Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering with International Foundation Year
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering with International Foundation Year | Programme code | UFN4ENSINT01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Level 1 |
Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
This is a 4 year undergraduate degree programme with a fully embedded International Foundation Year. During the Foundation year, students will develop their English language, academic skills and subject knowledge at INTO. In the following year, students will move to the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (FESE) and join the first year of an Electronic Engineering degree.
The Electrical and Electronic Engineering programmes at Exeter are part of a wider family of Engineering programmes that have been developed around a number of core principles that distinguish them as innovative, forward looking and student centred. Exeter’s approach to engineering education emphasizes collaborative project based learning (PBL), contextualised teaching and an emphasis on skills development and practical application of knowledge. Starting with a core first year and building on commonalities with other engineering disciplines we deliver a unique teaching style based on the pillars of analysis, design and sustainability. Our engineering programmes also equip students with an awareness of entrepreneurship and the skills and confidence to apply their engineering knowledge in entrepreneurial endeavours. In a fast-changing world we introduce advanced methodologies in analogue and digital electronics, digital signal processing, electric machines, telecommunication systems, electrical and power systems, and microprocessor and microcontroller technologies. Professional practice–led and project- based learning, delivered through industry-focused modules and individual and team projects, spans the entire programme and ensures that our graduates are industry–ready with awareness of engineering ethics in their development as professional engineers.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The Foundation year of the BEng in Electronic Engineering with International Foundation Year programme aims to help you meet the linguistic and academic requirements for progression to the first, and subsequent, stages of your degree programme at Exeter. It is also designed to help you to develop the necessary study skills and approaches to learning required for successful undergraduate study as well as introduce you to the culture of academic study in a UK Higher Education institution.
After completing the Foundation year, you will progress on to the BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The BEng degree programme is designed to deliver all of the required learning outcomes as set out in UK-SPEC for a bachelors degree. Higher level modules (including projects) are based on research-led teaching methods building upon the expertise of the electronic engineering academic staff.
The programme aims to enable students to become:
(a) flexible engineering graduates equipped to work effectively within engineering design and practice and contributing specialist skills, demonstrating an awareness of the context within which they work, and taking responsibility for their own personal and professional development;
(b) graduates who need only to complete an appropriate period of further study or matching section to be educationally qualified to become chartered engineers within the appropriate sector of industry;
(c) aware of the environmental, economic, social and sustainability issues that are an integral part of the professional engineer's role in society;
(d) able to work well in multi-disciplinary groups with experience of communication, organization, planning and logistics.
Through this programme, the College will provide students with: learning opportunities to match their abilities and aspirations, personal academic and pastoral support throughout their university career, appropriate methods of teaching and assessment and a programme of study that they find demanding, interesting and intellectually stimulating, while allowing them to enjoy other aspects of university life. The College will also seek to promote the role of industry and engineering institutions and the benefits that they can provide to undergraduates e.g. through links with the industrial club and student membership of the engineering institutions.
4. Programme Structure
The BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering with International Foundation Year programme is a 4 year programme of study at Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 4 ‘stages’. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
The Foundation year of your programme will be taught by INTO University of Exeter with the subsequent 3 stages being taught by the Engineering department at the University of Exeter’s Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (FESE).
Interim Awards
If you do not complete the programme, you may be able to exit with a lower qualification. If you have achieved 120 credits in the Foundation stage, you may be awarded a Foundation Certificate in Exeter International Foundation (Science and Engineering).Following stage one, you may be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education, and if you achieve 240 credits, where at least 90 credits are at level 2 or above, you may be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Stage 1
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| INT0052 | Foundation Academic English | 30 | Yes |
| INT0053 | Current Global Issues | 30 | No |
| INT0065 | Mathematics and Statistics | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| INT0067 | Physics, Engineering and Applied Mathematics | 30 | No |
| INT0074 | Biology | 30 | No |
Stage 2
The first year of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering programme is shared with all engineering disciplines and strikes a balance between providing core engineering and mathematical knowledge and making the learning experience engaging and exciting. A year-long multi-disciplinary group project provides an over-arching vehicle for PBL and a means of putting core knowledge into practice in a collaborative group setting. Project briefs are developed in response to the core module content. To support the students’ project work they undertake workshops in sketching, report / technical writing and study / research skills. Students develop essential knowledge in Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing through a year-long module. By combining Mathematics and Programming, students develop both the mathematical knowledge that underpins engineering science and also the skills to put this knowledge to use by harnessing the power of programming. The first year also includes three 15-credit modules, 'Fundamentals of Mechanics', 'Fundamentals of Materials', and 'Fundamentals of Electronics'. All modules are delivered using a PBL framework that encourages students to become independent learners.
Compulsory Modules
120 credits of compulsory modules.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG1002 | Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing | 30 | Yes |
| ENG1005 | Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project | 30 | Yes |
| ENS1000 | Fundamentals of Engineering | 15 | No |
| ENG1007 | Fundamentals of Mechanics | 15 | Yes |
| ENG1008 | Fundamentals of Materials | 15 | Yes |
| ENG1009 | Fundamentals of Electronics | 15 | Yes |
Stage 3
The second year continues in the same vein as the first with a combination of project work and core modules. A group project again provides context and motivation for the theory taught in the second year. The design and build is electrical and electronic engineering specific with project briefs that allow students to experience the engineering design process and develop solutions drawing on the skills and knowledge gained in their first two years and adopting a heuristic approach to problem solving. The practice of developing mathematical knowledge and programming skill in tandem continues in the second year with two modules; Modelling of Engineering Systems in term 1 and Industry 4.0 in term 2. These modules not only develop traditional core mathematical knowledge but also introduce students to exciting and topical areas of engineering mathematics such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Core electrical and electronic engineering modules in Communication and Networking Technologies, Analogue and Digital Electronics Design, Control Engineering and Microcontroller Engineering introduce fundamental electrical and electronic engineering concepts with emphasis on developing hands-on practical skills and experience through prototyping and design laboratories
Compulsory Modules
120 credits of compulsory modules.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG2003 | Electronic Engineering Challenge Project | 30 | Yes |
| ENG2009 | Modelling of Engineering Systems | 15 | Yes |
| ENG2017 | Communication and Networking Technologies | 15 | Yes |
| ENG2118 | Analogue and Digital Electronics Design | 15 | Yes |
| ENG2008 | Microcontroller Engineering | 15 | Yes |
| ENS2005 | Control Engineering | 15 | Yes |
| ENG2006 | Industry 4.0 | 15 | No |
Stage 4
The focus in year 3 is on acquiring further core Electrical and Electronic engineering knowledge. Students will take modules in Mechatronics, Communications Engineering, Electric Machines and Power Electronics, Digital Signal Processing, Power Systems Analysis and Engineering Electromagnetics. All students select two of five optional modules; Digital Signal Processing, Power Systems Analysis, Energy, Materials and Sustainability, Industrial Awareness and Problem Solving, or Zero Emission Vehicles. Graduating BEng Students complete a 30 credit Individual Project guided by a specialist academic supervisor. This project emphasizes the development and application of advanced engineering knowledge and commercial awareness.
Compulsory Modules
90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules.
a Select 15 credits of options from List A.
b Select 15 credits of options from List B.
* ENG3018 Control Engineering is compulsory for any students who did not take ENS2005 during stage 2 and those students should take this module rather than an option in group B.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECM3166 | Communications Engineering | 15 | No |
| ENG3012 | Mechatronics | 15 | No |
| ECM3175 | Individual Project | 30 | Yes |
| ENG3004 | Engineering Electromagnetics | 15 | No |
| ENS3013 | Electric Machines and Power Electronics | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECM3165 | Digital Signal Processing [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| ENS3014 | Power Systems Analysis [See note a above] | 15 | No |
| ENG3010 | Industrial Awareness and Problem Solving [See note b above] | 15 | No |
| ENG3017 | Quality Control and Improvement [See note b above] | 15 | No |
| ENG3011 | Management and Leadership [See note b above] | 15 | No |
| PHY3222 | Energy, Materials and Sustainability [See note b above] | 15 | No |
| ENG3023 | Zero Emission Vehicles [See note b above] | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate understanding of mathematical methods and their use, together with computational methods, for modelling, analysis, design and communication in engineering. | Material is introduced by lectures and directed reading/research and students are given very clear guidance in how to manage their learning. Understanding is developed and consolidated in tutorials and by laboratory and private study exercises, carried out individually and in groups, both self-assessed and tutor marked to provide rapid feedback. Project work is used extensively to integrate material and make knowledge functional. 1 is supported explicitly by dedicated mathematics modules in the Foundation year and the following 2 years and then developed by use in other modules throughout the programme (ENG1002; ENG2009; ENG2006; ECM3165; ENG3004; ENS2005). 2 and 3 are supported by Core Engineering modules in Stage 1 (ILO2: ENG1005; ENG1007; ENG1008; ENG1009; ENG3012. ILO3: ENG1007; ENG1008; ENG1009; ECM2118; ENG2008; ECM3165; ENG3004; ENG3012.). 4 is developed by discipline specific modules (ENG1005; ENG2003; ECM2117; ECM2118; ENG2008; ECM3175; ECM3165; ECM3166; ENG3004; ENG3012). 5 and 6 are supported by specific interdisciplinary modules from stage 2 onwards (ILO5: ENG2003; ECM2117. ILO6: ENG2003; ECM2117; PHY3067). 7 is explicitly addressed during the Academic English module in the Foundation year which employ a variety of learning activities and teaching methods including teacher-led groups, student presentations, seminars and set tasks (INT0052). | Direct assessment is through a range of formal written examinations, both open and closed book, and marked coursework in the form of problem sheets, laboratory reports, reports/essays based on directed reading and research. Project work is assessed through a combination of supervisor’s report, self and peer assessment and formal assessment of final reports and presentations. English language assessment comprises a group presentation, listening and note-taking tasks, seminars and written tasks (including note-taking, summary, paraphrasing, referencing). |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
8. Demonstrate a systematic and creative approach to problem solving. | 8 and 9 are integrated into most modules and developed steadily throughout the 4 years. Practical tools to implement 10 are introduced in “Engineering Design Activities” as part of the Professional Studies and Skills Development module in Stage 1. (ILO8: ENG1005; ENG2003; ECM2118; ENG2008; ECM3175; ENG3012. ILO9: ENG2009; ENG2006; ECM3175; ENG3004) 10 and 11 are then introduced and developed more systematically in Introduction to Electronic/ Mechanical/Civil Engineering Design in Stage 2 and Electronic/Mechanical/ Civil Engineering Design Studies in Stage 3. (ILO10: ENG1006; ENG1005; ENG2003; ECM2117. ILO11: ENG1005; ENG2003; ECM3175; ENG3012; ENG1006; ENG1005) 13 is initially introduced by the Professional Studies and Skills Development modules in Stages 1 and 2 years, expounded further, along with 12, in Engineer in Society in Stage 3. All these skills are developed in the Stage 3 Group Project which represents the culmination of many themes in the programmes. (ILO12: ENG1006; ENG1005; ECM2117; ECM3175. ILO13: ENG1005; ENG2003; ECM3175; PHY3067) 14-17. The practical skills are initially introduced in The Foundation Introduction to Physical Sciences module followed by “Engineering Design Activities” as part of the Professional Studies and Skills Development module in Stage 1, and then developed in laboratory work carried out as an integral part of many modules, and in the project work which makes up much of the programme, particularly in Stage 3. (ILO14: ENG2003; ECM2118; ENG2008; ECM3175; ECM3165; ENG3004; ENG3012. ILO15: ENG1007; ENG1008; ENG1009; ECM2118; ENG2008; ECM3165; ECM3166; ENG3012. ILO16: ENG1006; ENG1005; ECM2118; ECM3175; ENG3012. ILO17: ENG1007; ENG1008; ENG1009; ECM2118; ENG2008; ECM3165; ECM3166; ENG3012) | Analytical skills are assessed within many modules through a range of formal written examinations, both open and closed book, and marked coursework in the form of problem sheets etc. These skills are primarily shown in project work however. Modules in Stages 2 and 3 include many small-scale projects, assessed by practical work/results and reports. These lead into the Stage 3 Individual Project, assessed on the basis of practical work/results and final report by a supervisor and second examiner against clearly set out assessment criteria. The practical skills are assessed in part through laboratory reports throughout the Foundation Stage and Stages 1 and 2, but mainly through project work in the Stage 3 where they are used extensively. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
18. Communicate effectively and persuasively, accurately and reliably using the full range of currently available methods. | All of these skills are specifically introduced as part of the Foundation stage Academic English module and in the Professional Studies and Skills Development modules in Stages 1 and 2, and then used increasingly throughout the programme. 18 is developed through regular oral and written presentations of work, particularly in the Foundation Stage Academic English module. It continues with the main projects in later stages. (ENG1006; ENG1005; ENG2003; ECM2117; ECM3175) 19 and 21 are initially developed in the Foundation and Stage 1 years with students being required to carry out regular reviews of their own progress, upon which they get formal feedback. (ILO19: ENG1005; ENG2003; ECM2117; ECM2118; ENG2008; ECM3175; ECM3165; ECM3166; ENG3004; ENG3012. ILO21: ENG1006; ECM2117; ECM2118; ENG2008; ECM3175; ECM3165; ECM3166; ENG3004; ENG3012) 20 is introduced during the Foundation stage followed by a team skills training day in week one of Stage 1: they are then developed through laboratory and project group work in many modules. (ENG1005; ENG2003; ECM2117; ENG2008) 22 and 23 are similarly developed by a wide range of project and assignment work culminating in the Stage 3 Individual Project. (ILO22: ENG1005; ENG2003; ECM2117; ECM3175. ILO23: ENG1002; ENG2006; ECM3175) | Assessment of key skills is mostly through items of coursework: written and oral presentations, and through project work. 18 is explicitly assessed during the Foundation stage as part of as part of the Academic English module and in the Professional Studies and Skills Development modules in Stages 1 and 2, and then used increasingly throughout the programme in many module assessments, particularly in the main projects. 19 and 21 is implicit in much of all students’ study. 20 is explicitly addressed in the Foundation year and then developed through laboratory and project work in many modules. 22 and 23 are implicitly assessed in many modules. |
7. Programme Regulations
The programme consists of 480 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, students normally take no more than 150 credits at level 1, and must take at least 90 credits at level 3.
The pass mark for award of credit in an individual module is 40%.
Progression
You can progress from the Foundation stage to stage 1 provided that you have achieved an average mark of at least 63% across the following 90 credits: INT0053 and INT0065 and one of INT0067 or INT0070 (with at least 60% in INT0065) and 65% in Academic English (INT0052).
You can then progress to the next stage (or in the final year, to proceed to the award of an honours degree) once at least 90 credits have been passed in a stage, and provided that an average of at least 40% has been achieved over the 120 credits of assessment for that stage.
Condonement
This programme is accredited by a PSRB under license from the Engineering Council. Therefore, the latest Engineering Council regulations on condonement apply to this. Please find further details in the TQA Manual here: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/about/governance/tqa/spec/
Assessment and Awards
UG Programmes: Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
In accordance with University policy a system of personal tutors is in place for all students on this programme. A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual. As a student enrolled on this programme you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff. Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network. Additionally, the College has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages. Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the College and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook. The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years. Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk).
For the Foundation stage, INTO University of Exeter also provides
- Its own computer suites and printing facilities
- Students with specific physical and learning needs will have a support package put in place. We also liaise with AccessAbility, who can provide further information and resources. However, for International Students there may be cost implications for some support elements. Dedicated support for applications for further study.
- Dedicated on-line resources on ELE for each programme and module
- A social programme specifically for INTO University of Exeter students
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering with International Foundation Year
19. UCAS Code
H133
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 04/10/2024 |
Date of last revision | 04/10/2024 |
|---|