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

Develop a solid grounding in electronic and electrical engineering, and set yourself up for success. This new four year degree route (incorporating a foundation year) covers applied mathematics, physics and electronic engineering. You will experience being part of the University from the start, taught on campus by University lecturers and using University laboratories in practical sessions. You’ll take advantage of one-to-one mathematics support during term with our SUM: UP scheme.

Have you considered...

Careers with this subject
Discover employment and further study opportunities that you could consider once you graduate with an electrical and electronic engineering degree.

Key features
  • Gain a solid base in mathematics, physics and the practical skills required for a degree in engineering.
  • Develop an innovative engineering or robotics project. Examples of previous projects include building an FM frequency bug, a small robot with on-board computer, and an electronic synthesiser.
  • Develop your skills as your degree continues with a variety of modules including analogue and digital electronics, microprocessors, electrical power systems and programming in the context of eco-focused embedded systems. We have a strong emphasis on both hardware design and software development.
  • Draw on our strong industry links and benefit from industry participation in course development, delivery and project sponsorship.
  • Develop highly practical skills and learn through doing.
  • Students in engineering, science and the arts have access to a range of specialist equipment and innovative laboratories in our new engineering and design facility .
  • Immerse yourself in a degree accredited by the Institution for Engineering and Technology (IET) and meet the educational requirements for becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
  • Benefit from free IET membership while you are on the course.
  • Take advantage of our flexible course, allowing you to switch between electronics and robotics until your final year, as your interests develop.
  • 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.
  • Take part in our final year student project open day, showcasing the excellence of the engineering skills development and the high levels of achievement of our undergraduates, with many industrially sponsored prizes awarded.
  • Immerse yourself in hands-on laboratory sessions and a final year project module.
  • Make use of our well-equipped undergraduate laboratory space, one of the largest undergraduate laboratories in the country.
  • There is a possibility of transfer to BEng after the first year and MEng after the second year, subject to you demonstrating satisfactory progress.
  • Progress towards becoming a Chartered Engineer with appropriate professional training and experience.
  • Experience being part of the University from the start, taught on campus by University lecturers and using University laboratories in practical sessions.
  • Take advantage of one-to-one mathematics support during term with our SUM:UP scheme.
  • Discuss with your lecturers which degree to select towards the end of your first year of study.
  • 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.

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.

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

    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% Examinations

    40% Coursework

    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.

Babbage Building: where engineering meets design

“The building provides a state-of-the-art setting to inspire the engineers and designers of tomorrow, making it the ultimate place to bring together students, academics and industry in an environment that not only benefits them but also society as a whole.” – Professor Deborah Greaves OBE
Situated on the western edge of our city centre campus, the landmark new facility is home to the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
and offers additional space for the School of Art, Design and Architecture .
We have one of the best-equipped undergraduate laboratory suites in the UK, and all courses are highly practical, with an emphasis on design and build. Use our dedicated robotics and communications laboratories to focus on industrial and intelligent robotic systems and high frequency electronics.
Exterior of Babbage building
circuit board

Electrical and electronic engineering and robotics

Our department offers strong teaching and research and we're very proud of the support we offer our students. Our facilities are world class, with bespoke laboratories and workshops where you will put your learning into practice.
Our satisfaction ratings are among the highest in the UK and 90 per cent of our graduates are in professional or managerial roles after six months.*

Progression

After successfully completing the foundation year you can progress directly onto year one of any of the electronic engineering or robotics degrees.
Laboratory space - The general laboratory facilities provide power supplies, soldering facilities and compiler facilities for a hands-on student experience.

The student view

BEng (Hons) Robotic Engineering with Foundation Year* student Harry talks about the foundation year and how it has prepared him for the first year of his degree with the University of Plymouth.
*Course renamed BEng (Hons) Robotics with Foundation Year.

Work placements

A ‘placement year’ is an excellent way to gain a competitive edge. It will set you up for when the graduate schemes launch and help you make better career decisions.
Josh Sullivan gained important skills and career-defining experiences working for Rolls Royce as an electronics engineer.
Student Placements - Josh Sullivan

Student Showcase

Celebrating the range of research and development projects students undertake, the event allows students to demonstrate their creations to industry.

Student experience
Jack speaks about his experience on the course and presenting his project at the Student Showcase event.

Employer insight
Kevin Stewart, Senior Designer at Alstom, talks about his experience as an employer at the Showcase.

Emily-Jane Rolley-Parnell

Student Showcase
Find out more about the event.

Athena SWAN Silver Award logo

Athena Swan Silver

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was awarded an Athena Swan Silver award in September 2024 which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all.

Meet some of your lecturers

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.
Plymouth students working on a group project

Study sessions for students by students: Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS)

To complement your formal learning we offer regular sessions that provide the opportunity for you to learn with and from your peers. Share knowledge, discuss ideas, and ask questions in a relaxed and friendly environment
If you are a first or second year take the opportunity to study in a relaxed environment, along with other students on the same programme.

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.

Applications close 30 June 2024