Program Overview

University Foundation in Engineering and Technology Stage1 at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is designed to prepare you for entry to university-level program. During Stage 1 you will complete a range of modules relevant to your chosen degree, as well as modules concentrating on the skills that are vital for University level education such as Critical Thinking.

A Foundation pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold GCSE level qualifications)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
• Require additional English language training

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Progressing from Foundation

Stage 1 will be the first stage in the 4 stage process. Meaning that on successful completion of stage 1 you will seamlessly progress to stage 2, which is the first year of a bachelor’s degree. There is no need to reapply, you will simply just progress between each stage until you reach the final stage and graduate with a degree from Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• This BEng Honours in Electrical and Electronic Engineering will give you a sound technological background in the field of electrical and electronic engineering.
• You will have access to modern engineering tools which will give you the advantage of experiencing a hi-tech laboratory environment.
• Students from the School of Engineering and Technology have previously completed work placement years at companies including: Airbus Space and Defence, Bosch Thermotechnology, and Microsoft
• Recent Electrical Engineering graduates have gone on to work at organisations including: Vodafone, Mitsubishi Electric and Stansted Airport

What's the course about?

• This course gives you a sound technological understanding in the field of electrical and electronic engineering. With access to modern engineering tools and a hi-tech laboratory environment, you’ll learn the latest skills and knowledge in digital signal processing, microelectronic and VLSI (very-large-scale integration) design practice, robotics and neural networks, power systems applications, and advanced power conversion and control application trends. You’ll also have the exciting opportunity to study abroad or work in industry for a year, boosting your CV and employment prospects.

What will I study?

• Our enthusiastic staff are always looking for new ways to enhance your learning experience and over recent years, we have won national awards for our innovative teaching ideas. All of our courses include a significant practical element, which, together with tutorial sessions reinforce the theory delivered during lectures, and you have many opportunities to enhance your presentation skills ready for the workplace.

More about the Course

• This course is designed to enable you to study a range of topics similar to those of the more specific courses but in a more flexible way, allowing you to choose a more diverse individual course.  Many of our students have an interest in one or more of the specialist areas and wish to combine them. This study route allows you to do that.
• Final Year students benefit from the opportunity to study modules such as applications of electronics in subjects such as electrical and electronic power control, digital signal processing, micro-electronics, robotics and the option of telecommunication systems or micro-engineering and micro-technology. The aim is to allow you to keep your expertise broad if you wish, allowing you to specialise later.
• This course starts with common study areas to give you a sound understanding of basic electrical and electronic engineering principles. Unlike the other courses, it maintains this breadth in your study of electrical and electronic engineering in the Final Year.
• In your first year you focus on the basic principles and practices needed in electronic engineering, and on developing relevant analytical, design and organisational abilities. You will learn about digital fundamentals, computing concepts and the problem-solving tools that you will need as the course progresses.
• In your second year you will explore in more depth the theories and techniques involved in product design and development, with particular emphasis on 'embedded' real-time microprocessor systems, programmable logic devices and power control. You will learn to apply practical skills to design, implement and test solutions relevant to electrical and electronic engineering.
• In your final year the focus is on understanding more about the specialist technologies that are at the heart of today's advanced communication systems. Mobile communication concepts and computer networks, the design of high-speed analogue and digital electronics using integrated circuits, and radio frequency circuits and systems are all examined, along with key microprocessor topics, fuzzy logic and neural networks and digital signal processing. You will also carry out an individual double-module project on a topic relevant to electrical and/or electronic engineering.