Electronic Engineering and Computer Science BEng (Hons)

3 years full-time / 4 years full-time with placement year

UCAS Code: GH46

Please note:

GCSE requirement: Maths and English Grade C/4 and above
More on Admissions Policy

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. Find out more about our English language requirements. For more information about qualifications view our Aston in your country webpage.

Applicants receiving offers are invited to an Applicant Visit Day.

Tuition fees:

£9,250 (£1,250 during placement year) for UK/EU students (2020/21)                             
£19,400* for Outside EU students (2020/21)
Placement Year: £2,500 for International Students

*Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. When undertaking a placement year a placement year fee applies.

More on fees

Contact

EAS Undergraduate Admissions Office
+44 (0)121 204 3400
engineering@aston.ac.uk

Typical offer level:

A level: 

BBC to include maths and a physical science or technology subject at minimum grade B
BCC to include maths and a physical science or technology subject (with an EPQ or Core Maths at grade B)
CCC to include maths and a physical science or technology subject (contextual offers and for DTUS applicants)

BTEC 

• Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma (science/ technical/ engineering types): DDM to include Distinction grades in: Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Mechanical/Electrical Principles and Further Mechanical/Electrical Principles
• National Diploma and Diploma (science/ technical/ engineering types): DM plus 1 A-Level at minimum grade B. If A level Maths not offered, diploma should include Distinction grades in: Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Mechanical/Electrical Principles and Further Mechanical/Electrical Principles
• Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (science/ technical/ engineering types): DM plus 2 A-levels at minimum grade B. If A level Maths not offered, diploma should include Distinction grades in: Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Mechanical/Electrical Principles and Further Mechanical/Electrical Principles
• Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (any subject): DM plus 2 A-levels at minimum grade B in Maths and a physical science or technology subject.
• National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (science/ technical/ engineering types): M plus 2 A-levels at minimum grade B. If A level Maths not offered, diploma should include Distinction grades in: Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians, Mechanical/Electrical Principles and Further Mechanical/Electrical Principles
• National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (any subject): M plus 2 A-levels at minimum grade B in Maths and a physical science or technology subject 
• Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted

International Baccalaureate: 

29 overall points with 5, 5, 4 in Higher Level subjects, including Higher Level grade 5 in Maths and a physical science or technology subject.

Access to Higher Education: 

Science or technical Access with at least 30 Distinctions and 15 Merits at Level 3, including at least 15 credits at Level 3 in Mathematics and 15 credits at Level 3 in Physical Science

Non-standard qualifications

Degree: 

Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a 1st year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.

Year 2 entry: Please note that second year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space on that year of the programme. Typically, applicants for second year entry must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have gained (or be expected to gain) 65% overall and 120 credits  on an equivalent programme at another recognised university. The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.

Year 3: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3 

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and the whole application is reviewed which includes previous and predicted qualifications, any experience, references and motivation.

Whilst the grades listed here are our entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only an estimate. We will therefore consider applicants with predicted grades of CCC if the application is of a high standard which includes a strong personal statement and academic reference. However, any offer made will not be lower than stated below.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

Computer systems have a dramatic impact on the way we work and live with new technology, developing every week.

Modern digital electronics, computing systems and desirable gadgets are all significant in commerce, industry and the home. They form one of the most rapidly changing and influential technologies in modern society.

The BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering and Computer Science course at Aston aims to expand the breadth and depth of our students’ knowledge in electronics, internet technology, computing, digital systems and software design. 

You will gain a solid grounding in software engineering and computing systems, complemented by engineering expertise in digital electronics and telecommunications. You will gain specialist and valuable skills that form a bridge between hardware and software specialists. To achieve this, you will study computing and electronics with single honours students from the electronic engineering and computer science subject groups. There is also a particular emphasis on encouraging the development of essential professional skills.

Year 1

• Java Programming Foundations (CS)
• Java Program Development
• Electronic Engineering Fundamentals
• Mathematics for Physics and Engineering
• Engineering Projects
• Physical Principles for EECS

Year 2

• Software Engineering 
• Operating Systems 
• Human-Computer Interaction 
• Data Structures and Algorithms with Java 
• Analogue Electronics 
• Communication Systems 
• Electronics Group Design Project 
• Intermediate Digital Design 
• System Modelling and Computer Control 

Year 3 - Optional placement year

See placement year section or find out more about the Aston placement year.

• EAS Study Placement Year 
• EAS Industrial Placement Year 
• EAS Study/Work Placement Year 

Final Year

Core modules:

• Digital Systems Design
• Individual Final Year Project 

Optional Modules: 

• Information Security 
• Testing and Reliable Software Engineering 
• Software Project Management 
• Data Mining 
• Automation, Measurement and Data Processing
• Digital Systems Architecture 
• Internet of Things 
• Optoelectronics 
• Radio Systems and Personal Communications Networks 
• Innovation Management 

You will benefit from a range of teaching methods and learning styles, including formal lectures; laboratory and design classes, and seminars; computing classes; small groups tutorials with a personal tutor; computer-aided learning and virtual learning environments.  You can expect an exciting learning experience with practical work and taught material integrated throughout the degree course.

During the year you will find a sequence of formative assessments to re-enforce and enhance the taught material. The overall assessment is a collation of marks from examination, classroom and laboratory exercises, internet-based practical assessments and oral presentations.

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

Our courses have been developed in collaboration with the electronics and IT professions. 

As a student of BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, your course incorporates an optional year of paid placement with an electronics or computing company. The placement will allow you to gain invaluable professional experience, improve your attractiveness to employers, and will help you make a more informed judgement about your future career.

Our current and recent placement employers include companies in the UK and abroad such as: BNFL, ConocoPhillips, GSK, Kraft, Alfa Laval, Thames Water, AMEC and 3M.

Find out more about placement years at Aston.

You will have access to an extensive network of computer facilities including high performance PCs for industrial standard ECAD, suites of PCs, Unix workstations and Multimedia capable Macs for day-to-day work and a large number of embedded processors for lab work. These resources are complemented by specialist electronics, telecommunications and networked laboratories and research facilities.

EAS Undergraduate Admissions Office
+44 (0)121 204 3400
ugadmissions@aston.ac.uk