BEng Electronics and Computer Science

Curriculum renewal

We are undertaking an ongoing curriculum renewal, which may result in changes to this degree programme.

The renewal is being carried out with:

• our industrial partners
• accreditation bodies
• students

This renewal makes sure we equip you for an exciting career in the ever-changing world of engineering.

In the first years of the degree, we teach a solid foundation of electronics and computer science. Our courses are designed to improve your team-working and problem-solving skills.

In later years, our degree gives you the flexibility to study specialist courses in areas you are most interested in.

Year 1

In Year 1, electronics and computer science have equal weighting.

You will learn fundamental concepts across both areas, which provides the basis for more advanced study in later years.

Engineers are creative problem-solvers. They are skilled at working in interdisciplinary teams to deal with society's ever more complex challenges.

Introductory courses

In Year 1, you will take introductory courses and develop skills that you will later rely on as a professional engineer, including:

• confidence
• advanced thinking
• teamwork
• problem-solving skills

Additional courses

You will also study mathematical topics that have particular relevance to engineers.

Year 2

In Year 2, you will specialise in core topics in electronics, which usually include:

• analogue circuits
• digital system design
• microelectronics
• signal processing and communications
• software and embedded systems laboratory

Meanwhile, you will develop a greater understanding of computer science from introductory courses covering:

• algorithms
• data structures
• computer systems

You will also usually study essentials in the engineer's toolkit to develop your skills in:

• engineering mathematics
• essential professional skills for engineers

Year 3

The thematic areas developed in Year 2 continue into Year 3.

You will typically have a choice of different course options on a wide range of topics. These balance theoretical and practical study elements.

Depending on your preference, you may choose more electronics courses than computer science courses, or the other way around.

Progression routes

At the end of Year 3, you will have the option to complete one more year for a BEng degree, or a further two years for an MEng degree.

The latter is subject to you achieving an average of 55% or higher in Year 3.

Year 4

The wide variety of course options expands even further in Year 4.

You can choose options from both electronics and computer science.

As in Year 3, you can move away from an equal split of the two subjects.

You will also learn about the economic, social and environmental context of engineering.

Individual project

You will undertake a major individual project worth one third of your grade for the year.

This forms the most significant practical element of your programme.

Your project can be with a supervisor in either Engineering or Informatics.

You can link your project to the research activity of your supervisor. This will expose you to, and allow you to contribute to, the research output of the University.

(Revised 9 May 2024 to reflect curriculum renewal changes)

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2024/25)

Our facilities

As this is a joint honours degree across the Schools of Engineering and Informatics, your taught courses will be delivered across two different campus locations within the city.

Informatics and Computer Science related courses will primarily be delivered in the University’s Central Campus area, close to the city centre.

Engineering courses will primarily be delivered on the King’s Buildings campus, around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh by bus.

You may also study at various other University campus locations in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, depending on the option courses selected.

Access to facilities

You can access the University's:

• libraries
• study spaces (some study spaces are open 24 hours)
• IT facilities
• social spaces
• leisure facilities
• brand-new shared learning, teaching and social hub (the Nucleus)

Take a virtual tour of our school

You can take a closer look at the School of Engineering and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.

Virtual visit – School of Engineering.

Study abroad

In Year 3, you will have opportunities to study abroad.

The University has a variety of agreements with international institutions that allow you to study there in Year 3.

Common destinations include:

• USA (University of California, Caltech, Chicago, Pennsylvania, and others)
• Canada
• Australia
• Europe
• Asia

Subject-specific agreements

This is enhanced by subject-specific agreements arranged by the School of Engineering and the School of Informatics.

These subject-specific agreements provide additional destinations in countries such as:

• USA (for example, Texas at Austin)
• France
• Germany
• Switzerland

What are my choices for going abroad?

How will I learn?

The exciting nature of engineering means you will have a diverse learning experience throughout your degree.

Teaching can be through a mixture of:

• lectures
• tutorials
• laboratory sessions
• projects
• group work

In your final years, you will dedicate more time to private study. So you will need to be well-motivated and organised.

You will also receive individual supervision with projects.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through coursework and examinations.

For detailed information you should review the Programme Structure - Degree Programme Table to see compulsory and option courses. You can find this information under 'What you will study'.

Refer to individual course details to see the types of assessment included.

The electronics and IT sectors are vibrant parts of the UK economy, where demand for graduates is very high.

Edinburgh graduates have progressed into employment or postgraduate study. For example, our MSc Sensors and Imaging Systems degree.

MSc Sensors and Imaging Systems

Where our graduates find employment

Our graduates usually find employment in engineering or IT and computing, with a few graduates entering other graduate jobs. This includes employment as:

• electronics engineer
• firmware engineer
• hardware design engineer
• software engineer
• IT consultant

Our graduates have entered challenging and rewarding careers with a wide range of companies.

(Revised 9 May 2024 to update employment opportunities)

Careers Service

We support you to recognise the wealth of possibilities ahead, during your time at the University and after graduation.

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience and provides:

• tailored advice
• individual guidance and personal assistance
• internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
• access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree and studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success.

Careers Service

Internships

We encourage you to undertake relevant work experience during your degree.

We advertise internship opportunities and arrange company presentations with the Careers Service. These experiences can feature on your transcript after completing an Edinburgh Award.

About the Edinburgh Award

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAA (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: AAA - ABB in one set of exams.
• IB: 37 points with 666 at HL - 34 points with 665 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: AABB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 32 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: Mathematics at A and one of Physics (preferred) Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science or Engineering Science at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. Advanced Higher Mathematics is recommended. National 5s: Physics or Engineering Science at B and English at C.
• A Levels: Mathematics at A and one of Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science/Computing, Design & Technology (excluding Food Technology) or Engineering at B. GCSEs: Physics or Science at B or 6 and English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 6 and one of Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science or Design Technology at 5. SL: Physics at 5 (if not at HL) and English at 5.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies..

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

English language requirements

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

Selection

We normally make offers to the highest qualified applicants. If competition for places is high this may mean that offers will only be made to applicants who are predicted, or who have achieved, above the single set of grades or the upper grade level in a range. Any conditional offer made may require you to achieve grades above the upper grade level. Therefore, achieving the top of our standard entry requirements does not guarantee a place on the relevant degree.

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for BEng Electronics and Computer Science

Additional costs

Laptop

All students can access university computing facilities.

The University library also provides a laptop loan service, with longer term loans available for those in financial hardship.

Borrowing a laptop from our library

Textbooks

Some key academic textbooks are purchased by students, but all essential reading materials will be freely available through the University library.

Funding

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

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