What can you do with an electronic and computer engineering degree?

Things to consider when choosing a career or considering further study after an electronic and computer engineering degree

Electrical and electronic induction. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Knowledge and skills

Your degree will help you gain in-depth knowledge in areas like analogue and digital electronics, communication systems. AI and software and hardware integration. With a strong focus on hands-on learning, you'll spend a lot of time working on individual and group projects, as well as in the laboratory.
Besides your specialist skills, you'll also develop valuable transferrable skills, such as:

A methodical but innovative approach to complex problem-solving
The pragmatism and practicality to bring concepts to life
Effective written and verbal communication from writing technical reports and presenting to diverse audiences including fellow students and industry professionals
Time and project management and the ability to prioritise and plan work effectively, both in the lab and when managing engineering projects from start to finish.

Career options

Our graduates

95% of graduates in work or further study

85% of graduates agree that their current activity is meaningful

100% of graduates say their degree was a formal requirement for their job or gave them an advantage*

Your degree opens doors to a wide range of exciting career possibilities at the intersection of software and hardware. From cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to the well-established telecommunications and automation sectors, Electronic and Computer Engineering professionals play a vital role in shaping modern technology. Areas of work you can consider include:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: developing intelligent systems that can learn and adapt, with applications in robotics, data analysis, and more.
Automation and Control Systems: Designing and implementing automated systems and robots for the manufacturing, healthcare, and other sectors.
Consultancy: helping organisations solve complex technical problems and optimise their electronic and computer systems.
Design and Development: Creating and developing electronic circuits, systems, and devices, from gadgets to industrial equipment.
Embedded Systems: Developing embedded systems that integrate hardware and software for applications in cars, medical devices, and smart home technology.
Hardware Engineering: designing, developing, and testing electronic hardware, including microprocessors, circuit boards, and sensors.
Internet of Things (IoT): Developing interconnected devices that communicate and share data, creating smart homes, cities, and industries.
Power Electronics and Renewable Energy: creating systems that manage and convert electrical power - including renewable energy solutions and electric vehicles.
Project Management: Overseeing the development and implementation of electronic and computer systems, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
Research and Development: creating new technologies in fields ranging from nanotechnology to wireless communication.
Software Development: Design and develop software applications, from mobile apps to complex systems used in various industries.
Technical Sales and Support: Providing technical expertise to support the sales and implementation of electronic and computer engineering products and systems.
Telecommunications: designing and maintaining communication systems such as mobile networks, satellite communications, and internet infrastructure.

The field is constantly evolving with new opportunities emerging as technology advances. With an Electronics and Computer Engineering degree, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the future and make a significant impact in your chosen career.

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22 for Electrical and Electronic Engineering graduates. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.

The graduate careers websites Prospects and TargetJobs are great places to begin your research. Check out What can I do with my degree? and follow the Electronic Engineering and Computer Science links to discover different possibilities. TargetJobs also has helpful careers guides and directories on IT and Engineering.

Sector-specific careers information and job vacancies

In addition to the broad information provided by Prospects, you could also go into a little more detail using these more subject-specific sites:

British Computing Society (BCS) the professional body for computing.

IEEE students Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is the professional home for the engineering and technology community worldwide.

Institute of Engineering and Technology
Gradcracker is a careers website designed for STEM students. It advertises roles with employers who are looking for candidates for graduate positions, summer internships, and placements. Plus, it offers free webinars that give valuable insights into different industries and employers.

The Engineer

Equality and diversity in engineering

Association of Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers

Equal Engineers

Women’s Engineering Society (WES)

Women into Science, Engineering and Constructions (WISE)

Employment opportunities

Below is a snapshot of what some of our graduates told us they were doing 15 months after graduation from our Electronics Engineering or Computer Science programmes.

AI developer
Digital Electronics Design Engineer
Graduate Antenna Engineer
Graduate data engineer
Graduate Electrical Design Engineer

Group Head of Engineering and Quality
Project Leader
Research Engineer – Embedded Systems
Senior Robotics Technician
Test Equipment Design Engineer

Employers

Babcock International
BAE Systems
Collins Aerospace
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
Dyson
Hoare Lea
Jaguar Land Rover
KPMG
Leonardo UK

Marine AI
M Subs Ltd
Marlborough Communications Ltd
Network Rail
RINA
Synopsys
Three (H3G)
Valeport
Vanilla Electronics

Some steps to consider taking while you study

Research the career possibilities and start planning early.
Build your industry knowledge by networking with future colleagues through your professional body and with employers and graduates at careers fairs and other networking events offered by the University.
Attend with industry events such webinars, seminars and meetups.
Seek relevant work experience through placements and summer or other shorter internships. Part-time work and volunteering is also valuable.
stay up to date with changes in these fast-moving industries with and continue to develop your skills.
get involved with relevant clubs and societies
visit the Careers Service for advice.

Further study

Some career paths may require or benefit from further study; the University of Plymouth offers the following postgraduate study options that could be of interest to you.

You should consider the financial implications of further study as well as selecting a programme that suits your interests, learning style and future career direction. The following websites provide a good starting point for exploring postgraduate options, but you may also benefit from talking to a Careers Consultant.

Some useful websites to help you find out more include:

It is also worth investigating what

further study options the University has to offer

as you may find the perfect course for yourself in an institution you already know. There are also sometimes financial benefits of staying on such as a fee discount to Alumni –

find out your funding options

Careers Service support

Accessing support from the Careers Service couldn’t be easier; come along to the Careers Service Helpdesk in the

Student Hub

or access our

24/7 online resources

. There is a wide range of support available from skills workshops to events, placements and internships advice, 1-2-1 appointments and help getting started with LinkedIn.

Our bite-sized Accelerate workshops can give your career the boost it needs and topics include:

effective career planning
job hunting techniques
finding part-time work
CVs and interviews
mastering LinkedIn

Workshops are delivered by the Careers Service, however, they are also an opportunity to learn from your peers, share experiences, and ask questions. Visit myCareer to see the full range of activities and to book your place.

Connect with graduates

Build your network and job sector knowledge using LinkedIn alumni tool. This will allow you to see the career journeys of graduates from your programme, the qualifications they completed, the skills they developed and employers they worked for. You can then ‘connect’ with people of interest.

search LinkedIn for ‘University of Plymouth’
select ‘Alumni’
filter the results by subject, sector, company or location.

For more information about the alumni tool select the LinkedIn alumni tool guide. If you are looking for help to set up or learn how to make the most out of your LinkedIn profile, select the LinkedIn guide for students or come to one of our workshops .

Other advice and guidance

Get work experience

Work experience will provide a major boost to your employability when you graduate as well as giving you a real insight into what to expect from different occupations and industries. You will develop your confidence and professional skills while meeting colleagues who may assist with your career development.

Many organisations offer placement years and shorter internships or you could work part-time around your studies or approach organisations speculatively directly to negotiate short periods of work experience. Gradcracker advertises opportunities with larger organisations and can give you an early indication idea of what might be available to you.

The University of Plymouth Students’ Union also offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities and there are many organisations within the not-for-profit sector who could benefit from your skills and expertise and volunteering generally will help to build your employability skills, confidence and make a real impact on your CV.

Clubs and societies

Involvement with clubs and societies shows employers you are engaged and seek out opportunities to develop and try new experiences. These activities also help to improve teamwork, communication and leadership skills. Committee members develop organisational and diplomacy skills having gained experience of meetings, handling funds, and society promotion

You may choose to join a society that is specifically linked to computing such as CompSoc or take the opportunity to explore the huge range of clubs, societies and sports, all of which can help you to broaden your horizons, develop new interests and build your confidence.

Tutor and academic support

Your tutors and other academic staff will also support your career development, having had experience in industry and academia, so do approach them for advice and insights into careers you are considering. They will also be writing references for you when you graduate so establishing a positive relationship with them is invaluable.