Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng

2024-25 entry
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Your study will cover theoretical and practical aspects across the range of electrical and electronic engineering. The core topics in this course include power systems, power electronics, digital electronics, circuits and devices, electrical machines and drives.

Key details

Explore this course:

    Course description

    EEE Electronics and Control lab in The Diamond

    Learn about the design, fabrication and use of the devices and systems that make modern life possible, with a degree in electrical and electronic engineering.

    Electrical machines like those in wind turbines powering systems such as the National Grid; devices from LEDs and lasers to microprocessors and computers; communication systems like 5G mobile networks, all make the world go round.

    In this three-year course, you’ll explore the theoretical and practical engineering of these devices and systems, across a wide range of core and optional modules.

    Practical experience is key to our teaching. As a first-year you’ll take part in the faculty's Global Engineering Challenge to solve a real-world problem. In your second year, you’ll work on a week-long project, Engineering You’re Hired, devised by one of our industry partners – and get the chance to work with an engineering company through the semester-long Sheffield Industrial Project Scheme.

    At the end of your second year you can choose to specialise or continue with the more general electrical and electronic engineering, which is our most popular course.

    The degree streams that you can choose from are:

    • electrical engineering
    • electronic engineering
    • electronic and communications engineering
    • electrical and electronic engineering

    This wide ranging and exciting degree leads you to a final year individual design project, where you’re encouraged to investigate a subject that interests you, supervised by an academic. Because we focus on developing employability right from the start, 97.3% of our students go onto graduate-level work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21).

    Why study this course?

    • UK Top 5 for electrical and electronic engineering - as rated by The Guardian University Guide, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
    • Specialist teaching facilities - 'Learning by doing' is the reason The Diamond was built. Dedicated to engineering, this state-of-the-art electronics laboratory and semiconductor cleanroom is where you’ll apply the theory you learn in lectures – consolidating your understanding alongside students from other disciplines, and beyond the bounds of the curriculum.
    • Total flexibility - as an undergraduate, you can change from this course to electronics and computer engineering at the end of year one. You can also choose a stream within the EEE programme by the end of year two, change course between MEng and BEng by the end of year three – along with the option to complete an industrial placement year.
    • World-leading researchers - our academics tackle major scientific and technological challenges that have a positive impact on the world, ranging from improving the flow of data via wireless communications, renewable energy production and storage, improved efficiency and accuracy of manufacturing and the electrification of transport. Their research, which has been rated as internationally excellent, is what informs the content of your course.
    • Industrial placement year - you have the option to either study abroad for a year or spend a year working in industry, gaining real-world experience and connections. Links with partners such as Siemens Gamesa and Rolls-Royce make Sheffield the right choice if you want to do a placement year – and mean we have world-famous companies joining us on campus for employability fairs and networking sessions.

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

    Modules

    A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

    Title: Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng course structure H628 2022 and 2023
    UCAS code: H628
    Years: 2022, 2023
    First year

    Core modules:

    Digital System Engineering

    This module introduces the basic principles underlying the design of electronic systems. The ideas are discussed mainly in the context of digital design which cannot be undertaken realistically without some level of system thinking and planning. Other areas of system design will be used to illustrate and reinforce the idea that system design ideas apply to many fields beside digital design. The module will also introduce some of the computer based tools used by system designers for simulation and verification.

    20 credits
    Electrical Circuits and Networks

    This module introduces the basic principles underlying electric circuits. The idea of a circuit, and the concepts of voltage, current and power are introduced for both alternating and direct sources. The interaction between electrical circuits and magnetic circuits is discussed and the idea of mutual coupling and transformers is introduced. Formal analysis methods such as nodal, loop and superposition are introduced in the context of dc and ac circuits and the complex notation for ac quantities applied to the latter. The calculation of power in a range of contexts is discussed extensively.

    20 credits
    Electronic Devices and Circuits

    This module introduces the physical principles that govern the properties and applications of the active and passive circuit components that comprise all electronic and electrical circuits. Issues affecting the practical behaviour of resistors, capacitors and especially diodes and transistors are discussed. The circuit environments in which diodes and transistors are used, and the models describing their internal behaviour and external interactions, are introduced. It is shown how transistors and diodes can be used in both switching circuits and amplifier circuits and the important concept of small signal modelling is introduced in the context of the latter.

    20 credits
    Mathematics (Electrical and Aerospace)

    This module aims to reinforce students' previous knowledge and to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at Levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the Level 2 mathematics courses in the appropriate engineering department. The module is delivered via online lectures, reinforced with weekly interactive problem classes..

    20 credits
    General Skills

    This is a general skills module which encompasses a range of professional development activities that will be useful throughout the remainder of your degree and career. These include practical skills in the laboratory, simulation skills for analysing circuits, communication skills and career development.

    You will learn to use the full range of industry standard laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, waveform generators and soldering workstations. A series of engaging exercises, both in the lab and using advanced simulation tools, are designed to build up your proficiency in practical engineering. You will use measurements to determine the mystery components in hidden boxes, practice soldering and fault-finding on printed circuit boards, and combine programming with circuits using microcontrollers to solve real world challenges. Many activities have short written tasks aligned to them, allowing focused practice at technical communications with rapid feedback from staff.

    In the personal tutorials programme, you will work through personal development activities in small groups, such as effective CV writing and communication skills. You will receive regular feedback on your personal development through skills audits aligned to the Sheffield Graduate Attributes. Some activities will be individual, such as researching your own employability strategy to get your dream engineering job, while others will be in teams, such as giving peer feedback on presentations and an exciting team-based robotics challenge.

    The module culminates in an independent construction project that will require all of your skills together - past projects have included creating audio speaker circuits (handling digital input signals right through to audible sound outputs) and infra-red remote controls.

    The combination of the two strands to the module will prepare you to work as a professional engineer throughout your degree programme and beyond.

    10 credits
    Introduction to Energy

    This module introduces the concepts of electricity and energy in the home. It is aimed at a wide audience and answers those questions that many people have about energy, electricity and renewables but don't know who or how to ask. The module will use only basic arithmetic maths - multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. Renewable energy sources such as solar PV panels, small wind turbines and heat pumps will be described. What savings can you really make? Petrol vs diesel cars, how does electric fit into the picture?

    10 credits
    Programming

    This unit deals with practical programming. Students will study and practise programming in C andMatlab to provide underpinning skills for their development as engineers.

    10 credits
    System Design Analysis

    This module gives you a hands-on appreciation of the design, manufacture and operation of electrical and electronic products. Delivery will consist of lectures and laboratory classes.There will be two types of laboratories:  (a) Deconstruction  (b) ConstructionIn (a) you will be guided through the deconstruction of defunct commonplace electrical products. You will discover how the products are made; how the various sub-components interact and the materials that have been used.In (b) you will build some simple electrical/electronic systems. This may include the use of simple circuit simulation tools and a take-home kit.The lectures will be used to facilitate the labs and will also include discussions of the issues associated with recycling and sustainability.

    10 credits
    Global Engineering Challenge Week

    The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme. The project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of 5-6, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, Waste Management, Energy and Digital with scenarios set in an overseas location facing economic challenge. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Engineering for people design challenge*.

    *The EWB challenge provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations.

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    Learning will be delivered through a combination of lectures, practical labs and tutorials as well as independent study that is supported by problem classes.

    In your first and second year all your labs will be held in the Diamond where you will use industry grade equipment and have lab sessions in the dedicated teaching clean room.

    In the third year, you will carry out your own research project, supervised by an academic.

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 online access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    Our teaching is informed by the research that our department is involved with. This results in learning by a combination of theory and hands on practical lab sessions in our state of the art facilities with courses that are accredited by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).

    Assessment

    You will be assessed using a mixture of exams/tests, coursework and practical sessions.

    Programme specification

    This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.

    Find programme specification for this course

    Entry requirements

    With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

    Standard offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    AAB
    including Maths and a science

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    ABB, including Maths and a science + B in a relevant EPQ; ABB, including Maths and a science + B in AS or A Level Further Maths
    International Baccalaureate
    34, with 6, 5 in Higher Level Maths and a science
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in Engineering + B in A Level Maths
    BTEC Diploma
    DD in Engineering + A in A Level Maths
    T Level
    Distinction in a relevant T Level, including grade A in the core component + B in A Level Maths
    Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers
    AABBB + AB in Maths and a science
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AA in Maths and a science
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction (to include Maths and Physics units), and 9 at Merit + Grade B in A Level Maths (or equivalent)
    Other requirements
    • Relevant T Level subjects include: Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing; Building Services Engineering for Construction; or Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing

    Access Sheffield offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    ABB
    including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    ABB, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics + B in a relevant EPQ; ABB, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics + B in AS or A Level Further Maths
    International Baccalaureate
    33, with 5 in Higher Level Maths and a science
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDM in Engineering + B in A Level Maths
    BTEC Diploma
    DD in Engineering + B in A Level Maths
    T Level
    Distinction in a relevant T Level, including grade A in the core component + B in A Level Maths
    Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers
    ABBBB + AB in Maths and a science
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AB in Maths and a science
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction (to include Maths and Physics units), and 15 at Merit + Grade B in A Level Maths (or equivalent)
    Other requirements
    • Relevant T Level subjects include: Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering & Manufacturing; Building Services Engineering for Construction; or Design & Development for Engineering & Manufacturing

    English language requirements

    You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.

    Graduate careers

    Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

    Typical graduate job titles include cybersecurity consultant, design engineer, energy engineering consultant, system engineer, electrical engineer, technology analyst, nuclear controls engineer, software engineer and electronics field engineer.

    Employers of graduates include ARM, ARUP, BAE Systems, Barclays, Deloitte, Jaguar, Nissan, National Grid, National Instruments, Renault, Rolls Royce, Shell, Siemens, Unilever and Volvo.

    EEE Alumnus Jirong

    From a BEng at Sheffield to an MRes at Imperial

    Jirong BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering

    Jirong came to Sheffield from China to study a BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering. After successfully graduating Jirong continued his studies at Imperial College London doing an MRes Medical Robotics and Image-Guided Intervention.

    Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

    MBE cluster tool used for fabrication by the National Epitaxy Facility

    We have been at the forefront of research and teaching within the field of electronic and electrical engineering for over a century. In that time the use of electronics has become mainstream requiring challenges to be overcome to provide solutions for everyday needs.

    Our students learn from academic experts who have strong links with partners in industry. Our state-of-the-art laboratories allow you to get hands on with equipment used in industry as preparation for your career.

    Our wide range of MEng and BEng undergraduate degree programmes provide you with a robust understanding of the principles of electronic and electrical engineering. We offer a common start to all our degrees which offers you the flexibility to change courses at the end of your first year if you wish to focus on certain areas of interest.

    All of first year students take part in the faculty's Global Engineering Challenge, working with students from other engineering disciplines to solve a real-world problem. In your third year, you will work on your own research project supervised by an academic.

    All our courses are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology. A four-year MEng meets all the academic standards for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. If you take our three-year BEng, you'll need to complete some further learning to satisfy the requirements.

    Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

    Why choose Sheffield?

    The University of Sheffield

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2023 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      Top 50 in the most international universities rankings
    Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for teaching quality, Students' Union and clubs/societies
    StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report


    Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

    Top 10 in the UK for Electronic and Electrical Engineering

    QS World University Rankings 2021

    Student profiles

    Photo showing student Rishi soldering a circuit board in the Electronics lab in the Diamond.

    Programming modules really piqued my interest

    Rishi MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering

    Rishi shares his favourite parts of his MEng Electrical and Electronic degree so far.

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Additional costs

    The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    Funding your study

    Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

    Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

    Placements and study abroad

    Placement

    You may have the opportunity to add an optional placement year as part of your course, converting the three year course to a four-year Degree with Placement Year. 

    A placement year will help you to:

    • gain an insight into possible careers
    • develop a range of transferable skills
    • build a professional network
    • get a feel for what you do and don’t like doing
    • add valuable work experience to your CV
    • gain experience of applying for jobs and interview practice
    • apply elements of academic learning in the workplace

    Study abroad

    Spending time abroad during your degree is a great way to explore different cultures, gain a new perspective and experience a life-changing opportunity that you will never forget. 

    You can apply to extend this course with a year abroad, usually between the second and third year. We have over 250 University partners worldwide. Popular destinations include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

    Find out more on the Global Opportunities website.

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2024-2025

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    Your study will cover theoretical and practical aspects across the range of electrical and electronic engineering. The core topics in this course include power systems, power electronics, digital electronics, circuits and devices, electrical machines and drives.