South Devon College

FdSc Engineering (Electrical Electronics)

Institution code S32
Duration

4 years

Course type

Part-time

Study location South Devon College (Paignton)

Everything at University Centre South Devon (UCSD) is designed to maximise your employability and future career opportunities. Courses are created with local employers to ensure you learn industry-relevant skills and are delivered in small classes with regular one-to-one support, covering a range of study skills – it’s no wonder we’re recognised as a leading institution in the National Student Survey.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    SOUD1533
    Engineering Science

    Introduction to Engineering science principles that are central to the design of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering systems which will also provide broad knowledge for Engineering professionals. This module will provide an introduction to AC and DC circuit theory, along with Static and Dynamic Mechanical principles for further modules fundamental to the safe and efficient design and production of engineering systems

    SOUD1540
    Engineering Mathematics

    This module is designed to provide an introduction to mathematical principles that underpin the knowledge and skills required for an engineering environment. A focus will be made on applying mathematics to practical engineering scenarios, demonstrating an effective problem-solving methodology

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    SOUD1536
    Manufacturing and Materials

    This module provides an introduction to engineering material properties, selection and processing of materials for engineering applications, methods of inspection and tests. It continues to investigate the links between material structure, properties and appropriate manufacturing methods, materials properties and applies these to traditional and non-traditional manufacturing techniques. Students should gain knowledge of how material properties affect manufacturing choices

    SOUD1539
    Digital Electronics with Microcontrollers

    This module introduces the fundamentals of digital electronics with microcontrollers. Students will explore contemporary electrical/electronic and electro-mechanical systems, and the common core hardware and software solutions used to enable autonomous activities regarding Engineering systems

    SOUD1538
    Engineering Project

    This module introduces students to the frameworks and structures that modern design principles and introduction to a CAD modelling software required for use within the industry. Students will explore the importance of engineers working as the link between theory and the needs of customers

  • Year 3

  • Core modules

    SOUD2487
    Industrial Control and Automation

    This module introduces the student to the systems implemented in the industry to control processing tasks. The module will cover awareness of industrial systems from input (sensors) through processing (embedded, compact, modular and rack controllers) to output (actuators and drives).

    SOUD2489
    Engineering Build

    An introduction to the theory, practice and the application of engineering systems will be explored within this module focussing on the design, build construction and simulation. The module will also focus on practical skills within a system environment linked to the learner pathway.

    SOUD2490
    Engineering Business, Quality and Project Management

    This module provides students with an understanding of how businesses operate within the engineering sector. From Total Quality Management within engineering organisations such as Six Sigma techniques, resource management and lean manufacturing to the disciplines of successful Project Management.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    SOUD2491
    Independent Research Module

    This module provides students with the opportunity to plan, research, produce and reflect upon the findings of a research project relevant to their chosen Engineering pathway and/or Industry.

    SOUD2492
    Electrical Electronic and Digital Principles

    This module builds on previous learning of fundamentals of contemporary electrical/electronic devices, electro-mechanical systems and includes advanced digital logic. The learner will be encouraged to explore a more in-depth analysis of complex practical applications with relation to microcontrollers, electro-mechanical or electrical/electronics systems.

    SOUD2493
    Digital Communications

    This module introduces digital communication principles for use within an engineering context. Investigation into analogue and digital communication techniques, exploring PCM/DPCM, multiplexing and demultiplexing, noise in communication systems, digital modulation and demodulation. The learner will be encouraged to explore a more in-depth analysis of complex practical applications with relation engineering scenarios.

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.

Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with South Devon College

The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Please contact South Devon College to apply for this course:

South Devon College
Vantage Point
Long Road
Paignton

Tel: +448000380123
Email: enquiries@southdevon.ac.uk

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with South Devon College

At the heart of the sunny English Riviera, we’re an award-winning Beacon status college. Add to that our ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted (in 2009), modern facilities and our larger-than-life Students’ Union, and you’re left with the perfect environment.
Plymouth students working on a group project