Course overview

This three-year degree will allow you to develop a comprehensive understanding of electrical engineering and electronic communications, focused on the transmission of information by wired and wireless methods, including via smartphones, broadcasting, and the internet.

With access to our state-of-the-art labs and the latest technology in the field – including one of only two massive MIMOs in the UK – you'll undertake a number of design projects that will allow you to demonstrate your skills to future employers. 

With an in-depth knowledge and practical experience of topics such as machine vision and cross-cutting technologies in signals and communications, you'll become a specialist engineer, equipped to play a central role in this ever-changing industry.

Download information about this course as a PDF

Your course during COVID-19
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.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.

View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2021-22.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information

Additional information

This degree allows you to explore several engineering disciplines in year one. This flexible route is taught across Civil, Electrical & Electronic and Mechanical Engineering.

You'll gain an understanding of engineering in a multidisciplinary context. You'll develop diverse skills relevant to the needs of industry and today’s global challenges.

After successfully completing Stage 1, you'll have the option of transferring on to one of the accredited Civil, Electrical & Electronic or Mechanical Engineering degrees. This is subject to the degree programme regulations and capacity of the degree you are transferring to.

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
• ranked top 10 in the UK with a 91% overall student satisfaction score – National Student Survey 2019

Teaching excellence

TEF Gold

A ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Professional accreditation

Our degrees are professionally accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council. This means future employers will recognise the quality of your degree because it meets high professional standards.

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.

Stage 1 will provide a broad introduction to the principles of engineering. You’ll get involved in practical work from day one, taking part in a hands-on interdisciplinary engineering project.

Modules

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

During your second year, you'll build upon your knowledge and skills, covering subjects including computer systems and microprocessors, digital electronics, and semiconductor devices and analogue electronics.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Computer Systems and Microprocessors	20
Project and Professional Issues	20
Signals and Communications	20
Control and Electrical Machines	20
Digital Electronics	10
Semiconductor Devices and Analogue Electronics	20
Electromagnetic Fields & Waves	10
Digial Electronics	10
Automatic Control Systems	10
Introduction to AC Electrical Machines and Drives	10

In Stage 3, your focus will move to specialist topics, including digital control systems and image processing, machine vision, and cross-cutting technologies in signals and communications, such as MIMO technology. 

You'll take a module in accounting, finance, and law for engineers, as well as completing an individual design project and dissertation. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Digital Signal Processing	10
Image Processing and Machine Vision	10
Telecommunication Networks	10
Accounting, Finance and Law for Engineers	10

Optional Modules	Credits
Linear Controller Design and State Space Analysis	10
Introduction to the Basics of Modern Power Electronics	10
Industrial Automation and PLCs.	10
Real Time and Embedded Systems	10
Electric Drives	10
Power System Operation	10
Photonics	10
Digital Control Systems	10
Renewable Energy Systems and Smart Grids	10
Individual Project and Technical Report	40
Individual Project and Dissertation	40
Individual Project and Dissertation	40

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

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

• 

  Dissertation or research project

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Group work

• 

  Practical sessions

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Projects

• 

  Reports

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, 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. 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

The on-going development of smartphones and e-commerce mean that electronic communications graduates are in high demand. 

Recent graduates have secured roles with companies such as:

• 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.

Employability at Newcastle

96% of Newcastle University graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating, with 85.5% in graduate-level employment or further study.

Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates. See what they have gone on to achieve and be inspired to follow in their footsteps.

Statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation (Destinations of (undergraduate and postgraduate UK domiciled) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17).

Make a difference

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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.

Read our detailed explanation

Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme

This degree is approved by DTUS, a Ministry of Defence sponsorship programme for students who wish to join the Royal Navy, British Army, RAF, or Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG) as technical officers after graduation. 

This scheme is for 2021 entry only. DTUS will not be running for 2022 entry.

Find out more about the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme

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 2021 entry (per year)

Home Fee Students

£9250

International Fee Students

£23400

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying 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.

Read more about fees and funding

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.

For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.

If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.

Read more about fees and funding

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:

• different tuition fees
• additional costs

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

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

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