BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at the University of Surrey
BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year at University of Surrey. The foundation year supports students who need additional preparation before the main engineering programme.
About this course
Study one of our Electronic Engineering degrees to work and learn from highly-experienced experts from the 5G Innovation Centre, Surrey Space Centre and more. From the provider’s course page.
BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BEng (Hons)) at the University of Surrey. It runs 5 years, studied full-time.
For Electrical and electronic engineering graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 80% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £33,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Engineering, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1, Semester 1 4 modules
- ELECTRONIC CIRCUITSCompulsory
Module details
The module offers an introduction to circuit theory and analogue electronics.
- COMPUTER AND DIGITAL LOGICCompulsory
Module details
This module introduces the principles and operation of digital logic systems, along with the tools and techniques used for their design and analysis, illustrated through real-world applications. It addresses both theoretical concepts such as logical operators, their combination and simplification, and circuit arrangements such as counters and registers, and the practical implementation of logic flows using software. The practical component also serves as an introduction to programming fundamenta
- ENGINEERING MATHEMATICSCompulsory
Module details
Mathematics is the best tool we have to gain a quantitative understanding of engineering sciences. This module is designed briefly to revise and then to extend A-level Mathematics material, and to introduce students to mathematical techniques to support future engineering modules.
- LABORATORIES, DESIGN & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES ICore
Module details
Working individually or in groups on engineering projects requires a wide range of professional and technical skills. This module helps first year students develop skills in research and technical presentation, along with the practical laboratory skills required by the professional engineer. Both units of assessment must be passed individually. No compensation is allowed for this module. This module is the first module a student will encounter within the Laboratory, Design and Professional Studi
Year 1, Semester 2 4 modules
- MATHEMATICS II: ENGINEERING MATHEMATICSCompulsory
Module details
Mathematics is an essential tool to understand and solve real-world engineering problems. This module builds on the mathematical foundations from MAT1044 Engineering Mathematics to introduce and explore more advanced mathematical concepts and methods relevant to a wide range of electronic engineering applications.
- ELECTRICAL SCIENCE ICompulsory
Module details
To understand the physics and engineering that underpins the operation of semiconductor devices and to use this to understand the operation of simple bipolar devices and MOS transistors. In addition to understand the effects electric and magnetic fields and their interaction with matter within the discipline of electronic engineering.
- PROGRAMMING IN CCompulsory
Module details
Programming is a key part of electronic engineering and the C programming language is at the heart of many embedded software systems. This module will provide the students with a solid practical knowledge of the C programming language, its relationship to the underlying hardware and aspects of both high level programming and low level manipulation of memory.
- LABORATORIES, DESIGN & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES IICore
Module details
This module is the second module a student will encounter within the Laboratory, Design and Professional Studies group of modules. In builds upon EEE1027 in semester 1 and sees the introduction of project work alongside experiment. In subsequent years students building on their labs, design and professional studies work in Year 2 (EEE2036 in semester 1 and EEE2037 in semester 2) and EEE3035 in year 3. Working individually or in groups on technical engineering projects requires a wide range of pr
Year 2, Semester 1 4 modules
- CIRCUITS, CONTROL AND COMMUNICATIONSCompulsory
Module details
This module is divided into two parts (Circuit & Control Systems and Communication Systems) each of which build on the concepts and tools introduced in Year 1.
- ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS IIICompulsory
Module details
This module builds on the fundamental tools and concepts introduced in the Year 1 mathematics modules MAT1044 Engineering Mathematics and EEE1032 Mathematics II: Engineering Mathematics. A broad range of mathematical topics are covered with applications to problems in electronic engineering.
- COMPUTER ALGORITHMS AND ARCHITECTURECompulsory
Module details
This module is organized into two parts that run concurrently. Part A introduces the students to microprocessors. This covers the key concepts in microprocessor organization and design; specifically for the instruction set, performance analysis, the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and the processor control and data paths. Additionally, we explore common memory hierarchies and caching problems. In class problems are given as examples in design. Part B covers the analysis, design and implementation o
- LABORATORIES, DESIGN & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES IIICore
Module details
Hands-on experimental skills, professional skills, and enterprise skills are important to today's electronic engineers. This module helps the students to develop these skills by offering them laboratory-based experiments, team design projects and professional studies on transferrable skills. These activities are based on either individual or teamwork.
Year 2, Semester 2 5 modules
- ELECTRICAL SCIENCE IICompulsory
Module details
All modern electronic devices make use of transistor technology and their future developments, via Moore's Law and beyond, are fundamentally linked to device architecture. This module will introduce modern CMOS transistor structures and link to the operation for integrated circuits and modern memory devices. The module will also show how electric and magnetic fields can be unified within Maxwell's equations to produce electromagnetic theory and solve common problems.
- LABORATORIES, DESIGN & PROFESSIONAL STUDIES IVCore
Module details
Hands-on experimental skills, professional skills, and enterprise skills are important to today's electronic engineers. This module helps the students to develop these skills by offering them laboratory-based experiments, team design projects and professional studies on transferrable skills. These activities are based on either individual or team work.
- COMPUTER VISION & GRAPHICSOptional
Module details
This module provides an introduction to the process of digital image formation in real and computer-generated imagery and builds on EEE1035 Programming in C. The module covers mathematical methods used to represent cameras, scene geometry and lighting in computer vision and computer graphics. The course introduces both the theoretical concepts and practical implementation of three-dimensional computer graphics used in visual effects, games and scientific visualisation. The practical implementati
- ELECTRONICS & PHOTONICS DEVICESOptional
Module details
Using lectures, problems classes, worked examples and tutorial sheets this module will provide the fundamentals needed to understand the operation of key electronic and photonic devices as determined by their fundamental semiconducting properties. The module builds upon prior study of electrical science (EEE1034) delivered in Year 1 of the undergraduate programme (or equivalent elsewhere). This module facilitates future advanced master level leaning in advanced and modern electronic materials an
- SPACE ENGINEERING & MISSION DESIGNOptional
Module details
Space engineering provides a foundation for human access and utilization of space and has shown growing importance to global economy. The module offers basics of space engineering and mission design. Students will obtain an introduction on mission analysis and design tools, instrumentation and space technologies. For those students on the undergraduate "space" pathways, the module acts as an introduction to the space engineering and mission design, and the themes are picked up in the compulsory
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This degree combines learning from highly-experienced experts at the 5G Innovation Centre and Surrey Space Centre with a structured engineering curriculum. You'll usually start with engineering fundamentals: mathematics, mechanics and materials, and design skills including CAD. Year 2 typically covers your discipline core, such as circuits and systems, alongside engineering analysis, computing and a group design project. From Year 3, you'll choose specialist options such as Mechanical, Electrical & electronic, Robotics & mechatronics, Energy & sustainability, or the Chartered (CEng) pathway. Throughout, you'll study professional engineering practice and complete an individual project as the degree's centrepiece.
Who it's for
This course suits students interested in electronic engineering who may benefit from a foundation year to strengthen their academic preparation. Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; accepted students typically had UCAS tariffs of 112–127 points. The course is taught in English and runs full-time, requiring sustained engagement over five years. It's designed for those committed to developing both technical expertise and professional capabilities in engineering.
Careers & job market
Across engineering courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 80% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National earnings data shows electronic engineering graduates earning £29,000–£35,000 at the start of their careers, rising to £33,150–£46,800 after five years. These figures reflect national patterns from Graduate Outcomes and LEO data, not university-specific guarantees. First-year retention stands at 88% across the student body.
University & format
The University of Surrey is a public university located in Surrey, England. This course is a 5-year full-time degree, taught in English, leading to the BEng (Hons) award. The programme includes a foundation year, making it accessible to students without traditional engineering prerequisites. The degree is recognised by the UK degree-awarding body and holds Silver status for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 76% |
| another higher-education qualification | 18% |
| a previous degree | 3% |
| an Access course | 1% |
| a foundation course | 1% |
| Other | 1% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code H606). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Surrey →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Engineering graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £33,000 | £30,000 – £35,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £41,500 | £35,000 – £54,000 | 50 |
| 5 years after | £55,000 | £42,500 – £73,500 | 50 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in engineering · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Engineering nationally
National figures for Engineering graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Engineering courses at the same study level.
Compared with 2,256 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 30% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 40; response rate: 85%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year worth it?
Yes, for most students BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year is well worth it. On its graduates’ median earnings, the course is worth about +£261,050 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, after the fees you pay.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 5 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 10.8. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 5 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Engineering graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Engineering graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Engineering & manufacturing firms
- Automotive & aerospace
- Energy & utilities
- Defence & consultancies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Engineering graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £33,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.5 out of 10: NSS 81.3% · in work or study 90% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Surrey
Engineering and technology across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around University of Surrey
1,620 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Engineering right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Surrey from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £27,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Surrey’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Surrey and gov.uk before you apply.
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BEng (Hons) Aerospace EngineeringBEng (Hons) · University of SurreyCommon questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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