Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Electrical and electronic engineering is a discipline that underpins almost every aspect of contemporary life. It encompasses the generation and distribution of electrical power, the design of the electronic circuits and systems embedded in consumer devices, communications infrastructure, medical equipment and industrial machinery, and the development of the control systems that make modern automation possible. At the University of Derby, this part-time programme includes a foundation year and offers both sandwich year and year abroad opportunities as well as a work placement component, providing a flexible and enriched pathway for students who need to fit their studies around employment or other commitments while still gaining the practical and international experience that strengthens an engineering career.
You will build a grounding in circuit theory, electromagnetism, signal and systems analysis, digital electronics and power engineering, developing both the mathematical fluency and the practical skills that the discipline demands. The programme progresses from fundamentals to specialist application areas including communications systems, control engineering and power electronics, with the foundation year giving you the scientific and mathematical preparation needed if your pre-entry qualifications require some consolidation before the main degree work begins. Laboratory and project work feature throughout, ensuring you develop practical competence alongside theoretical understanding.
Electrical and electronic engineers work across energy, telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, defence, healthcare technology and manufacturing. Graduate roles span design engineering, systems engineering, project management, technical sales and research and development. Professional chartered engineer status, awarded through bodies such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology, is a common career milestone, and many graduates progress to master's level or specialist postgraduate qualifications in particular areas of the discipline.