Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Sandwich)

Description

The School has a world class reputation for research and provides excellent facilities, including access to major new research centres in Secure Information Technologies, Electronics, Communications and Information Technology and Sonic Arts. A number of modules on the course are closely linked to the research expertise of these centres and evolve and change rapidly to reflect some of the current, emerging and exciting developments in the field.

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in large groups to all year group peers).
• Practicals: where you will have opportunities to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. You will be expected to attend these in most modules.
• E-Learning technologies: Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example: interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; IT and statistics modules; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities; opportunities to use IT programmes associated with design in practicals and project- based work etc.
• Seminars/tutorials: Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students). These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers. You should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.
• Self-directed study: This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
• Work placements: Students taking Electrical and Electronic Engineering have the option of undertaking a work-placement after Level 2. This is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity.
• Supervised projects: In final year, you will be expected to carry out a significant piece of research on a topic or practical methodology that you have chosen. You will receive support from a supervisor who will guide you in terms of how to carry out your research and will provide feedback to you on at least 2 occasions during the write up stage.
• Personal Tutor: Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Queen’s has an excellent reputation, ranking in the top 10 in the UK in the Times League Table 2012 and top 100 in the world (QS World Rankings). Queen’s is one of only seven UKuniversities involved in the prestigious Power Academy scholarship scheme. Each year this provides 60 generous scholarships worth over £30k each to well-qualified students on the BEng and MEng degree pathways across the seven member universities.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering courses at Queen’s are fully accredited by the relevant professional society. Students interested in travel may spend a placement abroad or gain summer work experience through the IAESTE international exchange programme.

The School has an outstanding record of achievement in research. There are a number of well-funded and very strong research groups engaged in leading-edge technology. Final year projects are heavily influenced by the research activities of staff.

Careers

There is a shortage of electrical and electronic engineers, not only locally in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, but worldwide, so employment prospects are excellent. The employment rate for graduates of this degree from Queen's in 2011 was 90% (percentage employed in a graduate level job within 6 months of graduating).

Overview

Studying for an Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions. Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Degree Plus and other related initiatives: Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s. Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students). Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts. As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 4160 Year (EEA)
• EUR 13380 Year (Non-EEA)

England, Scotland and Wales £9,000; EU £3,575; International: £11,500

• English

Course Content

MEng

This four-year extended engineering degree has been established to provide an adequate supply of well-qualified engineers with an appropriate blend of engineering knowledge and skills in business practice and management. There is a core component of entrepreneurship, giving key insights into company creation. Most of the material in the first two years is common with the BEng degree. The subjects offered in Stage 4 include:

Advanced Circuit Design
Advanced Microelectronics
Energy Systems
Intelligent Systems and Control
Mobile Communications
Real-time DSP

All MEng students must normally complete at least 24 weeks of approved industrial training before graduating. The MEng is also offered incorporating a sandwich year in industry. This professional experience year is usually taken after Stage 2 and students may gain a Licentiateship of the City & Guilds from this period of work.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

MEng

• A-level AAB including Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Design/Technology, Electronics, or Further Mathematics.Note: applicants not offering Physics at A-level should have a minimum of a grade B in GCSE Physics or Double Award Science.
• BTEC Extended Diploma A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with 16 Distinctions and 2 Merits. Distinctions will be required in stipulated relevant units.
• Irish Leaving Certificate AB2B2B2B2B2 including Higher Level grade A and B2 in any order in Mathematics and Physics (preferred), Biology or Chemistry.

Option to Transfer

Transfers between BEng and MEng may be possible at the end of Stage 2.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Queen's University Belfast.

Funding

Although the majority of our graduates are interested in pursuing careers in engineering significant numbers develop careers in a wide range of other sectors. The following is a list of the major career sectors (and some starting salaries) that have attracted our graduates in recent years:

• Management Consultancy - £26-38,000
• Investment Banking - £34K
• Accountancy - £30K

• Fast Stream Civil Service - £26,500
• Varied graduate programmes (Times Top 100 Graduate Recruiters/AGR, Association of Graduate Recruiters UK)

Accreditation

These degrees are fully accredited by the relevant professional body.
Placement: students may spend a placement abroad or gain summer work experience through the IAESTE international exchange programme.