Overview

Have you ever thought about how satellites connect the world, how robots can think, or how future cars and smart cities will communicate? Do you wonder how we can design sustainable electrical systems to transform lives? These are the questions that drive today’s engineers, and you could help answer them.

Electrical and electronic engineering is at the heart of the technologies shaping how we live, work and connect. It focuses on how electricity is used to control, process and transmit information. This powers everything from smartphones and medical equipment to communication networks and smart systems.

On our BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering, you’ll learn to design intelligent, connected and sustainable systems. You’ll explore key areas such as:

embedded systems
communications
robotics
control engineering
power systems.

Alongside this, you’ll build strong foundations in mathematics, programming and electronics. These skills help you solve complex engineering problems with confidence.

Teaching is practical and hands-on. You’ll learn through lab work, team projects and real-world challenges that bring theory to life. You’ll also explore emerging areas such as data analysis and intelligent systems, including technologies that connect and share data to improve efficiency.

Examples include:

smart home devices
wearable tech
connected cars
city-wide systems.

We work closely with employers and professional bodies to make sure what you learn is up to date and help you build the skills employers want. You’ll benefit from guest talks, industry input and opportunities to engage with live industrial projects. There is also the option to take a year-long industrial placement or study abroad, helping you broaden your experience and build global perspectives.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have the confidence, technical ability and professional awareness to succeed in a fast-moving global industry.

Why study Electrical and Electronic Engineering at GCU?

Set yourself on the path to chartered status. Our BEng is accredited by the Institution of Engineering Technology (IET) and Institute of Measurement and Control (InstMC).
Develop the technical and problem-solving skills needed for roles across fast-growing sectors like energy, communications, robotics and AI.
Offers an optional year placement opportunity, where you can do a one-year long paid placement in an industry.
Excellent networking opportunities with industries through career fairs, industrial guest talks, events, and site visits.
Progress your studies further. Transfer to the MEng if you meet the criteria and want to advance your knowledge and career prospects.

The Institute of Measurement and Control

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The Institution of Engineering and Technology

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What you will study

Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.

In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.

Careers

The need for electrical and electronic engineers is growing fast, especially in areas such as clean energy, automation and artificial intelligence (AI). This degree gives you the knowledge and experience to build a rewarding career in a sector full of opportunities.

Many graduates go into roles such as:

Electronics Engineer
Systems Engineer
Communications Engineer
Robotics Engineer.

Some work in AI, data analysis, or project management, where their technical and problem-solving skills are highly valued.

Past students have found jobs from small technology start-ups to well-known companies, including:

NXP Semiconductors
BAE Systems
Siemens
Rolls-Royce
Aggreko
Scottish Power
Virgin Media O2
Leonardo
BT Group.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BEng (Hons)	Full Time	4 years	Sep 26	Glasgow	H610	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BEng (Hons)	Full time	4 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	H610	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Year 1

Standard entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 96

Scottish Higher: BBCC or equivalent incl Higher in Maths and a Science or Technology.

A Level: CCC in Maths and a Science or Electronics subject.

Minimum entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 90

Scottish Higher: BCCC or equivalent incl Higher in Maths and a Science or Technology.

A Level: CCC or equivalent incl A Level in Maths and a Science or Electronics subject.

Year 2 entry

Standard entry requirement

HNC Electrical or Electronic Engineering with B in Graded Unit 1

Year 3 entry

Standard entry requirement

HND in Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering or equivalent with a minimum grade B in the graded units

English language

IELTS score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5

Attendance at GCU Maths Summer School is strongly recommended.

English language

IELTS score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Teaching methods

The course is delivered through a blend of lectures, tutorials and seminars. Learning is complemented by practical laboratory and simulation-based activities using specialist facilities and software. Regular input from industry professionals and guest speakers helps ensure strong links between theory and real-world practice.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods include:

examinations
coursework
class tests
presentations
computer-based exercises
written reports.

Employability

We want to develop your abilities in the areas that employers are looking for in a global knowledge economy. Through our close connections with employers, we provide you with an authentic learning experience that will set you up for the workplace. Our industrial partnerships give you access to design-oriented case studies and projects, work experience and real-world problems.

Exchange and study abroad

We encourage you to broaden your academic and cultural horizons. You’ll have the opportunity to spend a trimester at one of our international partnership institutions in Europe, North America, Asia or Australia.

Studying abroad enhances your global outlook, boosts employability and exposes you to international engineering practices.

Work placement options

Two industry-based placements are offered:

a summer placement
a 48-week sandwich placement.

These aren’t compulsory placements, and are not guaranteed.

If you're a full-time student, you can choose to undertake a one-year industry placement, usually in Year 3, if you meet the required criteria. This extends your studies from four years to five years.

You’ll gain valuable professional experience, and your degree will be awarded as a BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Year in Industry. The 48-week long placement will have a structure and counts as a module for the course.

You’ll normally be expected to find the placement yourself, but our course team’s industry links often alert us to opportunities that are available.

One year advanced study

You can also choose to progress to our five-year MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering course. It follows the same structure as the BEng (Hons), with an additional year of advanced study in Year 5, where you will complete further specialist modules and a major project, provided you meet the required criteria.

You do not need to apply for more than one course. You can start on the BEng (Hons) and transfer to the MEng during your studies if you meet the progression requirements.

To find out more, please visit the MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering course page.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and Institute of Measurement and Control (InstMC) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and Institute of Measurement and Control (InstMC) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng).

Visit the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) website

Visit the Institute of Measurement and Control (InstMC) website

Visit the Engineering Council UK website

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.

Overview

Why study Electrical and Electronic Engineering at GCU?

Accreditations

What you will study

Careers

Course information