Program Overview

Electronic Engineering and Computer Systems 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. Developments in electronics and computers have played a massive role in progressing society over the years, and they will continue to shape our world in the future.

Our integrated foundation degrees are for those who possess the capability to pursue a degree but do not have the pre-requisite qualifications to directly apply to their 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.

‘Invisible computers’ help to operate everyday systems like supermarket and goods logistics, transportation networks, energy capture and generation, diagnostic equipment used in hospitals, broadband and satellites and more. The list is endless and so is the need for engineers to push forward innovation. If you want to design products to shape society, want the opportunity to work across a range of varied sectors and a career with significant earning potential which will allow you to create the future lifestyle you want, this course could be for you.

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

You’ll be taught by academics who are also professional engineers, many of whom have years of industry and research experience. Our course covers a variety of topics including software and hardware, and how they are designed for embedded systems, the Internet of Things, computer system architectures, and networks.

Our aim is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in this fast-paced sector, careers in this industry could include Systems Engineer, Sensors Technical Lead or Electronic Design Engineer.

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

Following your third 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, please see our Clearing pages.

Course Detail

• 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.
• Year 2
  • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Electronic System Fundamentals: In this module, you will explore the foundational concepts of analogue and digital electronics.
    • 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.
    • Materials and Mechanics: Discover how materials shape the world around us and how forces keep structures standing.
• Year 3
  • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Electronics 2: In this module, you will be introduced to advanced analogue and digital devices, circuits, systems and applications.
    • 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.
    • Communications: In this module you will be introduced to a range of communications concepts and principles and develop a knowledge of communication systems.
• Year 4 – optional placement year
  • You will have the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 4. This opportunity helps you to build on the knowledge and skills developed on the course.
• Final year
  • Core modules:
    • Final Year Project: This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to study and investigate a specific engineering topic in-depth.
    • Digital Signal Processing Applications: The module combines the theory of signal processing and analysis of discrete time systems, with practical aspects of digital signal processing (DSP) applied to the design of digital filters.
    • Parallel Computer Architecture Clusters and Grids: In this module you will be introduced to Computer Cluster, Cloud and Grid technologies and applications.
    • Digital System Integration: Digital System Integration is becoming increasingly important in modern electronics.
• Option modules:
  • Choose one from a list which may include:
    • Control Systems: You will be introduced to analysis and design of a feedback control systems.
    • Analogue System Integration: Analogue circuit and system design today is more essential than ever before.

Placements

You will have the chance to undertake an optional placement in Year 4. This opportunity 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.

Fees and Finance

• Tuition Fees - full-time: 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).
• Scholarships and bursaries: Students doing IET accredited courses can apply for their scholarships and grants.

Research Excellence

Research plays an important role in informing all our teaching and learning activities. Through research our staff remain up-to-date with the latest developments in their field, and contribute to society, which means you develop knowledge and skills that are current and highly relevant to industry.

Your Career

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as Systems Principle Engineer, Sensors Technical Lead Electronic Design Engineer, a Senior Electronic Engineer and Senior Metrology Engineer in organisations including Lear Corporation, BAE Systems, The D.E Shaw Group, Siemens, Dyson and Bentley Motors Ltd.

Accreditations & Professional Links

Our teaching staff rank first in England for the proportion with higher degrees and teaching qualifications, as well as being top five for those holding doctorates. So you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

Career Support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also work with you to focus on life after you have graduated to help you towards achieving your ambitions.

Inspiring Graduate

An undergraduate degree from the University of Huddersfield could be the start of an exciting career in your chosen field. Our graduates go on to succeed in a whole range of exciting careers.

Further Study

Progression to a postgraduate course is dependent on successful completion of your undergraduate studies; there may also be minimum qualification requirements such as a first-class, Upper second-class Honours (2.1) or a Lower second-class Honours (2:2) degree.

Student Support

At the University of Huddersfield, you'll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you'll soon discover that you're never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.