Frequently Asked Questions
"The UK electronics industry is now the fifth largest in the world in terms of production. There is currently a global shortage of skilled electronics engineers. While this does not mean that it is any easier to get a job as employers continue to set very high standards for entry, it does mean that there are excellent career prospects for those graduates with the right skills and attitude, not only in Britain, but also throughout Europe, the USA, China and Japan".
>> What is Electronic and Electrical Engineering all about?
It is no exaggeration to say that the modern world is absolutely dependent on technology that is underpinned by electronics. Electricity supply and generation, mobile communications, computing, the internet, transport, television and radio are all reliant on electronic systems and, in many cases, the latest advances in technology. The aim of our course in years one and two, is to give a good grounding in the underlying principles of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, whilst allowing specialisation, project work and more application-specific studies in years three and four.
>> What sort of jobs do your graduates get?
Quite a variety actually. Of course many will work for companies engaged in electronic engineering, including the communications/IT/computing sectors, but it is also common for our graduates to find employment as management consultants in 'the City'. Like most engineering degrees, our programmes are popular with a very wide range of employers. Our graduates are numerate and have had extensive experience of problem solving, working in teams and justifying their work through presentations, so it is hardly surprising that they find themselves in demand.
>> What sort of salary do graduate electronic engineers get paid?
Again, quite a variety. The students who most recently went into jobs with electronic engineering consultancies were being offered salaries in the 23-32k (pound sterling) range. Of course they would expect this to increase upon becoming chartered.
>> What offer am I likely to receive after the interview?
For entry in the next academic session you can expect an offer in the range AAA - ABB. An aptitude for maths is essential for the course and so demonstrable ability in this subject is very important.
We welcome applicants from overseas and make conditional offers of a similar standard based on a very wide range of international qualifications. Some guidance on international qualifications can be found on the UCL website.
We pride ourselves on the diversity of the students joining our degree programmes and realise that A-Levels aren't the only route to our degree courses. If you are unsure about whether the qualifications you have (or expect to receive) will be suitable then do feel free to contact us for an informal opinion (email: ugadmissions@ee.ucl.ac.uk).
Note that if you are over 21, we have more latitude about the qualifications we require. Again, feel free to either contact us or go ahead and use the UCAS online application service if you are a mature student
>> What is the course going to cost me?
The fees are set centrally by UCL. You can view the most up to date information on the UCL tuition fees web pages.
>> Are any scholarships available?
The Department itself offer scholarships to the best home and overseas applicant each year. Also many engineering professional bodies offer scholarships and bursaries. For further details see the Scholarship information page.
>> What is an average day studying Electronic Engineering like?
We keep our undergraduate students fairly busy. It is best to imagine that you will have to commit yourself 9-5 most days to the course. Don't imagine this means that you would be attending lectures for eight hours a day! The timetable involves a variety of activities as well as time set aside for working on problem-solving and design exercises.
A typical day might involve three lectures, a tutorial or problem class or maybe time for personal study and, on certain days, a full-day laboratory session or key skills lecture.
All UCL students are free from timetabled work on Wednesday afternoons to allow time to participate in sports, student societies or other 'extra-curricular' activities. The UCL website also contains some useful information for prospective students.
>> Is there much 'homework'?
Most of our students would answer 'yes' to this question. Setting you problems to study in your own time helps you learn by reinforcing lecture material. There are also coursework assignments and laboratory reports to write up.
If you use your time efficiently - for instance making use of free slots - it is possible to keep the amount of work that you need to do outside of 'office hours' to a reasonable level.
>> I am interested in studying abroad as part of the course. Where can I go?
Our International MEng programme offers the chance to spend the third year of your studies in a range of European, American, Australasian universities, including Columbia, Purdue and Caltech in USA, Melbourne, Chinese University of Hong Kong and University of Tokyo. Many of our students have found this experience very valuable. You can read the case study of a student spending a year in Caltech.
UCL has links with very many overseas Universities. Provided it is possible to agree a programme of study with a host university there is clearly a very wide choice of venue for your year abroad.
>> How does the interview process work?
All applications to join our courses are made through the UCAS online application service. UCAS send us a copy of the form you and your referee completed, and from reading that we decide if we would like to interview you.
If you are an overseas student it is generally impractical for us to interview you but you are encouraged to find as much out as possible about UCL and our courses and to come and visit us if you are able.
Please see our How to Apply section
>> What about accreditation by professional institutions?
All our undergraduate degree programmes are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Accreditation is the process whereby professional institutions recognise a university degree as part of the training towards becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng). If you want to be a Chartered Engineer (CEng), you should aim for a degree programme which is accredited!
>> BEng or MEng?
Our BEng and MEng degree programmes are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). A 2.2 honours, or better, MEng degree or our BEng degree followed by an MSc will allow you to achieved Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Irrespective of whether you choose BEng or MEng, the first two years of study will contain the same material. To be allowed to reach the third year of the MEng course we require that students have reached a certain benchmark level (currently a 2:2 grade or above) so we may ask for slightly higher grades to join the MEng course.
>> Can I still get Chartered Engineer status with a BEng degree?
Yes, but, is the answer! You will, at some stage, need to carry out some further study to become a chartered engineer. This would most commonly be a one year masters course: for instance MSc, MRes or MPhil. Again, these masters courses need to be accredited in the same way as the undergraduate courses (all of our taught MSc courses are accredited)
>> Can I defer my year of study?
Yes! We are supportive of students who want to take a year off before starting university. Indeed, we don't mind how many years off you have taken as long as you are sufficiently qualified and enthusiastic when you do decide to study.
In practical terms if you apply to UCAS for entry in, say, 2009 we will be happy for you to change your mind and defer until 2010. Likewise, if you have applied through UCAS for deferred entry that's fine with us too.
>> So what do I do if I want to come to UCL but my qualifications will not satisfy the entrance requirements?
This is a question which crops up frequently. One option, of course, is to study elsewhere. If you've set your heart on UCL then you might want to consider one of the following courses of action.
If your A-Level results do not meet our requirements you could retake individual A-Levels.
If you are an overseas student you may want to think about a course run by the Language Centre at UCL. It is called the University Preparatory Certificate for Science and Engineering (UPCSE). The course lasts for a year
>> I've started a foundation course at another university but would like to move into the first year at UCL. Is this possible?
It depends! We would need to make sure that the foundation course meets our requirements. Please contact the admissions tutor to discuss this.
>> Can I transfer from my current electronic/electrical engineering degree course to UCL?
Generally we do not allow this. It is only in exceptional situations that we consider transfers from other universities. Please contact the admissions tutor to discuss.
>> Can I transfer from my current University if I have already begun my studies?
No, UCL does not accept transfer into another year. You would need to begin your studies again and start from the First Year after applying through UCAS.
>> Where is the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering located?
The department is on the main UCL site in the heart of London's celebrated West End, approximately 1 km from Oxford Street and 1.5 km from Picadilly Circus. Most of London's famous landmarks and attractions are within easy walking distance. You can find maps and directions to the department, along with information about local public transport services on our location page
>> My question isn't answered here, what shall I do?
Please email the Undergraduate admissions team and we will do our best to answer your question – in fact we will be happy to answer any questions you have about studying with us.
Undergraduate
Prospectus
Visit one of our
Summer Schools
Student
Profiles
