Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons) / MEng
Electronic technology evolves and advances rapidly. Be part of the future on a course that opens doors to a career as a professional electronics engineer.
Key information
UCAS code:
H610 (BEng), H613 (MEng)
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 points (BEng) / 120-128 points (MEng), from 2 or 3 A levels or equivalent, to include a relevant subject
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Electronic engineering powers the world we live in today. From games consoles, smartphones and fitness trackers to life-saving medical systems, cyber security and self-driving cars.
On this Electronic Engineering degree, you’ll learn to design and develop electronic equipment and devices that could have a significant impact on the world. Develop your knowledge of the theory and design of electronics while putting theory into practice in our extensive facilities.
Electronic technology evolves rapidly. Be part of the future on a course that opens doors to a career as a professional electronics engineer.
BEng or MEng?
You can study this course as a 3-year Bachelor's degree (BEng) or a 4-year integrated Master's degree (MEng).
When you finish the BEng course successfully, you'll meet the educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status. Once you've met the work experience requirements for IEng status, you can progress to Chartered Engineer status (CEng) with further study and experience.
The MEng allows you to achieve a Master’s level degree with just one extra year of undergraduate study. When you finish the MEng course successfully, you'll meet the educational requirements for Chartered Engineer status (CEng).
IEng and CEng status demonstrate your expertise and can include benefits such as improved career prospects and earning potential.
Course highlights
- Use the latest equipment for analysing and measuring electronics, including logic analysers, spectrum analysers, digital scopes and multi-function generators
- Work with analogue and digital components such as microprocessors, microcontrollers and programmable devices
- Use experimental kits, such as ServoSET servo-mechanism (which helps you learn how to stabilise systems) and superheterodyne radio receivers (which help you understand the principles of radio receiver operation)
- Get student membership of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, at no cost to you – giving you access to practical, technical and career-related resources, and opportunities to build links with prospective employers
- Work on a multidisciplinary group project to get the practical experience sought by employers when you choose the 4-year MEng option
90%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19)
90%
overall student satisfaction for our MEng Electronic Engineering course
(NSS, 2022)
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Accreditation of European Engineering Programmes (EUR-ACE) and Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The MEng meets in full the academic requirement for registration as CEng (Chartered Engineer), while the BEng partially meets these requirements.
Accrediting bodies such as the IET give my degree an edge compared to other universities. This means I have a career boost before I graduate as my degree is accredited by a well-known engineering institution.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering entry requirements
Typical offers
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject. (calculate your UCAS points)
- A levels - BBB-BBC, to include a relevant subject.
Relevant subjects: Further Mathematics; Mathematics; Statistics ; Physics; Electronics. - T-levels - Merit
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Building Services Engineering, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control - BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 29
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
MEng Electronic Engineering entry requirements
Typical offers
- UCAS points - 120-128 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject. (calculate your UCAS points)
- A levels - ABB-BBB, to include a relevant subject.
Relevant subjects: Further Mathematics; Mathematics; Statistics ; Physics; Electronics. - T-levels - Merit
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Building Services Engineering, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control - BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM
- International Baccalaureate - 29-30
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.
Facilities and specialist equipment
Microcontroller and Digital Laboratory
Access to equipment including oscilloscopes, network analysers and other electronic equipment for measurement purposes, as well as hardware and software development tools for design, development and implementation of microcontroller systems.
Telecommunications Laboratories
Get experience with instruments for generating, receiving and analysing high-frequency signals, such as signal generators and spectrum analysers that cover communication bands up to 22 GHz, with an emphasis on 3G frequencies.
"After I saw the lab equipment and facilities on offer, I knew I wanted to come to Portsmouth. I spend my day in the labs, working on a range of projects. Being able to put in place what I’ve learned in lectures into a successful project is always exciting."
Careers and opportunities
The demand for innovation in medical technology devices, and consumer electronics such as mobile phones and televisions is always increasing. In fact, all engineering roles are listed in the UK Government’s 'skills shortage list' – which means engineers are currently in high demand.
So not surprisingly, 90% of our BEng graduates and 95% of our MEng graduates are in work or further study after completing their course.
With electronic engineering professionals in high demand, graduates of our MEng course are earning £39,500 a year on average, 5 years after graduation.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates have worked for companies such as:
- Thales
- QinetiQ
- Barnbrook Systems
- Royal Navy
- Network Rail
- Flylogix
- NXP Semiconductors
What jobs can you do with a electronic engineering degree?
Our graduates now work in roles including:
- communications and information systems engineer
- digital design engineer
- electronic design engineer
- graduate signalling and telecoms engineer
- hardware design engineer
- service application consultant
Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Placement opportunities
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry.
You might work with an engineering firm in the UK, or take on a role with a company abroad.
A placement year gives you an advantage over other graduates who may understand theory but won't have the experience of applying their learning to a working environment. We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations, and you’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Potential roles
Previous students have taken placement roles such as:
- aerospace engineer
- industrial placement hardware engineer
- undergraduate electrical engineer (research and development)
Potential destinations
They've completed placements at organisations including:
- LiveLink
- Leonardo
- Johnston Sweepers
- MBDA
Career development activity
You'll set up and run a new engineering business as part of your second year study on this course. Do well on this module, and you'll be eligible to apply for a grant from the SENE start-up fund, a pot set up by our School of Energy and Electronic Engineering, and run a business that provides both income and credits toward your degree.
You'll also have access to extracurricular activities, run by the school and by your fellow students, in which you might work on a nationwide drone competition, the Engineers Without Borders Design Challenge, or the Formula Student racing car competition. Our Badges framework gives you a way to demonstrate professional recognition of what you've achieved in and outside your study.
Design and build a single-seater racing car to be judged and raced at Silverstone
If you're keen to put your studies into practice, you can apply to be involved in the international Formula Student competition. You'll compete with over 100 teams worldwide to design, build and race a single seater race car and be judged by leading industry experts from motorsports.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Identify and analyse a range of fundamental concepts in the field of applied physics
- Perform calculations to analyse simple physical systems using these concepts
- Apply this knowledge to a range of engineering scenarios and problems
- Apply these concepts to practical applications
What you'll do
You'll get introduced to concepts of programming techniques that are crucial for software development in electronic engineering and applications. You'll learn C and MATLAB to create a variety of applications.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Apply fundamental knowledge of the software development life cycle and tools to build C software programs and MATLAB programs.
- Identify and describe system requirements, software designs and quality metrics
- Develop software programs that consider usability and hardware portability
- Apply boolean algebra, iterative algorithms and recursive algorithms for software programs
- Find and use information provided with software development tools and libraries
What you'll do
You’ll learn about the practical aspects of printed circuit board design, manufacture, assembly and testing. You’ll take part in a project based learning approach and a practical learning environment and experience.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Analyse direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) circuits using standard techniques
- Design, simulate, analyse and test a discrete-component ultrasonic-signal amplifier
- Design, simulate, analyse and test a discrete-component audio amplifier
- Simulate, analyse, lay out, construct and test transistor-based and op-amp based analogue circuits
- Determine appropriate components to meet a range of requirements
- Communicate work to technical and non-technical audiences
Independent study time
What you'll do
You'll focus on basic functions, polynomial equations, trigonometric equations, vector and matrices, differential and integral calculus, and differential and partial differential equations
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of basic functions, polynomial equations, trigonometric equations, vector and matrices, differential and integral calculus, differential and partially differential equations
- Demonstrate organisational and time-management skills
- Apply routine mathematical methods
- Critically analyse and solve mathematical problems applicable to engineering
What you'll do
You’ll study programmable devices through the microcontroller, looking at their architecture and operation, exploring the concept of high-level and low-level programming languages and their benefits and issues. Theory and concepts are reinforced through lab and project work that allows you to apply these concepts in a variety of situations and also introduces you to considerations that must be evaluated when circuits are implemented.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Analyse, design and implement solutions to specified requirements using digital circuits
- Analyse, design and implement solutions to basic digital systems to specified requirements using microcontrollers
- Apply Boolean Algebra and theoretical digital circuit design techniques.
- Correctly identify digital circuits.
- Understand and describe the internal structure of a microcontroller
- Understand and describe the commands and constructs of assembly language.
What you'll do
You'll learn about the principles of efficiency, reliability, integrity and trusted communication systems. You'll also learn about the principles of digital transmission such as digital-to-digital conversion, analogue to digital conversion; transmission modes and mitigation techniques used in wireless networks. The module will also cover the principles of transmission of wired and wireless signals and networks.
What you'll learn
Successful completion of the module will enable you to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding the principles of network models and standards, network protocols, network devices and media, network types and applications
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of transmission of wired and wireless signal and networks
- Appraise the principles of efficiency, reliability and security of networked systems.
Core modules
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Analyse signals and systems in the time and frequency domains
- Design and analyse amplifiers, oscillators and regulated linear power supplies
- Develop solutions to practical problems in analogue electronics
- Demonstrate detailed practical knowledge of oscillators
What you'll do
You’ll develop an understanding of key mathematical methods used in engineering and look at various transform methods and how they're applied in engineering. You’ll also study matrix algebra and methods applicable to engineering problems.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Use laplace transform tables and properties and apply them to the calculation of laplace and inverse laplace transforms
- Apply laplace transform theorems and methods to the solution of differential equations
- Express mathematical functions as Fourier series
- Solve eigenvalue and eigenvector problems
- Use z-transform tables and properties and apply them to the computation and inversion of z-transforms
- Apply general methods, including z-transform methods, to the solution of difference equations
- Solve simple problems in statistics
What you'll do
You'll work through the various stages of a product design process while considering the broader economic, social, and environmental implications of your decisions.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Solve engineering problems with an understanding of the economic and social context
- Demonstrate the importance of sustainable development
- Use and articulate a decision-making process
- Work effectively as part of a team
What you'll do
While you work in a group with fellow students to develop a business plan, lectures will cover the various legal and ethical considerations involved in entrepreneurship and engineering.
To satisfy the requirements of the accrediting body, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), you'll need an overall pass-mark from this module of at least 40%; a threshold mark of at least 30% from all examination-based assessments; and a threshold mark of at least 30% from all non-examination based assessments.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Formulate a business plan for a start-up scenario/entrepreneurship
- Understand the principles of marketing and their application to the process of starting a business
- Provide an understanding of the financial performance of a new business in terms of risk, cash flows and accounting and economic indicators
- Demonstrate an awareness of the legal and ethical aspects in engineering
What you'll do
You'll be introduced to more complex microcontroller techniques and to programmable logic, considering the merits of software programmable and hardware programmable implementations of design solutions to complex systems. Theory presented in lectures will be supported by project work providing you with the opportunity to implement the concepts and theory learnt. The project will run throughout the duration of the module's lab sessions and you'll record your ongoing progress in a log book, supporting your demonstration of a working solution and discussion with staff.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Analyse and develop solutions to specified requirements using microcontrollers
- Analyse and develop solutions to practical problems using sequential circuits
Optional modules
What you'll do
You’ll be introduced to the mathematical modelling of physical systems, and assess system performance using mathematical models and experimental data. You’ll explore practical aspects of applying feedback control and demonstrate the importance of feedback and analyse the stability and performance of feedback control systems using root locus technique and frequency response methods.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Construct models of physical systems
- Analyse dynamic system response using Laplace transform, time and frequency response methods
- Use CAE software to investigate problems related to control engineering
- Assess system performance in time and frequency domain
- Design simple control systems
What you'll do
You’ll further develop your analytical skills and knowledge of the subject.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Compare, analyse and contrast the performance of different types of modulation schemes
- Analyse and critically evaluate the operation and performance of radio receivers and to calculate their thermal noise threshold
- Describe the digital transmission of commonly found telecommunication based signals and to also compare the performance of the transmission of digital signals in the presence of noise
- Comprehensively analyse and compare the properties of standard communications signals in the time and frequency domains and analyse their information content
- Demonstrate understanding of simulations aspects of radio receivers and digital modulation
Core modules
What you'll do
You’ll explore exemplar systems for particular application areas such as instrumentation and communications.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Design and evaluate advanced analogue electronic circuits
- Design and evaluate analogue sensing and measurement systems
- Demonstrate understanding of the main regulatory and technical aspects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
- Analyse the behaviour of transmission lines under a variety of loading conditions
- Demonstrate an understanding of the practical aspects of implementing some exemplar advanced electronic systems
What you'll do
You’ll explore two main categories of signal processing: signal analysis and signal processing. Signal analysis will focus on frequency content estimation using Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT).
You'll also learn how to process and enhance the frequency content of the signal using various types of digital filters.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of and be able to implement and use algorithms for discrete-time signal analysis
- Demonstrate knowledge of and be able to develop and implement algorithms for discrete-time signal processing
- Implement, evaluate and discuss the important DSP algorithms for discrete-time signal analysis and processing
What you'll do
Your focus will come from an extensive list provided by academic staff, or suggested by yourself. You'll develop planning and self-management techniques, as well as the skills for activities that require a solution, investigation or analysis.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Organise, plan and schedule a task showing competency in conducting research, design and/or development
- Demonstrate project management skills, including the application of time and resources, as well as working with technical uncertainty
- Conduct a problem-solving activity requiring measures of analysis, synthesis, creativity and decision-making, reflecting the technical skills gained on your course
- Reflect on the commercial, economic and social context of the project, including ethics in engineering, health and safety, environmental and commercial risk, sustainability and innovation, risk assessment and management
- Confidently present and communicate information by written report and visual display, orally illustrating your competence in critical evaluation and thinking
Optional modules
What you'll do
You'll use techniques based on classical methods to achieve required performance for particular transient and steady-state specification. You’ll also explore the root-locus and frequency response methods of classical control system design.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Analyse and examine system relative stability
- Determine and critically evaluate appropriate system design requirements from a time domain performance specification
- Propose and assess an appropriate control structure for required performance criteria and design compensators to meet design specifications
- Transfer function identification using a CAE package from practical input-output data and analysis of systems parameter variations
- Design and implement controllers using MATLAB
What you'll do
Issues of increasing complexity must be managed for any development to be successful in a rapidly changing marketplace. In this module, you’ll explore the use of a hardware description language (VHDL) that enables the high level design, implementation and test of complex systems, targeted at field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Design and synthesise complex digital systems using VHDL and computer based tools
- Verify correct functional behaviour of a design through the use of simulation and hardware tests on a target FPGA device
- Plan, analyse and evaluate different hierarchic design approaches and methods, to create an integrated system, through the use of VHDL modelling
- Generate appropriate documentation to record the design process in reaching an effective implementation solution to given requirements
What you'll do
You’ll explore established approaches and those currently under research and examine the fundamental theory behind artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, evolutionary algorithms and hybrid methods. You’ll also study practical applications of computational intelligence systems, various approaches to AI and the current state of AI research.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate a familiarisation with the principles and theories central to the AI field
- Apply a range of AI tools and techniques to address a wider class of problems
- Evaluate a range of methods for developing intelligent systems
What you'll do
Embedded systems are computing systems whose purpose is to control a device, a process, or a larger system. The importance of embedded systems is growing continuously as more application scenarios around us use embedded and real-time systems to operate intelligently, reliably, securely and efficiently.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Appraise the structures and applications of real-time operating systems and embedded computer systems
- Design, develop and analyse examples of real-time embedded computer system solutions
Core modules
What you'll do
You'll be introduced to the science of decision making, including deterministic and stochastic modelling, while also studying the links between management science and economic reasoning.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Develop mathematical management science models to represent real business problems
- Critically assess the suitability of various mathematical techniques for certain problem areas
- Apply quantitative analysis techniques (analytical procedures) to derive optimal solutions to a problem from the developed model
- Use computational approaches and software packages to solve mathematical and probabilistic programming problems
- Demonstrate effective team working and communication skills through group work
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Demonstrate the knowledge of a range of data processing methods and apply them to enhance the efficiency and security of electronic systems
-
Analyse the performance of advanced data processing algorithms used in various fields of industry today - such as advanced data compression, encryption, hashing, watermarking and similar techniques
-
Apply and evaluate data processing methods in order to solve practical engineering problems
What you'll do
You'll also learn quantification, quantified risk analysis, methods of elimination/mitigation, and learn about economic appraisals of integrated renewable energy and petroleum projects.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Understand the theory of economics based on discounted cash flow
- Use the knowledge and processes you've learned to calculate the key economic metrics used in investment decision making
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the engineering inputs to the cash flow model
- Critically evaluate the underlying concepts in risk analysis and uncertainty management
- Critically evaluate HSE (Health and Safety Executive) requirements for the industry
What you'll do
Working as part of a team, you'll complete a project-based Learning activity relating to a significant circuit simulation, as well as a design problem relating to a range of devices used in high frequency RF systems. You'll also attend lectures where you'll learn to understand the characteristics of high-speed circuit design.
You'll simulate circuits and/or devices at high frequencies, and analyse and tweak the results presented by simulation software. You'll then put this knowledge to use in the design and build of different blocks that make up a complex project.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Model and analyse high-speed interconnect phenomena.
- Critically evaluate the behavioural and performance characteristics of electronic systems, taking account of high-speed effects.
- Compare and contrast the key differences between simulated and realisable characteristics of at least one modern RF/microwave device or circuit through simulation, as well as the building or measurement of a given device.
- Critically analyse and design a RF/Microwave block that is part of a bigger system, carefully considering its impact on the larger system and vice versa.
What you'll do
You'll hone skills you'll need in your career, such as teamwork, critical thinking, progress reporting, communication skills, meeting times, division of responsibility, presentation and risk management.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Work effectively as an individual within a project team
- Demonstrate team working and communication skills through group work
- Use appropriate technology to design and implement a system that meets technical and business objectives
- Assess knowledge from a range of sources and apply it effectively to a problem
- Apply management techniques to achieve project objectives
- Present project results
What you'll do
This module will require you to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting and gain an appreciation of current measurement requirements.
To satisfy the requirements of the accrediting body, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), you'll need an overall pass-mark from this module of at least 50%; a threshold mark of at least 40% from all examination-based assessments; and a threshold mark of at least 40% from all non-examination based assessments.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Analyse the performance of a measurement system against set criteria
- Propose solutions which yield reliable measurement systems
- Assess the hardware and software measurement needs for a given application
- Design and implement a measurement system (hardware and/or software) to help solve a given problem
Electronic Engineering - Module Highlight
Today we've been working on a random dice project.
So last term we did it just using like logic gates but this term we're doing it with a microcontroller.
So I think that me had maybe one or two others have done it completely different to everybody else, don't know whether that's worryingly or not.
I thought there'd be a hard right and wrong, but essentially we've written a code for this.
And again, not knowing anything about coding beforehand, there's a million ways to do everything it's completely up to the designer's discretion.
In the summer, I'm going to do work experience for radio test engineering.
Being a graduate in electronic engineering just opens doors.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
Innovative Speaker
Alex Paterson, who studied MEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering, talks about his portable, lightweight innovative rotating speaker cabinet.
My final year project was building a lightweight, portable, innovative, rotating speaker unit.
I've always had an interest in music and speaker design is something that I would actually consider going into job wise, this was the perfect project for me.
The best thing I can take away from the project that I've created is working with new people in different areas of knowledge and being able to combine all of our ideas together to create a final design.
I'm very proud of the project we created. It works and we're able to sort of think about what limitations it had and where we'd go further if we continued our design.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Laboratory and project work
- CAE system activity
- Open access study
There's an emphasis on honing your practical skills and putting what you learn into practice.
Teaching staff profiles
Richard Walters is the course leader for electronic engineering. Find out more about some of the expert staff who’ll also teach you below.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- Written examinations
- Coursework
- Practical tests
- Project work
- Presentations
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You will get feedback on all formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, practical classes and workshops for about 16 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2–4, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. Optional field trips may involve evening and weekend teaching or events. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your Master's.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship)
- International (non-EU) students – £20,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You’ll need to pay additional costs of £50–£1000 to cover travel, accommodation or subsistence if you take a placement abroad. The amount you’ll pay will vary, depending on the location and length of your stay.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – H610 (BEng) or H613 (MEng)
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.