Overview
Electronic engineering is a synergy of the electronics, signal processing, computing and communications engineering. Successful graduate electronic engineers could be involved in developing cutting edge technology such as power-dense electronic controllers; creating an integrated RF analogue-to-digital signal devices; developing scalable, multi-function, phased array radar systems or designing algorithms for use in a diverse range of applications such as error detection and correction and image processing.
As an Electronic Engineering student at Coventry University, you will have access to modern facilities and an annual programme of free to attend lectures on contemporary engineering and computing topics presented by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) and British Computer Society (BCS) (subject to availability).
Previous successful graduates of these IET accredited courses have typically become team leaders and Chartered Engineers, or progressed to further PhD study.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) from 2019 to year intake 2020 on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for partial Chartered Engineer. The full accreditation is scheduled for 2020.
We anticipate that our application for re-accreditation will be successful. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation related to these course, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Our Facilities
Electrical Power Laboratory
Provides students with hands-on learning tools and test benches. Supports learning of the properties of electrical generation use, with the aim of training students in the maintenance and running of electrical machines.
Electronics Laboratories
Equipped with a range of test and measurement equipment, development boards for embedded electronics and a variety of interface applications such as GSM, Ethernet and numerous communications and motor solutions.
Sigma Centre
An award-winning Mathematics Support Centre which provides a wide range of learning resources in mathematics and statistics. Students can make use of drop-in sessions or one-to-one appointments.
What our students say...
I've enjoyed the practical aspects of my course the most. It's been really interesting to work in groups to build robots and systems.
I was able to go on a department-organised trip to Shanghai where we took part in an electronics project partnered with students from the university in Shanghai. I managed to get a Year in Industry at GE where I was able to apply the knowledge I've learned at the university so far to a business environment.
The university has given me so many opportunities, from the Add+vantage scheme which has enabled me to learn new languages, to the rep system, which has given me the chance to act as the voice for my course and faculty.
Course information
Course learning outcomes are delivered by blended learning, which incorporates Activity-Led Learning (ALL) in core modules at each level of the course.
This innovative blended learning strategy aims to ensure that students experience a stimulating learning environment cultivated by a variety of means, for example projects, problem solving, scenarios, and case-study enquiry and research questions.
Course specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
We are ranked as the 15th best University in the United Kingdom in The Guardian University Guide 2020.
In more detail...
Designed to meet the Engineering Council UK-SPEC standard, the course covers the fundamental principles and programming skills required in electronic engineering, and upon successful completion of this course this can provide a solid foundation for you to look at applying for a professional career in fields such as electronic design, control systems, communication systems and software engineering.
You’ll study in our modern £50m Engineering and Computing building, with access to our well-equipped microelectronics laboratory, communications facilities and dedicated project laboratory.
You’ll be taught by current staff with extensive research backgrounds in areas including: photovoltaics; semiconductor devices modelling, simulation, design and fabrication; control theory and applications; wireless sensors; and embedded microelectronics. This aims to keep your teaching up-to-date, keeping you abreast of new developments and issues, whilst providing opportunities to partner staff on research projects.
- Currently meets the full academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration upon successful completion of the course. Further details can be found on the IET website.
- Regular expert guest lectures (subject to availability), which previously have covered topics such as the National Grid in areas of power distribution
- Current collaborative links with universities in 20 countries around the world providing study exchange opportunities*
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student - Faculty Research Centres with a strong portfolio of world-leading research in wireless sensors, pervasive computing, distributed computer systems, digital forensics, computer security, serious games, virtual reality, aerodynamics and electrical energy
- Study in our modern £50m engineering and computing building, with access to extensive cutting-edge facilities in our purpose designed laboratories and studio suites that enable emulation of embedded microprocessor, evaluation of communication system design and performance, design and simulation of analogue and digital electronic systems, simulation of radio frequency system, develop and implement designs in the areas of power electronics
- Opening in late 2020, the new Beatrice Shilling building will be the third building to be used by the Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing. The new four-storey building will a provide range of learning spaces that will include a gaming and virtual reality studio, a specialist area for 3D printing and rapid prototyping, a laser facility and physics and electronics laboratories, all designed around a full height central atrium configured to promote student and staff collaboration
Your main study themes are:
- Analogue and digital electronics: Aims to develop your capability to produce useful practical designs in the technology area of analogue and digital electronics. You will conceive and simulate your own practical computer circuit designs. Topics covered include semiconductor diodes and their application in power supplies, bipolar junction transistors in single-stage amplifiers, and field effect transistors. Digital topics include the realisation of logic gates, design of small and medium scale combinational functions and the use of flip-flops in sequential logic.
- Digital Signal Processing: Computer-based systems are increasingly required to detect, analyse and manipulate signals, or data, from a wide range of sources, such as sound, light, temperature or pressure. You’ll explore and analyse continuous and discrete-time signals and systems, which aims to give you the opportunity to develop higher level signal processing techniques and filters, together with knowledge of digital image processing and pattern recognition.
- Control Systems: Control and instrumentation provides an important link between modern integrated computer-based monitoring and control applications and traditional engineering disciplines. It is used in a wide range of areas, including process control, aerospace, automotive, robotics, environmental and energy efficient manufacturing industries. You will explore the principles, techniques and applications associated with control engineering and instrumentation, which aims to give you the chance to gain a good engineering insight into the implementation of modern computer based control system methodologies.
- Communications Systems: You will have the opportunity to study digital transmission techniques in the context of contemporary communications, including analogue and digital communications. We look at the associated methods of modulation and demodulation, as well as reviewing the factors that can impair signals.
- Electrical engineering: Explores the concepts, principles and techniques used including steady state DC circuit analysis, AC circuit analysis, single phase and three phase circuits, transformers, motors and generators.
- Engineering mathematics: Aims to develop your competence in mathematical methods relevant to engineering. You will explore and analyse problems using appropriate mathematical techniques carrying out the manipulation themselves and also using modern mathematical software.
This course will be taught using lectures, with associated seminars, tutorials and guest speeches (subject to availability), practical laboratory classes and personal tutorials. Your personal tutor will meet with you during the first academic year and assist with your transition to studying in Higher Education (HE). You’ll have access to modern teaching and learning facilities and a well-equipped specialist library.
The highly applied nature of the course aims to enable you to work with staff on real-world problems from industry, commerce and research groups, mirroring the work you may be subject to do in professional practice. This means that while you explore the technical content of your degree, these projects aim to develop the professional skills required including: problem analysis and design; project, task and time management; risk assessment; team work and leadership; technical report and bench assessment; troubleshooting and more. For example, past students have undertaken studies in alternative energy, particularly in the field of solar engineering.
We also aim to incorporate real-life case studies wherever possible. For example, when studying embedded microprocessors in groups, we will examine the ‘PICFI84520’, an innovative 8-bit PIC® microcontroller, taking a detailed look at its internal architecture. Working in groups, you will develop and test a complete microprocessor system devised to implement a real life task, giving you the opportunity to gain direct experience of the true capability of such devices.
Field trips have previously be undertaken to try to further enhance students understanding of course content*. Previous students have visited Electric Mountain and other alternative energy centres. Moreover, opportunities may exist for travel to universities in both Europe and China to study abroad..
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any event, fieldtrip, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, coursework, tests, portfolio, practical or project work, group work, demonstrations, presentations and posters.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.
On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:
- Scientific principles and methodologies relevant to electronic engineering.
- Mathematical and quantitative methods used in engineering analysis and design.
- Engineering project management including: ethics, finance, risk, health and safety, and similar issues.
- The wider multidisciplinary context of engineering, incorporating social, economic and environmental issues.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Analyse electronic systems and processes using appropriate modelling techniques.
- Solve technical and management problems involving uncertainty.
- Design innovative products and systems employing recognised methodologies.
- Plan and execute research oriented project work.
- Select and apply appropriate components, materials and manufacturing processes.
- Plan and execute practical work involving experimentation, data collection, prototype construction, testing and specialised instrumentation.
- Employ specialised software tools and information technology equipment.
- Access and evaluate varied information sources including: technical literature, standards and codes of practice.
Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst personal tutorials and small group teaching; medium group teaching (e.g. seminars, tutorial sessions, lab sessions and workshops); and large group teaching (lectures). In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 18 contact hours per week in the first and second years dropping to around 16 contact hours per week in the final year as you become a more independent learner.
Electronic engineering is applied throughout the world and, as such, we aim to adopt a global perspective within our teaching. During the course you may have the opportunity to spend a period of time abroad for part of your studies. This may be through an organised exchange programme or faculty-funded projects that aim to support national development themes.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any event, field trip, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiencesCourse essentials - additional costs
<p>This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.</p> <p>This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.</p> <p>Additional costs not included in the fees:</p> <ul> <li>Any optional overseas field trips or visits</li> </ul>
Entry Requirements
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.Course essentials - additional costs: This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas. This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
Upon successful completion, your career options could range from traditional circuit design engineering, electronic manufacturing, through to integrating, installing and maintaining system solutions based on electronics for a multitude of different industries, including the manufacture of audio recording systems, mobile phones, embedded microprocessor systems, control and security applications and electronic controllers for vehicles.
The practical and professional focus of the course aims to allow you to demonstrate your capability to future employers. Course content is regularly reviewed by the university and other professional organisations, including the IET.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
Previous graduates from the course have gone into predominately industry roles in diverse range of industries, for example, JLR, GE and National Grid, Jaguar Land Rover, Blackberry, IBM, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), Advanced Electronics Company, Ultra Electronics Sonar Systems, PX Group and more. Some have chosen to progress to further study of an MSc or PhD.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
