Program Overview

BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Our BEng (Hons) provides a broad-based education in electrical and electronic engineering. During the first three years, students study topics from low current electronics to high power systems. In Year 4, you can choose from a set of specialist courses to complement your thesis topic selection.

Key Information

• UCAS code: H600
• Level: Undergraduate
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: BEng (Hons)
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 3-4 years
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September

Course Description

BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering provides you with a broad-based education in the subject, and develops your critical understanding of the core theories, principles, and concepts relating to the use of engineering and computer technology. You'll integrate engineering principles with the knowledge and understanding of mathematics, science, and management to adopt a holistic approach to solve current and emerging electrical engineering problems.

Your Student Experience

Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active robotics and electrical and electronic engineers and academics. 96% of Heriot-Watt University's engineering research was classed as world-leading in the REF 2021 review, which ranked us 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for engineering research through a joint submission with the University of Edinburgh.

Course Content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Year 1

• Circuit Theory, Digital Design, Mathematics, Computer Programming, and Electronic Design form the core subjects. In addition, students choose an elective option from a list that includes Mechanics and Physics.
• Mandatory September: * Mechanics, Fields and Forces * Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering * Praxis Electronic Design * Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 1
• Mandatory January: * Waves and Matter * Praxis Programming * Introduction to Mechanical Engineering * Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 2

Year 2

• Further study of Electronic Design, Digital Design, Embedded Programming, and Mathematics is complemented by introductions to Signals and Electromechanical Systems supported by appropriate lab and project work.
• Mandatory September: * Sustainable Development and Engineering Management * Digital Design and Programming * Circuits and Analysis * Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 3
• Mandatory January: * Computer Architecture and Embedded Systems * Electrical Power and Machines * Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism * Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 4

Year 3

• Emphasis turns to design synthesis. Subjects include Energy Systems, Analogue Electronics, Electromagnetics, Physical Electronics, and Communications. A quarter of the year is spent working on a large team-based project, incorporating Digital and Software Design, Mechanics, and Management.
• Mandatory September: * Probability, Statistics, and Information Theory * Electrical Energy Systems * Signals and Systems * Semiconductor Electronics
• Mandatory January: * Electromagnetism * Time and Frequency Signal Analysis * System Project

Year 4

• Students work on an individual Honours project and select taught topics from a list that includes Embedded Systems, Sustainable Energy and Power Systems, Communications, Image Processing, RF Communications, Analogue Electronics, and Microwave Techniques.
• Mandatory September: * 4th Year Project 1
• Optional September: * Advanced Analogue Electronics * Linear Control * Microwave Techniques * Embedded Systems * Electrical Power Systems * Digital Signal Processing
• Mandatory January: * 4th Year Project 2
• Optional January: * Sustainable Energy and Power Systems * Communication Devices and Systems * Advanced Digital Electronics * Image Processing

Fees and Funding

• September 2026 intake tuition fees:
  • Scotland: Paid by SAAS
  • England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland: £9,790
  • International: £25,808
• Scholarships and bursaries:
  • Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland, or Wales
  • Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)

Entry Requirements

• Standard entry requirements:
  • Highers: AABB (over two sittings). Must include Maths and one of Physics, Technological Studies, or Engineering Science, with one required subject achieved at A.
  • A-Levels: BBC. Must include Maths and either Physics or Electronics, with required subjects at BB.
  • International Baccalaureate: 29 points. Must include Physics and Maths, both at Higher Level 5.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Physics and Maths.
  • HNC: A in graded unit. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Physics and Maths. All HNCs must include Engineering Maths 1 and one of Engineering Maths 2 or 3.
  • HND: BB in graded unit. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Physics and Maths. All HNDs must include Engineering Maths 1 and one of Engineering Maths 2 or 3.
• Minimum entry requirements:
  • Highers: BBBC (over two sittings). Must include Maths at B and further B in one of Physics, Technological Studies, or Engineering Science
  • A-Levels: BCC. Must include Maths and either Physics or Electronics, with one required subject at B.
  • International Baccalaureate: 28 points. Must include Physics and Maths, both at Higher Level 5.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Physics and Maths.
  • HNC: A in graded unit. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Physics and Maths. Graded Unit at B will be considered if additional maths has been achieved. All HNCs must include Engineering Maths 1 and one of Engineering Maths 2 or 3.
  • HND: BB in graded unit. Must be relevant science subject including sufficient Physics and Maths. All HNDs must include Engineering Maths 1 and one of Engineering Maths 2 or 3.

Employability

• 80% of graduates are working
• 5% are studying
• 5% are studying and working
• Average salary: £32,000
• Potential career paths:
  • Engineering professionals
  • Information technology and telecommunications professionals