School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year

UCAS tariff 32 - 48 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code H613
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

Gain a solid grounding in electronic and electrical engineering and set yourself up for success. This new four-year degree route, including a foundation year, covers applied mathematics, physics and electronic engineering. From day one, you’ll become part of the University, learning on campus from University lecturers and using University laboratories for practical sessions. You’ll also benefit from one-to-one mathematics support during term through our SUM: UP scheme.

What is a foundation year?

A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
After successfully completing the foundation year you can progress directly onto year one of any of the electronic engineering or robotics degrees.

A course with a foundation year is for you if…

  • You would like to build your confidence to study at university level.
  • You want to gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
  • Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
  • You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
  • You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
  • You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.

Careers with this subject
Advance with a course where our students are consistently recognised by industry as being both capable and well prepared for their careers. Our graduates regularly obtain placements and jobs at companies such as Allen & Heath, BAE Systems, Babcock Marine, GE Aviation, Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce.
Discover employment and further study opportunities that you could consider once you graduate with an electrical and electronic engineering degree.

Key features

Facilities at your fingertips

From the start of your studies at Plymouth, you'll be in the labs and using industry equipment to apply your skills with confidence

Connected for careers

Industry contact throughout your course means you'll be connected and ready for you career

Qualified and professional

As a graduate from this Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) accredited programme, you'll be sought after as an Incorporated Engineer, and on your way to Chartered Engineer status

Get ahead in your career

Spend an optional placement year working as a paid student engineer – a great opportunity to further your knowledge and make important industry contacts

Gain a solid base in mathematics, physics and practical skills

The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree. Completion of the foundation year will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but will provide access to Year 1 of your degree. There is a possibility of transfer to BEng after the first year and MEng after the second year, subject to you demonstrating satisfactory progress.

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • Taught by University lecturers on campus, you’ll be part of the University from day one. You'll study six modules over the foundation year, including mathematical methods, applied mathematics (mechanics), physics and electronics. The year is geared towards helping you to progress onto one of our degrees in electronic engineering or robotics. You'll take about 17 taught hours per week, and put in at least the equivalent number of hours of independent study.

    Core modules

    ELEC051
    Electronics 20 credits

    The module introduces basic electricity and analogue electronics. Lectures, laboratory measurements and practical construction experience underpin the learning. Lecture materials have a close link with practical works in the laboratory.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    MATH051
    Mathematical Methods I 20 credits

    This module is intended to show how mathematics is a fundamental part of the world of engineering, science and computing as well as of the world around us. Assuming a base of GCSE grade C, the lectures and assessments are designed to lead to an understanding of the application of mathematics to GCE A Level grade C and above.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    MATH053
    Mathematical Methods II 20 credits

    This module is intended to show how mathematics is a fundamental part of the world of engineering and science as well as of the world around us. It extends the mathematics taught in MATH051 to include complex numbers, differential equations and numerical methods.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    MATH058
    Applied Mathematics 20 credits

    This module provides an introduction to applied mathematics. The focus of the module is on the use of mechanics to solve basic problems of an engineering and scientific nature in the real world. Topics studied are: modelling; forces; vectors; kinematics in one and two dimensions; Newton's laws; moments and energy.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    PHYS050
    Physics I 20 credits

    This module provides an introduction to physics and its applications in science and engineering. This module assumes little previous knowledge of physics.

    60% Coursework

    40% Examinations

    PHYS051
    Physics II 20 credits

    This module continues the work in Physics I, providing an introduction to physics and its applications in science and engineering.

    60% Coursework

    40% Examinations

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    BPIE112
    Stage 1 Electrical/Robotics Placement Preparation 0 credits

    This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

    ELEC141
    Analogue Electronics 20 credits

    This module provides an overview of analogue circuit characterisation, analysis and design, linking theory to practice. It will examine how common analogue systems are constructed from elementary components.

    50% Examinations

    40% Coursework

    10% Practicals

    ELEC142
    Digital Electronics 20 credits

    This is a foundation module in digital electronics and computer control, which introduces digital devices and provides a background in the principles, design and applications of combinational and sequential logic circuits.

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

    ELEC144
    Electrical Principles and Machines 20 credits

    This module gives an introduction to the electrical properties of materials, capacitance, Inductance, and electromagnetism. Basic circuit principles and their application in dc and ac circuit analysis are then applied to electrical machines, transformers and energy conversion.

    60% Coursework

    40% Examinations

    ENGR104
    Engineering Mathematics 20 credits

    This module provides students with a number of fundamental mathematical skills, and techniques, which are essential for the analysis of engineering problems.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    PROJ100
    Embedded System Design and Build 40 credits

    The module enables students to work collectively to build prototype solutions to real-world problems using both software and hardware. This will include development and verification skills in both hardware and software.

    100% Coursework

Course-specific academic regulations

This course has unique rules relating to:

  • Passing a module
View the full regulations for this course
The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level: from minimum of 2 A levels. Excluding general studies.
BTEC
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP.
12 Unit BTEC National Certificate/QCF Diploma: MP.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
All Access courses
All Access courses: pass Access course (any subject) (including GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above or equivalent). For candidates that do not have a science, electrical or technology background please contact: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for further advice.
T level:Pass – Science/Technology pathways only.
International Baccalaureate: 24 overall – English and mathematics must be included.
GCSE: mathematics and English at grade C/4 or above.
Mature students with appropriate work experience are encouraged to apply. For those who do not meet the requirements, please enquire for further details.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Hands-on learning

From the very start of your studies, you'll gain practical experience using cutting-edge labs, workshops and tools, ensuring you're well-prepared for industry challenges.

Strong industry connections

Build valuable professional relationships through live consultancy projects, networking events and collaborations with local businesses and social enterprises.

Tackle the challenges of tomorrow

Experience a forward-thinking curriculum that integrates the latest advancements in electrical and electronic engineering, readying you for emerging trends and technologies in the field.

This course is for you if...

  • you love understanding how things work
  • you're curious and keen to try new ideas
  • you can't wait to put ideas into practice
  • your inventive nature drives your ambition
  • you get a buzz from solving problems for others

Engineering a more energy efficient future

Develop your technical and design ability and get placements and jobs in top companies, whose recruiters are keen to discover your inventions.
Some of the biggest medical breakthroughs have been in electronics including medical imaging, robot surgery and stenting – and your work can make a real difference to society.
Previous student projects have included developing bionic arms for amputees or working in international organisations like the European Space Agency designing satellite systems.

The thing that I enjoy most – and which attracted me to the course – was the amount of practical work. You learn a lot more from actually building and testing a circuit than just learning the theory.

Mathew Hodgett, graduate
 

Benefits of a placement year

From BMW to Babcock, EDF Energy to the Science and Technology Facilities Council, our placement opportunities will help you get a professional confidence and make better career decisions.
“I gained a wealth of experience and it gave me the confidence and knowledge to make me more employable.”
Student Placements - Josh Sullivan

Industry connections

As a course focused on employability, we’ve developed a number of relationships with industry to help provide you with the connections and opportunities you need to begin your career.

Nora Schillinger
Put learning into practice
Take a paid year in industry to help consolidate and develop your engineering knowledge.
Participants of the Babcock Mentoring Scheme
Industry mentors
Our industry partners offer placements and visits; support and sponsorship for project work; and graduate employment.
PEMC Working with Industry
Relevant, contemporary learning
Our relationship with a range of industries, and our local Industry Advisory Group ensure our courses are relevant to industry needs.

Take a walk through our labs

As part of our offering to you as a student, we have a range of facilities to enhance your learning experience and provide you with the ability to focus on industrial and intellectual robotic systems and high frequency electronics.
Dr Toby Whitley walks through the Electrical and Electronic Engineering lab facilities
Plymouth Engineering Society

Your clubs and societies

UPSU offer a range of opportunities for you to connect with others. We're sure there will be a group for you, if it’s about your course, passion or just trying something completely new.
The University's Engineering Society provides a platform for you to meet, socialise with and learn from from fellow students.
The club aims to promote links across all engineering disciplines and between all year groups from foundation year to masters year.
Socials and events are hosted throughout the year so come and get involved.

What our students say

"I choose the course because it is more hands-on, with lots of practical work, which I found helped to enhance my understanding"
Yassin Rostom
"Group work is one of the best opportunities to experience real life challenges. Working together to achieve the best possible success are skills to learn and constantly develop".
Chiara Rivetti

Meet your expert teaching staff

Meet our school technical staff

Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.

Apply to the Tamar Engineering Project

Open for applications to ambitious students who want to embark on a career in engineering and who have shown potential for high academic achievement at A level, but whose background or personal circumstances may be a barrier to university study. Successful applicants will receive:
  • £3,000 per annum towards living costs for the duration of the taught element of their degree (usually three years)
  • £1,500 fee waiver per annum
  • one-to-one mentoring from an industry expert.