This is an archived page and for reference purposes only
Electronics-based products play a vital role in our daily lives, from the sophisticated diagnostic equipment used in modern hospitals to leading-edge fibre optic communications. Computer technology, telecommunications and consumer electronics are advancing at an ever-increasing pace.
Overview
At Kent, we offer degree programmes teaching state-of-the-art technology, which means our graduates can work at the forefront of all the major areas of electronic engineering.
Our teaching is research-led so you get to know about the latest cutting-edge technologies, and the programmes combine theory with vitally important practical and project work – the chance to turn ideas into real systems. Our student work has been awarded international prizes.
The School has strong links with the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). We have several visiting industrial professors who contribute to the strong industrial relevance of our programmes.
Our staff meet regularly with a team of senior industrialists to ensure that our programmes keep up-to-date with industry.
The year in industry takes place between your second and final year, giving you the opportunity to improve your skills and career prospects.
You can also take this programme as a three-year degree without a year in industry. For details, see Electronic and Communications Engineering.
Student profiles
We are sure you will find your time at Kent enjoyable and rewarding.
See what our students have to say.
Independent rankings
Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Kent was ranked 1st for course satisfaction in The Guardian University Guide 2017 and 2nd for student satisfaction in The Complete University Guide 2017. In the National Student Survey 2016, 90% of students in Electronic and Electrical Engineering were satisfied with the overall quality of their course.
For graduate prospects, Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Kent was ranked 6th in The Guardian University Guide 2017.
Course structure
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.
Year in industry
You spend a year working in industry between Stages 2 and 3. You gain practical work experience, while assessing possible future career options and making contacts in the industry. Employers are always keen to employ graduates with knowledge of the work environment and some students receive job offers from their placement company.
We have a dedicated Employability Officer who will help you apply for placements; but please note that it is your responsibility to secure a placement, which cannot always be guaranteed. The School has excellent industrial links, providing students with many placement opportunities.
You are eligible to apply for a placement offered through the School's exchange agreement with Hong Kong City University.
Please note that progression thresholds apply. In particular, in order to be considered for an industrial placement, you need to achieve an overall mark at Stage 1 of at least 60%.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching includes practical work in conventional laboratory experiments or projects, lecture modules and examples classes, which develop your problem-solving skills, and staff hold regular ‘surgeries’ where you can discuss any questions you have. Practical work is carried out in air-conditioned laboratories, with state-of-the-art equipment and outstanding IT infrastructure.
Stage 1 modules are assessed by coursework and examination at the end of the year. Stage 2 and 3 modules, with the exception of the Stage 3 project, are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination. All years include project work to replicate industrial practice and develop skills to maximise employability.
Programme aims
The programme aims to:
- educate students to become engineers, well-equipped for professional careers in development, research and production in industry and universities, who are well-adapted to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing subject
- produce professional electronic engineers with a well-balanced knowledge
- enable students to satisfy the professional requirements of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- provide academic guidance and welfare support for students
- create an atmosphere of co-operation and partnership between staff and students, and an environment where students can develop their potential
- offer an opportunity for students to gain experience as an engineer working in a professional environment
- develop employment-related skills, including an understanding of how to relate to the structure and function in an organisation, via a year in industry.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- mathematical principles relevant to electronic and communications engineering
- relevant scientific principles and methodology
- advanced concepts of analogue and digital circuits and systems, telecommunications and instrumentation
- the value of intellectual property and contractual issues
- business and management techniques to achieve engineering objectives
- the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct
- current manufacturing practice with particular emphasis on product safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards and directives
- characteristics of materials, equipment, processes and products
- codes of practice, industry standards and quality issues
- contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied
- aspects of the core subject areas from the perspective of a commercial or industrial organisation.
Intellectual skills
You gain the following intellectual abilities:
- analyse and solve problems using appropriate mathematical methods
- apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines to support the study of electronic engineering
- use of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to analyse key electronic engineering processes
- identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components using analytical methods and modelling techniques
- understand and apply a systems approach to electronic engineering problems
- investigate and define a problem and identify constraints including cost drivers, economic, environmental, health and safety and risk assessment issues
- use creativity to establish innovative, aesthetic solutions while understanding customer and user needs, ensuring fitness for purpose of all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance and disposal
- demonstrate the economic and environmental context of the engineering solution
- apply some of the intellectual skills specified for the programme from the perspective of a commercial or industrial organisation.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-specific skills in the following:
- using mathematical techniques to analyse problems
- the ability to work in an engineering laboratory environment and to use a wide range of electronic equipment, workshop equipment and computer aided design (CAD) tools for the practical realisation of electronic circuits
- working with technical uncertainty
- applying quantitative methods and computer software relevant to electronic engineering to solve engineering problems
- designing electronic circuits or systems to fulfil a product specification and devise tests to appraise performance
- awareness of the nature of intellectual property and contractual issues and an understanding of appropriate codes of practice and industry standards
- using technical literature and other information sources and applying it to a design
- applying management techniques to the planning, resource allocation and execution of a design project and evaluating outcomes
- preparing technical reports and presentations
- applying subject-specific skills specified for the programme from the perspective of a commercial or industrial organisation.
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in the following:
- generating, analysing, presenting and interpreting data
- using information and communications technology
- personal and interpersonal skills, and to work as part of a team
- communication by various means: written, verbal and visual
- learning effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development
- critical thinking, reasoning and reflection
- managing time and resources within an individual project and a group project.
Careers
Our graduates go into careers in areas such as:
- electronic engineering and computing
- telecommunications industries including radio, television and satellite communications;
- medical electronics, instrumentation and industrial process control.
They have gone on to work in companies including:
- BAE Systems
- Nokia
- the Royal Navy
- Xilinx
- British Energy
- RDDS.
Some graduates choose to go on to postgraduate study, for example, MSc in Broadband and Mobile Communication Networks, Embedded Systems and Instrumentation or Information Security and Biometrics.
In addition to the technical skills you acquire on this programme, you also gain key transferable skills including:
- presenting complex material in an accessible way
- working independently and in a team
- the confidence to develop your own ideas.
The course didn’t just teach me the technical knowledge needed to be an engineer, it taught me how to solve problems and how to approach engineering challenges.
Scott Broadley Electronic and Communications Engineering MEng
Entry requirements
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact us for further advice.
It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
New GCSE grades
If you’ve taken exams under the new GCSE grading system, please see our conversion table to convert your GCSE grades.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| A level | BBB including B in Mathematics and a science/technology subject (Physics, Computing or Electronics) |
| Access to HE Diploma | The University will not necessarily make conditional offers to all Access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If we make you an offer, you will need to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | Engineering: Distinction, Distinction, Merit including Distinction in Further Mathematics for Technicians |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall or 15 points at HL including Mathematics (not Mathematics Studies), and a science subject 5 at HL or 6 at SL |
International students
The University welcomes applications from international students. Our international recruitment team can guide you on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country.
If you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes.
Meet our staff in your country
For more advise about applying to Kent, you can meet our staff at a range of international events.
English Language Requirements
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of 'pre-sessional' courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
The 2017/18 tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
UK/EU fee paying students
The Government has announced changes to allow undergraduate tuition fees to rise in line with inflation from 2017/18.
In accordance with changes announced by the UK Government, we are increasing our 2017/18 regulated full-time tuition fees for new and returning UK/EU fee paying undergraduates from £9,000 to £9,250. The equivalent part-time fees for these courses will also rise from £4,500 to £4,625. This was subject to us satisfying the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework and the access regulator's requirements. This fee will ensure the continued provision of high-quality education.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
Fees for Year Abroad/Industry
As a guide only, UK/EU/International students on an approved year abroad for the full 2017/18 academic year pay an annual fee of £1,350 to Kent for that year. Students studying abroad for less than one academic year will pay full fees according to their fee status.
Please note that for 2017/18 entrants the University will increase the standard year in industry fee for home/EU/international students to £1,350.
General additional costs
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Funding
University funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
Government funding
You may be eligible for government finance to help pay for the costs of studying. See the Government's student finance website.
The Government has confirmed that EU students applying for university places in the 2017 to 2018 academic year will still have access to student funding support for the duration of their course.
Scholarships
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.
The scholarship is also extended to those who achieve AAB at A level (or specified equivalents) where one of the subjects is either Mathematics or a Modern Foreign Language. Please review the eligibility criteria.
