Electronic and Communications Engineering

Key facts
Location: Canterbury
Award: BEng (Hons), MEng
Type: Full-time
Options: A year working in industry
Further information
Download: Subject leaflet
Online: Department
Profile: Student profile

Electronics-based products play a vital role in our daily lives, from the sophisticated diagnostic equipment used in modern hospitals to state-ofthe- art fibre optic communications. Computer technology, telecommunications and consumer electronics are advancing at an ever-increasing pace.

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 courses 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.

Our staff meet regularly with a team of senior industrialists to ensure that our courses keep up to date with industry, and you have the opportunity to spend a year working in industry, which improves your skills and career prospects.

Degree programmes

Single honours
Did you know?

Kent was ranked 7th in the UK for Electronic Engineering graduate employment prospects in The Complete University Guide 2010.

  • Electronic and Communications Engineering BEng (H619)
  • Electronic and Communications Engineering MEng (H607)
  • Electronic and Communications Engineering with a Year in Industry BEng (H604)
  • Electronic and Communications Engineering with a Year in Industry MEng (H608)
  • Electronic and Communications Engineering including a Foundation Year BEng (H605)
  • Electronic and Computer Systems BEng (H691)*

* The Electronic and Computer Systems BEng is designed to allow suitably qualified students, such as successful Foundation Degree graduates, to obtain a full honours degree by taking a one-year Stage 3 course. This leads to the same level of qualification as for students taking a traditional three-year course.

Core modules

Stage 1

You take eight 15-credit modules.

Core modules
  • Computer Systems
  • Digital Technologies
  • Electronic Circuits
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Engineering Analysis
  • Introduction to Electronics
  • Introduction to Programming
  • Robotics Project
Stage 2

You take eight 15-credit modules.

Core modules
  • Communication Electronics
  • Computer Interfacing Project
  • Digital Implementation
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Electronic Circuit Design
  • Instrumentation
  • Microcomputer Engineering
  • Operating Systems and Architectures
Stage 3

You take three 15-credit core modules, one 45- credit core project module, and then choose two 15-credit options.

Core modules
  • Communication Systems
  • Digital Communications
  • Final Year Project
  • Product Development
Options

Two from:

  • Digital Control and Robotics
  • Digital Systems Design
  • Embedded Computer Systems.
Stage 4 (MEng)
  • Broadband Networks (optional)
  • Business Strategy
  • Communication Networks
  • Signal and Communication Theory
  • Systems Group Project
  • Wireless/Mobile Communications (optional)
Year in industry

You have the option of spending a year working in industry between Stages 2 and 3.

Foundation year (H605)

This programme is for students who do not have the qualifications needed for direct entry to the honours degree programme. It covers electronics, computing, physics and mathematics.

If you successfully complete the foundation year you can go on to take either the Electronic and Communications Engineering programmes mentioned above or Computer Systems Engineering.

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.

Assessment is by a combination of coursework for practical and examples classwork, and written examinations. The Stage 3 project is assessed by a written report, an oral presentation, a viva examination, a poster presentation and the outcome of the project itself.

Entry requirements

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Offer levels
  • H604/H619: A/AS level 300 points (3.5 A level equivalents) inc CC at A level, IB Diploma 33 points, inc 5 in SL Mathematics and a science subject or IB Diploma with 15 points at Higher inc 5 in standard Mathematics and a science subject (not Mathematics Studies). Direct entry to Stage 2 available to suitably qualified students.
  • H607/H608: A/AS level 320 points (3.5 A level equivalents) inc BB at A level, IB Diploma 33 points inc 5 in SL Mathematics and a science subject or IB Diploma with 15 points at Higher inc 5 in standard Mathematics and a science subject (not Mathematics Studies).
  • H605: 160 points (3.5 A level equivalents) inc EE at A level, IB 24 points.
Required subjects
  • H604/H615/H618/H619: At least an A level in one and an AS level in a second from Mathematics and a science/ technology subject (such as Physics, Computing or Electronics) grade C for BEng, grade B for MEng. Equivalent qualifications are acceptable.
  • H614: GCSE Mathematics and Science grade C.

Careers

Professional recognition

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Our graduates go into careers such as: electronic engineering and computing; telecommunications industries including radio, television and satellite communications; medical electronics, instrumentation and industrial process control. They also frequently go on to postgraduate study, for example, MSc in Broadband and Mobile Communication Networks, Embedded Systems and Instrumentation or Information Security and Biometrics.