Program Overview

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Electronic and Electrical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng(Hons)

Overview

This programme is not available to international students. Instead, international students should apply for our international foundation programmes delivered by our International Study Centre on campus. Electronic and electrical engineering is behind the technologies that have driven the global economy for decades and society needs electronic and electrical engineers of the future to be innovative and adventurous.

Our integrated foundation degrees are for those of you who possess the capability to pursue a degree but do not have the pre-requisite qualifications to directly apply to your desired course, it leads onto our accredited BEng(Hons). The duration of the foundation element is one year and if you successfully pass, you will automatically progress on to the degree. Our Common First Year (which is year two of the integrated foundation year course) lets you explore key areas of Electronic and Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering, giving you the chance to “taste” different specialisms before you decide. You will work in multi-disciplinary teams and build a solid foundation aligned with industry needs, whichever path you choose next.

This course provides you with the skills to convert theory into practice so that you could become an innovator of the future. Electronic and electrical engineering doesn't just lead to a career, it's a gateway to improved prospects, increased earning potential, and the ability to shape your own path in this crucial industry. The systems created by this vital industry keep society running and creative talent is needed to ensure these systems are maintained in an ethical and sustainable manner.

You’ll be taught by academics who are also professional engineers, many of whom have years of industry and research experience. We cover the generation, distribution, application and control of electrical energy.

Why study Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng(Hons) at Huddersfield?

Our aim is to provide you the knowledge and skills to succeed in this fast-paced sector, careers in this industry could include Electronic Engineer, Systems Engineer, Control Systems and Instrumentation Design Engineer or Application Design Engineer. We'll explore the principal aspects of electronic and electrical engineering, investigating areas such as, sustainable power generation, integrated electronic and electrical systems and performance and electronic control of electric machines.

In our Electronic and Electrical Engineering subject area, our degree programmes share the same first year of study, so you can leave your options open until the start of your third year.

In your fourth year, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in an optional industry work placement, where you’ll put your knowledge into practice and boost your employability. In your final year you will work on a selected individual research/design project with the support of your academic supervisor. It is possible to align this with one of the Master's team projects, which involve the design, build and friendly competitive testing of either a road, airborne or rail vehicle, for example, Team HARE, Team Hawk or HudRail.

During year two and three, you'll take part in our EnABLE (Engineering in an Activity Based Learning Environment) initiative. This sees you work in small teams to solve real engineering problems. EnABLE reflects how real engineering departments operate, which could boost your employability when undertaking an optional industrial placement and when securing your first graduate role post-university.

Entry requirements

To find out if you’re eligible to start this course in September 2025 and get more information on how to apply, please see our Clearing pages.

If you’re interested in studying this course in September 2026, please view the course information.

Course Detail

• Foundation Year
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Year 4 – optional placement year
• Final year
• Teaching and assessment
• Teaching excellence
• Global Professional Award

Foundation Year

• Communication and Research: In this module you will explore the importance of communication in computing and engineering. With the opportunity to practice this in both written and verbal forms and gain confidence in presenting to a group. You will also explore how to source relevant and well documented information to support your reporting needs. These research and communication skills will form the basis for your ongoing needs as a professional engineer.
• Engineering Investigative Studies: This may be your first introduction to some basic engineering skills. You will gain an appreciation of basic electronics and measurement and have the opportunity to build your skills in practical application of engineering skills through guided investigation and discovery learning. Aspects of computer aided design, civil, mechanical and electrical and electronic engineering are introduced, including digital electronics, computer interfacing, control, design, constructions, manufacture and mechanical testing.
• Foundation Mathematics: In this module you explore and practice using the necessary mathematical tools and principles required for your first-year studies. You will begin with some basics in arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry these will be followed rapidly by the more advanced areas of sets, matrices, vectors and calculus.
• Foundations of Engineering: In this module you will begin to understand the physical principles that govern the operation of our world that will underpin your future studies of mechanical, civil and electrical engineering. You will also gain the necessary experimental and analytical skills you will need to progress into your choice of Engineering degree.

Core modules:

• Engineering Computational Skills: The module provides a comprehensive foundation in Engineering Mathematics, equipping you with the essential mathematical tools and techniques required to tackle complex engineering problems. It covers key topics such as functions, linear mathematics, calculus, and numerical methods, with a strong emphasis on applying these concepts to real-world engineering scenarios. You will develop your analytical skills and learn to model engineering problems using MATLAB, a powerful tool for solving and visualizing mathematical models. The integration of theory with practical applications ensures that you are well-prepared for the more advanced analytical modules in the subsequent years of your course as well as for your future careers in engineering. This module lays the groundwork for successful problem-solving and mathematical modelling, essential skills in the field of engineering.
• Professional Skills and Research Awareness: This module provides you with an appreciation of the broad role of the engineer and technologist in society, including responsibilities, ethical behaviour, and contribution to the business team. It will introduce you to the personal and professional skills required to succeed as both students and professional engineers. You will acquire skills related to study techniques, research and analysis, project management, academic writing and communication and you will be introduced to Continuous Professional Development (CPD). In addition, this module aims to give you a foundation in computer programming. You’ll be introduced to coding, testing and documenting software appropriate for engineering systems. You’ll be supported in developing your knowledge and understanding of the underlying syntax and logic structures specified by the programming language by solving practical problems in dedicated lab sessions. You’ll be expected to design and implement a software solution to a given problem specification.
• Engineering Science: In this module, you will explore the science of flow in engineering systems, focusing on three core areas: mechanical, fluid, and electrical systems. First, you will study the dynamics of mechanical systems, understanding the forces, energy, and motion that govern their behaviour. Topics such as forces and equilibrium, linear and angular motion, and work-energy principles will help you grasp the fundamental concepts driving mechanical systems. Next, you will investigate the flow of fluids, learning how pressure, viscosity, and flow dynamics affect fluid movement in pipes, open channels, and thermofluid devices. The principles of thermodynamics, steady and unsteady flow, and the application of Bernoulli’s theorem will give you insights into how energy is transferred and conserved within fluid systems. Finally, you will delve into the behaviour of electric currents and electromagnetic fields. You will examine the fundamentals of electrostatics, current flow, and the principles of inductors and capacitors, applying these concepts to analyse circuits using network theorems and complex impedances. You will also explore the behaviours of electrical systems, developing an understanding of their dynamic response. Through theoretical learning and practical applications, you will build a comprehensive understanding of how motion and flow operate in engineering systems.
• Electronic System Fundamentals: In this module, you will explore the foundational concepts of analogue and digital electronics. It begins with electric circuit theory, and circuit analysis techniques, before exploring how these concepts are applied to produce systems. The module then introduces the operation and characteristics of systems along with a how these systems may interconnect. You will explore these through practical labs and guided tutorials. You will gain an overview of an sensors, actuators, interfacing System-on-Chip (SoC), and intelligent systems.
• Engineering Design, Manufacture and Test: Explore how engineering ideas evolve from concept to prototype through a blend of digital design and hands-on problem solving. This module introduces you to the fundamentals of interdisciplinary engineering practice, combining creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Through a series of structured, project-based activities, you will engage in real-world challenges that develop your understanding of the engineering design process. You will also build foundational skills in interpreting and producing technical drawings, as well as prototyping and testing basic electrical circuits. Working individually and in teams, you’ll develop confidence in applying design principles, communicating technical ideas, and progressing from initial concepts to working solutions. By the end of the module, you will have gained practical insight into the thinking, processes, and teamwork that underpin effective engineering design in professional contexts.
• Materials and Mechanics: Discover how materials shape the world around us and how forces keep structures standing. In this module, you will explore the fascinating science behind different materials and learn how they behave under various conditions. You will dive into the properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, understanding their properties from the atomic level to real-world applications in mechanical, civil, and electrical systems. On the mechanics side, you will investigate how forces, moments, and stresses act on structures, leading to insights into equilibrium, bending, shear, and torsion. You will develop practical problem-solving skills by analysing beams, trusses, and other structural components. Through a mix of assessments, practical experiments and interactive simulations, you will apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. You will also explore materials testing techniques and learn how to evaluate the strength and behaviour of different materials under load. By the end of the module, you will have a solid understanding of how materials and mechanics influence the design and performance of engineering systems, giving you the confidence to approach complex engineering challenges.

Core modules:

• Enterprise: Electronic Product Design and Manufacture: This module provides you with an introduction to business, finance, marketing, engineering management and design for manufacture (DFM) in the context of electronic product design and manufacturing. It is intended to promote an understanding of the lifecycle process of product design and develop the skills you will require as a professional engineer. There is considerable emphasis on the development of team skills and your ability to develop as a team player will be tested by a range of team roles and responsibilities. Problem Based Learning (PBL) techniques are used extensively to confront groups with a series of related problems or scenarios. These, together with a given set of learning outcomes for each session, form the starting point for agreed self study tasks. Consideration is given to how a business could be set up to manufacture and sell an appropriately modified version of the original design for profit. You will be introduced to engineering design concepts including DFM, quality and reliability, product design specification and environmental/sustainability issues.
• Signal Analysis and Control: The module will equip you with the qualities and transferable skills necessary to analyse continuous and discrete-time signals and systems in the time and frequency domain for a wide range of industrial applications. You will be introduced to analyses that will be performed using continuous/digital control theories and simulation packages where you will have the opportunity to relate theoretical mathematical approaches with simulated results. There will be real world examples where you will be able to relate your current knowledge with relevant mathematical relations. You will then be introduced to various strategies that are used to control an output from a system.
• Embedded Systems: This module will provide you with an understanding of the hardware and software aspects of microcontroller interfacing and provide you with design skills to implement embedded systems using microcontrollers. You will initially undertake a primer in embedded C before developing your programming skills through a range of practical exercises involving a microcontroller. This will culminate in you undertaking a project where you will develop a ‘real-world’ embedded system which must adhere to a pre-determined specification.
• Electronics 2: In this module, you will be introduced to advanced analogue and digital devices, circuits, systems and applications. You will learn how to design and develop a circuit using bipolar junction transistor (BJT). You will also study the Sallen and Key filters and develop a higher order active filter in the laboratory. The emphasis is on the analysis and design of various sub-systems and circuits. Furthermore, in the later part of the course you will learn about digital design of the circuit using combinational logic structures.
• Electrical Principles 2: In this module you will be provided with greater understanding of electric and magnetic forces and fields and their unification in Maxwell’s equations. You will be able to carry out vector analysis and the mathematical descriptions of the fields, an examination of the basic laws governing the generation of fields, and a study of interactions with dielectric and magnetic materials. Electromagnetic propagation is fundamental to communications and after this module you will be familiar with both transmission line and free-space propagation. You will also cover reactive circuits and their transfer functions, frequency and phase response, Bode equations and their plots.
• Electrical Power and Machines: This module introduces you to some of the main aspects of electrical power distribution and utilisation. You will develop an understanding of the principles of operation and technical specifications of electric machines, their direct-on-line operation and their control using power electronic equipment. Associated regulatory, economic and environmental issues are discussed in the context of the module to give you a broader overview of the subject material.

Option modules:

• Choose one from a list that may include -
  • Analogue System Integration: Analogue circuit and system design today is more essential than ever before. With the growth of digital systems, wireless communications, complex industrial and automotive systems, designers are being challenged to develop sophisticated analogue solutions. In this module, you will be introduced to both discrete and integrated analogue circuit design and analysis. You will investigate module in-depth application examples to gain insight into analogue circuit design and application solutions that you can apply in today’s demanding designs.
  • Project Quality and Production Management: In this module you will be introduced to concepts, standards, techniques, software and systems for project management, quality management and production management, making reference to relevant ISO standards. You will cover case material relevant to manufacturing and service industries and gain experience of practical application. On completion you will be in a strong position to apply these key industry standard practices to projects in your role as a graduate engineer.

Placements

You will have the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 4. A placement helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course. You will be employed by the company for 12 months, but the actual number of weeks worked will be dependent on the annual leave entitlement you are given in line with the placement company’s policy.

The Placement team support you in finding suitable placement opportunities, through timetabled and drop-in sessions as well as by appointment. They will assist you with preparing your CV and with interview techniques. They'll also be in contact with you during your placement so that you'll be fully supported while you gain the experience that employers value so highly. They are regularly in contact with local and national companies. Previous students from this subject area have spent their placement year at companies including Cummins, Lectro, Sia Abrasives and Intel.

Your Career

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as Electronic Engineer, Systems Engineer, Control Systems and Instrumentation Design Engineer and Application Design Engineer, Engineering Operations Manager in organisations including Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Syngenta and Ministry of Electricity and Water.

Additionally, you may gain skills that are transferable to other industries and may be able to pursue a career that requires a good honours degree. You could go on to further study and the University has many options available for postgraduate study and research which may interest you.

Fees and Finance

The maximum fees we will charge for UK based students on undergraduate courses in 2025/26 will be £9,535 per year for full-time students (subject to parliamentary approval). We review and revise fee levels in line with inflation (RPI-X) and regulatory permissions.

Tuition fees will cover the cost of your study at the University as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision and examinations. For more information about funding, fees and finance for UK students, including what your tuition fee covers, please see Fees and finance.

If you are an EU or international student coming to study at the University of Huddersfield, please visit the International Fees and Finance pages for full details of tuition fees and support available.

From September 2026 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

Students doing IET accredited courses can apply for their scholarships and grants.

For further information please visit the IET’s website.

Important information

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

• Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on
• Changes to your course after you enrol as a student
  • Changes to option modules
  • Major changes

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.