Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Electronics)


Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Part Time, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Access Course Tariff	IB requirement
120–128	BBB–ABB - maths and either physics or technology or engineering based subjects, excluding general studies/critical thinking	DDM - requires Extended diploma in Engineering (DDM) to include distinction in further maths	Engineering diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at distinction to include maths or science or principles units. the remaining 15 L3 credits must be at merit	120–128 points from a minimum of two HL subjects at grade 4 or above to include HL Maths and Physics

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/C in Mathematics.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

About the course

Apprenticeship Standard: Embedded Electronic Systems Design and Development Engineer

Final Award: BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Electronic Engineers design and develop electronic circuits, devices and systems for a range of industries.

Employees undertaking this course will develop the latest expertise in the fields such as digital signal processing, microelectronic & VLSI design practice, robotics and neural networks, power systems applications and implementation, and advanced power conversion and control application trends.

Why choose this course?

This BEng Honours in Electrical and Electronic Engineering will give you a sound technological background in the field of electrical and electronic engineering.
You will have access to modern engineering tools which will give you the advantage of experiencing a hi-tech laboratory environment.

What will I study?

The School has a reputation for innovation in teaching and learning with most modules delivered through a combination of traditional face to face teaching and distance learning through the university's StudyNet web based facility. With a heavy emphasis on Computer Aided Engineering, the school has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible.

This engineering apprenticeship follows a part time, day release model with some block teaching in each Semester.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Engineering Mathematics (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable learners to explore mathematical techniques commonly used in engineering. Topics covered include functions frequently occurring in engineering applications, their manipulation and application, complex numbers, integration techniques, differentiation of functions of one or more variables, ordinary differential equations, determinants, matrices and vectors, statistics and probability. A range of applications will support the mathematical content of the module.
Digital Electronic Circuits (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
'Digital Electronic Circuits' provides a comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals of digital electronics. A range of fundamental key topics such as binary number systems, base conversion, codes, binary arithmetic operations and Boolean logic are covered. Common types of logic gates and flip-flops are introduced and the basic concepts and principles for the analysis and design of combinational and sequential digital electronic systems are presented. Finally, these and other topics are brought together in the context of computer and microprocessor systems, to introduce learners to computer hardware and the principles of operation of peripheral devices.
Circuit theory and analysis (apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to provide learners with a sound understanding of the fundamental concepts of electric circuit theory and the ability to apply these principles to solve engineering problems. Topics covered include basic electric circuits and components such as resistor, capacitor, inductor and their series and parallel connections with a comprehensive coverage of the basic laws and theorems to perform nodal and mesh analysis of DC and AC electric circuits. The module provides an in-depth introduction to AC fundamentals including voltage, current, and power in AC circuits and the concept of power factor correction with an overview of frequency response characteristics and the concept of resonance. Finally, the transient behaviour of basic first order and second order circuits including RL, RC and RLC is introduced.
Project Planning and Design (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
Learners will develop their practical skills from the knowledge learned in the relevant level and semester modules. Learners will learn how to design and develop electronic system elements, from using discrete components through to designing systems and managing projects. Learners will explore how to plan engineering projects that captures the operating requirements based on user specifications. Learners will explore how to design against the captured requirements and produce a functional electronic design.
Professional Engineering (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
Learners will be exploring to their individual responsibilities when developing on their careers as professional engineers. Through relevant application of professionalism as learners, they will develop skills and knowledge that will be directly relatable to industry practice and/or continued academic study. Using relevant academic research and industry examples learners will learn about codes of conduct, relevant legislation, compliance and ethics as well as developing an understanding of working in teams, leadership and project management.The learning and assessment will be in conjunction with aligned and concurrent modules to allow this module to support and develop their academic and practical skills. The aim is to develop in the learners a personal responsibility for their own learning and professional career development. Through engaging effectively with industry sourced speakers and real-world case studies the learners will gain valuable insights into how academic theories and discussions relate to real world professional discussions and situations.
Programming (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces learners to a variety of programming concepts and variables, constants and arrays. It also includes introductory material on more advanced concepts such as software design methodology. The module is taught both by lecture and practical exercises, with the practical work being largely centred on the use of a high level language such as C .
Analogue Circuits and Devices (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces learners to the fundamental properties of semiconductor materials and devices commonly used in modern electronics. Topics studied include diodes, bipolar and field-effect transistors with their different configurations and their biasing techniques. The module also covers the essentials on operational amplifiers and their applications in electronic circuit design. Additionally, learners will gain an in-depth knowledge on construction, testing and analysis of analogue electronic systems.
Electronic Product Development (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
Learners will explore what they have learned including the electronic theories, analogue circuits, and project management to experience a complete cycle of a discrete component analogue electronic circuit design process, which includes conceptual design, breadboard implementation, circuit simulation, PCB fabrication, and components assembling. Learners will be trained to use typical electronic laboratory instrumentation to perform the electronic circuit testing and debugging. These activities will be supported by the module team and lab technicians. Learners will be provided with a variety of resources including relevant lab equipment and professional software packages. Learners will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and test the electronic circuits.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Signals and Systems (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
Learners will be introduced fundamentals of signals and systems analysis techniques used in electrical, electronics, control and communication systems. The module covers continuous time signals, linear time-invariant systems, Fourier Analysis, convolution and Laplace transform etc., in mathematical terms alongside with engineering principles. Suitable software packages, such as MATLAB, will be used as an analysis tool to support practical activities.
Digital Design & Embedded Systems (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module extends coverage of digital design into the area of microprocessor, microcontroller, and programmable logic devices. The fundamental aspects of microprocessor system hardware design are covered along with programming. The module also introduces the study of digital systems using field programmable logic devices and modern computer-based tools such as VHDL that are used in the programming of such devices.
Electrical Power and Energy Conversion (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to introduce learners to the concepts underlying electric power generation, transmission, energy conversion systems and control of electrical systems and electrical machines. Each topic is presented in sufficient depth to enable learners to develop their understanding of the fundamental principles, techniques, and methodologies for the analysis and design of electric power systems, electrical machines, and power electronics drives.
Analogue and Mixed-Signal Design (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
Learners will put into practice what they have learned during Digital Design and Embedded Systems and Signals and Systems to experience a complete cycle of a mixed-mode and FPGA based electronic circuit design process, which includes conceptual design, system implementation, simulation, and system deployment. Learners will be trained to use typical electronic CAD/EDA to perform a digital FPGA electronics circuit testing and debugging. These activities will be supported by the module team and lab technicians. Learners will be provided with a variety of resources including relevant lab equipment and professional software packages. Learners will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and test the digital electronic circuits.
Real-Time Systems and Programming (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module extends knowledge of embedded systems with material on both the hardware design and software issues of real-time systems, including an introduction to aspects such as scheduling, system testing and response analysis.
Connected Systems and IoT (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
Learners will put into practice what they have learned during Real-time Systems & Programming and Communication System Principles to experience a complete cycle of an electronic circuit design process, which includes conceptual design, system implementation, simulation, and system deployment for the application of IoT. Learners will be trained to use typical electronic CAD/EDA to perform a microcontroller-based circuit testing, debugging for IoT applications. These activities will be supported by the module team and lab technicians. Learners will be provided with a variety of resources including relevant lab equipment and professional software packages. Learners will be assessed, in groups as well as individually, by their ability to conceive, design, implement and test microcontroller-based circuits.
Mechatronics (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
The aims of this module are to enable learners to understand the basic mechanics, analogue electronics, control systems and electro-mechanical processes in line with wider mechatronics applications. Learners will be enabled to apply problem solving and implement engineering solutions to optimise mechatronics systems. Learners will also be enabled to demonstrate understanding of the multidisciplinary inter-link within mechatronics.
Communication System Principles (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces fundamental concepts of communication systems and communications networks, including baseband signals, communication channel and noise, analogue modulation/demodulation, sampling and digitisation and communication network topologies. Theoretical study is supported by practical exercises and lab experiments and where appropriate, software-based simulation tools.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Intelligent Systems and Robotics (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to advance learners knowledge of control principles into robotic systems based on the use of fuzzy logic, neural networks and neuro-fuzzy systems. The fundamentals of these artificial intelligence techniques and systems will be covered in depth to provide learners with knowledge and practical basis for applying artificial intelligence techniques to the solution of complex problems in robotics.
Digital Communication Systems (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module further develops learners knowledge of digital communication systems. The emphasis is on digital aspects of communications, with study of typical digital modulation strategies. Also covered in the module is study of the effect of channel properties and of channel equalisation techniques.
Power Systems & Renewable Energy (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
Electric power systems around the world are undergoing a profound transformation as a consequence of the transition towards the adoption of clean and sustainable energy sources. This module provides an in-depth knowledge on electric power systems, renewable energy sources including solar, wind and other alternative sources and an advanced technical understanding of the technologies for renewable energy conversion, storage, and integration to electric distribution network. The module will also introduce the concept of smart grids, microgrids, smart metering and communication technologies.
Wireless Networking (Apprenticeship)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module covers different types of wireless networks, e.g., local/wide area networks, mobile networks, sensor networks and IoT, including the analysis of requirements for hardware, software, methodologies to support data transmission and exchange services in wireless networks. Networking technologies, systems and protocols are included, together with recently developed local access and data communication techniques.
BEng Individual Project (Apprenticeship Electrical)	30 Credits	Compulsory
The major individual project occurs in the final year of study can take several forms ranging from design-oriented work to investigative work and research projects and placing their findings in the context of the application of real world engineering. Learners are highly encouraged to propose their own topics for investigation, provided that these are work-based projects that have employer support. The project title and topic are chosen and moderated to provide an intellectual challenge appropriate to an honours programme of study in a specific engineering field. Learners are expected to firstly identify and elucidate the problems through a critical review of a subject area and then plan, organise, and execute a significant individual programme of work related to a chosen field of study through the analysis and synthesis of results. Learners should demonstrate initiative and creativity in applying skills, knowledge and experience gained from previous work in an individual practical, problem solving project. Learners will be subjected to both end-point assessments and a continuous progress assessment that will assess the learning outcomes.

Careers

The broad-based skills acquired during this course will equip you to enter a wide range of electrical and electronics sectors. Our previous graduates have found employment in medical electronics, power generation and distribution industries, communications, avionics and automotive electronics, with many successfully moving into management positions within a few years. Many others decide to stay at the University and extend their engineering education to a postgraduate level.

Course fact sheets
BEng (Hons) Electronic & Electrical Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship)	Download
BEng (Hons) Electronic & Electrical Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship)	Download

Programme specifications
BEng (Hons) Electronic & Electrical Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship)	Download
BEng (Hons) Electronic & Electrical Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship)	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	No

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