The most exciting advances in electronics are being applied to the creation of new gadgets and innovative industrial systems. With either of these programmes you can take your place in the fast-paced world of electronic design. Consider the diverse ranges of technology-based devices we use every day, such as games consoles, mobile phones, cameras, satnav, etc. Think of all the electronic systems that keep the world-at-large operating smoothly, such as Internet data-routers, aircraft guidance systems, automotive enginemanagement systems, oil and gas production systems and robotic assembly systems in manufacturing industry. The electronic-hardware, software and communications technology used within all these is created by electronics engineers. These two programmes allow students to gain the essential knowledge and experience to create novel products and systems with computer, electronics and communication technologies at their heart. Our degree structures have been specifically designed with industry experts to enhance students’ employability prospects. The BEng is aimed at students who wish to become technical specialists and has a deep technology focus. The final year of the BEng offers two programme pathways; Digital Systems or Communications Engineering. The pathways provide the opportunity for students to undertake in-depth study in an area that is highly relevant to the modern electronics industry.

Many graduating students will progress to exciting and challenging careers in the areas of electronic product design, research and development. Some of these jobs are highly technical but many graduates will wish to explore opportunities where a mix of business skills and technical skills are very important, such as product support engineers, sales and marketing. For some graduates, looking for a longer-term career within research or academia, further study to Masters or Doctorate level is advised and GCU can offer good opportunities and great support for early-stage researchers. Our programme offers valuable exposure to employers in the electronics, communications and product-design areas, with regular invited speakers, representative of the business areas that will provide high quality opportunities for their future career development. There are regular recruitment fairs that provide valuable contact with a wide range of potential employers. Relevant industry sectors that welcome our graduates include the following: The rapidly expanding communications industry (wireless, optoelectronic, microwave) with products and systems in areas such as mobile communications, global networks and satellites. The energy industry is a major employer of graduates with electronics and software skills, with Scotland (supported by many Scottish Government initiatives) providing many opportunities. This sector includes not only oil and gas but also the expanding area of renewable technologies (solar, wind and wave energy) where embedded computer systems deliver essential monitoring, control and communications functionalities. The use of new, smart electronic technologies is essential for the needs of the automotive industry, not only for performance, comfort and safety but to support the new targets for our low-carbon economy such as emissions control and the development of new engine technologies. The medical electronics industry is another expanding area where products depend heavily on combinations of electronics, signal processing, embedded software, sensors and optoelectronics, all areas in which we deliver in-depth coverage within our electronics programmes. The defence and aerospace industries continue to require a strong injection of graduates holding the particular mix of academic and technical skills that students gain within our electronics programmes. The large number of large, medium and small companies that form the backbone of the engineering, product design and manufacturing industries require well-trained electronics graduates who are ready to immediately contribute to these companies’ economic success. Our students are very well trained and gain the appropriate professional knowledge and skills to play their part in creating that future prosperity.