Electronics and Computer Science (BEng)

Introducing BEng Electronics and Computer Science

Electronic and electrical systems underpin many modern technologies, from the tiny processors in smartphones to the heavy-duty power electronics in wind turbines.

In today's world of complex, high-speed devices, it is important that engineers understand how to design and apply both the hardware and software of general-purpose and embedded computer systems.

Why joint honours?

Electronics and computer science are a fascinating and highly valuable combination.

Interactions between these fields have generated some of the most significant advances in computer design and communications technology over the last 50 years.

As a student of electronics and computer science, you will need a clear understanding of physics and the broader system it operates in.

Teamwork and the determination to find clever solutions are also crucial.

Graduates are leading advances in fields such as:

• machine learning and deep learning
• technology for medicine
• efficiency in transportation
• safety monitoring systems
• surveillance
• entertainment
• wireless communications
• manufacturing and computing
• renewable energy generation

Ties to industry

Our Industrial Liaison Board includes senior representatives from important electronics and electrical engineering companies.

This has influenced our curriculum and programme development.

Why Edinburgh?

On this programme you’ll benefit from research-led teaching by internationally leading academics​

We have strong links to industry with excellent career prospects, industry relevant curriculum and internships.

You’ll benefit from a balanced curriculum that covers theoretical and practical skills and individual and group work​.

You’ll have access to state of the art laboratory facilities including:​

• industry standard software and hardware​
• in-person and remote labs​

All of our degree programmes are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

(Revised 9 May 2024 to reflect curriculum renewal changes)

Our community

We are proud of the supportive community that our students and academics create.

For example, you will have access to an 'Electronics After Hours Club'. This allows you to develop your own extra-curricular projects in a supportive environment.

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAA (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: AAA - ABB in one set of exams.
• IB: 37 points with 666 at HL - 34 points with 665 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: AABB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 32 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: Mathematics at A and one of Physics (preferred) Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science or Engineering Science at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. Advanced Higher Mathematics is recommended. National 5s: Physics or Engineering Science at B and English at C.
• A Levels: Mathematics at A and one of Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science/Computing, Design & Technology (excluding Food Technology) or Engineering at B. GCSEs: Physics or Science at B or 6 and English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 6 and one of Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science or Design Technology at 5. SL: Physics at 5 (if not at HL) and English at 5.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies..

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

English language requirements

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

The electronics and IT sectors are vibrant parts of the UK economy, where demand for graduates is very high.

Edinburgh graduates have progressed into employment or postgraduate study. For example, our MSc Sensors and Imaging Systems degree.

MSc Sensors and Imaging Systems

Where our graduates find employment

Our graduates usually find employment in engineering or IT and computing, with a few graduates entering other graduate jobs. This includes employment as:

• electronics engineer
• firmware engineer
• hardware design engineer
• software engineer
• IT consultant

Our graduates have entered challenging and rewarding careers with a wide range of companies.

(Revised 9 May 2024 to update employment opportunities)

Careers Service

We support you to recognise the wealth of possibilities ahead, during your time at the University and after graduation.

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience and provides:

• tailored advice
• individual guidance and personal assistance
• internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
• access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree and studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success.

Careers Service

Internships

We encourage you to undertake relevant work experience during your degree.

We advertise internship opportunities and arrange company presentations with the Careers Service. These experiences can feature on your transcript after completing an Edinburgh Award.

About the Edinburgh Award