We are passionate about sharing with our students the vital role they each have now and as future professionals in promoting a sustainable future for all. We believe that sustainability is not the domain of one discipline or profession. It is the responsibility of all disciplines, professions, organisations and individuals.
That is why on each of our courses within the School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems you will learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the contribution you can make now, and as a graduate in Computing or Engineering.
Read the course details below to find out more.
This Degree Apprenticeship allows Engineering apprentices achieve a honours degree while working within an apprenticeship position in industry.
The Degree Apprenticeship in Electrical and Electronic Engineering has been developed with the support of Northern Irish industry as an alternative pathway towards attaining the Bachelors degree (BEng honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering whilst pursuing employement in an approrprite engineering setting within industry. The scheme is approved by the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy amd must therefore follow the operational requirements of the Higher Level apprenticeship to level 6.
This degree program is broadly based on the fundamentals of Electronic and Electrical Engineering. All engineers wihin these discipline must understand the basics of electricity and magnetism.
Electronic engineers should be able to analyse, evaluate, and design electronic circuits for practical applications. Modern electronic engineers need to be well versed in digital electronics, microelectronics, and computer engineering with their associated software. Electronic engineers are required to design devices from household and personal devices to electrical circuits found on automobiles, for example.
Electrical engineers are required to deal with electrical machines (motors and generators). They must also be well versed on power distributions systems that serve all of society. Increasing, as society moves towards cleaner sources of renewable energy, electrical engineers must be able to design and operate power distribution systems that can handle energy generation from distributed wind, solar, and other renewable sources.
The manufacturing sector also requires eletrical engineers and this program is designed to include controls systems (Programmable Logic Controllers) that the manusfacturing industry rely on. The program also includes the latest technology on Indutry 4.0 which is key to the future of the manufacturing sector.
A Degree Apprenticeship is a work-based training programme that provides an alternative route to getting a University Degree, where Apprentices complete their course alongside paid permanent employment.
Degree Apprenticeships involve integrated learning - you’ll gain practical experience that will inform your learning, and with mentorship support, you’ll apply what you study to your work within your organisation.
Degree Apprenticeships are funded by the Department for the Economy, so you can complete your undergraduate degree without having to pay tuition fees.
You should apply for a Degree Apprenticeship programme once your Apprenticeship employer has made you an offer of employment.
For details of all available job opportunities, please complete the enquiry form below and our course team will get in touch.
To be eligible to apply for a Degree Apprenticeship, you and your employer must meet all of the scheme’s eligibility criteria.
You must also meet the minimum academic entry requirements for the course you intend to study.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
The degree program has been designed to allow apprentices complete their academic course of study within a four-year time frame on a part-time mode of study. The course modular content is the same as the equivalent full-time program of 360 ECTS credits. The apprenticeship has an accelerated first year which is equivalent to the full-time version of the same degree.
Hence, apprentices are required to undertake 120 ECTS credits in year 1 (level 4) over two semesters (60 ECTS per semester) but are then required to take 80 credits per year (40 ECTS per semester) for years 2, 3, and 4. Year 2 involves level 5 modules, year 3 includes level 5 and 6 modules, year 4 includes levels 6 modules.
The course is accredited by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) which ensures that the qualification contributes to the requirement for Chartered Engineer status.
Attendance for the first year is accelerated to be equivalent to the full-time program timetable over the first two semesters; hence, first-year attendance is typically up to four days per week. Attendance in years two, three, and four is part-time and typically requires one full day or two half days per week per semester. Each semester consists of twelve teaching weeks followed by a study week and two weeks for final examination (fifteen weeks in total). A final exam on a module may be scheduled to take place on a specific day. Most modules are assessed exclusively by coursework and therefore have no final exam at the end of the semester. In this case it is typical that assessment takes place during the teaching and study weeks. The attendance requirements may vary from semester to semester.
Formal lectures are supplemented by tutorials and laboratory investigations, as appropriate. Practical hands-on laboratory sessions are an integral part of many modules throughout all years of the course. Case studies, groupwork and mini-projects are also extensively used. In the final year there is a major individual project.
Generally, a combination of continuous assessment and examination is employed in each module. Continuous assessment includes class tests, library and laboratory based assignments, and individual and group project work. Most modules across all years of the course are continuously assessed.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides students with a solid foundation in the fundamental topics in engineering mathematics. The material develops the student's competencies in the essential mathematics that forms an integral part of an undergraduate honours degree in engineering related disciplines.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides students with a solid foundation in developing software programs using a procedural programming language. It utilises a middle-level language to enable the engineering student to understand the relationship between software programs and the underlying hardware on which the program operates, whilst learning the key concepts and skills relevant to many modern high-level languages.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces the fundamentals of digital electronic devices and simple logic circuits as well as basic logic design techniques. The module introduces the student to basic digital electronics principles presented using a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical laboratories and are assessed using continuous assessment in the form of a written class test and lab practical assessments.
Year: 2
Status: C
Differences in the internal structure and organisation of a computer lead to significant differences in performance and functionality, giving rise to an extraordinary range of computing devices, from hand-held computers to large-scale, high-performance machines. This module addresses the various options involved in designing a computer system, the range of design considerations, and the trade-offs involved in the design process.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will introduce the fundamental concepts of electrostatic and electromagnetic, related rules, electric and magnetic materials and their characteristics, and their applications in physical systems.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an introduction to the key electronic components, the basic concepts of electronic circuit design and the basic principles of electronic circuit testing and measurement taking. This module introduces the student to analogue electronics principles presented using a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical laboratories and are assessed using continuous assessment in the form of a class test and lab practical assessments.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module introduces micro-controllers/programmable logic controllers and the principles of modern interfacing to sensors and actuators. The module also discusses performance issues related to the interrupt and non-interrupt based software programming. Both elements of the module are presented through lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions and are assessed using continuous assessment methods.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module introduces students to the essential mathematics with appropriate numerical computing and programming required for embarking on further study in engineering or a related discipline. It develops the students mathematical skills required to solve problems that arise in the context of their undergraduate study. The module content is introduced in a pragmatic way and then related to real world problems, which enhances understanding and makes the concepts more meaningful and relevant for the student. The module also aims to generate in the student a spirit of mathematical investigation and discovery leading to the development of mathematical confidence. An introduction is given to MatLab, the multi-paradigm numerical computing environment and fourth-generation programming language; assessment in also partially completed in MatLab.
Year: 3
Status: C
This level 5 module will endow engineering students with the knowledge and skills to analyse and design control systems and signal processing systems.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module is designed to further develop the students understanding of Electrical Machines, and their practical understanding of the design and implementation of control circuitry to drive such machines. It is presented via lectures and practical laboratory elements and is assessed using continuous assessment methods.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module is designed to equip students with the appropriate research and transferable skills needed to secure employment within the Computing and Engineering domain.
The module prepares students for professional work by developing knowledge of the responsibilities and obligations of employees, employers and clients as determined by codes of professional conduct. Students will have the opportunity to practise the presentation of themselves in, for example, application forms, curriculum vitae, interview, elevator pitches and aptitude tests.
The module provides an underpinning foundation of research concepts, methods and techniques necessary for project development and delivery. The students employ research skills developed during the module to gather research from a variety of sources and critically review this literature. Embedded in all these activities is the reinforcement of the need for adhering to recognised ethical standards and taking a professional approach to employability.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module introduces the principles of design of analogue and digital building blocks which can be integrated to form electronic systems of moderate complexity. The module also discusses issues related to the interfacing of analogue and digital signals. Both elements of the module are presented through lectures, tutorials and practicals and are assessed using both continuous assessment and formal written examination methods.
Year: 4
Status: C
Building on the fundamentals covered in ENE123 (EEE186 Magee), the aim is to develop design skills in the technologies and energy engineering involved with electricity generation, its supply, distribution and end use of electricity, both in a domestic and industrial context.
Year: 5
Status: C
The module covers theoretical and practical aspects of power systems with a large proportion of decentralised energy production.
Status: O
Year: 5
This module is optional
This module provides students with a graduate level understanding of semiconductor materials and microelectronics circuit performance. Additionally students will be analytically proficient in microelectronic circuit analysis techniques and be able to produce design equations for temperature stability of these circuits. The module will teach the concept of interconnect delay and noise using models of delay lines circuit noise. All teaching material will be supported with lab simulations.
Year: 6
Status: C
Students are required to undertake a major project during the final year of the course. The module offers students an opportunity to develop a realistic and meaningful piece of work during their final year. This module allows a chosen subject area to be researched in depth and a solution developed as a consequence. Students will have the opportunity to integrate and apply the learning achieved from other modules in the course. The module runs during both semesters and allows students to develop a comprehensive approach to all aspects of working on a large project. The project encourages innovation and creative thinking in the development of the solution. It also develops the entrepreneurial mindset, which can influence the challenges undertaken and final decisions made.
Year: 6
Status: C
This module is designed to reinforce and further develop a student's digital design and implementation skills. It is presented via lectures, tutorials, seminars and practicals and is assessed using continuous assessment methods.
Year: 6
Status: C
This module advances the understanding of Internet of Things in an Industrial context as Industry 4.0, encapsulating the trends and technologies that are transforming the way manufacturing and production operations manage their processes. Its focuses on how data is produced, stored, processed, analysed, and exchanged between operational systems inside industrial plants and in the cloud. The elements of the module are presented through lectures, tutorials and practical sessions and are assessed using continuous assessment methods.
Status: O
Year: 6
This module is optional
This module covers the principle concepts of analysis and protection of modern power systems. It builds upon the operation of power systems under normal operations, fault analysis and principle of power system protection.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
.
Grades BBC
A-level essential:
One subject from Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technology and Design, Design and Technology, Double Award Life and Health Sciences, Double Award Science/Applied Science, Engineering or Electronics.
Reduced offer: Grades CCC
Ones ubjectfrom Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics.
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering (601/7588/6) with overall award profile of DMMto include Merit in Engineering Principles and Merit in Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems.
A Levels with;
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (601/7584/9) Note: The RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering will satisfy the subject requirement provided it includes Merit in Engineering Principles.
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (601/7580/1) Note: The RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Engineering will satisfy the subject requirement provided it includes Merit in Engineering Principles and Merit in Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems.
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma does not satisfy the subject requirement for this course and will only be considered when presented with an A Level in one of the specified subjects.
The A level(s) and/or the BTEC qualification(s) must be in the specified subject(s) and must have the required modules.
OCR Nationals and Cambridge Technical Combinations
These qualifications do not satisfy the subject entry requirement for this course and will be accepted as grade only when presented with A levels in the relevant subject(s).
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - our Equivalence Entry Checker.
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements -
View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at our Equivalence Entry Checker..
112 UCAS Tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at Higher Level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Course Specific Subject Requirements
Higher Level subjects must include Mathematics with minimum H5 and one other subject with minimum H6 from Physics, Chemistry, Physics/Chemistry, Biology, Technology or Engineering, Technology & Design.
Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency
Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency
Grades BBCCC (to include a minimum of BB in Mathematics and a science subject).
English required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3.
Grades CCD (to include Mathematics and a science subject).
English required at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3
International Baccalaureate
Minimum 25 points (12 at Higher Level to include Grade 5 HL Mathematics and another HL Science subject)
Higher or Subsidiary level in English Language required at Grade 4 or above.
Access to Higher Education (HE)
Access Diploma
Overall profile of 63% (120 credit Science/Technology Access Course) (NI Access Course); to include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 63% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics with 63% as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
Overall profile of 15credits at distinction and 30credits at merit (60 credit Science/Technology Access Course) (GB Access Course). GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics is also required.
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language (or equivalent).
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
GCSE Maths requirements
GCSE Mathematics Grade B/5 (or equivalent) if offering GCE A Level Design and Technology, Engineering, Electronics or Environmental Technology as the specified subject for this course.
GCSE Mathematics Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) if offering any of the other specified subjects (Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Double Award Science/Applied Science)
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course Level 2 Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
HNC
Pass HNC with overall Distinction in an Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering subject for year 1 entry only. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
HND Year one Entry
Pass HND in an Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering subject. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
Transfer between this course and other similar courses within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment may be possible on the basis of academic performance and circumstances. However becuse the program follows a particular funding model with the DfE, transfers are unusual and the benefits of the program would not transfer to an alterative full-time or part-time degree option.
To participate in a Degree Apprenticeship programme, you must:
Additionally:
To participate in a Degree Apprenticeship programme, your employer:
In this section
Apprentices are required to have a suitable contact of employment to commence the program of study. The employer, the apprentice, and the university are required to fulfil the operational requirements of the NI DfE Higher Level Apprenticeship program at level 6. Hence, the apprentices' career is embedded within the program of delivery and apprentices are expected to honour their employment contract with their supporting employer.
However, the program does include a module on professional development and apprentices graduating from the program are expected to have similar employability opportunities to full-time students.
Given the School's strong relations with local industry, there are a number of sponsored academic prizes that the Electrical and Eelectronic Engineering apprentices will be eligible for.
These include the Terex year 1 engineer of the year, Nuprint Technologies year 2 engineer of the year, Seagate Technology graduating engineer of the year. These prizes will consider all engineering undergraduate programs within the School of Computing, Engineering, and Intelligent Systems.
However, there are a number of dedicated prizes for apprentices and students on electrical-focused programs, namely, the Sensata Technologies prizes for year 1 and year 2 students and the Civica final year prize.
In addition, for those apprentices taking appropriate final year projects will be considered for the Vertiv engineering prize for a final year project in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, the NIE networks final year project prize in Renewable Energy Engineering, and the FAST Technologies final year prize for a project involving Robotics and Automation.
In addition, apprentices from the program will also be eligible for prizes at the annual Ulster University Apprenticeship Achievement awards including the Apprentice Rising star award for year 1 and 2 apprentices and the the outastanding apprentice award for apprenttices who have completed their course of study.
Finally, apprentices may be considered for the Northerm Ireland Apprentices Awards held annually during Apprenticeship week.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
