Electronics and Communication Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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This course presents electronics and communication engineering (ECE) as a synergy of electronics, signal processing, computing, and data transmission.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

BEng:
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
MEng:
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

H601 / H679

Start date

September 2023

How to Apply
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Available through Clearing

Clearing applications for September 2023 are now closed to international students due to visa and immigration requirements. Check out our January 2024 entry courses.

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Course overview

Graduates are expected to move into careers creating cutting-edge systems in a wide range of fields, from autonomous vehicles to the Internet of Things.

This programme in electronic engineering aims to deliver strong academic content, conveyed with a strong factual focus with the aim of preparing you, upon successful completion, to take on the challenges present in the many fields of engineering and research, which require electronic engineering graduate expertise.

  • The main aim of the course is to develop a wide range of applications and technology in the field of electronics and communication such as 5G/6G communication, autonomous vehicle, IoT, amongst others.
  • From the outset, we aim to place an emphasis on innovation, design, and development to enable you the opportunity to enrich your technical skills in the field of electronic and communications.
  • A further aim is to develop the intellectual and independent thinking necessary to participate in contemporary projects and to peruse further studies and research in the field of electronic communication engineering.
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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

  • Well-equipped dedicated electronics and communication laboratory to build an electronic prototype4.
  • Explore latest networking and security protocols in a modern CISCO laboratory4.
  • Opportunities to gain international experience through field trips and group-based final year project2.
  • Wide variety of support through personal tutoring, sigma centre, centre of academic writing and personal tutoring scheme4.

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses:

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
  • Computer Systems Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

  • This module aims to further develop your competence in mathematical methods relevant to engineering whilst at the same time emphasising fundamental concepts, which the engineer needs to understand in order to produce a mathematical formulation of a problem.

    Compulsory

  • The module introduces you to the basic concepts and principles used in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Learning is enhanced through the use of computer circuit simulation and basic programming.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to present a structured approach to the design process, design management, and creative problem solving, leading to the output of a feasible and well-engineered solution with use of industry-standard modelling techniques, processes and software. Various design tools and techniques will be introduced together to allow innovation to occur whilst developing collaborative skills to solve real-world problems. 

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces the application of elementary analogue and digital electronic techniques. Learning is enhanced through an active approach involving computer circuit simulation and the design of practical circuits.

    Compulsory

  • Adopting a very practical approach, this module aims to provide general and key technology skills associated with technical project implementation. To facilitate learning you will be mentored by academic staff and supported by technical staff.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces the fundamentals of computer programming that will underpin the technical and theoretical content of undergraduate degree courses. You will develop basic skills in programming by learning the core control structures and problem-solving strategies common to most programming languages.

    Compulsory

Year two builds on Year one learning and introduces new curriculum material. You will be introduced to signal and systems module, which will prepare you for more advanced signal processing technique on the following year. Communication and networking module will introduce the technologies and protocols used in modern communication system. More advanced electronics and system design topics will be covered in the electronic modules. This will include electronic system design, manufacturing, and testing.

Modules

  • This module aims to provide you with the capability to produce useful practical designs in the technology area of analogue and digital electronics. Technical focus is on the performance characteristics of voltage mode operational amplifiers along with a range of typical applications. Synchronous, sequential digital logic is also included employing a hardware description language for simulation and synthesis of a digital system.

    Compulsory

  • This module builds upon and develops fundamental computer programming skills. A programming language with direct memory access will be introduced and the syntax for control structures met already will be covered. You will focus on the new concepts of classes, objects, and object-oriented programming. Abstract Data Types and memory management will also be key themes. The module will continue to develop your professional skills by introducing profiling, unit testing, and use of version control.

    Compulsory

  • The module emphasises the fundamental concepts that an engineer needs to understand to formulate and analyse practical problems related to signal and systems. In addition to the taught material, you will be given formative assignments and directed reading to extend your knowledge and to enhance the appreciation of the relevance of the material covered. Modern mathematical software will be used to enhance understanding and as an aid to the application of mathematical techniques in signal and system area.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you will design and develop real-world electronic systems using embedded system principles and techniques. You will work in a group to apply appropriate theoretical and practical project management methods which aid the design, development, manufacture, construct commission, operation, maintenance, decommission and re-cycling of embedded products.

    Compulsory

  • This module will be focused on the manufacturing of electronic circuit boards. The module will cover schematic design and printed circuit board (PCB) design. The aim is to enable you to design your own PCBs keeping the EMI regulation into account. The lab sessions will also cover soldering practice for the students.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide a fundamental knowledge of computer communications (mainly in the context of local and wide area networks) and network architecture from the user’s point of view. It aims to give an overall understanding of the issues and constraints involved in wired and wireless communication systems.

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

As part of your year three studies, you will undertake an individual project, which will entail undertaking research and design studies with the guidance of a supervisor to provide a set of engineering solutions. Other modules will cover digital communications fundamentals, high-speed communications signal processing techniques and you will have an option to choose between high frequency electronics and VLSI design module.

Modules

  • The aim of the module is to study digital signal processing techniques including FIR and IIR filter design both theoretically and using simulations tools. Additional aim is to apply digital system design concept in context of modern system.

    Compulsory

  • The aims are to provide good understanding of the theory and practice of digital communication systems, and to develop the ability to design and analyse simple examples of communication systems. You carry out a more advanced study of digital transmission techniques that enable efficient and reliable communication to take place. The techniques covered are set in the context of contemporary communication systems.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to prepare you to undertake a substantial project. Key parts in this module include project selection, project allocation, project specification, cognizance of standards relating to project, logbook keeping, supervisor meetings, project management, ethics application, literature review, preliminary analysis and design work, and preparation report. Successful completion of the module will require methodical planning, self-management, effective communication and delivery of report.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to provide an opportunity to research, design, implement and critically evaluate a functional or simulated system, object or concept and to acquire deeper knowledge of a specialist technical area. To this end, you will undertake a substantial project that will exercise in-depth technical, problem-solving, creative and other skills required of a professional practitioner including working to appropriate ethical codes of practice.

    Compulsory

  • This module builds on your prior knowledge of wireless and optical communication technologies. It aims to prepare you to interpret modern high speed communication protocols and networks including 5G, 6G, and optical links and develop your ability to discuss key technologies, issues and challenges and analyse use cases of the new emergent technologies.

    Compulsory

  • Choose one from the following:

    • High Frequency Electronics – 20 credits
      This module aims to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to work in specialised areas of High Frequency (HF) Electronics. It involves a significant element of laboratory work based on simulating various HF circuits. HF topics include analysis and design of tuned circuits, passive filters, impedance matching networks, Smith Charts, and HF transmission line, Smith Charts. Teaching and learning are enhanced through an active approach involving laboratory MATLAB and Multisim simulation.
    • VLSI Design – 20 credits
      This module aims to present the principles and techniques of integrated circuit design utilizing the CMOS Technology, which is currently the industry mainstream for most analogue and digital integrated circuits. This module covers the fundamentals of both analogue and digital IC design principles and establish a good understanding of the analogue and digital layout and simulation techniques with IC design software tools.

    Optional

If you meet the criteria, you could choose to take an additional fourth year master’s option, which will deepen your knowledge and expertise.

Following on from successful completion of the BEng (Hons) study you can opt to proceed to the MEng Electronics and Communication degree. In this additional year, more advanced topics related to electronics and communication engineering will be investigated which is beyond the scope of undergraduate study. More advanced technology and their applications such as robotics, wireless intelligent systems and image processing technique will be investigated. You will also undertake a group based industrial project relevant to the modern engineering problems.

Modules

  • This module will enable you, working in groups and in conjunction with industry, to produce successful system and sub-system designs, incorporating where necessary the most advanced technical and mathematical concepts from both your past knowledge and that acquired during the course.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide knowledge and experience of the engineering techniques and processes required for the realisation of embedded hardware systems. It involves a detailed study of advanced contemporary devices and their applications together with an opportunity to develop practical skills in the laboratory.

    Compulsory

  • This module will first revise/introduce the fundamentals of the analysis of digital signals and systems. This will then lead to the development of higher-level signal processing techniques and filters design before applying them to some problems to demonstrate their applications.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to introduce the science and engineering of mechanical manipulation, an introduction to mobile robotics, some common sensors used in the field, drive mechanisms and their differing configurations and some of their applications.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to provide you with practical design and implementation skills in devising wireless intelligent embedded systems. The module focuses on the nature of computation, communications and hardware/software support needed to design large scale distributed and wirelessly connected embedded systems.

    Compulsory

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.

How you'll learn

Learning will be facilitated through a variety of methods which may include lectures, seminars, lab, workshops, online activities and group work.

Students are expected to engage in both class and online activities and discussions. This module also requires students to participate in additional guided reading and self-directed study to reinforce the learning gained from timetabled sessions.

Formative feedback will be used to prepare students for summative assessment and give students an early indication of their progress towards the module's intended learning outcomes. A portion of this module’s contact time will be dedicated to course support sessions. The course support sessions are weekly, timetabled sessions where students can explore areas of the course which they find challenging or get support with personal projects and employability efforts.

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Coursework
  • Phase tests
  • Portfolios
  • Practical or project work
  • Group work
  • Presentations and posters
  • Reports
  • Individual Assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Electronics and communication engineering is a global discipline, so we encourage a global perspective throughout our teaching.

If you opt for a sandwich year, you have the opportunity to spend a period abroad2 for part of your studies; we have current student exchange links with universities in approximately 20 countries around the world and we will support you in trying to find a work placement abroad. We have had past faculty students secure international placements in, for example, Austria and France.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed2.

Entry requirements

Clearing places available on this course

See if you have enough points (UCAS tariff 2023)

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Additional requirements may apply

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
EU £9,250 per year with EU support bursary**
£19,850 per year without EU support bursary**		 Not available
International £19,850 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Optional international field trips: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU support bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in-line with that of UK students. Students studying a Degree with a Foundation Year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The School of Future Transport Engineering is based in the Engineering and Computing Building, and the attached Beatrice Shilling Building. Both buildings are high-specification learning environments4, which benefit from extensive social learning facilities, well-appointed laboratories, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

  • Electronics and communication 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.
  • Manufacturing facility
    This facility is equipped with 3-D printers and PCB manufacturing machines. This also has a separate area for soldering training.
  • 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.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion, you will have a comprehension 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.

Upon successful completion, you will have expertise in:

  • Solving technical and management problems involving uncertainty.
  • Design of innovative products and systems employing recognised methodologies.
  • Planning and executing research-oriented project work.
  • Selecting and applying appropriate components, materials and manufacturing processes.
  • Planning and executing practical work involving experimentation, data collection, prototype construction, testing and specialised instrumentation.
  • Use of specialised software tools and information technology equipment.
  • Accessing and evaluating information sources including technical literature, standards, and codes of practice.

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, communication engineer, signal processing engineering and electronic controllers for vehicles.

Course content is regularly reviewed to reflect what is relevant and in demand in the industry. We seek external feedback from the External Examiner and a current group of professionals and subject experts from industry, universities and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

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, Siemens, Bosch, Blackberry, IBM, DSTL – Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Advanced Electronics Company, Ultra Electronics Sonar Systems, PX Group and more. Some choose to progress to further study of an MSc or PhD.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Embedded System Engineering MSc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University 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.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    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 2023/24 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.

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