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BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Unlock cutting-edge skills in digital signal processing, VLSI design, robotics, and more with our electrical engineering degree. Study in high-tech labs and gain the expertise to excel in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape.

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Study at one of the largest engineering schools in the UK

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Outstanding facilities in our new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building

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1st in the East of England for overall student positivity* (NSS, 2022) *Based on Q1-24 and Q26-17

Course overview

The BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree provides a solid foundation in the electrical engineering field, offering access to modern tools and a high-tech lab. You'll gain up-to-date skills in digital signal processing, VLSI design, robotics, neural networks, power systems, and advanced power conversion and control.

On this course, you’ll enhance your career prospects with opportunities to study abroad or complete a year-long industry placement. These experiences offer hands-on learning and boost your CV, making you a more competitive job candidate.

Why choose this course?

This electrical and electronical engineering qualification will help shape your career, providing you with essential skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience.

Outstanding placement opportunities offer invaluable hands-on experience: Students from the School of Engineering and Technology have previously completed work placement years at companies including: Airbus Space and Defence, Bosch Thermotechnology, and Microsoft.

Join recent graduates who have gone on to work for some of leading brands and companies: Recent electrical engineering graduates have gone on to work at organisations including Vodafone, Mitsubishi Electric and Stansted Airport.

Professional accreditations

The electrical and electronic engineering course is accredited by IET and satisfies, in part, the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration for the cohort intakes from 2016 up to, and including, 2024.

Your future career

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 the following fields:

  • Software Developer
  • Business Analyst
  • Database Administrator
  • Network Designer
  • Technical Consultant
  • Programmer
  • Web Developer

Many others decide to stay at the university and extend their engineering education to a postgraduate level.

What you'll study

Whilst on the electrical engineering course, you will study a range of topics similar to those of the more specialised courses but in a more flexible way, allowing you to choose a more personalised course of study Many of our students have an interest in one or more of the specialised areas and wish to combine them, and this route allows you to do so.

In your first year, you’ll focus on the basic principles and practices needed in electronic engineering, and on developing relevant analytical, design and organisational abilities. You will learn about digital fundamentals, computing concepts and the problem-solving tools that you will need as the course progresses.

In your second year, you will explore in more depth the theories and techniques involved in product design and development, with particular emphasis on 'embedded' real-time microprocessor systems, programmable logic devices and power control. You will learn to apply practical skills to design, implement and test solutions relevant to electrical and electronic engineering.

In your final year, the focus is on understanding more about the specialist technologies that are at the heart of today's advanced communication systems. Mobile communication concepts and computer networks, the design of high-speed analogue and digital electronics using integrated circuits, and radio frequency circuits and systems are all examined, along with key microprocessor topics, fuzzy logic and neural networks and digital signal processing. You will also carry out an individual double-module project on a topic relevant to electrical and/or electronic engineering.

Final Year students benefit from the opportunity to study modules such as applications of electronics in areas like electrical and electronic power control, digital signal processing, micro-electronics, robotics and the option of telecommunication systems or micro-engineering and micro-technology. The aim is to allow you to keep your expertise broad if you wish, allowing you to specialise later.

What if I need support?

You’ll be assigned a personal tutor to guide you through your course. Additionally, all our sites have practice education facilitators with whom we work closely with, who will support you in practice, alongside your lecturers.

You might also want or need extra support during your time at university. From help with study skills, including referencing, essay writing and presentations, you’ll have access to our academic support services. You can attend workshops, 1-to-1 sessions and online tutorials. Both our LRCs run drop-in study skills sessions.

Where you'll study

You’ll share College Lane campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.

New School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building now open

Learn in our new state-of-the-art building called Spectra, where you’ll experience a range of experiential learning zones. You will have access to modelling, simulation and research labs, our Merlin Flight Simulator and automotive workshop (complete with electric vehicle facility), wind tunnel, welding bay and controls testing suite.

You will also benefit from our Academic Support Hub, which is aimed at helping you build your employability and academic skills. Plus, you’ll have access to industry mentors who will provide you with pastoral support, vocational guidance, and career progression opportunities.

Spectra also provides space to collaborate, with plenty of workshops, social and meeting spaces available. Even better, the building has been designed with the University’s net zero carbon target in mind, and forms part of our plan to replace or upgrade older sites that are energy inefficient.

Check out our student blogs

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Robot with wires

My week at a glance

Monday:

Monday is never an exciting start to the week. I’ve been blessed by the timetable Gods to only have a short lecture (Digital Signal Processing) at 11:00. I usually bring a laptop, notepad, and pens so I have no excuse to not go to the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) later. I head to the forum restaurant for some lunch with my course mates before they head home. They normally have some good choices.

I go on to do a lap in the LRC to see if there’s anyone I know otherwise I look for a spot on the top floor where it is the quiet zone to type up notes I may have missed from the slides. This is also a chance for me to catch up on things I didn’t understand previously on my other modules and when I can send questions in emails to my tutors.

Tuesday:

A day off at university doesn’t mean a day off entirely. My Tuesday has the focus of my final year project where I can spend the day in the labs.

Active students have roller-skating sessions on in the evening which my friends have insisted I try out. Turns out, I am terrified of falling but it was all good fun. Only fell once – or multiple times. I’ll be better next week…

Wednesday:

An early start at 09:00 with a two-hour microelectronic and VLSI lab. Sometimes I stay longer if the task is particularly challenging. This is usually the case when working on a joyous assignment. Wednesday’s usually have no class in the afternoon to allow for extra-curricular like being part of the active union or societies. Getting involved in the Herts community is something I highly recommend.

Resting recharges my batteries before my night shift at our campus club, the Forum. I really enjoy the balance of working a part-time job alongside my studies. The money helps too! They’re flexible with hours as they employ only students so are super understanding if I need to take time off for assignments when I’m busy. Met some of my favourite people working there! Sometimes we go for a well-needed Maccies for an after-shift natter and I get home between 17:00-18:00 which isn’t as tiring as it sounds.

Thursday:

I have tutorials and lectures in DSP and power. Tutorials improve the theory by applying questions to problems. Try to engage and get involved as much as possible. It’s important to make the most of contact time with the lecturers. Don’t need be shy!

It’s always nice to rewind and spend time for yourself. I dedicate my evening to watching Netflix, having a luscious bath or cooking with friends. Self-care is so vital at uni. The Hutton hub has great resources with their Wellbeing team.

Friday:

Another day, another lecture. But it’s okay – the weekend is on the horizon! I normally have class four or five days a week, but this varies per course and timetable. Some have less contact time than others. I normally have a scheduled project meeting with my supervisor weekly to show my progression in my FYP.

It’s games night! My friends live on campus – and have a PS4 – so we play games together. We’ve gone from all genres, but I love the quality bonding time playing horror games. Nothing like terror to bring you closer. Or a quiz to break friendships apart…

Weekend:

Home on the train is only an hour away so I often take a trip back to see the family – bit of homemade food is always lovely! I tend to go every fortnight or so depending on workload. Parents will appreciate you more than they let on.

Robot with wires

7 Things to know when starting university

Beginning of uni can be scary – but it’ll be a new experience you can’t forget!

  1. Sort out accommodation

    I would 100% recommend living on campus for your first year! It’s such an effortless way to meet new people as you’re all thrown in together and you’ll always have someone to go out within your flat. You can make friends for life with the people you first meet in your own kitchen. The earlier you apply, the more likely you’ll get your first choice.

  2. Student Finance/Tuition fees

    For some of us, thinking of the money aspect is daunting but it’s so important to get it completed ASAP. You really don’t want to have your SF payments delayed! You’ll only get paid your loan after completing registration. If you have any problems, please see the student centre for the advice!

  3. Open a student current account

    What is important in a bank account for you? Is it the overdraft limit? Or the incentives in opening an account? Or convenience in a local branch. I went with Santander as there is a branch in Hutton Hub and came with a four-year railcard upon on opening. Do your research in what’s best for you!

  4. Register with the GP

    We have a GP on campus in the Hutton Hub. There are other options in town or neighbouring cities if preferred. It’s much more convenient to go to a health service in Herts rather than go home if there’s a health problem. We also have a well-being service too which provide counselling if needed.

  5. Do some research

    Your course tends to release a reading list prior to beginning. You don’t need to read everything in-depth, but it is good to get grounded on what to expect. You won’t need to buy the books if you can just get them out of the library. Students from previous years will be selling second-hand books cheaper.

  1. Scout the area

    Shopping: We have Asda, Aldi, and Tesco’s nearby. There’s a petrol station near campus and a Premier shop on campus.

    Gyms: We have Hertfordshire Sports Village and the Oval gym on each campus as well as other options like David Lloyd, Pump and Hatfield Leisure Centre.

    Transport: London is a 25-minute train journey away. Perfect for trips with your new friends. St Albans, Watford, and Welwyn Garden City are all on bus routes away. The bus Hatfield to Hatfield is currently £1.20 with your student ID.

  2. Fresher’s Fair

Find out when Fresher’s Fair is! It is a key event held by the student union to get to know what societies, athletic union, and activities you’ll like to get involved in. I really encourage you to make the most out of your time at university! There will be lots of freebies and free taster sessions to try out.

Robot with wires

Why I chose Herts

When I visited for the first time for an open day, I loved the campus feel of college lane. It was so different to sixth form. I live near Cambridge – about an hour by car- to Hatfield, Hertfordshire which was convenient to get to. Makes moving in easier! My Mum also isn’t the world’s most confident driver, so my university had to be close enough to home – but I didn’t want to be too close! Commuting is always a possibility too.

The open day tours showed me the engineering facilities, Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and accommodation. I took a lot of freebies as well. I still use pens even now! I find it important to scout out different universities to really get a feel of the atmosphere and vibes.

At A- level, I studied Physics, Maths and Psychology. I developed an interest in engineering in physics, but I wasn’t sure which sector to go into. Electronic and electrical is quite broad which is one of the reasons why I chose it. The resources on campus looked great as well!

The best part about it being a campus is the ease of meeting new people and befriending so many different people. I made so many friends through societies, active students and even saying hi to students in the LRC! I miss my family less when I made my own family at Herts. I’ve grown so much in my years at uni and I’m so glad that I came here.

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)(enter tariff range)
Typical A Level offer(enter range)
Typical IB offer(enter range)
Typical BTEC offer(enter range)
Typical T Level offer(enter range)
GCSEEG: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/D Mathematics
Access coursesEG: An overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3.
Additional informationFind out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language

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.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Typical offer (UCAS points)120-128
Typical A Level offerBBB-ABB
Typical IB offer112–120 UCAS points from three HL subjects at grade 5 or above, including HL Mathematics and either engineering, technology or environmental subjects.
Typical BTEC offer

Mandatory subjects:  Extended Diploma in Engineering (DDM) to include Distinction in a Mathematics unit.

Typical T Level offerNone
GCSEGrade 4/C in English language, mathematics and science.
Access coursesEngineering 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
Additional informationFind out more about our standard and contextual Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language

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.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
Start date Study typeApply
September 2025Part time Apply with Herts
25th September Full time/SandwichApply via UCAS
23rd September Full time/Sandwich Apply via UCAS
Study AbroadApply via UCAS
September 2026 Part timeApply with Herts
25th September Full time/Sandwich Apply via UCAS
23rd September Full time/Sandwich Apply via UCAS
Study Abroad Apply via UCAS

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

Study typeFees
UK studentsFull time£9,535 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time£1,190 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU studentsFull time£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time£1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year
International studentsFull time£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Part time£1,995 per 15 credits for the 2025/2026 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants  and bursaries

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.

Disabled Students' Allowance

The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.

Student loans

Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.

Accommodation costs

We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

Additional course fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering Download PDF
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering Download PDF
Programme specifications
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering Download PDF
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering Download PDF
Additional information

Applications open to international and EU students

Yes

Course length

Part Time, 6 YearsSandwich, 4 Years, 4 Years

Not ready to apply?