BEng, 4 years, UCAS: H100
Typical A level offer: CC
Subject overview
Why engineering?
Science and technology have the potential to benefit society – engineers realise this potential. Society depends on the reliability and continued development of engineering systems, which is why the role of the engineer is so important.
There is a wide range of sectors employing engineers, covering critical areas such as transport, sustainable power generation and distribution, healthcare, communications and manufacture. These diverse sectors will appeal to you if you like to know how things work and want to make them work better – faster, more quietly, more cleanly, more efficiently – and if you like the challenge of real, practical problems and finding innovative solutions to them.
Why engineering at Sussex?
We offer degrees in automotive, computer, electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering. Our courses are based on a common first-year core, offering you the flexibility to change degrees if you wish.
Electrical engineering at Sussex was ranked 4th (91 per cent) for personal development and 8th (93 percent) for overall satisfaction in the 2012 National Student Survey (NSS).
Sussex is ranked among the top 20 universities in the UK for mechanical engineering in The Sunday Times University Guide 2012 and among the top 30 in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2014.
Sussex is ranked among the top 20 universities in the UK for electrical and electronic engineering in The Times Good University Guide 2013 and The Sunday Times University Guide 2012, and in the top 25 in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2014.
You will be taught and supervised by research active academics: we were rated 14th in the UK for ‘General Engineering and Mineral and Mining Engineering’ research in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). 95 per cent of our research was rated as recognised internationally or higher, and 60 per cent rated as internationally excellent or higher.
All of our engineering courses are currently accredited by professional institutions under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council, and either the professional Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or the professional Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
We have strong links with industry, which you benefit from through the provision of placements, industrial advisors on our curriculum, industrial support for our research, and sponsored prizes and projects.
Laboratory and project work uses industry-standard computer-aided design software and circuit design, simulation and virtual instrumentation systems.
Our Year 4 MEng students are able to undertake a substantial interdisciplinary project, which mimics work in industry. For example, producing an entry for the Formula Student competition – a unique experience bringing together a team of specialists in all engineering disciplines.
For information about industrial placement opportunities during your studies, refer to Department of Engineering and Design: Student placements and Professional placements.
MEng or BEng?
All of our engineering courses are currently accredited by professional institutions under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. For more information, visit the Engineering Council.
All our electrical, electronic and computer engineering courses are currently accredited by the professional Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) up to the 2011 intake, and the regular review for future accreditation is due in autumn 2012. Completion of an MEng course ensures that you have met the full educational requirements for chartered engineer status. For more information, visit The Institution of Engineering and Technology.
All our mechanical and automotive engineering courses are currently accredited by the professional Institution of Mechanical Engineers up to the 2012 intake, and the regular review for future accreditation is due in 2013. Completion of an MEng course ensures that you have met the full educational requirements for chartered engineer status. For more information, visit the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
The fourth year of the MEng courses has specialist technical modules that reach a higher level than the final year of the three-year BEng. The MEng is for those who wish to become chartered engineers and to aim for leadership positions as early as possible in their careers.
The three-year BEng courses are for those looking for a good grounding in engineering to equip them for a range of careers and who either want to get into industry quickly or to take a more technical approach after graduation with a specialist MSc course – which can also lead to chartered engineer status.
The four-year MEng courses have higher entry requirements but BEng students who make good progress are offered the opportunity to transfer into MEng courses up until the end of Year 2.
Programme content
If you have the ambition to undertake a degree in engineering but are unable to meet the entry requirements for one of our named courses, our foundation year could enable you to achieve your goal. This initial year provides an introduction to engineering as well as the necessary background knowledge in science and mathematics needed to succeed in Year 1 and beyond.
You will be well supported throughout and your progress will be closely monitored to help you achieve your full potential. The assessment for the foundation year consists of worksheets and laboratory assignment contributions combined with exams. The curriculum is sufficiently broad that, provided you satisfy the requirements, you can proceed into Year 1 of the Engineering course of your choice.
This degree is entirely equivalent to a standard degree and assumes fluency in English. It is distinct from the International Foundation Year that is offered by the International Study Centre at Sussex.
We continue to develop and update our modules for 2013 entry to ensure you have the best student experience. In addition to the course structure below, you may find it helpful to refer to the 2012 modules tab.
How will I learn?
Engineering at Sussex is based on strength in the practical application of engineering principles. The Department has been congratulated by external reviewers on the use it makes of team-based project work.
There are many ways to acquire skills – from taught sessions (such as lectures and problem classes) and laboratory assignments to projects and independent and computer-based learning. In addition, the first-year and foundation-year timetables include one-hour small-group tutorials.
Individual topics are offered for third-year projects, arising from the extensive industrial and scientific research in the Department, from industrial contracts, and from student suggestions. National businesses and professional institutions sponsor prizes for the best projects each year.
What will I achieve?
If you work hard, you will earn a well-respected degree, opening the door to the career you want and equipping you to succeed in it. In particular, you will acquire:
- a thorough understanding of, and the ability to apply, the mathematical and scientific concepts required to become an engineer
- the ability to analyse and design conceptual and practical solutions to engineering problems
- the ability to employ industry-standard computational tools and computer-aided design packages
- an understanding of business management skills and techniques required to manage projects and balance risks, costs, reliability and environmental impact
- research skills that provide a framework for innovative and creative thinking in order to generate and test systems and designs. You should be able to analyse resulting data and determine their validity using computational tools and packages
- interpersonal, communication and teamworking skills you will need as you progress along your chosen career path.
Core content
Foundation year
You cover topics preparing you for progression to Year 1 of any of our Engineering degrees. The mathematics and engineering laboratory modules run through all terms and underpin the other topics. Modules shared with the Physics and Astronomy foundation year deliver the underpinning science for engineering and include electricity and magnetism, electrical circuits, mechanics and properties of matter. A module in principles of engineering design sets all of the other topics in the context of engineering.
Year 1
Year 1 ensures that you have a good grounding in the fundamentals of engineering and the flexibility to transfer between courses if you wish. Topics shared by all of our courses, apart from Computer Engineering, include electrical circuits and devices • electromechanics • engineering mathematics • mechanics and properties of materials • programming for engineers • thermodynamics. In addition, you study a project-based module focusing on either electrical/electronic engineering or mechanical/automotive engineering, as appropriate. The Computer Engineering courses replace some of these topics with introductions to programming concepts and techniques.
Year 2
You continue to develop your mathematics knowledge and are introduced to the principles of signal processing and feedback control. You also study the key professional skills required for accreditation – project management, technical communication, risk and professional ethics.
Electrical, electronic and computer engineering
Additional modules shared by this group of courses cover topics such as digital systems, microprocessors and microcontrollers • electrical machines and power electronics • high-frequency communications. Group project work in Year 2 is based around electronic circuit and system design.
Mechanical and automotive engineering
The specialist modules for these courses cover topics such as fluid mechanics • power cycles • structural mechanics • finite element modelling. An interdisciplinary workshop-based module, bringing together engineers and product designers, introduces you to the techniques of design, manufacture and prototyping.
Year 3
The major component of Year 3 is a two-term individual project with associated training in project planning and management. In addition, each course offers a range of core modules and options allowing specialisation in the relevant subject areas. In electrical engineering, these include control engineering • electrical drives • electrical power systems. In electronic and computer engineering, they cover computer networks • digital communications • high-frequency circuits and devices • micro-processor systems • sensor systems. In mechanical and automotive engineering, you undertake a design and manufacture group project culminating in a presentation to judges from industry. In addition, you can study topics in computational fluid dynamics • dynamics of machines and vehicles • engine technology heat transfer • sensor systems.
Please note that these are the modules running in 2012.
Electricity and Magnetism
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 0
Topics covered include:
- Electrostatics: Primitive electrostatic phenomena; Coulomb's Law; SI units; Electric fields and field lines; conductors and insulators; Gauss' law; Electrostatic potential; Equipotentials; Capacitors; Dielectrics.
- Steady currents: Currents; Ohm's Law; Batteries; Electromotive Force (EMF); Electrons and ions.
- D.C. circuits, ideal circuit elements R, C and L. Kirchhoff's laws. Introduction to A.C. circuits. RMS, peak and average values, power dissipation in resistors. Alternating voltages and currents, sine waves and sources, amplitude and phase. Electrical measurements, voltmeters, ammeters and oscilloscopes. Time dependence of CR circuits. Logic gates and circuits, Boolean algebra.
- Magnetostatics: Magnets and Magnetic fields; Magnetic induction; Magnetic fields of steady currents, Ampere's law; solenoids; Force on current in magnetic field; motion of charged particles in B and E fields.
- Principles of electric motors: Self- and mutual inductance; Lenz's law; Electric generators; Electromechanical energy conversion.
Engineering Laboratory
30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 0
Principles of Design and Information Technology throughout the year.
Foundation Mathematics
30 credits
Autumn & spring teaching, Year 0
This module covers the mathematics required for progression to year 1 of courses in physics, engineering or mathematics. You cover algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus (differential and integral), vectors, complex numbers and series. Including:
- Algebra: algebraic relationships. Equalities and inequalities. Remainder and factor theorems. Factorisation. Quadratic equations. Partial fractions. Indices and logarithms.
- Geometry and trigonometry: revision of some Euclidean geometry. Cartesian coordinates and straight lines. Inequalities and regions. Basic trigonometry. Trigonometric relationships. Compound angles.
- Calculus 1: (differentiation) basic differentiation. The product and quotient rule. Function of a function. Differentiation of parametric forms and implicit functions. Second order differentiation and turning points.
- Calculus 2: (Integration) basic integration. Standard integrals, integration by inspection, by substitution, by parts, using partial fractions. Definite integrals. Solution of first order differential equations by separation of variables.
- Coordinate geometry 2: polar coordinates.
- Vectors: addition and subtraction. Decomposition and resolution. Scalar and vector products.
- Complex numbers: Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Complex roots of quadratic equations. The Argand diagram.
- Series and approximations: permutations and combinations. Arithmetic and geometric progressions. Binomial theorem. Maclaurin's and Taylor's theorem.
Foundation Mechanics
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 0
Topics covered include:
- Units and dimensions: mass, length, time and derived units.
- Kinematics in one dimension: displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration. Linear motion with uniform acceleration and the equations of motion. Gravitational acceleration.
- Vectors and scalars: addition and subtraction of vectors. Components of a vector.
- Motion in more than one dimension: projectiles.
- Forces and Newton's laws of motion: force and mass. Newton's 3 laws. Gravitational force, normal forces, tension, frictional forces and coefficients of friction.
- Work and energy: work done by a constant force. The work-energy theorem and kinetic energy. Potential energy. Conservative and non-conservative forces. Conservation of mechanical energy. Power.
- Linear momentum: linear momentum, impulse and conservation of linear momentum. Elastic and inelastic collisions in one and two dimensions.
- Uniform circular motion: centripetal forces and centripetal acceleration. Satellites.
- Rotational kinematics: angular displacement, angular velocity and angular acceleration. The equations of rotational kinematics with constant angular acceleration. Rolling motion.
- Statics of rigid bodies: torque. Action of forces and torques on rigid bodies. Rigid bodies in equilibrium. Centre of mass and centre of gravity. Stability.
- Rotational dynamics of rigid bodies: Newton's second law for rotation about a fixed axis. Moment of inertia. Work and kinetic energy associated with rotational motion. Angular momentum of a rigid body and conservation of angular momentum.
Principles of Engineering Design
15 credits
Spring teaching, Year 0
Statics
Forces, equilibrium and stability. In particular: analysis of (statically determinate) frameworks, mechanical advantage, friction, buckling, beam bending and torsion in a shaft.
Dynamics
Distance, velocity and acceleration, simple vibration.
Thermodynamics
Thermal properties of solids, liquids and gases. Gas laws, equivalence of work and heat (1st Law), Introduction to thermodynamic cycle analysis.
Simple DC Circuits
Ohm's and Kirchoff's laws, formation of equivalent circuits.
AC Circuits
Waveforms and current and voltage in AC circuits, capacitance, inductance and the concept of reactance, introduction to 3 phase AC.
Electronics
Diodes, transistors, characteristics of amplifiers (gain, frequency response and feedback).
Electromagnetics
Simple relations of electromagnetic theory, applications to electrical machines.
Properties of Matter
15 credits
Autumn teaching, Year 0
This module covers:
- Simple Harmonic Motion: SHM of an ideal horizontal mass/spring system. Rotating vector representation of SHM. Kinetic and potential energy of a harmonic oscillator. Examples of SHM. Damped Harmonic Motion.
- Elasticity: Hooke's law. Elastic modulii. Poisson's ratio. Non-Elastic behaviour.
- Fluids: Fluids at rest. Pressure. Density. Archimedes' principle and flotation. Stokes's law and terminal velocity. Hydraulic machines. Fluids in motion: streamline flow. The equation of continuity and Bernoulli's equation and their applications.
- Temperature: temperature scales; thermometers; thermodynamic temperature and absolute zero; ranges of temperatures; zeroth law of thermodynamics.
- Thermal expansion: linear and volumetric expansion; solids and liquids; water.
- Gas laws: Boyle's law, Charles's law and Gay-Lussac's law; equation of state and the ideal gas law.
- Kinetic theory of gases: basic postulates; microscopic definition of temperature.
- Thermal energy: heat and temperature; quantity of heat; mechanical equivalent of heat; specific heat capacity.
- Changes of state: melting and freezing; vaporisation and boiling; latent heat.
- Transfer of thermal energy: radiation; convection; conduction.
- Thermodynamics: basic concepts; first law of thermodynamics; conservation of energy; isothermal, isobaric, isometric and adiabatic processes; second law of thermodynamics and the concept of entropy; heat engines and heat pumps; cyclic processes; analysis of thermal efficiency; the Carnot cycle and the concept of an ideal engine.
Entry requirements
Sussex welcomes applications from students of all ages who show evidence of the academic maturity and broad educational background that suggests readiness to study at degree level. For most students, this will mean formal public examinations; details of some of the most common qualifications we accept are shown below. If you are an overseas student, refer to Applicants from outside the UK.
All teaching at Sussex is in the English language. If your first language is not English, you will also need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.
A level
Typical offer: CC
Specific entry requirements: As this is a foundation year, the requirements vary between applicants. For applicants presenting with A-levels which include Science or Mathematics, the standard offer tends to be CC. However, higher grades would be required for applicants with non-science A levels (and for these applicants evidence of ability within Mathematics/Science at GCSE-level or higher would be required). Please note: applicants for the foundation year may be asked to come to an interview and/or a mathematics assessment during an Admissions Day as part of the selection process.
International Baccalaureate
Typical offer: 28 points overall
Specific entry requirements: Successful applicants would be expected to have evidence of ability in Mathematics and Science. Please note: applicants for the foundation year may be asked to come to an interview and/or a mathematics assessment during an Admissions Day as part of the selection process.
For more information refer to International Baccalaureate.
Other qualifications
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Typical offer: MMM
Specific entry requirements: Successful applicants would be expected to have evidence of ability within Mathematics/Science to at least GCSE-level (grade B). Please note: applicants for the foundation year may be asked to come to an interview and/or a mathematics assessment during an Admissions Day as part of the selection process.
For more information refer to BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in each section. Internet-based TOEFL with 88 overall, with at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking and 23 in Writing.
For more information, refer to alternative English language requirements.
For more information about the admissions process at Sussex:
Undergraduate Admissions,
Sussex House,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9RH, UK
T +44 (0)1273 678416
F +44 (0)1273 678545
E ug.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
Related subjects
Fees and funding
Fees
Home/EU students: £9,0001
Channel Island and Isle of Man students: £9,0002
Overseas students: £13,0003,4
1 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
2 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
3 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
4The foundation year only is charged at the lower fee rate of £13,000. Subsequent years are charged at the higher rate of £16,200.
To find out about your fee status, living expenses and other costs, visit further financial information.
Funding
The funding sources listed below are for the subject area you are viewing and may not apply to all degrees listed within it. Please check the description of the individual funding source to make sure it is relevant to your chosen degree.
To find out more about funding and part-time work, visit further financial information.
Care Leavers Award (2013)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 31 July 2014
For students have been in council care before starting at Sussex.
First-Generation Scholars Scheme (2013)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 13 June 2014
The scheme is targeted to help students from relatively low income families – ie those whose family income is up to £42,611.
First-Generation Scholars Scheme EU Student Award (2013)
Region: Europe (Non UK)
Level: UG
Application deadline: 13 June 2014
£3,000 fee waiver for UG Non-UK EU students whose family income is below £25,000
High Flier Scholarship (Engineering & Design) (2013)
Region: UK
Level: UG
An unlimited number of 'high-flier' Engineering & Design scholarships of £1,000 are available.
Mrs Emily O Akinluyi Scholarship (2013)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 19 October 2013
£5000 paid over the length of the course
Careers and profiles
Career opportunities
The career of an engineer is richly rewarding in terms of personal satisfaction, status and salary. According to the Association of Graduate Recruiters, engineers are now among the top earners of the graduate population and are one of the most likely groups to fast track into management positions.
Career opportunities include employment in sectors such as communications, aerospace, transport, marine or space exploration, environment, marketing, the supply chain, robotics, security and defence, the power industry, and health and medicine.
Our recent graduates have taken up a wide range of posts with employers including:
- design engineer at Delphi Diesel Systems
- hardware design engineer at Optisense Ltd
- research and development engineer at itmsoil
- graduate engineer at hurleypalmerflatt
- production systems engineer at Gemini Data Loggers UK Ltd
- development engineer at Eschmann Equipment
- embryologist at The Agora Clinic
- graduate analyst at the Royal Bank of Scotland
- manufacturing engineer at Lola Group
- project engineer at Allen Gears
- design engineer at Nissan Technical Centre Europe
- development engineer at Delphi
- trainee electrical engineer at Max Wright Limited
- IT consultant at Aron Willis IT Consultants
- programmer at PeoplePlanner
- electrical engineer at CBG consultants
- research and development engineer at Dyson
- design engineer at BP
- engineer at Tesla
- mechanical engineer at Network Rail.
Specific employer destinations listed are taken from recent Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education surveys, which are produced annually by the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
For more information, refer to Department of Engineering and Design: Career opportunities.
Careers and employability
For employers, it’s not so much what you know, but what you can do with your knowledge that counts. The experience and skills you’ll acquire during and beyond your studies will make you an attractive prospect. Initiatives such as SussexPlus, delivered by the Careers and Employability Centre, help you turn your skills to your career advantage. It’s good to know that 94 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study (Which? University).
For more information on the full range of initiatives that make up our career and employability plan for students, visit Careers and alumni.
Contact our School
Department of Engineering and Design
The Department of Engineering and Design has expertise in electronic and mechanical engineering, with significant emphasis on design. It offers high-quality teaching and world-leading research in an exciting and supportive learning environment.
How do I find out more?
For more information, contact:
Department of Engineering and Design,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9QT, UK
E ug.admissions@engineering.sussex.ac.uk
T +44 (0)1273 678743
F +44 (0)1273 678399
Department of Engineering and Design
Visit us
Campus tours
We offer weekly guided campus tours.
Mature students at Sussex: information sessions
If you are 21 or over, and thinking about starting an undergraduate degree at Sussex, you may want to attend one of our mature student information sessions. Running between October and December, they include guidance on how to approach your application, finance and welfare advice, plus a guided campus tour with one of our current mature students.
Self-guided visits
If you are unable to make any of the visit opportunities listed, drop in Monday to Friday year round and collect a self-guided tour pack from Sussex House reception.
Go to Visit us and Open Days to book onto one of our tours.
Hannah's perspective
'Studying at Sussex gave me so many opportunities to really throw myself into university life, and being taught by enthusiastic academic staff who are involved in ground-breaking research meant that the education I received was second to none.
'Coming to an Open Day gave me a great insight into both academic and social life at Sussex. Working here means that I now get to tell others about my experiences and share all the great things about the University. And if you can’t make it to our Open Days, we’ve other opportunities to visit, or you can visit our Facebook page and our Visit us and Open Days pages.'
Hannah Steele
Graduate Intern, Student Recruitment Services
Aaron-Leslie's perspective
'Leaving home to study at Sussex was an exciting new experience, and settling in came naturally with all the different activities on campus throughout the year. There are loads of facilities available on your doorstep, both the Library and the gym are only ever a short walk away.
'My experience at Sussex has been amazing. It's a really friendly campus, the academics are helpful, and Brighton is just around the corner. I now work as a student ambassador, and help out at Open Days, sharing all the things I've grown to love about Sussex!'
Aaron-Leslie Williams
BSc in Mathematics