Electronic and Electrical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year BEng (Hons)

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This is a four-year version of our popular BEng (Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering course, with an integrated foundation year. Develop expert level skills in electronic and electrical engineering. Gain hands-on experience using our state-of-the-art facilities to apply project-oriented and design-based learning techniques to real world problems. Learn about sustainable solutions to the technological challenges faced by modern society.

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Overview

This course covers topics such as electrical and electronic principles and design, automation, control and instrumentation.

You'll be taught by academics who use their real-world experience to enhance the excellent teaching and support provided, with design-based learning and assessment in our state-of-the-art engineering facilities.

You're encouraged to apply for a year-long placement between the second and final year of study, although it is not compulsory. Past students have secured paid placements with companies such as Jaguar, Nissan, GlaxoSmithKline, Delphi Powertrain Systems and Sellafield Nuclear Power Station.

Why us?

Our BEng (Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering course has a 100% positivity score for how good teaching staff are at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024)
BEng (Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) as partially fulfilling the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status

The course specialises in both light current and heavy current
You will have access to industry-standard software to support your studies
Engineering graduates can earn between £20,000 and £30,000 a year

Course structure

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, group work, laboratory projects and e-learning. We encourage you to develop independent study skills. You will also have opportunities to present ideas to other students and develop concepts within groups.

As well as assessments that count towards your degree, there are also on-going assessments for feedback and consolidating your learning. Assessment methods include exams, multiple-choice tests and projects.

Foundation Year

The Engineering Integrated Foundation Year includes five modules:

Essential Study Skills (20 credits)

This module supports the development skills and attributes needed for degree level study and graduate employment. This includes searching for information, reviewing evidence, presenting information, and self-analysis to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Foundation Project (20 credits)

This module supports understanding in a topic area related to your area of study. It also encourages independent and team working with support available from tutors throughout the lifespan of the project.

Mathematics for Engineering (20 credits)

Concentrate on consolidating your numerical and algebraic skills, while later in the module a greater emphasis will be put on statistics, leading on to completing an assignment based on statistical work you have done earlier. Take responsibility for your own learning and ensuring you are able to manage your time and work independently.

Foundations of Engineering (40 credits)

Understand and apply scientific principles on which simple mechanical, electrical and electronic systems are based. Apply mathematical concepts learned in the related mathematics module to design, analyse and test a variety of engineering systems. Confirm your findings through a series of practical activities and computer-based simulations.

Engineering Practice (20 credits)

Gain the knowledge and confidence to identify appropriate information sources and use them appropriately in the creation of engineering reports. Learn to use a variety of engineering software in the creation of engineering designs and to support the creation of technical documentation. Perform calculations with spreadsheets and use CAD software to create engineering designs and prototypes.

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Course modules

Year 1 (national level 4):

Digital Technologies for Engineering (20 credits)

Learn to use digital technologies to support and enhance your work as an engineer. Use advanced engineering software to perform engineering calculations and analysis and learn to design, simulate, and prototype systems as part of a digital workflow. Develop smart electronic systems, comprising both hardware and software, and simple computer programs.

Engineering Mathematics (20 credits)

Develop the mathematical and analytical skills needed to solve engineering problems. Study the foundations of topics such as algebra, trigonometry, Calculus, matrices and differential equations. Gain transferable skills in problem-solving.

Manufacturing and Materials (20 credits)

Expand your knowledge of all engineering materials (metals, polymers, ceramics and composites), their properties and processing. Build on your understanding of manufacturing processes and systems alongside economic, ethical, and environmental considerations. Apply computer-aided materials selection and manufacturing process selection techniques to engineering components.

Applied Mechanics (20 credits)

Understand the fundamental concepts, laws, and analytical methods for the solution of engineering mechanics problems. Use mechanical technology and evaluate the results of practical mechanics experiments. Utilise different mathematical techniques such as differentiation, integration, solution of simultaneous equations, ordinary differential equations (ODEs), trigonometry, and vectors.

Electronic & Electrical Principles (20 credits)

Gain a fundamental understanding of concepts related to electronic and electrical engineering. Grow your analytical skills to be able to solve electronic and electrical circuits. Enhance your knowledge of machines and transformers.

Digital Design Principles (20 credits)

Get an introduction to the world of design engineering. Learn to use key design and engineering software such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design). Develop the ability to produce an engineering drawing, alongside workshop and manufacturing skills.

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Year 2 (national level 5):

Microprocessors and PLC (20 credits)

Examine the operation and application of a range of both microprocessors and PLCs. Investigate the internal architecture, operation and programming techniques of microprocessors and microcontrollers and their role in data capture applications. Apply your skills with design activities and use a problem-based learning approach.

Electrical Power Systems and Machines (20 credits)

Gain a critical understanding of the operating characteristics of system components within Electricity Generation, Transmission and Distribution, and the techniques that may be employed to model them. Explore the range of sources of energy available for power generation, and economic factors relevant to the provision, and use of, electrical power. Analyse the steady state performance and interpret practical operating data for power system components, such as generators, transformers, and transmission lines.

Electronics (20 credits)

Enhance your understanding of the operation of a wide variety of analogue and digital electronics. Design electronic circuits and analyse the imperfections and errors in typical circuits. Develop transferrable skills relevant to employment in the engineering sector.

Control and Instrumentation (20 credits)

Advance your understanding of the principles of operation and performance of measurement systems. Delve into signal conditioning requirements and their design. Develop models of ‘complex’ systems by using system diagrams for the connection and manipulation of simple sub-systems.

Mathematics, Statistics and Simulation (20 credits)

Expand your knowledge of the continuous and discrete time mathematics for the analysis of signals and systems. Undertake engineering analysis and use an appropriate mathematical approach. Develop and analyse mathematical models of the behaviour of a component or system due to external influences.

Engineering Group Interdisciplinary Project (20 credits)

Work in groups across engineering disciplines to solve a real-world engineering problem. Apply your specialist skills and knowledge to perform tasks to support your project group. Progress your project through the various stages including; identifying the problem, project planning, design and evaluation.

Year 3 (national level 6):

Engineering Placement (Optional) (120 credits)

Spend a minimum of 35 weeks working on an industry placement where you’ll compile a portfolio of supporting evidence to demonstrate the achievement of the objectives identified in the learning contract. Engage in work-based learning activities with the support of a supervisor and receive feedback from both them and your academic tutor to improve your performance.

Professional Engineering Management Techniques (20 credits)

Explore some of the soft skills outlined in the UK-SPEC which are pre-requisites to chartered status. Develop your communication and interpersonal skills alongside the design and development of processes and systems. Discover more about project management, and some of the techniques associated with it.

Project (40 credits)

Undertake a unique engineering project that builds on one or more of the topics you've studied throughout your course. Conduct research and resolve an engineering problem in an area of practice that is interesting to you. Enhance your time-management and research skills.

Manufacturing Systems Design (20 credits)

Discover a range of tools that can be applied within a manufacturing context to analyse existing performance and aid the development of models and systems which achieve an enhanced level of productivity. Develop your knowledge of modern measurement and control tools.

Electrical Power (20 credits)

Expand your knowledge of the practical applications and performance characteristics of DC machines, AC motors, and generators, their operation, performance, and control. Design, model and analyse the behavior of electrical machines under normal and abnormal conditions. Critically analyse the stability requirements, the load flow and fault capabilities of a power network, including protection interruption requirements.

Electronic System (20 credits)

Consider the design of complex multivariable combinational and sequential logic circuits. Directly apply digital design principles to practical problems. Appraise circuit designs and formulate designs to improve them.

David Goldman Technology Centre 360
There are 25 stations for electronics, each with its own power supply, oscilloscope, signal generator, multi-meter and a PC with software to support circuit analysis/design, and programming of PLCs and microcontrollers.
There are also numerous pre-built circuit boards to aid in the study of analogue electronics, digital electronics and logic, as well as hardware rigs for the study of CAN Bus systems.

View our AccessAble accessibility guide for the Electronics lab.

Electronics Lab
We’ve got thousands of books and e-books on engineering topics, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. We also subscribe to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals so you can access the most reliable and up-to-date academic and industry articles.

Some of the most important sources for engineers include:
- British Standards Online which offers more than 35,000 documents covering specifications for products, dimensions, performance and codes of practice
- Abstracts from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and Institution of Engineering and Technology, including journals, technical reports and dissertations
- Science Direct, which offers more than 18,000 full-text journals published by Elsevier, with journals such as ‘Engineering Structures’, ‘Advanced Engineering Informatics’ and ‘Electric Power Systems Research’
- Archives of publications from Emerald, including over 35,000 full-text engineering and management articles
Library Services - engineering
Primarily used for simulating factory processes, this manufacturing lab is kitted out with industry standard Festo equipment, robotics and PLCs.

View our AccessAble accessibility guide for the David Goldman Technology Centre.
Manufacturing Lab
The Product Development Lab is used by students across all years, including masters and PhD research students. There are no formal classes taught in here; it is instead used for project work outside of set teaching time. In here you can find: a 3D printer; Trotec laser and engraving machine; CNC lathe; CNC router; CNC milling machine; pillar drills; bandsaws; as well as various powered hand tools.

View our AccessAble accessibility guide for the Product Development Lab.
Product Development Lab
Map and directions

Facilities

You will be based at the David Goldman Informatics Centre. Our specialist labs include:

• Product Development Lab
• Electronics Lab
• Automation Lab
• Project Lab
• Material Characterisation Lab
• Formulation Lab
• Thermofluids Lab
• Mechanical Engineering Lab

You will have access to a range of industry leading technologies at the Industry Centre, the home of the Institute of Automotive and Manufacturing Advanced Practice as well as access to industrial standard software to help prepare you for a future career in a digital context.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

Entry requirements are provided for guidance only and we may offer you an entrance interview which will help us determine your eligibility for your chosen degree. This enables us to consider making you an offer if you are perhaps a mature student who has been out of education for a period of time, or you have gained significant knowledge and skills through employment rather than traditional education.

Eligible entry qualifications:

1. Normally a minimum of three Level 2 qualifications (NVQ, GCSE or equivalent ), including Maths and English at grade C or above and a minimum of 40 UCAS tariff points from Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A or AS Levels, BTEC certificates/diplomas, access courses or equivalent) OR Demonstrable evidence of appropriate knowledge and skills acquired from at least three years of post-school work experience.

OR
2. Demonstrable evidence of appropriate knowledge and skills acquired from at least three years of post-school work experience.

If you are unsure of whether you think you might be suitable for the course, please contact us!

** If you have studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above. Equivalent alternative qualifications are also accepted, such as Level 2 Key Skills in Communication and Application of Number.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is £9,535 if you are from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled.

Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £9,535. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

If you are a full-time UK/Irish/EU settled/EU pre-settled student you may be eligible to receive financial support to cover your fees for the full four years. UK and EU settled students may also be eligible to receive a maintenance loan.

Please note, this course is not available to international students.

Learn more about settled status, pre-settled status, special discounts, visa requirements and Common Travel Area (CTA) agreements for the Republic of Ireland applicants in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

The Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's by night

Career ready

Recent graduates have secured graduate jobs that pay around £28,000 a year, with companies such as McLaren Automotive, General Motors and Nissan.

Graduate success

Sunderland has a good reputation with employers - 100% of graduates are in work or further study six months after graduating, according to the latest Unistats data.

Our recent graduates have gone on to work for companies such as McLaren Automotive, General Motors, Jaguar, Perkins Engines and Parametrics Technology. Other graduates conduct research within major automotive manufacturers such as Ford, Vauxhall and Nissan.

Placements

To further enhance employability we encourage you to apply for a 48-week placement where available between your second and final year. Placements are subject to availability and interviews are required. They are usually paid, with past students having earned an average salary of £14,000-£18,000 a year depending on location.
Placements are an excellent opportunity to put your learning into practice and understand the context for your new knowledge. The contacts made during placements can also be valuable for future job offers.

Examples of companies that have offered placements to Sunderland students include Jaguar, Vauxhall, Nissan, Caterham Cars, Cummins Engines and Tata Steel.

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Technology.

Page last updated: 02 January 2025

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.

Overview

Why us?

Course structure

Foundation Year

The Engineering Integrated Foundation Year includes five modules:

Essential Study Skills (20 credits)

Foundation Project (20 credits)

Mathematics for Engineering (20 credits)

Foundations of Engineering (40 credits)

Engineering Practice (20 credits)

Course modules

Year 1 (national level 4):

Digital Technologies for Engineering (20 credits)

Engineering Mathematics (20 credits)

Manufacturing and Materials (20 credits)

Applied Mechanics (20 credits)

Electronic & Electrical Principles (20 credits)

Digital Design Principles (20 credits)

Year 2 (national level 5):

Microprocessors and PLC (20 credits)

Electrical Power Systems and Machines (20 credits)

Electronics (20 credits)

Control and Instrumentation (20 credits)

Mathematics, Statistics and Simulation (20 credits)

Engineering Group Interdisciplinary Project (20 credits)

Year 3 (national level 6):

Engineering Placement (Optional) (120 credits)

Professional Engineering Management Techniques (20 credits)

Project (40 credits)

Manufacturing Systems Design (20 credits)

Electrical Power (20 credits)

Electronic System (20 credits)

Facilities

Entry requirements

Fees and finance

Career ready

Graduate success

Placements

Meet the team — BEng (Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year

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