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BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Key information

Our BEng (Hons) provides a broad-based education in electrical and electronic engineering. During the first three years students study topics from low current electronics to high power systems. In Year 4 you can choose from a set of specialist courses to complement your thesis topic selection.

UCAS code
H600
Level
Undergraduate
Delivery type
Full Time
Degree qualification
BEng (Hons)
Mode of delivery
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Location
Edinburgh
Start date
September

BEng (hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering provides you with a broad-based education in the subject, and develops your critical understanding of the core theories, principles and concepts relating to the use of engineering and computer technology. You’ll integrate engineering principles with the knowledge and understanding of mathematics, science, and management to adopt a holistic approach to solve current and emerging electrical engineering problems.  

During the first three years students study topics from low current electronics to high power systems. In Year 4 you can choose from a set of specialist courses to complement your thesis topic selection. 

The undergraduate programme will make you aware of the range of functions a qualified engineer can fulfil, whilst exploring industry-specific design techniques and software packages. You’ll analyse economic and commercial aspects of business, and develop  

During your studies, you will apply our ‘learning by doing’ philosophy by practically developing your skills beyond traditional academic content. You’ll work on both individual and group projects from third year onwards, gaining valuable hands-on experience. The projects challenge you to solve a 'real life' problem – such as the project in which our students helped design an electronic egg to monitor penguin incubation. You will be taught how to use industry-standard equipment and facilities, and will be supported and encouraged by staff to use the equipment to further your studies, innovate creative engineering solutions in your personal time, and apply your knowledge to relevant socities and extracurricular team competitions, including CanSat, and Formula Student.  

Your student experience

Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active robotics and electrical and electronic engineers and academics.  

96% of Heriot-Watt University’s engineering research was classed as world-leading in the REF 2021 review, which ranked us 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for engineering research through a joint submission with the University of Edinburgh. 

Our BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering draws upon the world class research carried out by Heriot-Watt as part of the Research Institute of Signals, Sensors and Systems (ISSS). The ISSS is one of five Research Institutes forming the research infrastructure of the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences (EPS). The ISSS has expertise in the fields of signal and image processing, novel manufacturing technologies, microsystems, microwave engineering, mobile communications systems, and autonomous systems. 

You will also benefit from the work completed by the on-campus National Robotarium. The multimillion-pound UK innovation hub for robotics and autonomous systems has been built in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and delivers leading research and support for business creation and growth. The presence of the National Robotarium provides you with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills at the forefront of robotics and AI.  

The research relevance of this undergraduate programme ensures your studies remain cutting-edge and industry focused. 

Go Global

With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.

European Exchange

This Exchange Programme enables you to study or work in Europe as part of your degree programme, usually for a full academic year.

Course content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Circuit Theory, Digital Design, Mathematics, Computer Programming and Electronic Design form the core subjects. In addition, students choose an elective option from a list that includes Mechanics and Physics.

Mandatory September

  • Mechanics, Fields and Forces
  • Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Praxis Electronic Design
  • Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 1

Mandatory January

  • Waves and Matter
  • Praxis Programming
  • Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
  • Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists 2

Programme Video

Engineering at Heriot-Watt University

Fees and funding

StatusFee
ScotlandPaid by SAAS
England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland£9,250
International£25,008
  • Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
  • International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).

Scholarships and bursaries

Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales

In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:

  • Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
View details

Entry requirements

We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.

Standard entry requirements

  • Highers ABBB (to include Mathematics plus Physics, Technological Studies or Engineering Science)
  • A-Levels BCC - BBB (including Mathematics and Physics with one at B)
  • IB 29 (with Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level 5)
  • BTEC DMM in relevant subject
  • HNC A in graded unit in relevant HNC with additional Mathematics

Minimum entry requirements*

  • Highers BBBC (to include Mathematics plus Physics, Technological Studies or Engineering Science at B)
  • A-Levels CCC (to include Mathematics and Physics)

* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:

  • live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20), or
  • are care experienced.

We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements

Why Heriot-Watt

We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.

We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.

Employability

Work and study

This is what our BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering students are doing 15 months after graduating:
50%
are working
15%
are studying
20%
are studying and working

Salary

£28500
The average salary of students 15 months after graduating
£29000
The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course

Potential career paths

  • Engineering professionals
  • Information technology and telecommunications professionals

Student life

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