Electronic Communications
BEng Honours
- UCAS code: H640
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2020
This accredited degree will prepare you for a career as an engineering communications specialist ready to help drive the fast-paced field of mobile communications and broadband media.
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
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.
BEng or MEng?
Both our BEng and 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 degrees can also lead to Chartered Engineer status. However, you’ll need to complete further study, such as an approved master’s degree.
READ MORE
Additional information
Flexible degree structure
All of our electrical and electronic engineering degrees share the same first two years. We allow you to explore the subject and find out where your interests lie.
You can transfer between any of our electrical and electronic engineering degrees if you want to.
You must achieve the appropriate academic standard to transfer from a BEng to an MEng degree.
Find out more about our electrical and electronic engineering degrees
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.

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, 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.
In Stage 1, you'll study areas such as fields, materials and devices, circuit theory, signals and communications, and C programming.
Compulsory modules
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
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 |
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
-
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, 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.
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
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
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.
Visit our Careers Service website
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.
Find out more about the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme
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:
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.
Open days and events
There's no better way to get a feel for Newcastle University than to come and visit our beautiful campus, located in one of the UK's most exciting student cities. You can also meet us at exhibitions across the UK.
Sign up for alerts, and we'll let you know when booking is open for our next Open Day.
You can also join us for an event at our London Campus.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
We don't have any virtual events scheduled at the moment. Keep checking our events calendar for more information.
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
International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.
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).