TEF Gold Undergraduate course

BEng (Hons)

Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year

Gain a solid grounding in electronic and electrical engineering with a foundation year. Through lectures and lab based practicals you'll build confidence in applied mathematics, physics and electronic engineering, ready to take on the full degree.

Our typical offer

32 UCAS points

Hands-on learning

From the very start of your studies, you'll gain practical experience using cutting-edge labs, workshops and tools, ensuring you're well-prepared for industry challenges.

Strong industry connections

Build valuable professional relationships through live consultancy projects, networking events and collaborations with local businesses and social enterprises.

Tackle the challenges of tomorrow

Experience a forward-thinking curriculum that integrates the latest advancements in electrical and electronic engineering, readying you for emerging trends and technologies in the field.
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year
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About

Some of the biggest medical breakthroughs have been in electronics including medical imaging, robot surgery and stenting – and your work can make a real difference to society. As a Plymouth student, it’s an exciting opportunity to develop your technical and design skills and build connections with industry who are keen to discover your inventions. Previous student projects have included developing bionic arms for amputees or working in international organisations like the European Space Agency designing satellite systems.

Ian HowardDr Ian Howard
Associate Professor Computational Neuroscience

What is a foundation year?

A Foundation year provides an additional entry-level year for you to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.
On completing the Foundation year successfully, you progress automatically onto the full degree course, which is usually three years. You don’t need to apply for a place on the full degree course.
 
Why choose a degree with a foundation year?
  • To build your confidence to study at university level.
  • To gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete a full degree.
  • Your qualifications don't meet entry requirements for a three-year degree.
  • You want to study a new subject that your previous qualifications or experience haven’t prepared you for.
  • You may have thought university wasn’t an available option for you.
  • You want to join a university course that is needed for the career you’d like.
 
 
 

This course is for you if...

you're curious and keen to try new ideas
Group of three people with lightbulb above head
you can't wait to put ideas into practice
Hand holding two cogs
your inventive nature drives your ambition
Three arrows pointing upwards
you get a buzz from solving problems for others
Three individuals around a cog

Details

Progression routes
This foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree and you will benefit from experienced university lecturers.
Whilst successful completion of the foundation year (Year 0) will not lead to a separate award or qualification in its own right, you will be able to confidently progress onto Year 1 of:
Progression is also possible to our other engineering degrees and good performance in the first year entitles you to transfer to the second year of our MEng course.
 

Foundation year

Taught by University lecturers on campus, you’ll be part of the University from day one. You'll study six modules over the foundation year, including mathematical methods, applied mathematics (mechanics), physics and electronics. The year is geared towards helping you to progress onto one of our degrees in electronic engineering or robotics. You'll take about 17 taught hours per week, and put in at least the equivalent number of hours of independent study.
Group of students

Core modules

COMP060
Principles of Computing and AI 30 credits

This module introduces computer literacy, programming, software design, and cutting-edge computing applications in STEM for academia and industry. It teaches principles, applications and skills to leverage advances in computing and AI for problem solving in science. Students will learn to programme in Python-like languages used in concurrent and later modules and be exposed to industrial applications via guest lectures.

100% Coursework

MATH060
Foundational Mathematics in STEM 30 credits

This module lays the mathematical foundations for students in Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science, showing how maths is fundamental to understanding the real world. It introduces number and algebra, functions, Euclidean geometry, the exponential and logarithm, trigonometry and calculus, focusing on principles, understanding, presentation and effective study. Mathematics students learn basic methods of proof.

60% Coursework

40% Examinations

PHYS060
Physics, Mechanics and Applied Mathematics 30 credits

This module teaches how mathematics can be applied to model the real world and analyse data collected from experiment. Led by laboratory investigation, students study applications of maths to motion, static equilibrium, and learn Newton's laws, before proceeding to understand the structure of matter, waves and electricity. Mathematics students learn the geometry underlying mechanics and some probability and statistics.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

SFPT001
Global Scientific Challenges: Projects and Labs 30 credits

Student will work in a group to explore a global scientific challenge facing society and connected to their pathway. Through lab experiments and data analysis they will understand the science behind addressing this challenge and its impact on everyday life. Parallel lectures in statistics and data analysis will be used to support project work and interpret findings, with students reflecting on the group work process.

50% Tests

25% Coursework

25% Practicals

Year 1

From day one of your studies, you will find there is an emphasis on learning by doing. The first year will equip you with the tools to build tomorrow’s technology. Analogue to sense or affect our physical environment, digital to add logic and intelligence to act upon information, and embedded systems to tie these together with computing power. All learned through experience in labs and projects.
Electrical and electronic engineering student project using equipment

Core modules

BPIE112
Stage 1 Electrical/Robotics Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

ELEC141
Analogue Electronics 20 credits

This module provides an overview of analogue circuit characterisation, analysis and design, linking theory to practice. It will examine how common analogue systems are constructed from elementary components.

60% Examinations

40% Coursework

ELEC142
Digital Electronics 20 credits

This is a foundation module in digital electronics and computer control, which introduces digital devices and provides a background in the principles, design and applications of combinational and sequential logic circuits.

60% Examinations

40% Coursework

ELEC144
Electrical Principles and Machines 20 credits

This module gives an introduction to the electrical properties of materials, capacitance, Inductance, and electromagnetism. Basic circuit principles and their application in dc and ac circuit analysis are then applied to electrical machines, transformers and energy conversion.

100% Coursework

PROJ100
Embedded System Design and Build 40 credits

The module enables students to work collectively to build prototype solutions to real-world problems using both software and hardware. This will include development and verification skills in both hardware and software.

100% Coursework

MATH191
Engineering Mathematics 20 credits

This module provides students with a number of fundamental mathematical skills, and techniques, which are essential for the analysis of engineering problems.

70% Coursework

30% Examinations

 
 
 

Optional pathways

Our flexible courses offer the opportunity to choose an integrated masters (MEng) and enrich your undergraduate degree with an additional year at postgraduate level.  

What’s the difference between BEng and MEng?

BEng (Hons)
  • A three year degree, with the potential for it to be four years with a placement year
  • Accredited by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
MEng (Hons)
  • A four year integrated masters, with the potential for it to be five years with a placement year
  • Accredited by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Course-specific academic regulations

This course has unique rules relating to:

  • Passing a module
View the full regulations for this course

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

 

High-spec industry facilities

You’ll become an expert in using all our specialist equipment in our innovative laboratories, which includes the Nanomaterials and Devices Laboratory , so you’ll graduate with sought-after knowledge and experience.

Expand your knowledge

Using specialist equipment in our Communications and Power Lab, you'll be able to learn how to maximise the energy we get from solar panels. 

Compete in challenges

Opportunity to compete in fun challenges such as our first year students taking part in the buggy challenge. Using our labs students designed and built a buggy to complete widths of an arena.

Get hands-on

Learn about nanotechnology and nanoelectronics by getting hands-on experience on projects with cutting-edge staff.

Take a walk through our labs

You can access our cutting-edge laboratories to enhance your learning experience and provide you with the ability to focus on industrial and intellectual robotic systems and high frequency electronics.
Dr Toby Whitley walks through the Electrical and Electronic Engineering lab facilities
 
 

Thriving industry connections

We have a long history of working with industry experts to provide you with the connections and opportunities you’ll need to begin your career. 
Our relationship with a range of industries, and our local Industry Advisory Group ensure our courses are relevant to industry needs.
PEMC Working with Industry
 
 
 

Put learning into practice

Take a paid year in industry to help consolidate and develop your engineering knowledge – many of our students receive job offers or sponsorship as a result of their placements.
Student Placements - Josh Sullivan
  • From BMW to Babcock, EDF Energy to the Science and Technology Facilities Council, our placement opportunities will help you get a professional confidence and make better career decisions.
  • You could earn £15,000 a year or more, and possibly gain sponsorship through your final year(s) at university.
  • Build a network of contacts and connections and gain experience that will help you find a job when you graduate. 
“I gained a wealth of experience and it gave me the confidence and knowledge to make me more employable.”
 
 
 
 
 
 

Research-informed teaching

Learn from professionals with industry and research expertise.
Benefit from our industry expertise and study a course that is influenced by our innovative research. 
Our collaborative and interdisciplinary community of world-leading academics and researchers is focused upon the creation of knowledge and innovative solutions that have a positive impact upon society. 
Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.
Dr Adrian Ambroze Associate Professor of Digital Communications Engineering


Associate Professor of Digital Communications Engineering

Dr David Jenkins Associate Professor of Nanomaterials and Devices


Associate Professor of Nanomaterials and Devices

Dr Toby Whitley Associate Head of School (Engagement)


Associate Head of School (Engagement)

Show all
 
 
 

Make friends and meet like-minded people

The University's Engineering Society provides a platform for you to meet, socialise with and learn from from fellow students across all engineering disciplines.
Socials and events are hosted throughout the year including site visits, guest lectures from industry experts, networking events, workshops, and hands-on projects. These events not only complement your studies but also provide valuable insights into the engineering profession. 
Plymouth Engineering Society
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city

Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options

Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls

Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

Chiara Rivetti

The employment fairs organised by the University were an incredible platform from which to start creating a professional network and where to find inspiration for my future after graduation. The support from lecturers and the modules studied gave me all the necessary requirements to be offered a place at ETH Zurich.

Chiara Rivetti, BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering graduate

Open the door to a successful future

Your degree opens doors to sectors as diverse as aerospace, defence, electronics and manufacturing.
Our graduates have gone on to work for , , , , , and .
Discover things to consider when choosing a career or considering further study after studying a electrical and electronic engineering degree.
  • [

    100% of our graduates say their degree was a formal requirement for their job or gave them an advantage

The thing that I enjoy most – and which attracted me to the course – was the amount of practical work. You learn a lot more from actually building and testing a circuit than just learning the theory.

Mathew Hodgett, graduate
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
 2026-2027.
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about  fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£19,200 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£19,200 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
To be confirmed
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
To be confirmed
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

The Tamar Engineering Project

The Tamar Engineering Project is for ambitious students who want to embark on a career in engineering and who have shown potential for high academic achievement at A level, but whose background or personal circumstances may be a barrier to university study.
Successful applicants will receive:
  • £3,000 per annum towards living costs for the duration of the taught element of their degree (usually three years)
  • £1,500 fee waiver per annum
  • one-to-one mentoring from an industry expert.
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
32 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
mathematics and English at grade C/4 or above.

A levels
32 points from a minimum of 2 A levels.

BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP.
12 Unit BTEC National Certificate/QCF Diploma: MP.
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

International Baccalaureate
24 overall – English and mathematics must be included.

All Access courses
All Access courses: pass Access course (any subject) (including GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above or equivalent). For candidates that do not have a science, electrical or technology background please contact: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for further advice.

T level
Pass – Science/Technology pathways only.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
H613
Institution code
P60
Duration

4 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    32 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    H613
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    4 years
    (+ optional placement)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
     
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