Undergraduate BEng (Hons)

Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

Attendance

Full-time

With placement

Course

Four year

Five year

Next enrolment

September 2024

Introduction

In a nutshell

From transport to communications to commerce, electronics is revolutionising every industry, changing the way we live,work and play. As we enter the fourth industrial revolution and shape our lives around connected technology, find your place in this exciting field with our BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year degree.

This Foundation Year entry route will prepare your skillset, so you're ready to study our full Electronic Engineering degree. This route aims to build your engineering knowledge, enhance your application of mathematics, and help you develop to skills for successful undergraduate study. On successful completion, you'll progress to the full degree.

Our Electronic Engineering degree course is taught by internationally recognised engineers and researchers, who will shape you for a potentially lucrative career in electronic design development and consultancy. 

Start your study journey

Register for our next Open Day to learn more about studying Electronic Engineering, explore our facilities and meet the course team

You will:

  • Develop competence in essential areas of engineering, computing and electronics
  • Build the technical skills and confidence ready to progress to the electronic engineering undergraduate degree
  • Gain essential analytical and problem solving skills so you can study electronics
  • Develop practical and I.T skills, as you strengthen communication and study skills
  • Learn in state-of-the-art facilities at our Peel Park and MediaCityUK locations, featuring dedicated laboratories for the practical development of electronic systems and projects
Placement

options available

This is for you if...

1.

You don't currently meet the entry requirements for the full electronic engineering degree, but want to study the subject

2.

You're passionate about technology and electronics and want to take your interest further

3.

You a problem-solver who enjoyed science and technology at school or college

Course details

All about the course

Course Delivery

Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year entry provides a broad introduction to computing and engineering. It is ideal if you’ve not reached the required A levels or BTEC grades, or if you’ve chosen a new direction. The Foundation Year aims to build your problem-solving capabilities and study skills, so you're ready to advance to the full degree.

On successful completion of the Foundation Year, you'll progress to the full BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering degree. Across three further years of study, you'll explore analogue and digital electronics, electronics systems, telecommunications, digital systems design, digital signal processing and computer networking. You'll conclude your studies by completing a final year project, with the opportunity to choose a topic based on your electronics interests.

Learn more about the current course modules below.

Learning Experience

Located at the heart of the property and construction market, Salford is a great place to study electronic engineering. We take advantage of our amazing location at the heart of Greater Manchester to visit nearby world-famous engineering projects and gain hands-on experience.

By your final year, you will focus on power and control systems, embedded systems, and hybrid and electric cars. Now more than ever, there is a vulnerable supply of energy so the move to electrical cars will reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.

This is a dynamic sector, and the pace of change is unprecedented, so our modules aim to evolve with this change by producing qualified professionals ready to test and design new products.

Industry Placement

On this course, you'll have the option to take an industry placement between years two and three. Although you’ll be responsible for securing your placement, our tutors will support you, monitor your progress and assess your final placement report.

By successfully completing a placement year, you can also add 'with professional experience' to your final degree award.

Foundation year

Foundation Mathematics 1 and 2

These modules entail the development of mathematical and modelling skills. Subjects include algebra, transposition of formulae, coordinate systems, logarithms, introduction to calculus, problem solving in velocity and acceleration, differentiation, integration and matricesc.

Foundation Physics A and B

This module provides grounding in basic physics and the development of numerical problem solving. The syllabus includes, mechanics, properties of matter and wave propagation. Electronics and electricity are introduced, along with fields (magnetic, electric, gravitation etc.) and atomic and nuclear physics.

Foundation IT and Study Skills

This module involves the development of IT, research, team working, presentation and scientific reporting skills. In more detail, the use of spreadsheets, graphical representation of data, report writing, scientific presentations and group-based research will be undertaken.

Foundation Physics Laboratory

Laboratory skills, critical analysis of data and scientific reporting are examined in this module. The areas covered are experimental design, scientific measurement methods and data analysis. This is achieved through a series of experiments covering mechanics, thermal physics, electricity and waves.

Year one

Technologies in Context

This first year module places electronics and electronic engineering in a global context. You’ll study why electronics is important, how it affects our daily lives, what drives innovation, and the evolution of electronics technology and future trends.

Analogue and Digital Electronics

These two modules span both semesters in the first year, and are at the heart of first year teaching. The main aim is to introduce the fundamental concepts and principles of analogue and digital electronics, and develop the skills necessary to design and build electronic circuits.

Introduction to Computers and Network Systems

Core to many electronics systems lies a central processor, managing and manipulating data, sometimes from remote locations. To fully understand this concept and the processes involved, this module introduces the fundamentals of computer hardware, software and networking technology including some more advanced concepts such as security.

Engineering Mathematics

This is a first semester module that aims to develop the underlying mathematical skills necessary when considering physical systems. In particular, it considers the solution of numerate problems and the ability to apply mathematical techniques in relevant area of physics and engineering in order to fully realise the development of electronic systems.

Mathematics and Computing

Building on the subject knowledge from the Mathematics module you will further your knowledge of differential equations and series with emphasis on their applications to engineering and develop your awareness of the  importance of mathematics in a quantitative description of engineering. You will be introduced to computer simulation and computing programming.

Year two

Digital Signal Processing

This module gives a thorough grounding in the techniques and applications of digital technology in the acquisition, processing, storage and transmission of acoustic signals.

Digital Communications Systems Group Design Project

This module supports the development of personal and professional skills through the experience of working in a team to produce a working design from a formal specification. The module aims to provide an understanding of digital communications signals, coding and media delivery, and the digital hardware elements required to produce and process digital communication signals.

Mobile Networking and Network Simulation

This module develops a core understanding of wireless networking systems and the associated principles and concepts of enabling technologies. It also focuses on an increasingly important area of simulation, and develops these skills using industry-standard network simulation software.

Antenna and Transmission Systems

This second semester module explores the underlying principles of signal propagation and transmission systems. It will provide you with the tools to design and simulate transmission systems and introduces you to a wide range of transmission techniques currently used in modern communication systems.

Computing Laboratory

The Computing Laboratory module will help you build computer programming skills, so you can tackle simple non-analytic physical and engineering problems. You will use the numerical methods and techniques frequently encountered in physical and engineering challenges, and learn how to implement these them on the computer. You will also learn about interfacing sensors to computers and computer control of experiments.

Year three

Power and Control Systems

This module runs across two semesters and develops knowledge in two key areas: Classical and digital control design methods, including frequency and time analysis for both continuous-time and discrete-time systems; and Electrical power, power distribution, and energy conversion.

Speech and Signal Processing

This module extends the mathematical techniques developed in the first two years of the course in application to the design of digital filters. It aims to explore and analyse audio signals and systems and the mechanisms behind speech production which are at the forefront of the discipline.

Embedded Systems

The application of embedded systems is ubiquitous in modern electronic systems. This module includes a significant practical element where the functionality of embedded systems is explored through the design and implementation of modern microcontroller systems and their associated programming languages.

Internet of Things

You will gain an overview of key concepts and challenges related to digital transformation through an examination of the evolution of the Internet and how the interconnection of people, processes, data, and things is transforming every industry.

Industrial Management and Project Preparation

This module has two main components. Industrial management in which you will be introduced to the commercial issues which must be addressed by engineering businesses, and the principles of quality management systems; and project preparation which will develop your ability to work independently, become competent in analysing and assessing the value of information, and develop effective communication skills both written and orally.

Final Year Project

The final year project module develops your ability to work with a significant degree of independence on a structured programme of activity. It will highlight your ability to become competent in analysing and assessing the value of information derived from that programme of work so that you will communicate effectively (both through written reports and orally) the details of the programme, and the conclusions that can be drawn together with suggestions of further work.

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What will I be doing?

TEACHING

You will develop your knowledge and skills through a blend of theoretical, collaborative and practical methods. These include:

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Practical activities

ASSESSMENT

You will be assessed using a combination of formats. These include:

  • Laboratory exercises
  • Examinations
  • Reports

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our degree courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers and industry leaders. 

Driven by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the knowledge and skills to become unstoppable in your career.

Facilities

As an electronic engineering student, you will use our suite of dedicated laboratories and software simulations tools as your explore electronic systems and complete practical projects.

We also have CISCO-based networking laboratories at both of our MediaCityUK and Peel Park campus for you to experiment with networks and telecommunication systems.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

EMPLOYMENT

With the surging interest and demand in robotics and electronics, the range of roles is increasing, with more businesses and organisations seeking to be forefront of technological advancements. On successful completion of the BEng degree, equipped with a specialism in electronic engineering, you will be one step closer to careers in this exciting field.

Popular industries for graduate include automotive electronics, aeronautics, process engineering, gaming, consumer electronics, technical sales, avionics, banking and commerce, wireless networks, security and surveillance, and sustainable energy.

FURTHER STUDY

You might find you want to learn more about engineering and applied electronics. Building on our expertise, we offer a range of specialism postgraduate study options to help you take your career and subject interest further. Salford graduates and alumni will also receive a generous fees discount. 

Advanced Control System (MSc)

Robotics and Automation (MSc)

A taste of what you could become

An electronics designer

A systems analyst

A tech consultant

A microchip engineer

A systems developer

And more...

Requirements

What you need to know

APPLICANT PROFILE

We welcome applicants who are passionate about electronics, with a strong background and general interest in science and technology. The pathways is also recommended if you've already worked in industry but want to gain a recognised academic qualifications in the field of electronics.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

This course isn’t suitable for international students. If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses.

Standard entry requirements

GCSE

English Language and Maths at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent). You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.

UCAS tariff points

64 UCAS points where qualifications include mathematics and physics to A-Level or equivalent standard.

72 UCAS points from any subject combination without mathematics and physics

A level

64 UCAS points where qualifications include both mathematics and Physics at A-Level and a Pass in Science Practical.

72 UCAS points from any subject combination without mathematics and physics.

BTEC National Diploma

MPP for Engineering or science subjects that include mathematics and physics modules.

MMP for subjects without mathematics and physics modules.

Access to HE

QAA approved science/engineering access courses considered with 64 UCAS points equivalence.

Scottish Highers

64 UCAS points where qualifications include both higher level mathematics and physics.

72 UCAS points from any subject combination without higher level mathematics and physics

Irish Leaving Certificate

64 UCAS points where qualifications include both Higher Level mathematics and physics.

72 UCAS points from any subject combination without Higher Level mathematics and physics.

European Baccalaureate

Pass in Diploma of at least 60%, to include Science, Engineering or Technology.

International Baccalaureate

26 Points including Grade 4 in physics or mathematics at Higher Level

Alternative entry requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.  

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.  To be considered for the scheme, you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).

Learn more about the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme.

How much?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2024/25 £8,250.00 for Foundation Year and £9,250.00 for subsequent years.
Full-time home 2025/26 £8,250.00 for Foundation Year and £9,250.00 for subsequent years.

Additional costs

You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. 

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Enrolment dates

September 2024

September 2025

UCAS information

Course ID 8H48

Institution S03