Program Overview

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Electrical and Electronic Engineering - BEng (Hons)

Overview

This course offers students a broad engineering experience designed to suit the current needs for Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Summary

The BEng Hons Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree will prepare you to become a professional electrical engineer, working on electrical products and systems, from research and design to installation. It will be your job to deal with the input of power to electrical systems, as well as with data acquisition and gathering.

You will be qualified to work in many areas, including power generation and control, transportation, IT, manufacturing, construction and telecommunications.

Most electrical engineers work with large-scale electrical systems, such as using electricity to transmit energy, however a wide range of technologies are being developed, from household appliances and installing lighting within buildings, to power stations and satellite communications.

The course has a built-in year of work experience, where students work in industry during their third year, making it a highly practical degree with highly trained graduates.

About this course

About

This course aims to prepare graduates to contribute to the electronic and electrical power industry. The course will develop theoretical and practical skills in electronics, power and renewable energy engineering which are widely sought after across the wider engineering sector.

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, electrical 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, electrical services, microprocessor design, power 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 automation and control, design, industrial applications and undertake a final year project.

The course is accredited by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) which contributes to achieving Chartered Engineer status. Year 1 students on this course are eligible to apply for the NIE Networks Scholarship.

Attendance

Attendance is part-time, day-time and typically requires one full day or two half-days per week for 12 teaching weeks each semester. The attendance requirements may vary from semester to semester.

Start dates

• September 2025

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.

Modules

Year one

• Mathematics for Engineering I
• Programming for Engineering
• Digital Electronics

Year two

• Computer Hardware and Operating Systems
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Circuit Analysis I

Year three

• Programmable Logic Controllers
• Mathematics for Engineering II
• Engineering of Control Systems and Signals
• Electrical & Electronic Machines

Year four

• Professional Development
• Circuit Analysis II
• Power Systems Analysis

Year five

• Renewable Energy & Smart Grids
• Microelectronics (optional)

Year six

• Final Year Project
• Programmable Logic Systems
• Industry 4.0
• Power Systems Analysis (optional)

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

You will normally be in full-time employment in an engineering capacity regarded as satisfying the industrial training requirements of the equivalent full-time courses. You should have attained a high level of performance in a Higher National Diploma/Higher National Certificate in an appropriate engineering subject, or a Bachelor of Technology degree, or hold an equivalent qualification e.g. Foundation Degree.

You will be required to satisfy the Course Committee that you have the support of your employer for release to attend the courses.

Please check the GCSE requirements below for entry to this course.

GCSE

GCSE (or equivalent) profile to include minimum of Grade C or above in Mathematics and English Language.

The Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment does not accept students with Essential Skills in Application of Number as the only mathematics qualification.

English Language Requirements

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.

Careers & opportunities

Job prospects in a wide range of engineering industries are excellent with the majority of graduates finding 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.

Fees and funding

Module Pricing

The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.

For modules commenced in the academic year 2025/26, the following fees apply:

• 120 credit points: £4,860 (NI/ROI), £9,535.20 (GB), £17,010 (International)
• 60 credit points: £2,430 (NI/ROI), £4,767.20 (GB), £8,505 (International)
• 30 credit points: £1,215 (NI/ROI), £2,383.80 (GB), £4,252.50 (International)
• 20 credit points: £810 (NI/ROI), £1,589.20 (GB), £2,835 (International)

Sustainability at Ulster

Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.

At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.

We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.