Curious about studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year - BEng (Hons)at Birmingham City University? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) - BEng (Hons)
City Centre Campus (The Curzon Building)
Full Time
Sep 2027
4 Year
Do you want to design and develop cutting-edge electrical and electronic systems that drive innovation and transform the way we live, work, and connect? Turn your passion into a future-proof engineering career with our reimagined and industry-focused BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering with a Foundation Year degree. Our approach to Engineering is unique. You will not have traditional lectures or be assessed by exams, instead you will learn through practical-based tasks that respond to real-life engineering problems across industries including telecommunications, renewable energy, electrical power, robotics and advanced manufacturing. This course has been carefully designed in collaboration with industry to ensure that you graduate ready for employment, with core technical skills and knowledge as well as employability skills such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving and leadership. You could have a career working with electric vehicles, robotics, smartphones and medical devices – the opportunities are endless!
The foundation yearThis foundation year is a preparatory year designed for students who are passionate about engineering but may not yet meet the entry requirements for our degree programmes. Over the course of a year, you’ll build a solid grounding in key subjects such as mathematics, engineering principles, and problem-solving, while developing practical skills through hands-on projects and lab work. The foundation year will provide you with a smooth transition to progress on to one of our engineering degrees and set you up for a successful educational journey.
What's covered in this course?On this course you will: - Learn through block delivery. This means you will study one module at a time across a 6-week period, allowing you to fully immerse yourself and get a deeper understanding of each subject. This style reflects how engineers work and shifts away from traditional models of teaching where you are expected to study multiple modules at one time. - Gain skills that industry needs. You will tackle real-world challenges that are co-designed with industry partners, developing skills that the workforce needs. You will also receive feedback and mentorship from industry professionals on your work throughout the course. - Get experience in the workplace. Work experience modules are factored into the course, as well as the opportunity to study abroad so that everyone leaves with practical work experience to take forward into a career. In addition to this, you will have the opportunity to do a professional placement year after year two, to spend a year in industry before returning to complete your final year. - Immerse yourself in practical learning. Each module includes hands-on, project-based tasks that enable you to conceive, design, implement and operate solutions based on the CDIO (Conceive Design Implement Operate) framework. This framework will transform you to think and act like an engineer and integrates professional skills into every aspect of work to ensure you graduate for industry. - Be assessed through competency and not traditional exams or lectures. You will be assessed through your practical outputs that reflect real-world engineering and industry expectations to ensure that your learning transitions seamlessly into a future career. - Develop sustainability and digital knowledge. You will create solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and use cutting-edge technology in modules looking at Smart Grids, Sustainable Energy, IoT, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to stay ahead of engineering innovation.
You will explore the fundamentals of modern manufacturing, gaining the knowledge and skills to contribute to this dynamic field. This module introduces core manufacturing processes, focusing on the design, production, and improvement of products to meet societal needs. You will develop technical skills, including the use of CAD tools, material selection, and safe operation of workshop machinery. Hands-on activities will enhance your proficiency with measurement tools and quality control techniques, ensuring precision and reliability in your work. Alongside technical skills, you will build essential competencies in teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication. Collaborative projects will strengthen your ability to manage tasks, present findings, and address ethical and environmental considerations in manufacturing practice.
The module aims to provide you with the knowledge and problem-solving skills in science to enable you to progress to Level 4 of an engineering degree. The science theme contains the material normally encountered in a BTEC/A-level physics course which is relevant to entry to an engineering degree. The Level 3 Science module concentrates on the theoretical and practical aspects of physical science. The subject material stream includes laboratory exercises linking engineering to the real world. This module relies on knowledge of mathematical techniques developed and will provide the theoretical underpinning for the experimental activities in the practical theme. A range of practical labs and activities to be completed in a fully accountable and traceable manner. Laboratory skill development is critical to the learning process and vital for preparing for the workplace. The laboratory activities offer the opportunity for hands-on experience to see the theories in operation. Learning to operate test equipment and interpret the results data. Communication is important in the workplace and preparing the technical report will develop communication skills.
The module aims to provide you with the knowledge and problem-solving skills in physical science to enable you to progress to Level 4 of an engineering degree. The science theme contains the material normally encountered in an BTEC/A-level physics course which is relevant to entry to an engineering degree. The Level 3 Science module concentrate on the theoretical and practical aspects of physical science. The subject material stream includes laboratory exercises linking engineering into real world. This module will interact with other modules in Level 3 Year, relying on knowledge of mathematical techniques developed, and will provide theoretical underpinning for the experimental activities in the practical theme. Assessment combines competency-based and project-based evaluations. Competency-based assessments, on a pass or fail basis with multiple trials, focus on fundamental skills like kinematics. Project-based assessments evaluate the application of these skills in real-world contexts, including being able to justify sizing of energy storage and engines. The project will also assess students' ability to present their findings and address ethical and safety considerations, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of their abilities.
This module introduces you to electrical and electronic engineering through a hands-on, project-based learning approach. You will design, build, and test small-scale electrical and electronic circuits, integrating key components into functional systems that perform real-world tasks. Through practical labs and collaborative projects, you will develop technical skills in circuit design, prototyping, and system implementation, while enhancing your problem-solving and teamwork abilities. You will explore core engineering principles, applying them to circuit analysis, component selection, and system integration. The module also emphasises sustainability, environmental considerations, and technological advancements in electrical and electronic systems. By engaging in design challenges and hands-on experimentation, you will gain the confidence and foundational knowledge required to progress into more advanced engineering studies.
You will explore the field of mechatronics by designing and building a fully functional system that integrates mechanical, electronic, and software components. This hands-on approach develops your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative working practices. Following the CDIO (Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate) framework, you will define project goals, develop system designs, integrate hardware and software solutions, and refine system performance through iterative testing. This approach ensures you can bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world application while encouraging creativity and critical thinking. Through project-based learning, you will apply mathematical concepts like system modelling to deepen your understanding of system dynamics and control optimisation. This module equips you with the skills needed to manage complex projects effectively while enhancing your problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
You will develop hands-on expertise in computer-aided design (CAD) by designing, prototyping, and presenting a product from concept to completion. This module follows a design thinking approach, guiding you through need analysis, market research, concept development, and iterative refinement of mechanical, electronic, and software components. You will define project objectives, design components and assemblies, and implement solutions using CAD tools for modelling, simulation, and technical documentation. Emphasis is placed on developing precise constraints, tolerances, and functional prototypes while strengthening your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Through practical projects, you will gain experience in sketching, dimensioning, extrusion, revolving, and assembly. You will also conduct market research to identify user needs, document project progress, and present your final design, showcasing its functionality and potential market appeal.
This module equips you with practical skills in analogue and digital electronics, focusing on circuit design, analysis, and implementation. You will work with semiconductors, diodes, transistors, operational amplifiers, and integrated circuits, applying hands-on techniques to build and test electronic systems. You will explore circuit analysis methods such as nodal and mesh analysis, Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorem, amplifier circuits, and filter design, gaining experience in designing small-signal and multi-stage amplifiers. The module also covers digital circuit design, introducing logic gates, combinational and sequential circuits, finite state machines (FSMs), and algorithmic state machines (ASM) for practical applications. Through laboratory work and project-based learning, you will design, prototype, and test electronic circuits using industry-standard tools and equipment. The module emphasizes problem-solving, sustainability, and real-world applications, ensuring you develop the technical and analytical skills needed for modern electronic system design and integration.
This module provides you with practical skills in electrical machines and transformers, focusing on electromechanical energy conversion and industrial applications. You will work with single-phase and three-phase transformers, direct current machines, induction and synchronous machines, gaining hands-on experience in their operation, control, and performance analysis. Through lab-based experimentation and project-based learning, you will build, test, and analyse electrical machines and transformers, applying industry-standard techniques for efficiency optimisation and fault diagnosis. The module also introduces power electronics, where you will explore how converters and inverters are used to drive and control electrical machines in modern automation and renewable energy systems. By the end of the module, you will have developed technical proficiency in electrical machine operation, system integration, and power conversion, preparing you for real-world applications in power generation, industrial automation, and electric drives.
This module focuses on the design, development, and implementation of smart systems using Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, integrating microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, and automation techniques within Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). You will gain hands-on experience in developing and optimising connected systems using IoT platforms and communication technologies. Through Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-led training sessions, you will develop programming skills for embedded systems, applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) for data analysis and automation to enhance system performance. The module emphasizes network integration, system security, and real-time data processing, ensuring exposure to modern IoT applications. With a project-based learning approach, you will engage in lab activities to develop system design, prototyping, embedded programming, and data-driven problem-solving skills, preparing you for careers in industrial automation, smart technology development, and connected systems engineering.
This module provides you with practical skills in embedded systems design, focusing on microprocessor-based hardware, real-time applications, and Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) development. You will specify, design, implement, and test embedded hardware and software, integrating digital and analogue electronics, sensors, and actuators. Through hands-on projects and lab-based experimentation, you will use Electronic Computer-Aided Design (ECAD) tools to design circuits and fabricate PCB. The module provides real-world experience in developing embedded control systems, ensuring you gain industry-relevant skills in firmware development, system integration, and debugging techniques. You will also refine collaboration and leadership skills, working in teams to design and optimise real-time and integrated embedded solutions. By the end of the module, you will have the expertise to communicate technical outcomes effectively, preparing you for careers in automation and robotics design.
This module explores electrical power and automation systems, focusing on power system structure (generation, transmission, and distribution) and power system operation. You will explore and experiment with key components such as generators, transformers, transmission lines, switchgear, circuit breakers, protection relays, and substation equipment, gaining hands-on experience in their roles in power system reliability and safety. You will explore the automation technologies in electrical power systems, emphasizing the integration of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and control systems for efficient operation, fault management, and remote monitoring. You will examine how automation enhances system stability and operational flexibility. Through project-based training, you will design, simulate, implement, and test real-world applications in power systems control and automation. Hands-on experience will be gained using electrical power systems trainers, PLC programming tools, and power system simulation and modelling software, ensuring you develop industry-relevant skills.
This interdisciplinary STEAM module equips you with essential leadership, project management, and business strategy skills, preparing you to navigate complex engineering challenges. You will work in industry-driven, collaborative teams, applying technical expertise to solve real-world problems, integrating sustainability, ethics, and global engineering principles. Through industry-defined projects, you will engage in Systems Thinking, analysing engineering systems holistically to develop strategic problem-solving abilities. You will participate in start-up simulations, focusing on innovation, market research, and business development, with activities including business case preparation, video pitching, and presenting at the Innovation Fest. The module features hands-on workshops, facilitated group work, and industry mentorship, ensuring you gain practical leadership experience. Regular client feedback and industry engagement enhance your ability to lead, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions, preparing you for high-impact roles in engineering and technology-driven industries.
This module introduces communication systems and digital signal processing (DSP), focusing on both analogue and digital communication techniques. You will learn the fundamental principles of signal representation, modulation schemes, and information transmission, along with key DSP techniques such as digital filtering and spectral analysis. You will explore data communication protocols, signal transformations between time and frequency domains, and system optimisation methods, developing a strong foundation in mathematical modelling and signal analysis. Practical sessions will reinforce theoretical concepts, allowing you to design, analyse, and implement communication systems and signal processing techniques. Through hands-on laboratory activities, you will work with real-world communication technologies, gaining experience in modulation, demodulation, encoding, decoding, multiplexing, demultiplexing, multiple access techniques, and DSP applications. By the end of this module, you will have the technical expertise and analytical skills to engage with next-generation communication systems and emerging digital signal processing technologies.
This module equips you with practical skills in renewable energy, power electronics, and smart grid technologies, focusing on their design, implementation, and optimisation. You will explore renewable energy sources and storage solutions, evaluating their efficiency, environmental impact, and economic viability for industrial and consumer applications. Through hands-on labs and project-based learning, you will work with solar, wind, and battery storage systems, applying power electronics principles to integrate converters and inverters into energy networks. The module also examines smart grid technologies, highlighting their role in enhancing energy efficiency, reliability, and renewable energy integration. By analysing real-world challenges such as grid stability, policy regulations, and investment strategies, you will develop problem-solving skills essential for sustainable energy transition and power system modernisation. Engaging with industry-focused projects, you will gain practical experience in energy management, system optimisation, and smart grid implementation.
This capstone module challenges you to work autonomously while strategically aligning your innovative solutions with commercial objectives. It mirrors real-world scenarios where engineers are required not only to operate independently but also to integrate market-driven goals and strategies into their design and development processes. This Individual Project is not just an academic exercise, but a comprehensive showcase of your accumulated knowledge, competencies, and behaviours. It provides an opportunity to work independently, confront real-world challenges, and emerge as a capable, self-reliant professional ready to contribute meaningfully to the engineering industry. You will undertake an in-depth, research-informed project exploring a personally chosen topic aligned with your programme of study. Working with an allocated supervisor and mentor, you will define a project that results in a practical outcome (artefact) supported by contextual material.
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