CONTENTS

Introduction 2

The Courses 4
Course Structure 4
Electronic Engineering 6
Electronic and Communication Engineering 8
Electronic Engineering with Business Management 10
Avionics 12
Electronic and Computer Engineering 14
Electronic Engineering with Nanotechnology 16
Media Technology 18
Music Technology Systems 20
Radio Frequency Engineering 22
Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year 24

General Information 26
IET Accreditation 26
Teaching Quality Assessment 26
BEng/MEng/Sandwich Course Variations 27
Changing Courses 27
Department Facilities 28
Student Societies 30
Common Features of the Degree Courses 31
Sample Timetable 32
Teaching Style 33
Welfare 33
After your Degree 34
Financial Assistance 35

Admissions Policy 37
Typical Entry Requirements 37
Mature Students and Foundation Entry 38
Applications Procedure 38
Visits 38

1
Electronic Engineering drives our world of new technologies.
Devices designed by Electronic Engineers feature in all aspects
of modern life, including computers, mobile phones, robotics, the
internet, digital television, satellites, aerospace, medical
scanners, security systems and sustainable energy. Engineering
degrees are a fascinating and challenging choice, with
well-qualified graduates being in high demand in global
industries.
The University of York is one of the leading institutions for the
study of Electronic Engineering. Our Department is working on
applications in wireless communications, aerospace,
biologically-inspired computing, music systems, building
acoustics, assistive technology for the disabled,
three-dimensional imaging, machine vision, and broadcast
engineering – to name but a few. This diversity is reflected in
our wide selection of IET accredited undergraduate courses,
which are broadly based leading on to a range of specialised
advanced options.
2 3
Our courses are both demanding and innovative, giving our
graduates a proven advantage in the employment market. We
place great importance on teaching and scored the maximum
24/24 in the Teaching Quality Assessment. Teaching is carried
out via a mixture of lectures, small group tutorials, laboratories
and individual and group project work. York has a particular
reputation in the use of small group teaching and personal
supervision by academic staff.
All courses begin by providing students with an understanding of
the basic principles of electronic engineering, whilst developing
their skills in maths and computing. Modules then combine these
fundamental elements into systems that meet the needs of
particular applications. Options provide the additional ability for
students to explore their own individual interests.
Running through all courses is a significant portion of project
work. In the first year students cooperate in groups to design
and build a prototype commercial product. In later years, a team
software engineering project enables students to simulate stations (YSTV and University Radio York), a film society and a
operating as a commercial business. Final year students have whole host of sporting and leisure activity groups. The vibrant
substantial individual projects, sometimes out in industry. The centre of historic York is just fifteen minutes away.
Department fully recognises the vital nature of this kind of
supervised study to prepare students for the world of work. In
turn, we have a widely recognised reputation for producing high “York was one of
quality graduates with skills relevant to a range of career paths. the first universities
I visited and I was
impressed from the
Complementing the courses, the Department and University very beginning. I
offer excellent facilities and a pleasant campus environment. loved the sense of
The Department has recently spent £1.5 million on enhancing its community and
friendliness that
laboratories and possesses its own computing laboratory and
came with a campus
industry-standard digital media and recording studios. The university.”
University also has a new £6.5 million Nanotechnology Research
Centre. Most students are housed on campus which offers a
Brett Wakley,
variety of competitively priced accommodation, so that
MEng Electronic
accessing the Department is normally only a few minutes walk. Engineering student
Numerous student societies offer something for everyone,
including the ‘ShockSoc’ Electronics Society, television and radio
COURSE STRUCTURE

FIRST YEAR SECOND YEAR THIRD YEAR FOURTH YEAR

CORE SUBJECTS: CORE SUBJECTS: CORE SUBJECTS: CORE SUBJECTS:

Digital Circuit Design Major Industrial/Research

Computing Analogue/Digital Filters
and Programming Project (2 terms)

Communications Communication Networks Digital Engineering OPTIONS:

Electromagnetic Fields and Personal and Mobile

Electromagnetic Waves Software Engineering Project
Transmission Lines Communications

Analogue Electronics Distributed Circuits Control Electronics for Medicine

Major Circuit Components Analysis of Frequency Automatic Flight Control

ECAD
Design and Application and Oscillators Systems
Nanotechnology and Noise, EMC and Signal Micro and Nano Device Growth
Laboratory Practical
Microdevices Integrity and Characterisation

Mathematics Environmental Engineering OPTIONS: Embedded Computing Systems

Laboratory Practical Control Theory Wireless Modems Strategic Management

Biologically Inspired
First Year Project Laboratory Practical Further Control
Computation
Team Building and Project Radio Frequency and
OPTIONS: Communication Systems
Management Skills Microwave Circuit Design

Computer Programming Nanofabrication Flight Control
Solid State Devices
and Analogue Circuitry
Antennas and Propagation
Microprocessors Optical Communications
Numerical Methods Project Management
Marketing Techniques
Accounting and Finance
People and Quality
Neural Networks
Distributed Computers
Instrumentation
Signal Processing
Advanced Modulation
and Coding
Transducers, Sensors
and Actuation
Illustrated across is the course structure for the four year MEng
degree course in Electronic Engineering. All of our courses have
a similar structure in the early stages, with a common core of
electronics material. As each course progresses, there is
substantial flexibility with a choice of options providing the
"flavour" for each of the specialities. The individual course
descriptions in the next section include summaries of some of
the specialised modules tailored to each different course.
Alongside the core and optional modules, we regard projects as
a vital element of our courses and students will be involved in
projects throughout their time with us. In the first year, students
work in the team formed by their supervision group to carry out
a project that runs throughout the year. The period after the
first year examinations is devoted exclusively to the final build. A
panel of industrial experts judge the final offering and there are
cash prizes for the best projects.
Second year projects vary depending on the student’s particular
course. Then in the third year MEng students carry out a major
team project in which they have to produce to commercial
standards a significant software package. All final year students
carry out an individual project which provides a significant
contribution to the final degree marks. More information about
projects appears on pages 31 and 32.
The structure of the BEng Honours degree courses is identical to
that of the MEng for the first two years, but involves a shorter
individual project and smaller range of courses and options in
the final year.
More details on our courses can also be found on our website
at:
www.elec.york.ac.uk/ugrad

4 5

ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
These courses provide a very wide range of knowledge and
techniques in modern electronics. Fundamental properties of
electronic components and circuits are treated in detail in the
early stages of the course, as are computer-based tools and
programming techniques. Later years include topics such as
system design, modelling, signal processing and analysis,
microprocessor interfacing, measurement instrumentation,
environmental monitoring, feedback and computer control. The
final stage incorporates a substantial individual project along
with advanced level specialist options.
The Electronic Engineering courses provide the basis for our
other more specialist programmes. In general it is possible to
transfer from these courses to one of our specialised
programmes at any point during the first year or so, giving
considerable flexibility. Subject to pre-requisites having been
satisfied, topics offered in the specialised programmes are
available as options to those students following the generic
courses.
6 7
H609
Sample Module, Year 1
Analogue Electronics
Provides students with a thorough introduction to Electronics,
covering the three key areas of Circuits, Operational Amplifiers
and Transistors. Covers basic circuit analysis skills, operational
amplifiers from a theoretical and practical basis, and the
concepts and uses of transistors including small signal amplifiers.
Sample Module, Year 2
Noise, EMC and Signal Integrity
Introduces students to the principles of noise in circuits and
systems and outlines a range of noise models. Looks at the
concepts of Signal Integrity and Electromagnetic Compatibility,
the effects of not achieving EMC on system operation and some
of the fundamental concepts that lead to these problems and
their mitigation.
H610 BEng Electronic Engineering
MEng Electronic Engineering
Sample Module, Year 3
Digital Engineering
Introduces students to the design, simulation and testing of large
digital systems and then progresses to the application of digital
systems in instrumentation and measurement. Topics include
VHDL as an implementation tool, concepts of system design,
techniques of optimisation, interfacing between analogue and
digital domains.
Sample Module, Year 4
Electron Devices: Growth & Characterisation Techniques
This course highlights the need for sophisticated growth and
characterisation techniques in advanced semiconductor
technology. It also covers methods used in other areas including
micromachining, bioelectronics and nanotechnology. The course
is divided into two main areas: fabrication and characterisation.
Sample Final Year Project
Aerial Insect Identification System
It has been shown that reflected light from a flying insect can be
used to determine the species. Current methods use a
photosensor and an infrared light source to illuminate the
insects. The output from the photosensor is digitised and
analysed by a computer to obtain wingbeat frequency and
harmonics. There are a number of possible improvements to the
technique including modulation to improve signal-to-noise ratio
(SNR) and ambient light rejection, use of visible light (red, green
and blue light sources) and other techniques for signal analysis.
One technique that will be tested is time domain signal coding
(TDSC) which requires much lower computational complexity than
Fast Fourier Transforms and is much faster. The output of TDSC
is input to an artificial neural network for classification into
species. The project will be to develop a sensor and interface it
to a PC for signal analysis via a sound card.

ELECTRONIC AND COMMUNICATION
ENGINEERING
The availability of fast, affordable means of communication has
been one of electronics’ greatest contributions to human
society. The telephone, radio, satellite communications, the
Internet, mobile phones – each new development has
revolutionised the way we live and the way we think about our
world. New technologies continue to arrive, with third
generation mobile phones offering the possibility of real-time
high quality video. DSL and broadband wireless systems provide
many times the capacity of modems bringing increased amounts
of information into our homes. Other examples include advanced
wavelength-division multiplexing schemes, promising vast
reductions in the cost of long-distance data transmission. Soon
fourth generation systems will unify all these technologies and
users will be able to receive and transmit anything, at anytime,
from anywhere.
All these developments have been fuelled by advances in
communications technology. Constantly emerging new protocols
and coding schemes, new ways to represent video, images and
8 9
H621 BEng Electronic and Communication Engineering
H629 MEng Electronic and Communication Engineering
Sample Module, Year 2
Networks for Communications
Students learn the fundamental techniques used for transmitting
information over a cable, then consider packet-switched
networks, and the flow and error control techniques used for
packets on point-to-point communications links. We then explore
how these links combine to create local-area networks, and
finally how these local-area networks combine to form the
Internet.
Sample Module, Year 3
Wireless Modems
Describes the techniques used to convert raw binary information
from computers into signals suitable for transmission over radio,
and the techniques used to receive these signals and convert
them back into binary data, minimising errors. The trend for
performing these operations using digital signal processing
techniques is discussed and DSP tricks and tips are described.
Sample Module, Year 4
Personal and Mobile Communications
Charts the development of cellular communications, including
speech as data, new means of delivering this information to mobile propagation models and design features in current second
users via cable, fibre, and increasingly via radio. These generation and third generation standards. Considers
optimisation of the capacity and operations of GSM and WCDMA
developments are, in turn, based on underlying engineering
networks. Introduces Bluetooth and proposed fourth generation
principles. The Communications Group in the Department has a techniques.
very well established reputation in many areas of
communications, particularly mobile and satellite
communications. These courses aim to prepare students to play Sample Final Year Project
a leading role in the continuing adventure of modern Multicarrier CDMA Communication System for 4G
communications – researching, designing, building and
marketing the next generation of products. One of the strongest candidates for fourth generation
communication systems (4G) is multicarrier spread spectrum
Sample Module, Year 1 code-division multiple access (MC-CDMA) technology. The aim of
Introduction to Communications this project is to investigate the many existing variants of
MC-CDMA systems and their respective advantages and
drawbacks. The student is expected to carry out a survey of
Introduces students to fundamental concepts in communications, these systems, write mathematical system models and analyse
including basic trade-offs and the practical context of their their performance via computer simulations in ‘MATLAB’.
applications. Includes parameters of signals such as bandwidth Depending on progress, the activities may involve the
and power, comparing design rationales for basic radio receiver incorporation of multiple antenna systems, development of new
structures and identifying techniques for reliable digital data spreading strategies and use of advanced estimation techniques.
transmission.

ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING WITH
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
These courses are intended to give students a strong
background in Electronic Engineering whilst simultaneously
providing specialised knowledge in the techniques of business
and industrial management. Engineers aim to anticipate and
avoid problems that might arise in a wide range of industrial
applications. To overcome a problem they will usually need to
collaborate as a team, work to rigid timescales and deadlines,
as well as to pre-ordained design criteria and specifications. The
aim is to deliver the proposed solution by exploiting the existing
technology as far as possible, usually while keeping within a
limited budget.
In the real world of industry, advances are achieved by teams,
often of a substantial size. These teams have to be directed,
organised and inspired by managers, who are often engineers of
considerable talent and experience. To equip our students for
such roles, these courses contain a significant element of
management education. This starts in the first year with an
investigation into the problems of working in small groups, and
10
H6NG MEng
develops, through project management, to an introduction to
company management. Whatever the subsequent career
direction of any of our graduates, they will benefit from
understanding the management of both large and small
organisations. Those with ambitions for leading roles in industry
will find the management content particularly valuable.
H6N2 BEng Electronic Engineering with Business Management
Electronic Engineering with Business Management
Sample Module, Year 1
Project and Transferable Skills
Introduces students to model processes and practices of
transferable skills and provides an opportunity to practice them.
Students learn how to plan and give a competent oral
presentation, contribute to a project team, structure technical
reports and understand techniques for project planning and
product costing.
Sample Module, Year 2
Environmental Engineering
Introduces students to how the planet is affected by
industrialisation and engineering, and to consider how engineers
can respond positively to this. Topics include how alternative
energy supplies and sustainable engineering can seek to find
solutions to combat climate change through a variety of emerging
technologies.
Sample Module, Year 3
Accounting and Finance
Introduces students to the basics of accounting and finance,
including the appropriate terminology, tools and techniques they
can use to understand and analyse financial issues. Topics
include company performance, managing budgets, investment
opportunities and product costing and pricing.
Sample Module, Year 4
Enterprise
Explores the commercialisation of a new product or technology
and the creation of a business plan for it. Topics include
analysing competition, planning resources, Intellectual Property
Rights and protection of future income streams, value
propositions and pricing new products and technologies,
marketing options.
Sample Final Year Project
Business Planning for Early Stage Technology Spin-Outs
The University actively seeks the commercialisation of its
research either through co-operation with commercial concerns
or the creation of spin-out companies.
For this project the student will be attached to the team
responsible for the commercial exploitation of a potentially
valuable technical development. The project student will study the
work of the team, carry out market research and evaluate the
possibilities for successful commercial exploitation of the
product. In the latter stages of the project, it is hoped that
general lessons can be learned and recommendations made to
improve the University’s exploitation of its intellectual property.
11
 H649 MEng Avionics
AVIONICS

This course specialises in the field of avionics through combining

a solid grounding in electronics with a range of appropriate
material involving electronic and computer systems for
aerospace applications. Engineering methods have played an
important role in all of the stages of aircraft development
through history and in recent years electronic engineering in
particular has grown to play a crucial role. Beyond the
mechanical design of the airframe itself and an understanding of
aerodynamic forces, electronic systems provide the technology
which enables current high-performance aircraft to fly.
Sample Module, Year 3
Introduction to Flight Control Systems
Covers flight control systems through a knowledge of basic flight
dynamics. Enables students to understand and describe the
fundamental behaviour of the longitudinal and lateral dynamics of
a fixed-wing aircraft. Includes air traffic control, applying control
systems analysis and design methods in the formulation of simple
flight control laws.

Advancements in aeronautical engineering have contributed to Sample Module, Year 4

the design of the jet engine, a detailed understanding of the
behaviour of air flow at hypersonic speeds, and the development
of new construction materials and methods suitable for the
extreme stresses of flight. As the complexity of aircraft systems
has increased, together with the need to ensure safety and
reliable control of the aircraft, major growth areas have
emerged. These include instrumentation and cockpit displays,
flight control and autopilot systems, engine control, diagnostic
systems, on-board navigation systems, satellite global
positioning systems, radar systems, communications and air
traffic control systems. Students on this course are able to
develop their knowledge of such areas through a range of
specialist modules and in-depth project work.
Sample Module, Year 1
Avionics Project
Introduces the fundamentals of aircraft flight, including
consideration of shape, systems and expected performance and
how these relate to the intended role. Students will then use
appropriate design software to perform and interpret an analysis
of a real aircraft in these terms.
Automatic Flight Control Systems
Provides students with an advanced level of knowledge on
practical flight control system design. Students learn how to
design a flight control law to achieve a typical specification,
argue the case for the engineering trade-offs required to meet
the design goals and understand the hierarchical form of
practical flight control systems.
Sample Final Year Project
Landmine Detection using a Swarm of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs)
This project considers how to search for landmines effectively
using a swarm of unmanned air vehicles. It is a simulation-based
project and builds upon previous work in this area, starting with
an examination of the behaviour of a system which has been
partially developed. There are many parameters and aspects of
the swarm configuration that require further development by the
project student. The simulation language used will be ‘BREVE’
and the results will be analysed using ‘MATLAB’.

Sample Module, Year 2

Control

Provides an introduction to the analysis and design of simple

analogue controllers for linear, time-invariant, continuous
dynamic systems. Students will design simple control systems to
achieve a set of desired control objectives, apply Laplace
transform techniques, analyse transfer functions and use
MATLAB software tools.

12 13
 H634 BEng Electronic and Computer Engineering
ELECTRONIC AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
H639 MEng Electronic and Computer Engineering

Sample Module, Year 3 Sample Module, Year 4

Distributed Computer Systems Biologically Inspired Computation

Introduces students to the nature of software systems in a
distributed environment (e.g. ecommerce, flight control).
Describes the fundamental modes of interaction in a distributed
environment and their associated failure models. Security issues
are investigated along with the means of applying appropriate
countermeasures.
Applies methods inspired by biological processes to the design of
software and hardware systems.Topics include genetic
programming and evolvable hardware, as well as cellular
automata, bio-inspired research techniques for self-repairing
circuits and the latest developments in biologically-inspired
computation.

Sample Final Year Project

Evolutionary Design of Custom Processor Arrays

The increasing size of integrated circuits has led to the

Computers are all pervasive. Almost every aspect of daily life
from shopping in a supermarket to flying abroad depends on
highly sophisticated computing systems. The challenges in
designing and delivering effective, safe and cost efficient
systems require a complex integration of application knowledge,
software and electronics, interfaced to a rapidly changing world.
With constantly advancing technologies, high user expectations
and increasing statutory requirements, the need for suitably
qualified and accredited engineers is as important as ever.
realization of entire networks of processors on a single chip.
Limited to a few units in their current incarnations (e.g. IBM's
Cell processor) these networks will reach considerable size in the
next few years, encountering issues related to their use to
effectively handle computation. The study of how biological
systems handle the operation of billions of units (cells) within a
single organism can provide some clues on how to exploit very
large networks of processors within a single chip. One key
observation in this context is the fact that organisms and cells
are the product of a long process of evolution, quite different
from the top-down design of conventional computing systems.
This project will look at how evolutionary processes can be
applied to the design of custom processors, with a particular
Sample Module, Year 1 emphasis on the design tools required for this approach, building
on and extending previous work in the domain. The project will
Computer Operating Systems
also involve some collaborative work in Switzerland with a group
which has been working on the development of this kind of
Introduces the characteristics, functioning, implementation and approach.
limitations of a number of computer operating systems, including
Unix and derivatives (e.g. Linux), MS-DOS and MS Windows.
Enables students to understand, compare and contrast market
leaders in this key area.

Our Electronic and Computer Engineering courses aim to equip
those seeking a broad view of these systems. Unlike pure
computing degrees which often concentrate on the software,
scientific and mathematical aspects of computing, these
programmes aim to provide a much wider range of engineering
skills, particularly in hardware and electronic systems. We cover
both hardware and software technologies and an understanding
of their application to the design of systems, from the smallest
embedded micro-processor to global communication systems.
Sample Module, Year 2
Microprocessors
Provides extended understanding of computer architectures,
particularly with respect to program concurrency. Includes a
laboratory-based microprocessor architectures project involving
the design and implementation of software and hardware
elements for embedded processor systems.

14 15

ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING WITH
NANOTECHNOLOGY
Recent advances in fields such as electron microscopy and
device fabrication have put nanotechnology at the forefront of
today’s electronic engineering. Nanotechnology encompasses
the design and study of devices on a scale of less than 100nm,
barely a few hundred atoms across. Devices utilising
nano-wires, single electron logic and nano-scale memories are
now being developed for various applications, including
ultra-high speed processors. In the environmental and medical
fields, nano-scale versions of devices, for example photodiodes,
are being combined with "lab-on-a-chip" technologies to offer
revolutionary improvements in sensing capabilities.
All such applications depend upon a good understanding of
nano-fabrication and integration methodologies, requiring
knowledge of a wide range of electronic engineering principles -
both hardware and software. The nanotechnology degree at
York was the first IET accredited course in this discipline and
emphasises those areas of nanotechnology of direct relevance
to contemporary electronics.
16
H6FH MEng
Sample Module, Year 1
The Physics of Nanotechnology and Microdevices
Gives an overview of device miniaturisation and the historical
development of nanotechnology. Explains the mechanism of
current flow in nanodevices and their relationship to conventional
microdevices. Describes the special materials currently used to
fabricate nanodevices and as well as those likely to be needed in
the future.
The University of York is committed to developing expertise in
the field of nanotechnology. It has recently invested in a major
new resource, opening a multi-million pound Nanotechnology
Research Centre, with Department staff taking a leading role.
The course focuses on the applications emerging from our own
research as well as important developments elsewhere.
H6F3 BEng Electronic Engineering with Nanotechnology
Electronic Engineering with Nanotechnology
Sample Module, Year 2
Nanofabrication
Overviews the diverse applications of micro- and
nanotechnologies in different disciplines such as electronics, the
environmental sciences and biology. Describes the fabrication
techniques used in producing nanoelectronic devices. Gives
practical experience of fabricating a simple nano/micro-scaled
device in the departmental clean room facility.
Sample Module, Year 3
Photonics and Nanophotonics
Explains the operating principles of advanced photonic sources
and receivers and all-optical signal processing components.
Considers their impact on the design of modern electronic
systems. Describes the optical properties of nanostructures, such
as quantum wells, wires and dots. Explores the exciting
possibilities offered by the use of nanostructures in photonic
components.
Sample Module, Year 4
Advanced Information Storage
Describes the basic principles of optical recording, magnetic
Sample Final Year Project
recording and magneto-optical recording technologies. Explores
Nanofabrication for Advanced Information Storage
the limitations of current storage media and explains the
increase in storage density that advanced storage media will
possess due to the rapid advances being made in Most electronic information is stored in the form of tiny
nanotechnology. magnetized regions or "bits" within thin magnetic layers on disks.
The size of the magnetic bit determines the information storage
capacity. In recent years technological advances have enabled
enormous increases in volumetric storage capacity, but what will
the future of magnetic recording look like? This project is to
explore new materials and new fabrication techniques for the
future magnetic storage industry. The project student will use the
state-of-the-art facilities in the York Nanotechnology Research
Centre, including atomic force microscopy. The ultimate goal is to
fabricate a stable single domain particle of about 20-50nm in
diameter, which is beyond the present limit. The switching of
these single domain particles or "bits" between "0" and "1" will be
monitored by the intensity change of a reflected laser beam. This
project is supported by the EPSRC, the University and the
Department and involves collaboration between York, CLRC
Daresbury Laboratory, Toshiba and Cambridge Microelectronics
Centre.
17
 H642 BEng Media Technology
MEDIA TECHNOLOGY H682 MEng Media Technology
H645 BEng Electronic Engineering with Media Technology
H681 MEng Electronic Engineering with Media Technology
Please note that students can change between the two different course titles to reflect their career aspirations - content is identical.

Sample Module, Year 1 Sample Module, Year 4

Videography and Lighting Advanced Media Systems

Provides a solid foundation in video lighting systems technology
and application, as well as in basic video camera design and
operation. Topics include how cameras react to light, colour
temperature theory, lighting design for stage and location,
practical application of production equipment.
Develops understanding of new and emerging media in terms of
design, production, enabling technology and human interaction,
with particular depth in media that combine real and virtual visual
environments. Includes image design, computational image
analysis and human perceptual systems.

Sample Module, Year 2 Sample Final Year Project

Video Systems and Production Look Where You're Going: Eye Tracker For Walkers

Gives a comprehensive grounding in video and television systems
technology and applications. Covers TV and video systems, image
quality, hardware and software, digital video, and coding. Also
looks at the full production process from pre-production and
script development through to post-production techniques.
Sample Module, Year 3
Interaction and Media
There are many applications where it is useful to know where
people direct their gaze (e.g. market research on shopping). In
this project the student will build and document an eye tracker
from existing open source/hardware designs. They will also
develop a system to monitor where people look while walking
around, for example to search or avoid obstacles and other
hazards. We will combine the system with a virtual reality
locomotion simulator to test people as they do various
walking-related tasks.

An independent study course on engineering, computing and

Evolving media technologies are changing our world.
Increasingly sophisticated digital cinema, virtual reality,
video-augmented environments and broadband wireless
networks are just some of the technologies that enable us to
have richer, more compelling experiences, more easily. Likewise
broadcasters, publishers and entertainment creators can now
develop projects more creatively and efficiently. Behind all of
this, digital electronic technologies are key. Demand for
expertise in these areas is growing at an amazing rate, and no
longer is an understanding of hardware and software systems
enough. Knowing the creative application of these systems and
how media practitioners design programmes for different media
is vital in order for these technologies to continue advancing.
human science aspects of interaction and media. Students
explore, through research and public presentation or
rigorous professional education in electronic engineering, demonstration, a chosen aspect of human interaction in media
technology in an area of their own special interest.
alongside the creative use of these systems from concept to
completion in both traditional and interactive media
environments to media industry standards. The result is an
integrated view of electronic media, from video networks to
music recording studios, from advanced digital feature film
techniques to content delivery via phone networks and
immersive virtual reality simulations.

These courses provide students with both sets of skills to meet

these new demands – to be fully accredited engineers with an
understanding not only of advanced media systems but also with
the knowledge and appreciation of how they can be used by
media practitioners in dynamic ways. Our courses provide a

18 19
 H663 BEng Music Technology Systems
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS H666 MEng Music Technology Systems
H667 BEng Electronic Engineering with Music Technology Systems
H669 MEng Electronic Engineering with Music Technology Systems
Please note that students can change between the two different course titles to reflect their career aspirations - content is identical.

material for the studio sessions. A detailed description of the

Sample Module, Year 1 recording studio suite, equipped to commercial standard, can be
Digital Computer Music
found on page 29.

Provides an understanding of the context and practice of

contemporary synthesised and sampled digital computer music.
Gives students practical experience of a digital synthesis
package, whilst explaining the underlying techniques of sampling
and synthesis.
Sample Module, Year 2
Recording Studio Techniques
Sample Module, Year 3
Advanced Post-Production Techniques
An inter-disciplinary Music/Media course on advanced media
postproduction, with particular emphasis on editing and sound
design. Enhances a range of both creative video and audio skills
and techniques through an understanding of the underlying
technical issues relating to professional postproduction.

Introduces students to the recording studio production

environment and its underlying technologies that are used in the Sample Module, Year 4
development of a range of both creative and audio engineering Advanced Music Technology Systems
skills and techniques. Teaches the importance of transferable
audio engineering skills and the use of the studio as a creative
engineering tool. Develops skills in of a range of high and low level software based
music technology research tools. Introduces students to
advanced synthesis techniques using physical modelling
These courses have been designed for those students who wish algorithms. Develops research skills and encourages critical
evaluation of user interfaces for musical applications within their
to combine a professional education in electronics with an
specific contexts.
understanding of the internal design and function of
contemporary music technology systems. They are intended to
provide training for the next generation of audio engineers and
designers of electronic instruments, studio equipment and music
systems. As they combine an essential background in
electronics, management and computing with the teaching of
music technology, this broad professional education in electronic
engineering also enables a wide career choice. The courses Sample Final Year Project
allow recording and musical interests to be pursued alongside High Resolution Surround Sound Impulse Response Rendering
more technical studies.
Developments in measuring the acoustic characteristics of
The courses are not ‘musical’ in the sense that there is no concert halls and opera houses are leading to standardized
formal development of performance skills, the emphasis is on methods of impulse response capture for a wide variety of
auralization applications, including many surround-sound formats.
engineering, computers and technology in the context of musical
This project will consider some of the newer methods of
applications. Nevertheless, in addition to the more technical rendering a sound field using a database of impulse responses.
material in areas such as synthesiser technology, MIDI, Of particular interest is how the digital audio workstation user
sampling, signal processing and the like, studio and field might interact with and use such a database so that the
technicalities are made more transparent. This project may
recording techniques also form important strands in the course,
therefore explore how impulse responses are processed and
making for a considerable musical atmosphere. Not only will combined using different techniques and/or the development of a
students be expected to develop their skills in the technical Virtual Studio Technology plug-in to handle and render the data.
aspects of recording, but they will also contribute through
involvement in the musical activities - providing the source

20 21

RADIO FREQUENCY ENGINEERING
Radio Frequency Engineering is the backbone of the
communications revolution, the latest developments in television
broadcasting and radar. Less well known has been the drive to
eliminate electromagnetic interference in and between the
electrical and electronic devices that we take for granted. So
important is the area that the Government backed a consortium
of major companies to come together and address the
nationwide shortage of engineers with relevant skills.
At York, we have decided to build on our existing expertise in
this area and offer a four-year MEng degree programme in
Radio Frequency Engineering. All our MEng degree programmes
include a two term industrial project in the final year. In the
case of Radio Frequency Engineering this project may be carried
out in one of the companies working in this area.
22
Sample Module, Year 1
Transmission Lines & Quasi-Static Fields
Provides students with an appreciation of the nature of signal
transmission in electronic systems and how to recognise the
importance of wave phenomena in modern high speed digital and
radio transmission systems. Includes electric and magnetic
fields, energy storage, field and circuit concepts,
trouble-shooting.
Sample Module, Year 2
Distributed Circuits
Provides students with an understanding of how
distributed-circuit techniques are used in RF and microwave
designs. Covers use of the Smith Chart for transmission-line
calculations, stub matching methods, how S-parameters are used
in amplifier and attenuator design and looks at how network
analysers work.
H690 MEng Radio Frequency Engineering
Sample Module, Year 3
Antennas and Propagation
Introduces the most commonly used modes of radio propagation
in the Earth's atmosphere and provides students with an insight
into the physics of these modes. Illustrates common uses of
these modes, and enables students to estimate the channel
losses in each case.
Sample Module, Year 4
RF and Microwave Circuit Design
Considers the fundamental underlying principles of RF and
microwave circuit design techniques. These include component
and device models and the techniques used in the design of RF
and microwave circuits and systems such as amplifiers,
oscillators, mixers and filters. These techniques are illustrated
using lab based techniques.
Sample Final Year Project
Security System using ‘ZigBee’
ZigBee is a wireless standard that has been designed for diverse
applications that require low power, low cost wireless
connectivity. It also focuses on low data rate and low duty cycle
connectivity required for some applications. It is ideally suited to
realise wireless security systems, which can be deployed in
situations where wired systems are not an option. The aims of
this project are to design and develop hardware and software to
realise a ZigBee based wireless network, which accept alarms
set off by detectors based on different sensors (e.g. movement
sensors, pressure sensors, proximity sensor etc.) and transmits
the alarm to a handheld unit and/or a central monitoring station.
This project has a high commercial value since a system like this
can be deployed in museums and buildings with historical value,
where wired systems are not practical. They can also be used in
applications where rapid deployment is necessary (e.g. VIP
protection).
23
 H604 BEng Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year (4 years)
ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING WITH
FOUNDATION YEAR

numbers therefore, are very restricted, permitting teaching in
small groups with considerable personal support. The course is
taught entirely in the Department. Students are registered
students of the University and are treated identically to any
other student of the University.
Electronic Engineering course. Alternatively, they may transfer
to any of the other BEng degree programmes. Students wishing
to transfer to the MEng programmes must achieve a slightly
higher mark in their Foundation Year examinations.

International Students
For students for whom English is not their first language, but
already possess a strong background in Mathematics and
Physics, the Foundation Year can provide an appropriate bridge
to the first year. The University’s English Language requirement
is still a pre-requisite for this course.

Following successful completion of the Foundation Year,

students follow the remaining pattern of the H610 BEng in

MATHS PHYSICS ELECTRONICS

AUTUMN Fundamentals of Arithmetic, Fundamentals of Mechanics Introduction to Laboratory

Courses in the Autumn term Algebra, Geometry Work
assume virtually no previous Linear and Quadratic Equations Properties of Matter
knowledge beyond primary Resistive Circuits
school level and with a small Basic Statistics
number of exceptions do not Heat and Temperature Diodes
The bulk of our courses require students to have a background demonstrate that they have the ability and motivation to cope go beyond the level that would Simple Trigonometry
in Mathematics and Physics at GCE Advanced Level or with the demands of the course. be expected of a good school Introduction to Calculus Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory Practical
equivalent. The Foundation Year course offers an opportunity for student at GCSE level.
those who have potential, but no appropriate qualifications, to Matrix Algebra
develop the skills needed to complete one of our electronics
The Course SPRING Mechanics Internal Resistance
Courses in the Spring Term Differential Calculus
degree programmes. The course is aimed at two main groups of The course syllabus is based on modified versions of GCE build on the fundamentals Complex Numbers Electricity AC signals in Resistive Circuits
people: Advanced level material in Mathematics and Physics. However, established in the Autumn term
and move into work of Integral Calculus Electromagnetism Laboratory Practical
the teaching starts with the assumption of near total ignorance
Advanced Level standard. Vectors
• Mature students who are returning to education after of either topic on the part of the student. Early parts of the
Differential Equations Optics
a long break, or have inappropriate qualifications, or course concentrate on Mathematics and Physics at a level that
Trigonometric Identities
have poor or no school leaving qualifications. would normally be met by people in early teenage years. The
final examinations are of Advanced Level standard, but based on Complex Numbers Waves
SUMMER RC/RL Circuits
• Younger students who have obtained (or are obtaining) a syllabus in each subject which would approximate to around Courses in the Summer Term Series Expansions Electrostatics
qualifications at GCE Advanced Level or equivalent, two thirds of that found in a typical A Level syllabus. The course seek to bring the student to Impedance and Resonance
the standard in Mathematics Vectors
but in inappropriate subjects that do not satisfy our also includes a practical electronics element in which students AC Circuits
learn about electronic circuits in a well-equipped laboratory. and Physics that would be Integral Calculus Laboratory Practical
entry requirements. Atomic Physics
expected of a good school
student at the end of their Differential Equations
Gravitation
There are therefore no formal entry requirements for the To move from early secondary school material to University A level studies. Matrix Algebra
Foundation Year, though candidates must be able to entry level in three terms is a demanding task. The course

24 25
GENERAL INFORMATION
IET Accreditation
BEng or MEng Honours Degree courses (as opposed to BSc or
MSc courses) are those which have been accredited by the
Institution of Engineering and Technology. An accredited course
is one that the IET counts as an acceptable part of the training
requirements for Incorporated or Chartered Engineer status.
Graduates with good degree results are automatically eligible to
become a Member of the IET. Please note that only MEng
courses meet the requirements in full for Chartered Engineer
status.
All of the courses at York have been accredited as approved
training by the IET, making them instantly recognisable to
employers as high quality engineering degrees. At the last IET
accreditation, the Department was awarded maximum scores
for all degree courses, and has been recognised by an award for
25 years of accreditation.
26
Teaching Quality Assessment
All UK University Departments are evaluated by the
government’s Quality Assurance Agency as part of a regular
"Teaching Quality Assessment" exercise. This involved a group of
assessors examining every aspect of the Department and its
approach to teaching, and then assigning a series of scores to
provide some measure of the quality of that department. The
Department of Electronics at York scored the highest possible
rating of 24/24, with a top score under every heading:
• Course Design
• Teaching
• Student Progression through the course
• Student Support
• Learning Resources
• Internal Quality Assurance Procedures
BEng/MEng/Sandwich Course Variations
BEng degrees are three year courses leading to the award of
Bachelor of Engineering. Students undertake an extensive final
year project. Projects are sometimes sponsored by one of our
industrial contacts: the work takes place in our laboratories,
tackling a problem defined by the industrial sponsor, with whom
the student will have frequent contact.
MEng (Integrated Masters) degrees are four years in duration
and lead to the award of Master of Engineering. Along with the
inclusion of more advanced topics, the final year includes a
substantial 5-month long project, often carried out on the
premises of an industrial sponsor. The project is jointly
supervised by the sponsoring company and the Department and
the marks awarded form a significant percentage of the final
degree award. Sponsoring companies are arranged by the
Department in conjunction with the student. Alternatively,
students may carry out their final year project with one of our
academic research groups.
MEng courses are particularly appropriate for those wishing to
enter careers in research and design, or those with specialised
interests e.g. Avionics, Computing, Communications, Music
Technology, Media Technology or Business Management. They
are also important for those wanting to pursue opportunities in
Continental Europe where employer expectations are for
graduates with long periods of training – the MEng degree
provides the entry route to the European award of Euro. Ing. We
believe that the four-year courses offer an enhanced learning
experience and are the ideal route forward for many students.
Mudit Mather
Final year student, BEng Electronic and Computer Engineering
(with sandwich year in industry)
“The most important aspect of my course had
been the provision of taking a year out and
working at IBM. Working in industry with other
senior technical leaders at such a young age
was really the highlight of my course. Applying
my theoretical knowledge to practical purposes
helped me learn even more and decide upon my
future career path. The year helps students with
developing personality and networking with
various people. It has by far been my most
rewarding and outstanding experience.”
Sandwich Year options are available on all of our degree
courses. In a sandwich degree, one year is spent on an
industrial placement. For BEng courses, this is between the
second and third years of the degree course i.e. 2:1:1. For MEng
courses, students can opt to take the sandwich year after either
the second or the third year of the course, allowing 2:1:2 or
3:1:1. The Department gives assistance in finding a suitable
sponsor and a member of the academic staff will visit the
student during their placement. On return from the placement,
the student submits an assessed report that contributes
towards the final degree marks. Students find the experience
gained invaluable in determining career options and often
students have found that placements can lead to job offers on
graduation. Some companies are also prepared to sponsor
students for all or part of their studies.
Changing Courses
The Department offers a wide range of degree courses in
Electronics and related subjects. You may find once you are here
that you have a strong bias towards Computing,
Communications or one of our other streams, or that you wish to
take a Sandwich Year. The courses have been carefully
structured to enable students to change in such a way. Usually it
is possible to transfer from one course to another during the
first year and in some cases during the second, if all
prerequisites and entry qualifications have been met.
It is also simple to transfer from BEng to MEng variants of the
same course at any time during the first two years. Progression
from the second to the third year of the MEng degree is
dependent on satisfactory academic progress.
27
GENERAL INFORMATION
Department Facilities
Having recently concluded a £1.5 million building and
re-equipment programme, the Department of Electronics aims to
give students the best possible teaching environment. Housed in
a complex of purpose-built buildings, we are conveniently
located in the centre of the campus and all areas are accessible
by ramp or lift.
In addition to well-equipped lecture theatres, the Department
has the following specialised facilities:-
Teaching Laboratories
The Electronics teaching laboratories have been completely
re-equipped and extended at a cost of over two hundred
thousand pounds. To complement these new facilities a
comprehensive range of fully integrated Audio-Visual equipment
is available including twin data projectors and screens,
electronic visualiser system, radio microphones and CD/DVD
player to enable full multi-media presentations in the
laboratories.
We provide the latest test equipment and laboratory
instruments to enable our students to develop their practical
skills in core electronics. Typically, students work in pairs at
each standard workstation, which includes a PC, 60MHz Digital
Storage Oscilloscope, power supply, Pulse and Function
generators and other general-purpose test equipment. This is
supplemented by specialised equipment and purpose built
teaching aids, including:
• Network analysers, spectrum analysers and
synthesised signal sources for radio frequency
engineering laboratory work
• CPLD devices, FPGA devices and PIC micro-controllers
for hardware aspects of digital and computer
engineering (in addition to the software provided in
the Departmental Computing Laboratory)
• Purpose built digital communications hardware
simulators
• Clean room and device fabrication facilities in
conjunction with our new Nano-fabrication Centre
• Design and fabrication facilities for unmanned aerial
vehicles for practical work in avionics
28
First year students undergo an intensive laboratory introduction
programme at the beginning of their course, designed to
familiarise them with the equipment they will be using and
develop key skills. These include fault finding techniques,
soldering exercises and circuit prototyping and PCB
manufacture.
For project work in all years, students have access to PCB
production facilities, including PCB design software, etching
facilities and CNC drilling machines. Through-hole plating is
available for complex digital PCBs and high-speed
manufacturing. A surface mount prototyping facility and
re-working system is also available.
Ainslie Harris
Second year student, MEng Electronic Engineering with
Music Technology Systems
“I decided to study at York because of the university’s
facilities, course combination, and excellent
reputation. The recording studio is fully equipped, with
two control rooms, a live room, keyboards, drums,
amps, and a large supply of professional microphones.
Campus bands are always eager to be recorded, and I
can build my resume while making professional demos
for them as part of my course.
When I graduate, not only will I have an
internationally recognised engineering degree, but I
will be a capable audio engineer and even a video
producer! An electronics degree at York offers
something for everyone.”
A new student project laboratory has also been created and
fitted out with an entire suite of new PCs to extend the provision
already available in the department’s own extensively equipped
computing laboratory.
Departmental Computing Laboratory
The Department’s computer laboratory is situated in a
purpose-built facility, offering video projection equipment for
teaching purposes. It provides a comprehensive set of PCs with
permanent Internet access via the campus gigabit Ethernet
network. The PCs offer a wide range of both general purpose
software, such as word processing, web authoring and email,
plus specialist teaching software, including Java Eclipse, C,
MATLAB and PSpice. As a result of a generous donation from
Texas Instruments, the laboratory also provides DSP based
micro-processor teaching equipment.
As well as access to their central filestore and email, Electronics
students also have access to an additional departmental
filestore for use in group projects, assessments and
laboratories, helping to promote teamwork and interpersonal
skills. Both the central filestore and departmental filestore are
accessible on-campus via both wired and wireless hotspots,
off-campus via an ISP and on-campus study bedrooms via the
Student Network Service.
Electronics students have exclusive and open access to the
laboratory from 08:00 to 20:00 Monday to Thursday and 08:00 to
19:00 on a Friday during term-time. This is in addition to 24 x 7
access to campus computer classrooms. Technical support is
provided by our own departmental Computer Support Group.
Recording Studios
The Department has its own recording studio suite consisting of
two control rooms, a live room and two preparation/editing
DAW rooms. A dedicated gigabit network allows the transfer of
audio, video and data between the Recording Suite and the
Digital Media Suite. This provides a fully integrated multimedia
production environment, enabling full audio-for-video production
work for both teaching and research-based activities.
One control room is a traditional analogue recording interface
with the latest digital recording technology. This studio is
centred on a Mackie 8-bus 24-channel mixing desk recording to
a PC based DAW running Industry Standard Steinberg Nuendo
recording and DSP software. The second control room is
designed for Digital audio/video postproduction and
surround-sound work. It offers a Nuendo DAW controlled by a
Mackie Control PRO and monitored using Genelec 6.1 speaker
system with sub bass.
Both Studio Control Rooms are connected to the central Live
Studio, which houses an extensive range of microphones and
instruments, including a Pearl drum kit, electric guitars and
Marshall Amplifiers. The two DAW rooms then duplicate studio
facilities but without mixing desks and are used for detailed
work and mastering. When the Recording Studios are not in use
for teaching purposes, they can be booked for assignments or
personal use. A wide range of location recording equipment is
also available. Full descriptions of all the equipment in each of
the Recording Suite rooms can be found on our web pages.
29
GENERAL INFORMATION
Digital Media Suite
The Digital Media Suite is a professionally designed facility
providing industry standard new media production and
post-production tools. Workstations are equipped with
broadcast quality non-linear video editing systems (Avid Xpress
Pro HD with Avid Mojo SDI) and a comprehensive range of major
2D graphic, 3D graphic, compositing, web development and
multimedia authoring programs from Adobe, Macromedia and
Discreet. DVDs and CD-ROMs can be burned in-house, complete
with Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound encoding. The suite also shares a
high-speed local area network with the Recording Studios
enabling powerful distributed rendering of graphics, composite
effects and intensive audio processing. Like the Recording
Studios, the Digital Media Suite is used for teaching purposes
but can be booked by Media and Music Technology students.
Video Production Equipment
Media Technology students have access to a comprehensive
range of camera, lighting and grip equipment for location
production. Packages include professional DV cameras by Canon
and Sony, Lowel DP field lighting kits, Manfrotto fluid head
tripods and a range of grip equipment by Matthews, Avenger
and others, providing complete production support.
Nanotechnology Research Centre
Opened in 2006, this multi-million pound facility represents a
major long term collaboration between the University of York,
Yorkshire Forward and JEOL UK Ltd, world leaders in electronic
optics. In addition to supporting world class research activities,
we will be offering undergraduates on the Electronic
30
Engineering with Nanotechnology programme the opportunity to
use the centre’s highly specialised facilities for project and other
work.
Student Societies
The University offers a huge variety of student societies for all
manner of leisure and sports interests - details can be found at
www.yusu.org/activities. The following may be of particular
interest to our students.
Media and Music
There are numerous opportunities to become involved in musical
activities and/or media production on campus. These include the
student run television station (YSTV) with its own studio
facilities, a student run radio station (University Radio York), and
independent film production group (the Cinematography
Society), two student newspapers, and a range of other
publications. Students who play music can audition for
University ensembles or orchestras, or form their own group.
There are also two concert halls, a small theatre, an
audio-visual studio, rehearsal rooms and a range of halls that
can be used for dramatic and musical productions of all types.
ShockSoc
ShockSoc is a society that gets people in the Department
together, for both social and academic events. It is a society
aimed mainly at Electronics students but all York students are
welcome to join. Events have included ‘Q Factor’ – a
staff/student battle of the bands and ‘SpaceWire’ - a talk about
engineering in space. After this talk, they got the idea of sending
something into space - which is now their long-term project. To
find out more see www.shocksoc.org or email
shocksoc@yusu.org.
Common Features of the Degree courses
Languages for All: Under the ‘Languages for All’ scheme run
by the University, students can opt to study a wide range of
languages at all levels from beginner onwards. Successful
completion of a language option is recorded on the final degree
certificate.
York Award: All undergraduates at the University have the
option to join the York Award, a scheme aimed at providing
further learning opportunities and to assist with the transition
into later employment. It is a structured programme for skills
and personal development offering courses in Communication,
Career Management and other areas. It also embraces the
‘Languages for All’ and ‘ILIAD’ computing skills programmes.
The award further recognises skills gained through paid and
voluntary work experience.
Study Abroad: There are opportunities to study for a part of
the course in an overseas university. Currently arrangements
exist through the ERASMUS scheme for study in universities in
Greece, Germany, Portugal and Belgium. There are also
possibilities for students to study in Canada and the USA.
Business Management: All our courses include an element
of business management. Skills essential to life in the world of
industry are covered including communication skills, group
working, costing and finance.
Computing Content: All our courses use computers as tools
for the analysis and design of circuits and systems, as well as
for direct control and measurement by interfacing an electronic
system to a microprocessor control unit. The development of
computing skills including programming languages, software
engineering techniques and microprocessor interfacing is an
essential ingredient of all the courses.
Laboratory and Project Work: Practical skills are a vital
part of any engineering degree course, and it is important that
the laboratory and project work should integrate well with the
taught courses. As part of the first year laboratory work
students progressively assemble an audio amplifier/mixer
module. The finished product can be taken away at the end of
the year. Regular laboratories and workshops in the earlier
years are supported directly by the taught course material and
link into major projects.
First Year Project
In the first year students work with other members of their
supervision group to design and build an innovative product of
their own choosing. The final products are judged by a team of
industrial experts and a cash prize is awarded to the winning
group.
Software Engineering Project
In the third year, all MEng students participate in a major
software project. This is organised in teams that operate as
self-contained units. Teams can trade with each other to buy
and sell software modules (with notional money). The final
product is a substantial piece of working software.
Heba Yacoub
Final year student, BEng Electronic and Computer Engineering
“I chose York because of its excellent reputation
in teaching Electronic Engineering. The standard
is very high in the department and students are
challenged as well as supervised through the
academic year. The staff at York are very
supportive, always willing to provide guidance
for those who seek it. In addition, the
department has provided the students with good
facilities to work in and to develop new skills. I
enjoyed the laboratory and research work,
which gave me a feel for different aspects of
electronic engineering.
One of things I have enjoyed most about the
University of York is the multicultural life;
getting to know people from all over the world.
The campus also has everything you need. It's
an amazing place to gain both a good degree
and a fantastic social life.”
31
GENERAL INFORMATION

BEng Final Year Project a problem by the application of technological tools (analogue involved in a wide range of activities and individual final-year
In their final year, BEng students carry out a personal project and/or digital electronics, microprocessor interfacing, computer Teaching Style projects often contribute to the research output of the Depart-
supervised by a member of staff. Each year a large number of systems, CAD, hardware or software, design, modelling, We pride ourselves on the quality of the education we provide at ment. Several projects have won national awards and others
projects are offered to students as well as there being the measurement, control etc). Students studying Electronic and York; most lecture courses are taught by staff that are active in have led to published research papers.
possibility for students to propose their own project, or conduct Business Management courses carry out a Management based leading-edge research. Small group tutorials also ensure that
a project in conjunction with an industrial sponsor. The final project. All the projects share a certain open-ended nature in At the end of each course module, students complete anony-
students have close contact with the academic staff.
BEng project contributes to around one fifth of the final degree that they tend to be exploratory and investigative, allowing the mous questionnaires that ask them to rate the course under
marks. student to take responsibility for their work and to control its We use lectures to convey the theoretical content of our various headings. These are then used by staff to monitor and
direction and pace. Aspects of project management, such as courses, and combine these with a range of methods to allow evaluate the quality of the teaching. Students also elect repre-
MEng Final Year Project planning, costing, scheduling etc., are intrinsic to the work. students to apply and develop their knowledge. Tutorials allow sentatives to a staff/student liaison committee, ensuring that
In the final year of the MEng degree the whole of the second the subject to be explored in greater depth in a small group. their voice is heard on any matter affecting their interests.
and third terms are devoted to a major project. They may These are supported by problem sheets that students tackle in
choose to carry out the project in industry where it will be jointly Peter Eastty their own time. Workshops offer further support on a one-to-one Laura Bolton
Chief Consultant Engineer, SONY, Oxford
supervised by members of academic staff and a supervisor from basis. All of the theoretical material is then reinforced by Second year student, MEng Electronic and Communication Engineering
the sponsoring company. Projects are carefully vetted by the extensive practical and computer laboratory sessions.
Department to ensure that the student undertakes a substantial “The stress York places on excellent mathematical and theoretical skills
“I chose York because it is one of the best
ensures that York graduates are capable of filling jobs anywhere in the Project work is a particularly important teaching medium and
and industrially relevant project. industry. We’ve hosted many final year student projects, and we’ve
universities in the country and it is in nice
projects occur throughout the course. The Research Groups are surroundings. The course I'm doing is
never failed to offer the student a job when they’ve graduated, and so
challenging which is great, but if I do have any
Alternatively, they may choose to undertake the project in our far they’ve always accepted. One final year student project even went on
problems the staff are more than happy to go
to become a successful SONY product - I can’t imagine that happening
research laboratories. The projects can span almost any with any other University.” ZhanZhan Liang through things whether individually or in groups.
The people here are really friendly and there is
application area, providing that the work involves the solution of Final year student, MEng Electronic Engineering with
a student club for almost everything and enough
Business Management
nightlife in the city that you’re never stuck for
somewhere new.”
Sample Timetable Year 1, Autumn Term “In my opinion, the supervision system has
ensured my success at York. Supervisors play
multiple roles in my university life. They are
great study advisors when you seek academic Welfare
TEACHING METHOD CONTENT HOURS PER WEEK support; they are great listeners when you
encounter personal difficulties; and careers
A traditional York feature is that on arrival, every student is
Core Lectures Operational Amplifiers 1 hour advisors when you start to plan your future.” allocated a personal tutor who supervises his/her progress
Mathematics 4 hours throughout the course. This regular personal contact and
C-Programming 1 hour
Project/Transferable Skills 1 hour guidance is invaluable and first year students will meet their
supervisor at least once per fortnight.
Teaching Laboratories General laboratory work 6 hours
Computing Laboratories Programming Laboratories 2 hours Aside from departmental provision, the University has a whole
Workshops Circuits 1 hour range of welfare support available to students. These include 24
Digital Electronics and Computing 1 hour x 7 College Welfare Teams and a University Welfare Information
Additional Workshops/Tutorials 1 hour
Officer, who is there to provide information, support and advice
Specialism Dependant Physics and Devices or 2 hours on money, housing, employment, healthcare and other issues.
Lectures/Laboratories Digital Computer Music or There are also support networks for mature students and
Light and Vision or
Computer Operating Systems Labs or overseas students, a Disability Services centre, Dyslexia Support
Avionics Project Laboratory Officer and a student-run overnight help-line.
Further Independent Study 20 hours approx
Total Approx 40 hours

NB Wednesday afternoons are left free for sporting/recreational activities

32 33
GENERAL INFORMATION

Employment Areas of York Electronics Graduates

After Your Degree 2004-2006
The continuing growth of the Electronics industry has ensured
6%
that the demand for engineers is significantly greater than the Scientific/Engineering 7%
37%
supply. Opportunities for electronics graduates are diverse and Computing/IT
substantial and graduates encounter little difficulty in obtaining Media/Creative 17%
jobs, mostly in well paid and rewarding areas. In fact, the Management: Industry
employment ‘success’ rate for Electronics graduates from York Education
is in excess of 90% - well above the national average for the Finance
subject. For those wishing to take different career paths, the 5%
Social/Welfare
transferable skills gained on our courses are recognised by 8%
Other Employment 11%
employers as highly valuable. 9%

Because of the wide range of opportunities available, our

graduates enter all sizes of firm, from multi-nationals to small
businesses, and some have even started their own companies.
Others choose to continue their studies to MSc or PhD
(doctoral level).
Electronics Graduate Profiles

Yoshikazu Hirayama Alyte Podvoiskis Daryl Bradley

PhD student, Department of Electronics Trainee Clinical Scientist, NHS CPU Design Engineer, R&D Group, ARM Ltd

“I am currently a PhD “I am currently working in a “I was convinced York was

student in the Intelligent
Systems Group, researching
on intelligent control
systems. During the four
year MEng course I took as
an undergraduate at York, I
developed an interest in control and I also felt
that the research work in this department
offered challenging work.
The first two years of the undergraduate course
covered the broad foundations of Electronic
Engineering, and provided teaching not only on
electronic systems but also on business
aspects. The laboratory work and the research
work were definitely very beneficial to me,
which built up my confidence. In the later years
a variety of options were available, which
enabled me to extend and enhance the
knowledge in my chosen specialised subject
areas.
The department is very supportive towards
students and has a friendly atmosphere. I enjoy
the research work and the life in York and am
glad that I have decided to continue studying
here.”
NHS hospital-based
Bioengineering department,
training to become a State
Registered Clinical Scientist.
It was my final year MEng
project ‘Cervical Cancer Cell
Detection using Sonification (data portrayed
through sound)’ that inspired me to combine
electronics with a biological application.
The first part of my training consisted of an MSc
in Biomedical Engineering and three hospital
placements. I could not have completed my
training without the knowledge gained during
my degree at York. Modules such as analogue
circuit design, operational amplifiers and
software programming provided me with the
tools to complete my project.
I now have to undertake a further two years of
advanced work-based training to become State
Registered. My roles include designing and
developing medical devices, writing scientific
papers, becoming a quality manager and aiding
equipment management projects. My final step
will be to seek Chartered Engineer status, which
will be aided by the accreditation of the York
Electronics degree by the IET.”
the right place for me after
visiting for an interview and
being given a tour around
the department by students
already there. Teaching was
excellent and the lecturers
had a real passion for their work, yet were
always approachable and willing to spend time
answering questions and helping out. There was
also a lot of lab work and project based work -
something that really prepares you for entering
industry.
I have worked at ARM Limited in Cambridge
since completing my PhD at York in 2001, and
have worked on several projects for new CPU
designs, recently moving to the research group
to look at future generation ARM devices. You
get put on a project straight away when you
work here, with responsibility right from the
word go. The teaching and project work at
York prepares you really well for this, enabling
you to apply all the knowledge you've gained to
a product that you'll see in a mobile phone
or games console in a few years time.”
Financial Assistance
Government Grants & Loans
Non-repayable Maintenance Grants of up to £2835 are available
for UK students, depending on their financial situation. Loans for
Living Costs and Fees are also available. More details on these
and other awards that students from low income families may
be eligible for are included in the University of York prospectus
and website (see below). Students from other EU countries
should note that although they are not eligible for assistance
with living costs, in most cases they are eligible to apply for Fee
Loans from the UK government.
University of York Undergraduate Bursary Scheme
If you are a UK undergraduate student who is entitled to a
Maintenance Grant, you will also be assessed for a University of
York Undergraduate Bursary. The size of the bursary that you
receive will depend upon the household income of your family.
You will not have to apply for an Undergraduate Bursary, the
University will calculate this automatically for you. Please
ensure that when you apply for your student support you tick the
box that allows the release of your assessment information to
the University. Detailed information on grants, loans and the
Undergraduate Bursary Scheme can be found on the University’s
Student Support web pages at:
www.york.ac.uk/studentmoney
Department Scholarships for UK/EU Students
A minimum of ten £1000 departmental scholarships are
available to the most outstanding first year entrants from the
UK/EU. All entrants who obtain A grades in Mathematics and a
Science subject at GCE Advanced level, Scottish Advanced
Higher or other acceptable qualifications will be considered. You
do not need to complete a separate application form.

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GENERAL INFORMATION ADMISSIONS POLICY

Richard Morton
Third year student, MEng Electronic Engineering TYPICAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

A levels MEng: AAB/ABB, BEng: BBB/BBC

“Once I’ve finished studying at York , having a
degree from a highly recognised academic
institution and some valuable work experience
should hopefully provide me with everything I
need to get a job that’s right for me. Currently, I
think I will continue on with electronics and
work in the electronics industry, but there are
many other options once you have a good
degree. I’m certainly not looking forward to
having to leave York, but when the time comes I
know that I’ll be ready”
University Scholarships for Overseas Students
The University offers a number of scholarships each year for
students who pay fees at the overseas rate. The scholarships
are awarded on a competitive basis and the selection takes into
account academic ability and financial need. The annual value of
the scholarships is a maximum of one-third of the tuition fee and
scholarships are tenable for the duration of the award holder's
course, subject to satisfactory progress. Because the
scholarships cover only part of the fees, award holders are
expected to show that they can meet the balance of the tuition
fee and their living expenses from other sources.
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 1 May of the
year in which admission is sought, but candidates should apply
as early as possible. Applications should be made on a special
form, which is available from The International Office.
As well as details on how to apply for Overseas Scholarships,
the International Office has further information on funding
opportunities from other sources on its web pages at:
www.york.ac.uk/international
Foundation Year Finance for UK/EU Students
The fee for the Foundation Year is £210 (2008 entry). However,
Bursaries of between £200-250 are provided to minimise costs.
In addition, the government has a package of grants/loans
available including funding for those with dependent children,
and the University’s Welfare Advisers can help you find out
which sources of funding are available for you. They can be
contacted by emailing student-support@york.ac.uk.
Foundation Year Scholarships
We offer a number of £500 scholarships to the best performing
students after the first term of the course. All students, whether
UK/EU or Overseas are eligible to be considered.
Industrial Sponsorship
Some companies are prepared to sponsor students for all or
part of their studies. This can also include possible vacation
work and project collaborations. A good source of listings for
possible sponsors is Engineering Opportunities magazine,
details of which can be found at:
www.pepublishing.com/business_publishing/engopps.htm
IET Scholarships
The IET also offers a range of generous scholarships, details of
which can be found at:
www.iet.org
Scottish Advanced Highers
Irish Highers
BTEC
International Baccalaureate
Chinese qualifications
Indian School Certificate
Sri Lankan A Level/
Singapore A Level/
Malaysian STPM
Singapore/Malaysian
Diplomas
Other non-UK qualifications
English Language
requirement (for those not
taught in English)
Additional advice for Music
Technology applicants
from Mathematics, a science subject, plus any third subject.
MEng: AB/ABB, BEng: BB/BBC
from a minimum of Mathematics plus a science (preferably Physics) plus good grades in a suitable
range of Highers
MEng: AABBB, BEng: BBBBB
to include Mathematics and Physics
The preferred qualification is good performance at first-year Higher National Certificate or Higher
National Diploma (level 4) in Electronic and Electrical Engineering or a related subject. Candidates
offering National Diploma or National Certificate will be considered providing that the list of
modules offered includes either Mathematics at Level 3, Mathematics for Higher Education or an
equivalent Mathematics module. Merit/Distinction grades, especially in Mathematics, will be
required. Typical National Diploma offers would be in the range DMM-DDM
32-34 points overall with grade 5-6 in Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level. Students taking
either of these subjects at Standard Level are asked to contact us for advice.
Students who have undertaken the first year of a Chinese University programme in a relevant
subject area are asked to contact us for advice, giving details of their syllabus and grades.
Those offering High School Examinations with good grades in Mathematics and Science subjects
will be considered for our Foundation Year programme. (Students from China who have
additionally taken other suitable Foundation courses/A levels will be considered for Year 1 entry)
We are looking for high scores (in excess of 75%) at standard XII, particularly in Mathematics
and Science.
Grades in the region of AAB/ABB, to include Mathematics, a Science subject and any third subject
Students with high grades in three-year advanced diplomas may be eligible for direct entry to Year
2 of one of our courses. Diplomas must be in relevant subject areas, and students should contact
us with syllabus details and grades. Suitable qualifications may include those from Mara
University of Technology (UITM), Temasek Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Nanyang
Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic.
The School Leaving qualifications of all other countries will be considered providing that the
syllabus broadly equates to the content of UK Advanced level, particularly in Mathematics and
Physics. The same criterion applies to Foundation courses. Please contact us with details of your
course content for advice.
IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 (paper based)/213 (computer based)/79 (internet based) or grade A/B in
the Cambridge Proficiency Exam.
A demonstrable motivation towards making music is required for these courses. See
www.elec.york.ac.uk/ugrad/apply/musicreq.htm

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ADMISSIONS POLICY

Mature Students and Foundation Entry

We welcome applications from mature students and those who
already possess suitable entry requirements will be considered
for first year entry, as will those undertaking suitable
‘kitemarked’ Access courses containing the required level of
Mathematics.

Students without appropriate qualifications, but who

demonstrate potential, will be considered for our Electronic
Engineering with Foundation Year course (see pages 24-25).
This course is intended to address the needs of a wide range of
people, for example:
• Those studying non-scientific/non-mathematical A
level courses who wish to change the direction of
their studies
• Mature students with no recent or advanced level
qualifications
• Those wishing to re-enter education having left with
qualifications below A level standard
• Overseas students whose school leaving qualifications
are not the equivalent of UK Advanced Level
In all cases, the candidate will need to demonstrate that they
can cope with the demands of a course that provides the
equivalent of A level Mathematics and Physics in one year of
study.
Precise offers are customised to each applicant and where they
are still undertaking qualifications this will normally be
conditional on the achievement of specified examination grades.
Once results are available, if a student meets the terms of our
offer they are automatically accepted.
Where a student has missed the grades, we would not
automatically reject the applicant. We look carefully at all the
student’s circumstances, taking into account the reference,
personal statement and performance at interview. In particular,
we will always take into consideration cases where students
have been ill or suffered personal or domestic problems. We
prefer, however, to be informed of such difficulties prior to the
release of results. Applicants who miss the terms of an MEng
offer but make the terms of a BEng offer will automatically be
offered the BEng version of their chosen course. A suitable pass
mark in Year 1 then allows students to transfer to the MEng.

Application Procedure If students decide that they wish to defer entry, for example to
undertake a year in industry, there will be no difficulty in
All applications must be made through the UCAS system, but we
facilitating this – again, provided we are advised before the
will be happy to take enquiries and arrange individual or group
release of the A level results in August.
visits and tours of our facilities in advance of a formal
application. Apply online at www.ucas.ac.uk
Visits
We treat every application on an individual basis. All suitable
We are always pleased to welcome visitors to the Department.
candidates who are based in the UK will be invited for interview.
Simply contact us on 01904 432365 to arrange a suitable date
The interview day is intended to give a broad overview of the
and time and we will be happy to show you and any relatives or
Department, rather than be purely a selection process. We also
friends around the teaching facilities and discuss any questions.
provide a Parent’s Programme on interview days for any
accompanying relatives/friends. The University also holds general Open Days and other
Pre-Application visit days/tours. Details of these can be
obtained on the University website at www.york.ac.uk

38 39
 Undergraduate Admissions
Department of Electronics
University of York
York
YO10 5DD
Tel: +44 (0)1904 432365
Fax: +44 (0)1904 432335
Email: ugrad@elec.york.ac.uk

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