(BEng) Bachelor of Engineering
Communications Engineering (Including Placement Year)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Engineering
Computing
BENGHPK1
08/05/2024
Details
Professional accreditation
This course is currently applying for reaccreditation with The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). If you require further information, please contact the University directly.
Admission criteria
- GCSE: Science C/4.
- A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in Mathematics or Further Mathematics. Please note we are unable to accept A-level Use of Mathematics in place of A-level Mathematics.
- BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. To meet the A-level Maths requirement, BTEC qualifications should include Distinction in Further Mathematics for Technicians or Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
- Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent, including B in Mathematics or Further Mathematics, or BTEC qualifications should include Distinction in Further Mathematics for Technicians or Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
- IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554. Either must include Higher Level Mathematics grade 5, plus Standard Level Science grade 4.
- IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
- QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
- T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.
Contextual Offers:
We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:
- Applicants from underrepresented groups
- Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
- Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
- Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus
Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.
For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.
If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.
Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here
If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.
English language shelf-life
Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.
If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
Pre-sessional English courses
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Pending English language qualifications
You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.
If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk
.
Requirements for second and final year entry
Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Prof Sandra Dudley
Professor of Communication Systems
London South Bank University
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
To equip students with the knowledge and skills that are currently in high demand in the telecommunication and related industries
To provide students with a foundation for further study and research
To enable students to acquire a broad understanding of telecommunication engineering, whilst providing opportunities for them to develop expertise within particular areas of specialisation
To develop the students' ability to make an effective contribution to team-based activity
To encourage students to adopt an investigative approach and develop autonomous study skills in order to ensure their continuing professional development
To provide students with an understanding of the industrial context and an appreciation of a range of external factors that affect the work of the professional telecommunication engineer
- To give students an opportunity to learn about work roles, apply their knowledge in a work environment and learn about communication in the workplace
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study.
A2: Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles.
A3: Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to modelcomplex problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed.
A4: Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems
A5: Knowledge and understanding of communications engineering.
A101: An experience based understanding of work roles is developed through the placement year
Learning methods
Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles involved in the majority of the learning outcomes.
Students are also directed to reading from textbooks, academic papers and material available on-line.
Understanding is reinforced by means of exercise classes, discussion groups, laboratories, assignments and project work.
Specialist knowledge is further developed during supervision of the final year individual project.
A101 is acquired through a placement year at a host organisation.
The details of the learning/teaching methods are included on each training agreement and are specific to an individual student.
Assessment methods
Achievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed primarily through unseen examinations, and also through marked coursework.
An assessment of the understanding of underlying concepts and principles forms part of the overall assessment of the final year individual project report and oral presentation.
Assessment of the placement year is through a number of elements including an assessment of the students performance in securing the placement, undertaking the placement, and reflecting on the placement experience.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.
B2: Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems.
B3: Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems and minimise adverse impacts.
B4: Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct.
B5: Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity.
B6: Apply engineering design principles to the design of communications systems.
B101: A capacity to connect subject specific theory to practice in a work environment
Learning methods
The basis for intellectual skills is provided in lectures, and they are developed by means of recommended reading, guided and self directed study, assignments and project work.
B101 is developed during the placement year.
Assessment methods
Achievement of intellectual skills is assessed primarily through unseen examinations, and also through marked assignments and project work.
C: Practical skills
C1: Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks.
C2: Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion.
C3: Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems.
C4: Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations.
C5: Ability to design, construct and analyse communication systems.
C101: Communicate with a range of colleagues and clients in a working environment
Learning methods
Practical skills are developed in exercise classes, laboratory classes, assignments and project work.
C101 is developed during the placement year.
Assessment methods
Achievement of practical skills is assessed through marked coursework, project reports, oral presentations and demonstrations of completed systems.
Assessment of the placement year is through a number of elements including an assessment of the students performance in securing the placement, undertaking the placement, and reflecting on the placement experience.
D: Key skills
D1: Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems.
D2: Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights.
D3: Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team.
D4: Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences.
D5: Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
D101: Capacity to work in a team within a work environment
D102: Improve personal professional practice through a reflective approach within a work environment
Learning methods
Students learn key skills in research, problem solving, communication and team project work in the first year project module, and thereafter the development of key skills forms an integral part of their overall learning activity.
D101 and D102 are developed during the placement year.
Assessment methods
Assessment of the key skills is intrinsic to subject based assessment.
The assessment of project work includes specific allocations of credit for project management and the quality of presentations.
An individual's contribution to team projects is determined by means of a submission containing reflective and self-assessment components.
The assessment of the final year individual project report includes specific allocation of credit for the quality, extent and relevance of a bibliography, including internet sources.