Electronic Design Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)

30 credits

This module comprises both theoretical and practical components. The theory is delivered in a series of lectures, and the practical involves you completing a series of laboratory sessions designed to reinforce the knowledge gained in the lectures.

The module starts by looking at electrical charge and how electricity is created, before moving on to examine passive components such as resistors, capacitors and inductors and how you behave in simple direct current (DC) circuits.

The second part of the module focuses on alternating current (AC). First, passive components are revisited, this time in basic AC circuits. The relationship between resistance, reactance and impedance; voltage, current and impedance; and reactive, true and apparent power are examined in the class and tutorial sessions. Simple circuits, containing combinations of resistors, capacitors and inductors are explored in the laboratory. The theoretical analysis of both DC and AC circuits is also explored.  Induction is introduced to support understanding of transformers, followed by an overview of AC generators and motors.

30 credits

Electronic circuit and system fundamentals play a vital role across many engineering disciplines. This module is designed to provide students a firm understanding of the principles of electronic circuits and systems including digital electronics. In this module, students will be introduced to the fundamental electronic components and their application in the design of electronic circuits and systems. Students will also learn to analyse various types of electronic circuits and systems. This module encourages the use of simulation tools for the design and analysis of electronic circuits and systems to enhance analytical as well as employability skills. Module content is delivered through formal lectures, which are supported by laboratory sessions along with tutorials and additional support material available on virtual learning environment. The assessment is through coursework and an in-class test.

30 credits

This module provides you with a solid foundation in the core mathematical and computational skills required for modern engineering practice. You are introduced to key areas of engineering mathematics and shown how these are applied to the analysis and design of engineering systems. Alongside the mathematical content, you develop scripting and computational problem-solving skills using industry-relevant software tools such as MATLAB, Excel, and Python.

You learn the fundamentals of programming, including data handling, task automation, and algorithmic thinking, enabling you to implement mathematical methods effectively in software. Through practical examples and exercises, you gain experience in translating mathematical concepts into computational solutions. This computational skillset provides you with a strong foundation for future study in areas such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced engineering analysis.

30 credits

This module will introduce you to Future Skills through engagement with Navigate. You are guided to identify and take ownership of your personal academic journey by developing and applying academic skills aligned with Kingston University Graduate Attributes and your discipline-specific professional body learning outcomes.

You will first engage with the Navigate Programme and the Level 4 Personal Tutorial System (PTS) to explore and develop your academic and professional identity. You will be tutored in a range of learning-to-learn techniques and introduced to assessment for learning, along with the role of feedback, reflection, and feedforward as integrated parts of your learning journey. Through active participation in small-group discussions and discipline-focused tutorials, you will begin to understand and apply a design thinking approach to Future Skills development.

You will then learn about the operation and functionality of microcontrollers and explore techniques for connecting them to sensors and actuators, aiming to monitor and control simple closed-loop systems. You will gain practical experience in programming and developing microcontroller-based solutions, reinforcing your understanding of how these technologies are used in embedded system design.

30 credits

This module gives you essential mathematical and AI skills for applying engineering principles effectively. The first half focuses on developing your ability to use mathematical tools to describe, analyse, and design engineering systems. Emphasis is placed on solving problems in electrical and electronic systems, robotics, control systems, and signal processing. You will gain confidence in applying mathematical language and techniques to real-world engineering challenges.

The second half introduces the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI). It highlights AI's growing importance across engineering disciplines. You will explore basic AI theory and learn how to apply AI methods to engineering problems. In addition to technical knowledge, the module fosters key employability skills through collaborative teamwork and impactful presentations, preparing you for diverse roles in the engineering sector.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, supported by lab sessions, tutorials, and online resources. Assessment is conducted via a combination of coursework and examinations to evaluate both theoretical understanding and practical application.

30 credits

This course introduces you to the overall process of computer aided design of electronic equipment and systems. The electronic equipment development life cycle will be examined together with Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication and surface mount technologies.

In this module, an appropriate software tool, such as KiCad, will be used to provide schematic entry, schematic library component management, electrical rule check and netlist generation. In the circuit analysis and simulation part, board-level design will be examined together with PCB design rules, computer aided board design, mechanical design, preparation of manufacturing documentation. Also, there will be design recommendations for circuits and equipment with special requirements.

30 credits

The Future Skills Explore Learning Outcomes are delivered in this module. It has been designed to scaffold Future Skills from Level 4 Navigate to Level 6 Apply. The Explore Experience will give you at least 8 hours of industry relevant experiential learning that explicitly develops your Future Skills Graduate Attributes.

The first part focuses on engineering project management principles, addressing constraints such as quality, time, risk, and sustainability. You will build professional competencies, including teamwork, communication, critical reflection, and time management, while engaging in an interdisciplinary design thinking project. This collaborative challenge enables you to apply subject-specific knowledge and prepare you for your Level 6 individual project.

The second part introduces theoretical and practical aspects of instrumentation and measurement in electronic engineering. You will learn the concepts, terminology, and techniques for accurate measurement, including the use of sensors for temperature, pressure, position, stress, and strain, as well as understanding measurement uncertainty. These skills and knowledge will prepare you to be broadly industry-ready, significantly enhancing your employability prospects.

30 credits

The module is designed to provide you with an understanding of the principles of systems engineering and the skills to apply systems engineering techniques. As most engineers work on complex, interdisciplinary project-based tasks, these skills and knowledge form part of the future skills requirements for engineers to be industry-ready, hence enhancing their employability prospects.

15 credits

This module is designed to bring together skills developed on Level 4 and Level 5 modules relating to electronics, design and analysis, such that proficiency can be gained in the optimal process to develop a complete electronics system, taking into consideration factors such as legislation, system reliability and manufacturing. Additional areas of important electronics will also be introduced, relating to key areas of emerging technology. Within the module, topics covered include the approach taken to design an electronic system, with consideration given to safety, shielding, environmental impact, the need for recycling along and consideration of all the technical documents required.

30 credits

The BEng Project is a capstone module that enables you to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours developed throughout your engineering programme. Working independently under academic supervision, you identify, justify, and investigate a significant engineering problem or opportunity. The module requires the development of a well-structured project proposal, incorporating a clear rationale, literature review, technical objectives, and a realistic plan of work. You then design, implement, and evaluate an engineering solution using appropriate analytical, simulation, experimental, or design methodologies. Emphasis is placed on innovation, critical thinking, project management, ethical practice, and the effective use of modern engineering tools. The project culminates in a comprehensive technical report and an oral presentation, through which you demonstrate your technical competence, communication skills, and readiness for professional engineering practice or postgraduate study.

30 credits

This module provides an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles of communication, networks, and signal processing, combining technical knowledge with practical applications to build both analytical and employability skills.

Core topics include electronic communications, fibre optics, data communications, advanced digital signal analysis, filter design, Fourier analysis, spectral estimation, wavelet transforms, and time-frequency analysis.

You also explore real-world applications of digital signal processing in areas such as audio and image processing. Practical implementation and simulation exercises using software tools like MATLAB and/or Python allow you to apply theory to practice while developing digital competency, adaptability, and collaboration skills.

The module content is delivered through formal lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, and online learning resources, encouraging both technical expertise and research-driven inquiry. It enhances interpersonal and presentation skills, alongside critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience, preparing you to address complex engineering challenges.

15 credits

This module gives you a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes. 

At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile. You will determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. In this process, you will be supported by a dedicated career coach, helping you explore a range of options that includes self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional graduate-level opportunities. Throughout the module, you will be given opportunities to engage with external mentors, to support reflection and to develop a professional network.

You will undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals, from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements. You will also be able to reflect on activities outside the University that develop your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.

30 credits

This module provides a comprehensive exploration of fuel cell technology, hydrogen-based power generation, and your applications in renewable energy systems. It examines the engineering design and manufacturing methodologies used to develop and optimise innovative and sustainable energy solutions. Set against the background of climate change, sustainability issues, and government policy, the module also evaluates the environmental, social, and economic impacts of fuel cell adoption, including business implications, corporate social responsibility, and operational efficiencies.

In addition, the module introduces Computer-Aided Design (CAD) as a critical enabling technology in engineering and product development. You will gain insight into the engineering design process, including feature-based modelling, parametric and non-dimensional design, assembly data management, and secure product information exchange. A review of CAD systems will be given, and the strategic importance of enterprise-wide product modelling will also be introduced. The module is primarily delivered through formal lectures and laboratory sessions, supported by case studies and tutorials, with comprehensive course material available via Canvas. It enables you to understand how CAD-driven innovation supports the development of sustainable energy systems, enhances competitiveness, and contributes to responsible engineering practice.

30 credits

This module offers a comprehensive introduction to Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) within industrial environments. It explores the physical, cognitive, and social aspects of interaction between humans and robots, focusing on the design of safe, efficient, and intelligent collaborative systems. You will gain knowledge of key mechatronic components, including mechanical design, sensors and actuators, control strategies, and real-time software implementation.

Through theoretical study and practical laboratory sessions using industry-standard equipment, you will learn to design, implement, and evaluate HRI systems that support seamless human-robot communication and collaboration in industrial settings. Emphasis is placed on usability, safety, system integration, and technological innovation.

This module contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by promoting the development of advanced automation and robotics technologies. It also indirectly supports Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the integration of efficient, sustainable, and human-centered robotic solutions.

30 credits

The MEng Team Project is a module which runs throughout the final year of the MEng programme. It provides a capstone element to the course by providing you an opportunity to work on a major engineering design problem in a team, in a way which closely parallels a real-world project.

The groups are assigned to a particular project which has an outline project description, specification, or customer requirements provided by the teaching team. It is the group's job to develop the specification in detail, to convert it to a technical specification and then carry out the tasks necessary to complete the project.

This module provides an opportunity for you to further develop academic skills delivered earlier in the programme. In order to successfully complete the module, you must establish a plan and work schedule, perform the technical tasks necessary to fulfil the plan, monitor progress, manage the team activities, hold and minute formal team design meetings, and resolve any problems that arise.

The module is delivered primarily through weekly formal design meetings and regular informal meetings.

30 credits

The module is structured in a way that develops an understanding of the different stages in the lifecycle of a designed product, for example, from inception, through design and manufacturing, then into service and finally retirement. This module aims to help students develop an understanding of these stages in a product lifecycle and processes need to be undertaken in these stages and their interrelationships.

This module also aims to help students develop a fundamental understanding of the product lifecycle from a business and organisational perspective. Case studies are used to illustrate the application and relevance of taught concepts. Students will be asked to work in a team to perform a comprehensive product lifecycle analysis, using the knowledge learnt in this module as well as applying the knowledge acquired in pre-requisite modules. This will enable students to develop a set of skills to enhance their employability prospects in this demanding area. Core factual materials are provided via Canvas with keynote lectures.