“Solent has it right, however, with industry-focused courses and lecturers.”
BEng (Hons)Electronic Engineering
Contact admissions
Starting in: 2025
Register your interest- 4 years with year in industry
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 6 years part-time
UCAS code: HH61
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 104 - 120Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study electronic engineering with a placement year
Get ahead in an electronics career with this professionally accredited programme, combining practical challenges, excellent facilities and teaching from industry specialists and academic researchers.
- Top0%for teaching quality, out of 131 institutions (Times Good University Guide, 2025)
- £0invested in our campus estate and facilities
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes 2022)
- Gain valuable first-hand work experience with a year-long full-time work placement between the second and third years of your degree.
- 89% of our electrical and electronic engineering graduates are in highly skilled employment or further study. (Graduate Outcomes 2022)
- Access to a range of high-end facilities including 3D printers and laser cutters, PSpice/NI MultiSim software and microcomputer development systems, digital multi-meter signal generators, FLIR cameras and digital signal processing boards.
- Taught by passionate specialists with industry experience and research interests in digital signal processing, micro-controller and embedded programming, automation, and various electronic communication and simulation methods.
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Course overview
Taught by professionally qualified staff, you will develop a strong understanding of the industry, and get opportunities to pursue valuable work experience as part of a placement.
With a broad curriculum covering everything from analogue and digital electronics to contemporary embedded systems, signal processing technologies and modern communications, graduates can expect to seek employment in research and development, maintenance engineering, electronic design, telecommunications and much more.
In the first year, students develop a solid foundation in maths and circuitry before getting to grips with analogue, digital and microcomputer systems. The latter half of the year is focused on developing an understanding of industry software, key professional skills and manufacturing techniques.
These proficiencies will form a solid foundation for the second and third year, where students will study embedded systems and advanced data communications, carry out their own research and undertake a major practical project.
This course is also offered as standard full-time study to students or on a one-day-per-week part-time study basis for professional CPD for staff already in employment.
This course is part of the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT), a partnership of colleges, universities and industry-leading employers to create new career opportunities in the technology sector. IoT courses like this one are precisely tailored to the needs of employers in the maritime, engineering and digital industries – industries which are hungry for talented new engineers, technologists, technicians and creatives like you.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Accredited by:
Part of:
Student work
Our creative degrees allow our students to develop a critical eye for design with a knowledge of different design approaches and problem solving techniques. Take a look at some of the great work they produce.
Course features
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Part-time option
You can study this course part-time
Top-up option
If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
This course is intended for students without the UCAS points for direct entry. This could be mature students returning to education, younger students without the required qualifications, or students looking to change career path after completing further education qualifications.
What does this course leads to?
This course can lead to a career in a range of electronic industries or further study. Graduate opportunities include a range of career paths in electronic design, microcomputer or embedded systems, possibly automation or circuit development.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
The engineering team has a diverse range of academic and industrial experience and research interests in the fields of digital signal processing, micro-controller and embedded programming, the automation of sensing, capturing and processing data, and a range of electronic communication and simulation methods.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Electronic engineering students benefit from access to a range of high-end facilities including rapid prototyping equipment, PSpice/NI MultiSim software and microcomputer development systems. Solent University also offers students access to digital multi-meter signal generators, FLIR cameras and digital signal processing (DSP) boards – all of which allow students to better understand how the theory they have learnt links to real workplace scenarios.
Laboratories also include NI MultiSim eCAD software, rapid prototyping equipment with 3D printers and laser cutters, and a wide range of development systems for microcomputer and microcontroller systems.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Science and Engineering Foundation Skills
In this module you will develop a range of key skills and knowledge designed to help you develop the underpinning knowledge and skills for the remaining modules of the course. This can be broadly categorised into: communication skills; collaborative skills; numeracy skills; information and communication technology skills and problem solving skills.
Fundamental Mathematics for Science and Engineering
You will build on the Science and Engineering Foundation Skills module, exploring fundamental approaches to mathematics, such as numbering systems and Boolean logic.
STEM Concepts and Processes (Theory)
You will study theoretical science and engineering related topics from a range of general areas related to the parent degrees supported by the course.
STEM Concepts and Processes (Applied)
You will plan and undertake experiments, or validate numerical models, related to science and engineering related topics from a range of general areas related to the parent degrees supported by the course (these are outlined in more detail in the STEM Concepts and Processes (Theory) module).
Personal Development Planning
This module is designed to help you to develop a range of transferable academic and career planning skills.
Degree-Related Project
The learning on this module is primarily derived from an experiential approach, enabling you to apply the skills and knowledge from the other modules to the analysis of a real problem related to your interests.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Portfolios
- Group presentations
- Individual presentations
- Written exams
- Practical exams
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
Access Solent provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose the industry?
According to the Engineering Council, 18 per cent of the UK's workforce works in engineering. However, the sector is experiencing a skills shortage with a number of engineering occupations featuring in the Government's shortage occupations list. Electronic engineering is one of these occupations, meaning there should be many opportunities for industry-ready graduates to make their mark.
This course aims to provide students with the knowledge that electronic engineering employers will require. These range from essential mathematical concepts to circuitry, automation, data communications and signal processing skills. Critically, past students have been able to gain an insight into real-life engineering problems, tackling projects defined for them by our network of industry contacts.
Students are encouraged to interact with the industry throughout the curriculum. In previous years, Solent’s engineering students have had the opportunity to work closely with employers such as Rolls-Royce, SAAB, Sea Eye, TUV and Coopervision. The Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Wessex Round Table of Inventors (WRTI) have also held regular local professional development events on campus.
You could earn:
Electronics engineer
Starting salary: £25,000 to £33,000
Graduate training schemes may pay towards the top end of the starting scale. With experience, possibly working at an incorporated engineer level, you could earn around £30,000 to £45,000. As a senior engineer you can expect a salary in the range of £45,000 to over £65,000, with chartered engineers earning a salary at the top end of this scale.
Maintenance engineer
Starting salary: £20,000 to £25,000
Mid-range salaries usually fall between £30,000 and £38,000. With experience, your salary could rise to £45,000.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“Solent has it right, however, with industry-focused courses and lecturers.”
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Accreditations, recognitions and memberships
Accredited by:
Part of:
Developing your skills for the future
Our engineering degrees form part of the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT), a partnership of colleges, universities and industry-leading employers to create new career opportunities in the technology sector. IoT courses like this one are precisely tailored to the needs of employers in the maritime, engineering and digital industries - industries which are hungry for talented new engineers, technologists, technicians and creatives like you.
Our engineering facilities are benefitting from a £8m investment to build a 2,000m2 state-of-the-art engineering centre - meaning students continue to have access to some of the most cutting-edge technologies to help support their studies while at Solent.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 fees were:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £16,125 per year
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island placement year fee: £1,580
- International placement year fee: £2,095
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 other costs were:
Optional costs
- Stationery and local travel to industry for interest visits: £200
- Minor materials cost for final major project: approximately £50
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Student finance Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Student funding - the essentials Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104 - 120 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, (one A-Level in a maths or science subject), a STEM based BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or STEM based BTEC Diploma at D*D, normally in a relevant numerate or technology subject, T-level Merit or equivalent qualification, or a combination of qualifications which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- A BTEC Subsidiary Diploma wil be considered in conjunction with other qualifications.
- Entry to year two full-time, or year three part-time, can be considered for applicants with a relevant HNC or equivalent qualification.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, our trusted partner, QA Higher Education offers the following pathway programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, our trusted partner, QA Higher Education offers the following pathway programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application
104 - 120UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
Top-up route
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Part-time route
Applications for part-time and distance learning courses are made directly to the University and can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. If you have any questions about applying for this course, please contact the admissions office by emailing admissions@solent.ac.uk.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
-
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
-
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 4 years with year in industry
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 6 years part-time
