Electronic and Communications Engineering with a Foundation Year - BEng (Hons)

Course structure

Duration: 4 years full-time

Modules

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 ‘elective’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.

• Foundation

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.

Contact hours

For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours.  The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Programme aims

The programme aims to:

• provide students with a firm foundation in electronics, mathematics and practical skills necessary for higher level courses
• develop in students a range of transferable skills of general value
• offer students an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning
• provide academic guidance and welfare support for students
• create an atmosphere of co-operation and partnership between staff and students, and an environment in which students can develop their potential.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You gain knowledge and understanding of:

• mathematical principles relevant to electronic engineering
• scientific principles and methodology relevant to electronic engineering
• characteristics of materials, equipment, processes and products.

Intellectual skills

You gain the following intellectual abilities:

• analysis and solution of problems in electronic engineering using appropriate mathematical methods
• 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 through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques.

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-specific skills in the following:

• use of mathematical techniques to analyse and solve hardware and software 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
• analysing experimental and simulation results and determining their strength and validity
• applying quantitative methods and computer software relevant to electronic engineering to solve engineering problems
• preparing technical reports and presentations.

Transferable skills

You gain transferable skills in the following:

• the ability to generate, analyse, present and interpret data
• the use of information and communications technology
• personal and interpersonal skills and working as part of a team
• communicating in various forms: written, verbal and visual
• learning effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development
• applying critical thinking, reasoning and reflection
• managing time and resources within an individual project and a group project.

Careers

Graduate destinations

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 Advanced Communication Engineering (RF Technology and Communications), Advanced Electronic Systems Engineering and Information Security and Biometrics.

Professional recognition

For over 30 years, our BEng and MEng courses in Electronic and Communications Engineering have been accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which enables fast-track career progression as a professional engineer.

Help finding a job

The School of Engineering and Digital Arts holds an annual Employability and Careers Day where you can meet local and national employers and discuss career opportunities. Ongoing support is provided by the School’s dedicated Employability Officer.

The University also has a friendly Careers and Employability Service which can give you advice on how to:

• apply for jobs
• write a good CV
• perform well in interviews.

Career-enhancing skills

In addition to the technical skills you acquire on this programme, you also gain key transferable skills including:

• planning and organisation
• leadership
• effective communication. 

You can gain extra skills by signing up for one of our Kent Extra activities, such as learning a language or volunteering.