Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year
MEng Honours
- UCAS code: H606
- Full time
- 5 years
- Next start date: September 2020
Want to study electrical and electronic engineering at Newcastle but don't meet the entry requirements? Take a foundation year to develop the knowledge you need to progress to one of our three or four-year electrical and electronic engineering degrees.
Fees (per year)
- UK/EU: £9250
- International: £22800
Entry requirements
- A Level: AAB
- IB: 34 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
If you don't have mathematics and/or science at the appropriate level to apply for our Engineering degrees, this course is for you. If you have proven ability in other subjects, it gives you the opportunity to develop the knowledge you need to apply to an engineering degree here.
This course is also appropriate if you have technical or vocational qualifications or are from a different educational system.
You will study topics such as:
- foundation mathematics
- applied mechanics
- material science
On successful completion of your foundation year you are guaranteed entry to an engineering degree programme at Newcastle.
Progression
This course gives you the knowledge you need to progress to one of our three or four-year Electrical and Electronic Engineering degrees:
- Automation and Control BEng Honours (H660)
- Automation and Control with Industrial Project MEng Honours (H661)
- Digital Electronics BEng Honours (H990)
- Digital Electronics with Industrial Project MEng Honours (H991)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng Honours (H607)
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Industrial Project MEng Honours (H605)
- Electrical Power Engineering BEng Honours (H623)
- Electrical Power Engineering with Industrial Project MEng Honours (H622)
- Electronic Communications BEng Honours (H640)
- Electronic Communications with Industrial Project MEng Honours (H621)
- Electronics and Computer Engineering BEng Honours (H652)
- Electronics and Computer Engineering with Industrial Project MEng Honours (H654)
- Microelectronic Engineering BEng Honours (H611)
- Microelectronic Engineering with Industrial Project MEng Honours (H612)
If you are not sure which engineering discipline you are interested in, you should apply for the general Engineering with Foundation Year degree.
This allows you to delay your choice of engineering discipline until the end of the foundation year.
BEng or MEng?
Both our BEng degree and specialist 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 degree 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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Quality and ranking
- top 10 in the UK for world-class research, with 90% of research classed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ – Research Excellence Framework 2014
- top 175 – Engineering and Technology category – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2018
- ranked top 10 in the UK with a 91% overall student satisfaction score – National Student Survey 2019
Teaching excellence
TEF GoldA ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

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, and course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, student feedback, or numbers of students interested in an optional module.
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.
Our Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year programme provides a pathway to our degrees if you do not meet the entry requirements for entry into Stage 1.
On successful completion of our Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year MEng programme, you can progress to Stage 1 any of our electrical and electronic engineering degrees.
During the Foundation Year you take just over half your modules in mathematics, mechanical sciences and applied mechanics. The remainder of your modules covers a range of engineering and science topics and includes a project, as well as laboratory work related to the engineering degree you wish to study.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Foundation Mathematics 1 | 10 |
Foundation Mathematics 2 | 10 |
Foundation Year Project | 10 |
Mechanical Science | 20 |
Applied Mechanics O | 10 |
Electrical and Electronic Engineering O | 10 |
Materials Science O | 10 |
If you don't have A Level Chemistry (or equivalent), you will take the module 'Foundation of Chemistry'.
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Computer Applications | 10 |
Basic Mathematics | 10 |
Basic Statistics | 10 |
Foundation of Chemistry | 10 |
Applications of Chemistry | 10 |
IT and Communications | 10 |
Foundation Physics A2 | 10 |
If you intend to progress to degrees in Chemical Engineering, you must undertake the module 'Applications of Chemistry' as part of your optional modules.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You'll learn from staff across various departments of our engineering and science schools. You'll spend approximately 20 hours per week in taught classes, and a further 20 hours attending tutorials and completing laboratory reports.
You'll be taught through a combination of:
- lectures
- lab sessions
- tutorials
- real-world case studies
Up to 10 hours will be spent in practical sessions, working on experiments and project work in the labs.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Case studies
-
Coursework
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Practical sessions
-
Presentations
-
Projects
-
Reports
-
Seminar tasks/exercises
Skills and experience
Business skills
In your second year, you will work on a group design and construction project, gaining an insight into the planning and management of technical projects and preparing you for your future.
You'll also complete modules in accounting and law for engineering.
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. You'll design and develop an original system or device.
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
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
Electrical and electronic engineers are in high demand in the UK and further afield.
When you graduate, you'll have opportunities in areas such as electrical supply and distribution, power systems, transports, and electrical machinery.
Recent graduates have secured roles as graduate engineers in companies including:
- Dyson
- Siemens
- Arup
- IQHQ
- BBC
- BT
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.
Industry links
You'll have the opportunity to engage with industry.
You'll work on real-world engineering projects set by companies we have links with, allowing you to apply your skills to real challenges faced by potential employers.
You'll also have access to guest lectures from alumni and leading companies, site visits, careers, and placements.
Make a difference
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+ inititiative.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2020 entry.
A Level
AAB
International Baccalaureate
34 points
Other UK qualifications (and PARTNERS)
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
PARTNERS
The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’s supported entry route for students from schools and colleges in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
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, including Newcastle University London. 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.
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 2020 entry (per year)
UK Students
£9250
International Students
£22800
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).
The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.
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:
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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 UCASApply through an agent
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Get in touch
By Phone
Contact us on +44 (0) 191 208 3333. We're open 9.00 to 17.00 every week day except Wednesday (10.00 to 17.00).