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Electronics and Computer Engineering BEng Honours

  • UCAS code: H652
  • Full time
  • 3 years

This degree focuses on the development of systems that involve electronic hardware and software working together, such as the microcomputers embedded in many modern products.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2024-25


Next start date:

  • September 2024

Fees (per year)

  • Home: £9250
  • International: £26400

Entry requirements and offers

  • A-Level: ABB
  • IB: 32 points

UCAS Institution name and code:

  • NEWC / N21

Course overview

This three-year degree will give you the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of computer engineering. You'll be equipped with the programming skills and the practical skills you need to combine software and hardware that will enable you to integrate computer systems into a wide range of electronic systems.

Working on projects designed in collaboration with leading companies, you'll develop the skills and knowledge demanded by industry, through computing laboratories, practical project work and research-informed teaching.

Throughout the degree you will develop skills in Java, C and Python and will gain experience programming microcontrollers and computers, such as the Arduino and Raspberry Pi.

BEng or MEng?

Both our BEng and MEng degrees provide a pathway to becoming a Chartered Engineer. This is one of the most recognisable international engineering qualifications.

Our MEng degrees are a direct route to becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng). You don’t need to study any more qualifications after your degree to work towards chartered status.

Our three-year BEng degrees can also lead to Chartered Engineer status. However, you’ll need to complete further study, such as an approved master’s degree.

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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2023-24.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

In Stage 1, you'll be introduced to core areas of electronics and computer engineering. 

You'll cover topics such as programming, circuit theory, signals and communications, and engineering mathematics.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Programming Portfolio 30
Engineering Mathematics I 20
Sustainable Design, Creativity, and Professionalism 30
Electrical and Magnetic Systems 15
Electronics and Sensors 10
Properties & Behaviour of Engineering Materials 15

During your second year, you'll develop your knowledge further, exploring areas including operating systems, computer networks, digital electronics, and analogue electronics. 

You'll complete a design-based project in groups, working with students from other electrical engineering programmes. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Security and Programming Paradigms 20
Project and Professional Issues 20
Signals and Communications 20
Semiconductor Devices and Analogue Electronics 20
Engineering Internet-of-Things Project 10
Computer Programming and Organisation 20
Digital Electronics 10

In Stage 3, you'll complete in-depth modules covering topics such as database technology, telecommunication networks, and accounting, finance, and law for engineers. 

You'll also complete a significant individual project and dissertation, applying your expertise to investigate a complex problem such as developing an ultrasonic robot navigation system, multibiometric systems for face recognition, and 3D reconstruction through stereo vision. 

Alongside this, you will be able to choose from optional modules such as web technologies, system and network security, website design and construction, digital signal processing, and real-time and embedded systems. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
System and Network Security 20
Signal Processing and Machine Learning 20
Individual Project and Technical Report 30
Business and Law for Engineers 10
Optional Modules Credits
Digital Communication Systems 20
Electronic Devices and Semiconductor Technology 20
Integrated Circuit Design and Embedded System 20

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

You'll learn through a combination of:

  • lectures
  • lab sessions
  • tutorials 

Up to 10 hours will consist of practical sessions, taking part in experiments and project work in our state-of-the-art labs. 

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

  • Assessments

  • Assignments – written or fieldwork

  • Case studies

  • Coursework

  • Dissertation or research project

  • Examinations – practical or online

  • Group work

  • Practical sessions

  • Presentations

  • Reports

  • Seminar tasks/exercises

Skills and experience

Practical skills

With access to the latest engineering equipment and our state-of-the-art computer labs in the well-equipped Urban Science building, your practical work will focus on electronic systems that involve hardware and software working together. You'll also develop practical skills in Java and GUI programming. 

You'll also complete an individual design project, where you'll apply your engineering expertise. 

Business skills

In your second year, you'll complete the Project and Professional Issues module, where you'll develop an understanding of the planning and management of technical projects, as well as business organisation and planning. 

You'll also have the option to undertake a work placement between Stages 2 and 3, allowing you to put your learning into practice and develop your professional expertise. 

Research skills

You'll be taught by academics who are leaders in their field, with teaching informed by our ground-breaking research.

In your final year, you'll complete an individual research project, resulting in the design and development of an original system or device.

Opportunities

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year.  Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements.

Facilities and environment

Facilities

Our Engineering courses are taught at our city-centre campus, within the School of Engineering based in the Merz Court.

You'll benefit from world-class facilities and living labs, ranging from microbiology laboratories through to at-scale engineering equipment. 

Each engineering discipline has its own specialist facilities, including:

  • the Millennium Laboratory – home to a wide range of facilities and experimental rigs
  • Merz Court Pilot Plant Laboratory – a pilot plant with 28 experimental rigs
  • BE:WISE – Europe's largest wastewater treatment research facility
  • the Urban Observatory – with sensors gathering over 50 types of data across the city
  • Electronics Teaching Lab – home to state-of-the-art Agilent/Keysight digital test equipment
  • Clean-Room Microfabrication Lab – home to two class 100-10000 clean rooms

Support

To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive:

  • a tablet so you can download the online learning resources you'll need for your course (helping us to make our campus more sustainable)
  • a start-up pack containing essential personal protective equipment

You'll receive comprehensive support from the moment you arrive at the University. You'll be supported by personal tutors, stage tutors, and degree tutors. You'll also benefit from the School's student buddies scheme.

Your future

Electronics and Computer Engineering graduates are in high demand within the growing technology sector. 

Many of our graduates move on to roles within embedded systems, with companies including: 

  • Imagination Technologies
  • Microsoft
  • Apple
  • Google
  • ARM

You'll also develop a wide range of transferable skills, including analytical skills, teamwork, time management, and IT skills, which are valued by employers across all sectors.

Our graduates go on to work in a wide range of roles, industries, and sectors. Recent graduates have secured positions in:

  • ABB
  • Centrica
  • Satorius
  • BP
  • Nissan
  • BAE Systems
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Caterpillar
  • ABS Group
  • Anek Lines
  • Royal Navy

Engineering is a broad field with a number of different specialisms. Whichever engineering discipline you study, you'll emerge as an in-demand graduate with great career prospects. 

From global careers in the oil, gas and energy, pharmaceutical, or consumer products sectors, through to marine engineering and offshore engineering. There are also opportunities in groundbreaking research and consultancy, as well as business and management. 

Many of our students also progress on to further study, either within engineering or in a related field. 

Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2024 entry.

A-Level
International Baccalaureate

Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications

Contextual Offers

Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.

What is a contextual offer? Find out more and if you’re eligible for this or our PARTNERS Programme supported entry route.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Entrance courses (INTO)

International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO. 

Find out more about International Pathway Courses

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

Additional information

Advice on maths and science requirements

If you don’t think you will have the exact mathematics and science qualifications referred to in our entry requirements by the time you need them, you may not be sure what to do.

  • If you have a maths qualification but will not have it at A Level (or equivalent) when you start your degree, you should apply for the relevant degree with Foundation Year. We may give you the opportunity to take the Newcastle University Pre-Entry Maths Course* and the option to start in Year 1 if we think that this will be the best route for you.
  • If you have A Level Maths (or equivalent) already but not at the required grade, you should contact us for advice. We may decide that you could be considered for Foundation Year entry, or it may be that this course is not the best option for you.
  • If you will not have the equivalent of an A Level in the science subject (if any) required, you should apply for the relevant degree with Foundation Year.

If you are still not sure, don’t worry. Whatever you apply for, our Admissions Tutors will help you decide which is the best route for you. They may, therefore, make you an offer for a different course from the one you apply for (eg Foundation Year entry instead of Year 1 entry).

*The Newcastle University Pre-Entry Maths Course aims to provide the requisite mathematical skills and concepts needed on our engineering, maths and physics degree courses and to prepare students for the modes of learning they will encounter. The materials for the course are delivered electronically and include opportunities to practise your skills. You study the materials in your own time and, when you are ready, you book your exam with the Engineering School to which you have applied. A fee of £150 is payable at the time of booking the exam or shortly before the date set for examination.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

Qualification: BEng Honours

Home students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

9250

International students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

26400

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

Scholarships

Find out more about:

Additional information

Sponsorship

Our students are highly sought after. Many industry-leading companies offer sponsorship and scholarships to our students through the E3 Academy and UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF).

We are one of three university members of the E3 academy, which provides scholarships and work placements to electrical engineering students.

We're also a UKESF partner university. UKESF provides bursaries, work placements and mentoring to students.

Find out more about the E3 Academy

Find out more about the UK Electronics Skills Foundation

Open days and events

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

  • the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
  • the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
  • the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages

Get in touch

By phone

Call us on +44 (0) 191 208 3333 and press option 1. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm.

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You'll find our NCL chatbot in the bottom right of this page.

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