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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:

• Network Rail
• General Electric
• Rolls-Royce
• Cummins Generator Technology.

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

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.

• Wireless Computer Networks

  On this module you'll develop advanced knowledge of the key design aspects of modern wireless communication systems. You'll also explore communication systems theory and the latest innovations in technology.

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.

• Networking

  Large enterprises depend heavily on the smooth operation of their network infrastructures. You'll explore the architectures and considerations related to designing, securing, operating and troubleshooting enterprise networks. The module will also prepare you for CCNA certification as an optional activity. 

• AI/ML for Robotics Communication Systems

  This module introduces artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques and applications used in robotics and communication systems. You'll develop in-depth knowledge of topics such as neural networks, data mining, information filtering, node-to-node communication and mobile/wireless communications like 5G and B5G. And you'll use that knowledge in a group practical project to design and build a system.

*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 signal.

“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.

Brighton Achieves scholarship – Engineering

The Gittins Family Charitable Trust supports this scholarship which offers £1,000 a year for three years of undergraduate study in one of eight engineering courses. Three scholarships are available to students in their first year of study who have a home household income of £25k–£45k. Find out how to apply.

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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