Learning Info Sheets Electrical Engineering

8/8/2019 Learning Info Sheets Electrical Engineering

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE 1

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Electrical and electronicengineering

In the United Kingdom (UK), the term electrical engineering is used to cover powerengineering, including the generation, transmission, control and use of all forms of

electrical power. The term electronic engineering is used to include the expanding

fields of electronic communications (including computer networks), computers (both

hardware and software) and electronic components. These components include

microcomputer chips and, increasingly, the optical devices now being used for many

applications. In addition, the field of control engineering spans the electrical/electronic

boundary and, with its use of computer systems, is very broadly based. Manufacturing

engineering involving as it does, computer techniques, control and power electrical

engineering - is another major and vital branch within the field of electrical andelectronic engineering.

Much of the advanced equipment found in the home or workplace such as

entertainment systems, domestic appliances, personal computers, data processing

equipment, robots and machine tools are made possible by electrical and electronic

engineering.

This very broad and vibrant discipline has interfaces with physics (in the component

field), computer science (in software engineering) and mechanical engineering (in

manufacture and control).

www.educationuk.org


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Checklist: Why study Electrical and electronic engineering in the United Kingdom?

there are more than 2,000 degree and diploma courses alone to choose from, reflecting the UKslong and distinguished history in this subject

your qualification, when professionally accredited, will be internationally recognised

you will improve your fluency in English as you learn

a wide range of career-based qualifications offer highly practical training at different levels

UK courses in electrical and electronic engineering include training in management andcommunication skills as well as in technical skills

the profession is regulated by the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and the Institution ofIncorporated Engineers (IIE). By satisfying their membership requirements you can qualify forregistration as a Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer, Engineering Technician andEuropean Engineer with the Engineering Council (UK), a professional standard that is recognisedthroughout the world

the IEE and the IIE also encourage and help their members to keep up to date technically and to

develop their full career potential through courses, conferences, seminars and networking withother professionals.

1 What can I study?

Type of study Features

GNVQ and Scottish National

Qualifications

BTEC/Edexcel First Diploma

Usually one or two years, full-time. Can lead to A-level study or to a

National Diploma course.

Vocational A-level, Highers One of two years, full-time. Can be used for entry to undergraduate study.

BTEC/Edexcel National Diploma Two years full-time. Can be used for entry to undergraduate study.

SQA Higher National Certificate One year full-time. Can be used for entry to undergraduate study.

BTEC/Edexcel/SQA Higher

National Diploma (HND)

Usually two years full-time. Could be in electronic and electrical

engineering or a particular speciality (for example, medical electronics).

The HND is a respected qualification in its own right but it can also qualify

you for transfer into the second or third year of a degree course.

Foundation degrees

(England only)

Foundation degrees are one level below honours degrees. They can be

studied part-time or full-time over two years. These courses have been

developed in conjunction with employers as part of an initiative to meet

skills shortages. At present degree courses include :

electrical engineering

electronic engineering

electronics and computer interfacing

technology electronic engineering.

For more information go to www.foundationdegree.org.uk or www.ucas.com

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING 2
http://www.foundationdegree.org.uk/http://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/LorraineCameron/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLK9/www.ucas.comhttp://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/LorraineCameron/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLK9/www.ucas.comhttp://www.foundationdegree.org.uk/


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First degree course : BEng

(Bachelor of Engineering); MEng

(Master of Engineering)

The MEng is a first degree course that is now offered alongside or in place

of the BEng at a number of institutions. The MEng is a higher award than

the BEng and usually takes one year longer to complete. A BEng usually

takes three or four years full-time; a MEng usually takes four or five years

full-time. BEng students with high marks in their second year are usually

offered the opportunity to transfer to the MEng.

An accredited MEng degree fulfils the educational requirements for the

Chartered Engineer (CEng) qualification. An accredited BEng degree

partially fulfils the educational requirements for the CEng but candidates will

also need to complete further learning to Masters level.

There is a vast range of courses offered. Examples include:

automotive electronic engineering

broadcast engineering

communications engineering

control engineering

cybernetics

digital systems engineering

electronics

electronic control

electrical power engineering

integrated circuit engineering

mechatronics

medical electronics

microelectronics

optoelectronics

robotics

telecommunications engineering.

You can combine electronic engineering with another subject, for example :

aeronautical engineering

business studies

communications

design e-business

finance management

a foreign language

manufacturing engineering

software engineering.

Several universities offer a foundation year before starting your degree

these are suitable for students whose entrance qualifications are not of the

required standard (for example, those who did not achieve maths or physics

at A-level) and for those who need some extra remedial or conversion

tuition see Entrance below.

Both BEng and MEng courses are available as sandwich courses. This



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means that they include one or more periods of supervised work

experience. The work placement is usually either in one twelve-month

block or in two six-month blocks separated by a period of study.

Postgraduate courses : MSc

(Master of Science); MPhil

(Master of Philosophy); PhD

(doctorate); EngD (Doctor of

Engineering)

The MSc is a taught course and takes one year full-time. The MPhil (two

years) and the PhD (three years) are research degrees. Several

universities are now offering taught doctorate courses in engineering the

EngD degree. The qualification, in an appropriate discipline would normally

fulfil the educational requirements for CEng.

Short courses and continuing professional development

The IEE online Learning Resources Database provides a wide range of information about short courses,conferences and seminars, including IEE events, courses and endorsed providers. Topics range fromtechnical engineering subjects and IT training to business management and associated skills(www.iee.org/learn).

The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) has a well-established programme of short courses forcontinuing professional development. They include :

effective management

law for engineers

marketing for engineers

strategic marketing

technical report writing

effective presentations

managing engineering projects

finance and accounting

negotiation skills for engineers

key account management.

Details of all these are on the IEE website www.iee.org/events/courses

The Institution of Incorporated Engineers (www.iie.org.uk) also provides a support network for itsmembers on a regional and international basis.

IEE endorsed providers

Endorsed providers are training organisations approved by the IEE for the quality and relevance of theirprofessional development-focused courses and/or events.

Training provision includes courses, seminars, conferences and distance learning. Some lead to aqualification certification MSc or MBA. IEE - endorsed providers range from universities and technicaltraining companies specialising in engineering skills and IT, to commercial providers focusing on projectmanagement and interpersonal skills and organisations concentrating on best practice.

Details are on the IEE website www.iee.org/educareers/profdev/providers.cfm

Short courses are also offered by universities and colleges of higher education. Search for these onwww.hotcourses.com

http://www.iee.org/learnhttp://www.iee.org/events/courseshttp://www.iie.org.uk/http://www.iee.org/educareers/profdev/providers.cfmhttp://www.hotcourses.com/http://www.hotcourses.com/http://www.iee.org/educareers/profdev/providers.cfmhttp://www.iie.org.uk/http://www.iee.org/events/courseshttp://www.iee.org/learn


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Distance learning

The IEE produces a range of distance-learning packs for training and educational use in the electricalengineering, electronics, manufacturing and computer software industries. The courses are usually eithervideo-based or computer-based training (CBT) packages.

They fall under the following headings:

communications

manufacturing

management for engineers

regulations, standards, codes of practice, safety

software engineering courses.

Details are on the IEE website www.iee.org/educareers/dlearn

For courses offered by the Open University, go to www.open.ac.uk You can also search for distance-learning courses provided by educational institutions on the website www.educationuk.org

Checklist: Choosing the right course

if you are unsure of the level of study to aim for, check with the professional body in the countriesin which you would like to work

consider whether you would be best advised to follow a general course in electrical/electronicengineering or a more specialised course (for example, in medical electronics); also considerwhether you want to combine your engineering studies with another discipline (for example,business)

think about where you would prefer to live as well as study, as you will be able to find courses at alllevels throughout the UK.

2 Entrance

Entrance qualifications vary, but for IEE-accredited courses, the typical requirement for a MEng is threegrade Bs at A-level, ABBB at Scottish Higher or thirty-two points at International Baccalaureate. For aBEng the typical requirement is three grade Cs at A-level, BBBC at Scottish Higher or twenty-nine pointsat International Baccalaureate. Your subjects at A-level/Scottish Higher/International Baccalaureateshould include mathematics and a physical science or appropriate alternative (e.g. computer science,

technology).If you do not have the standard entry qualification, some universities offer a foundation year providingremedial or conversion tuition before you start your BEng/MEng.

The higher National Diploma asks for two subjects (usually non-specific) at A-level/Scottish Higher.

Refer to the section Entrance in Engineeringin this series for full details and information on how to checkwhether your qualifications are of the required standard.

3 How can I register as a professional?

Professional registration in the UK is through the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and the

Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE). The IEE has reorganised its grades to be more accessible byseparating its membership grade (MIEE) from the Chartered Engineer qualification. It is still possible to

http://www.iee.org/educareers/dlearnhttp://www.open.ac.uk/http://www.educationuk.org/http://www.educationuk.org/http://www.open.ac.uk/http://www.iee.org/educareers/dlearn


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register as a Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer or Engineering Technician if the candidatewishes, and if the Engineering Council (UK)s own standards are met refer to How can I register as aprofessional? in Engineeringin this series. For more information on IEE membership go towww.iee.org/membership

The Institution of Electrical Engineers

Membership of the IEE is open to everyone with a professional interest in its activities and by whose participation

electrical, electronic, information and manufacturing engineering and related applications can be advanced.

Students Affiliate

Undergoing a programme of appropriate study, and

intending to satisfy requirements for membership.

Affiliate membership is open to anyone who would

value membership. There are no minimum

requirements for this category.

Member (MIEE)

Members have achieved the necessary standard of knowledge and understanding, as demonstrated either by

relevant educational qualifications to degree equivalent level, or through relevant work experience.

Fellow (FIEE)

Senior members of the profession.

Honorary Fellows

Distinguished people whom the IEEdesires to honour.

Chartered Engineer (minimum age of twenty-five)

Affiliates, members and fellows who have satisfied the requirements for

registration with Engineering Council (UK) may use the designations CEng, IEng

and EngTech.

European Engineer (Eur Ing)

Must have seven years of combined academic and professional experience after

the start date of higher education.
http://www.iee.org/membershiphttp://www.iee.org/membership


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Would a United Kingdom qualification be recognised in other countries?

Your qualification will be widely recognised wherever you want to work. See Would a UK qualification berecognised in other countries? in Engineeringin this series.

4 Next steps

Checklist: Your next steps

1 Look for courses on www.educationuk.org

2 For degree courses, check whether the course is on the IEEs list of accredited degrees atwww.iee.org/professionalregistration/accreditation/academic.cfm You could also look at theEngineering Council (UK)s list of accredited degrees atwww.engc.org.uk/accredaql/public/titleform.asp

3 Compare the institutions teaching and research assessment scores by going towww.qaa.ac.uk/revreps/reviewreports.htm (teaching) or www.hero.ac.uk/rae/index.htm (research).Bear in mind other factors such as prospective supervisors, the size of the department and thelocation of the institution.

4 Make sure the course you choose will be accepted by your own country by the relevantprofessional bodies and the government this is especially important for electrical engineering.

5 Where can I find more information?

British Council Education informationWebsite www.educationuk.org

For further information, you can find details of your

nearest office at www.britishcouncil.org/home-

contact-worldwide.htm which includes links to all our

country web pages and a worldwide address book

giving contact details for all offices.

EducationUK Scotland

Website www.educationukscotland.org

Wales International ConsortiumWebsite www.walesinternationalconsortium.com

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service

(UCAS)

Rosehill

New Barn Lane

Cheltenham

Gloucestershire GL52 3LZ

Telephone +44 (0) 870 1122 211

Fax +44 (0) 124 2544 961

Email [email protected]

Website www.ucas.com

The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE)

Savoy PlaceLondon WC2R 0BL

Telephone +44 (0) 20 7240 1871

Fax +44 (0) 20 7240 7735


Website www.iee.org

IEE Professional Development Department

Michael Faraday House

Six Hills Way

Stevenage

Hertfordshire SG1 2AY

Telephone +44 (0) 1438 767282


http://www.educationuk.org/http://www.iee.org/professionalregistration/accreditation/academic.cfmhttp://www.engc.org.uk/accredaql/public/titleform.asphttp://www.qaa.ac.uk/revreps/reviewreports.htmhttp://www.hero.ac.uk/rae/index.htmhttp://www.educationuk.org/http://www.britishcouncil.org/home-contact-worldwide.htmhttp://www.britishcouncil.org/home-contact-worldwide.htmhttp://www.educationukscotland.org/http://www.walesinternationalconsortium.com/mailto:[email protected]://www.ucas.com/mailto:[email protected]://www.ucas.ac.uk/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.ucas.ac.uk/mailto:[email protected]://www.ucas.com/mailto:[email protected]://www.walesinternationalconsortium.com/http://www.educationukscotland.org/http://www.britishcouncil.org/home-contact-worldwide.htmhttp://www.britishcouncil.org/home-contact-worldwide.htmhttp://www.educationuk.org/http://www.hero.ac.uk/rae/index.htmhttp://www.qaa.ac.uk/revreps/reviewreports.htmhttp://www.engc.org.uk/accredaql/public/titleform.asphttp://www.iee.org/professionalregistration/accreditation/academic.cfmhttp://www.educationuk.org/


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Engineering Council (UK)

10 Maltravers Street

London WC2R 3ER

Telephone +44 (0) 20 7240 7891

Fax +44 (0) 20 7379 5586Email [email protected]

Website www.engc.org.uk

Engineering Council Examination Department

City and Guilds

1 Giltspur Street

London EC1A 9DD

Telephone +44 (0) 20 7294 2658

Fax +44 (0) 20 7294 2416


Website www.city-and-guilds.co.uk/ecukexams

Institution of Incorporated Engineers

Savoy Hill House

Savoy Hill

London WC2R 0BS

Telephone +44 (0) 20 7836 3357

Fax +44 (0) 20 7497 9006Website www.iie.org.uk

Royal Academy of Engineering

29 Greater Peter Street

London SW1P 3LW

Telephone +44 (0) 20 7227 0500

Fax +44 (0) 20 7233 0054

Website www.raeng.org.uk

National Academic Registration Information

Centre of the United Kingdom (UK NARIC)

Oriel House

Oriel Road

Cheltenham

Gloucestershire GL50 1XP

Telephone +44 (0) 870 990 4088

Fax +44 (0) 1242 258611


Website www.naric.org.uk

Other useful resources

British Qualifications34th

ed.(Kogan Page, 34th

Ed,. 2004, ISBN 0 7494 4138 0) lists every recognisedqualification on offer in the UK, by schools, colleges, universities, business schools, learned societies,trade and professional bodies and associations.

Occupations 2004(DfES, 2003, ISBN 0 8611 0864 7) an in-depth guide to over 600 career choices of alltypes from unskilled to professional work. Also lists prospects and qualifications for each occupation.

NB. Please note these books may not be available at your local British Council office.

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information given here is correct and up to date, theBritish Council accepts no legal liability for its accuracy, currency or completeness.

June 2004

British Council classification. Which course (red) 6/9

British Council 2004The United Kingdom's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations.

We are registered in England as a charity.

mailto:[email protected]://www.engc.org.uk/mailto:[email protected]://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/LorraineCameron/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLK9/www.city-and-guilds.co.uk/ecukexamshttp://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/LorraineCameron/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLK9/www.iie.org.ukhttp://www.raeng.org.uk/mailto:[email protected]://www.naric.org.uk/http://www.naric.org.uk/mailto:[email protected]://www.raeng.org.uk/http://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/LorraineCameron/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLK9/www.iie.org.ukhttp://c/Documents%20and%20Settings/LorraineCameron/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLK9/www.city-and-guilds.co.uk/ecukexamsmailto:[email protected]://www.engc.org.uk/mailto:[email protected]