Key information
Typical offer:
Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
If you've already started your career and want to top up your HND or Foundation degree to a full Bachelor's degree, this BEng (Hons) Electronic Systems Engineering top-up degree course is ideal.
Enhance your engineering skills and increase your contribution to your organisation with the potential to level up in a new role and increase your salary.
Study anywhere that suits you, over two or three years, while developing your potential as a skilled electronic engineer in areas such as consumer and professional electronics, robotics, defence, broadcasting and telecommunications.
Course highlights
- Put mathematical models into practice, using computer-based design and simulation techniques
- Get a core understanding of analogue and digital electronics, data communications and signal processing
- Design systems, simulate and test prototypes using various technologies
- Design economic solutions to meet the complex specifications of consumers today, using engineering analysis software tools
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Benefits of distance learning
- Work from anywhere, at your own pace, in your own time – with interactive online learning materials hosted on our virtual learning environment, Moodle, and available 24/7 on any device – find out how distance learning works
- Access to over 600,000 ebooks, 55,000 online journals, digital newspapers and a postal loan service from our University Library – see all library support for distance learners
- Invitations to online forums where you can discuss your studies with other students and your lecturers
- Access to all student support services via email, phone, online chat or video call
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
BEng (Hons) Electronic Systems Engineering (Distance Learning) (Top-up) degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- Relevant HE study leading to a Level 5 qualification, for example an appropriate HND, foundation degree or Advanced Diploma, or 240 credits from year 1 and year 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc), in a relevant subject.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Careers and opportunities
As an senior electronic engineer, you can expect a salary from £40,000 to £65,000.
If you're planning to stay with your current employer after graduating, you could use this top up course to secure a more senior role. But you could also apply your skills to any number of roles in industries that require engineers.
All engineering roles are listed in the UK Government’s 'skills shortage list' – which means engineers are currently in high demand. And the 2019 IET Skills and Demand in Industry report found that a third of employers increased their engineering and technology workforce in the previous 3 years.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
What jobs can you do with an electronic systems engineering degree?
Previous students have gone on to work in roles including:
- electronics engineer
- product design engineer
- application engineer
Our graduates have worked in areas such as:
- robotics
- defence
- consumer and professional electronics
- broadcasting and telecommunications
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits. You'll need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits.
If you study this course over 2 years, you'll probably study modules worth 60 credits a year. If you do the course over 3 years, you'll likely study modules worth 40 credits a year.
Modules
Year 1
In this module, you'll learn to model complex systems in VHDL, the industry standard language. You'll also design and analyse digital logic systems and signal conditioning circuits, using commercial software tools, as you learn to tailor systems for practical implementation.
Through this module's engaging research project, you'll build relevant career skills for technology careers as you evaluate the social and economic impacts of communication technology. By the end, you'll be able to assess and evaluate core principles of data communication networks, apply appropriate tools to measure efficiency, and prepare for the future of data network systems.
In this module, you'll begin by focusing on the maths that underpins digital signal processing (DSP), with particular attention to the Discrete Fourier Transform method for analysing the frequency content of a digital signal. You'll also learn to implement and evaluate digital filtering algorithms, completing your DSP toolkit.
Year 2
Through practical case studies, you'll examine theories, tools and techniques that power AI systems, such as linear regression, deep learning and reinforcement learning. You'll evaluate available methods, and apply them to various problems, building your familiarity with AI for work and further study.
You'll improve your decision making and learn to contribute effectively to the modern production environment. When you finish this module you'll be able to demonstrate your understanding of key Quality Management concepts, use a range of Quality Control tools, and analyse situations to evaluate quality systems.
You'll tackle a real-world technology problem, devising and evaluating an innovative solution while enhancing vital skills like project management, technical application, and formal reporting. Your journey may involve investigating the current state of research in your chosen field, appraising existing solutions to related problems, and suggesting and testing new approaches. You can even propose industry-led projects to solve issues in professional settings. By the module's close, you'll have proof of your ability to engineer an end-to-end solution to problems facing the technology sector.
Year 1
In this module, you'll learn to model complex systems in VHDL, the industry standard language. You'll also design and analyse digital logic systems and signal conditioning circuits, using commercial software tools, as you learn to tailor systems for practical implementation.
Through this module's engaging research project, you'll build relevant career skills for technology careers as you evaluate the social and economic impacts of communication technology. By the end, you'll be able to assess and evaluate core principles of data communication networks, apply appropriate tools to measure efficiency, and prepare for the future of data network systems.
Year 2
In this module, you'll begin by focusing on the maths that underpins digital signal processing (DSP), with particular attention to the Discrete Fourier Transform method for analysing the frequency content of a digital signal. You'll also learn to implement and evaluate digital filtering algorithms, completing your DSP toolkit.
You'll improve your decision making and learn to contribute effectively to the modern production environment. When you finish this module you'll be able to demonstrate your understanding of key Quality Management concepts, use a range of Quality Control tools, and analyse situations to evaluate quality systems.
Year 3
Through practical case studies, you'll examine theories, tools and techniques that power AI systems, such as linear regression, deep learning and reinforcement learning. You'll evaluate available methods, and apply them to various problems, building your familiarity with AI for work and further study.
You'll tackle a real-world technology problem, devising and evaluating an innovative solution while enhancing vital skills like project management, technical application, and formal reporting. Your journey may involve investigating the current state of research in your chosen field, appraising existing solutions to related problems, and suggesting and testing new approaches. You can even propose industry-led projects to solve issues in professional settings. By the module's close, you'll have proof of your ability to engineer an end-to-end solution to problems facing the technology sector.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Teaching
Most of the course is delivered via our interactive virtual learning environment. With access to all the study material you’ll need, discussion forums and the chance to connect with peers and lecturers via chat sessions, you’ll have plenty of academic support and heaps of resources.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written assignments
- quizzes
- design activities
- project work
- exams
You'll carry out your final project at your place of work or independently. Your assessments will be formally monitored and marked by University academic staff.
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Supporting you
As a distance learner, you can get support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man students and International students
- 2-year study mode – £3,080 a year (subject to annual increase)
- 3-year study mode – £2,060 a year (subject to annual increase)
EU students
(including Transition Scholarship)
- 2-year study mode – £3,080 a year (subject to annual increase)
- 3-year study mode – £2,060 a year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional course costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each modules.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying and memory sticks.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
There are additional costs for sitting exams at external exam centres.
Apply
How to apply
Apply for this part-time course using our online application form.
Our courses fill up quickly, so submit your application as soon as you decide which course you want to study.
Not quite ready to apply?
Come to an Open Day to explore our course facilities, tour the campus and have a look around our halls of residence.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.