Electronic Engineering with Music Technology Systems BEng
ABB at A level, Maths; graduates earn a median £33,000 three years on.
Typical A level offer
ABB
Maths · 95% of entrants came with A levels · 100% stay on after year 1 · York course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
ABBtypical A level offer; abb including maths.
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. Contextual offer: BBB, for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.
York course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1Maths
Who actually got in: 95% with A levels, 5% with the IB. Based on 15 entrants.
Other qualifications4
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| BTEC | DDMWe consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example: DDM in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus A level Maths | — |
| IB | 34 points34 points overall with grade 5 in Higher Level Mathematics - Applications and Interpretation or 5 in Higher Level or Standard Level Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches. | grade 5 in Higher Level Mathematics - Applications and Interpretation or 5 in Higher Level or Standard Level Mathematics - Analysis and Approaches |
| Scottish Highers | BBBC | — |
| Advanced Highers | B in Mathematics plus | — |
Years 1–3
What do you study?
6compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: engineering & manufacturing 43% · mathematics & statistics 18% · natural sciences 15% · transversal skills 6%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
York course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 6 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Mathematics
What you learn (6)
- explain why mathematics underpins engineering and physical science disciplines
- translate engineering problems into mathematical expressions
- select suitable mathematical techniques for a given problem
- perform algebraic manipulations to solve mathematical problems
- compute numerical solutions to mathematical problems
- present mathematical reasoning using standard notation
- Music Technology Project 1
What you learn (23)
- apply mathematics and electronics knowledge to design a complex interactive system
- implement audio synthesis theory within a musical computing project
- analyse a complex client requirements document
- produce a detailed project specification including work breakdown and schedule
- select suitable computational methods to model a complex electronic system
- discuss the limitations of chosen modelling approaches in project reports
- evaluate technical literature relevant to the project
- apply findings from technical literature to project work
- design an innovative hardware-software system solution meeting stakeholder needs
- apply a systems approach integrating analogue, digital and embedded design
- explain the societal impact of engineering design choices
- document a risk management process for a product design
- incorporate inclusion and security considerations into product planning
- build and test an engineering solution using laboratory and programming skills
- use workshop and test equipment to debug a design
- select appropriate materials and processes for production of a design
- apply engineering management principles to project delivery
- collaborate effectively within a project team
- reflect on personal and team performance in group work
- communicate technical information to technical and non-technical audiences
- produce tender documentation and a demonstration presentation
- maintain a weekly learning log of project progress
- reflect on personal and team skill development in a final report
- Programming and Digital Interfacing
What you learn (11)
- explain the fundamentals of imperative programming
- distinguish structured and object-oriented programming approaches
- describe core C/C++ syntax rules
- identify common C/C++ keywords and code structures
- convert numbers between binary and hexadecimal representations
- describe the basic functional blocks of a CPU
- describe memory organisation within a microcontroller
- describe signal input and output pathways in microcontrollers
- select an appropriate interface for a given embedded task
- summarise technical concepts clearly and accurately
- apply technical concepts creatively to design problem solutions
- Digital Electronics
What you learn (19)
- explain how basic digital logic gates and blocks function
- identify applications of fundamental logic blocks in circuits
- design combinational logic circuits from given requirements
- minimise logic expressions to simplify circuit implementation
- implement combinational logic designs using physical components
- design a finite state machine to meet a given specification
- implement a finite state machine using digital components
- identify suitable logic technology for a given design requirement
- design medium-scale digital systems from standard logic components
- compare the benefits of alternative digital design solutions
- implement digital circuit designs on programmable logic devices
- design a datapath and controller to meet a given specification
- implement a datapath and controller using appropriate building blocks
- describe the internal operation of a microprocessor
- test digital systems to verify correct operation
- troubleshoot faults in simple digital systems
- summarise key technical concepts clearly and accurately
- apply mathematical techniques to solve digital electronics problems
- organise own time effectively during laboratory sessions
- Analogue Electronics
What you learn (14)
- follow safe working practices in an electronics laboratory
- maintain accurate logbooks and experimental records
- apply appropriate measurement techniques during experiments
- apply charge-current relationships to analyse electronic circuits
- apply electric and magnetic field theory to electronic circuit analysis
- explain how electron behaviour determines conductor properties
- explain how electron behaviour determines semiconductor properties
- design simple analogue circuits using passive and active components
- analyse simple analogue circuits containing operational amplifiers
- analyse circuit responses to sinewave inputs in the frequency domain
- analyse circuit responses to step inputs in the time domain
- describe the functioning of basic operational amplifier circuits
- build circuit building blocks for practical testing
- evaluate measured circuit performance against theoretical predictions
- Introduction to Engineering
What you learn (9)
- check dimensional consistency of an equation using units
- calculate forces acting on bodies within a system
- predict motion of bodies under uniform and variable forces
- apply young's modulus to analyse material behaviour under stress
- relate electron energy band diagrams to electrical properties of materials
- compare properties of different classes of materials
- calculate currents and voltages in a circuit using nodal analysis
- derive a minimum sum-of-products expression for a logic function
- determine confidence limits on experimental results using error analysis
Year 2 · 6 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Mathematics, Signals and Systems
What you learn (15)
- apply calculus techniques to solve two and three dimensional problems
- explain the consequences of sampling continuous signals
- describe the basic theory underlying the z-transform
- apply fourier series methods to analyse signals
- apply fourier transform methods to analyse signals
- apply theorems related to the fourier transform to solve problems
- evaluate total derivatives of multivariable functions
- evaluate multiple integrals over two or more variables
- apply variable substitution to reframe multidimensional problems
- apply the laplace transform to analyse linear time-invariant systems
- compare the laplace and fourier transforms in engineering contexts
- apply fourier transform techniques to characterise signal properties
- explain technical concepts clearly and precisely
- select appropriate mathematical techniques to solve engineering problems
- apply problem-solving and critical analysis skills to mathematical tasks
- Music Technology Project 2
What you learn (22)
- apply mathematics and electronics knowledge to design a complex sensing-to-sound system
- describe benefits of embedded processors and low power hardware integration
- analyse a complex client requirements document
- create a project specification with work breakdown structure and gantt chart
- select computational methods to model a complex electronic system
- discuss limitations of a chosen modelling approach in a report
- evaluate technical literature for relevance to a project
- apply findings from technical literature to project work
- design an innovative hardware-software system solution meeting stakeholder needs
- apply systems thinking to the design of a complex engineering system
- evaluate the societal impact of an engineering design on new products
- plan a product considering sustainability across its lifecycle
- apply ethical, inclusive and risk management considerations to design
- use workshop and laboratory equipment to test and debug designs
- select suitable materials and processes for production of a design
- describe design-for-manufacture practices including testability and supply chains
- function effectively within a team to complete project tasks
- evaluate own and team performance in collaborative work
- communicate complex engineering information to varied audiences
- discuss the effectiveness of communication during mentoring sessions
- record self-learning progress through weekly documentation
- reflect on personal and team skill development in a final report
- Software Design
What you learn (11)
- explain the stages of the software engineering lifecycle
- develop a substantial software system using engineering methodologies
- apply documentation tools to support software development
- use debugging tools to identify and resolve software faults
- design programs using object-oriented principles
- write Java programs following structured design practices
- test Java code to verify correct functionality
- analyse the role of algorithms and data structures in software design
- evaluate design choices based on efficiency, reliability and maintainability
- summarise technical information from credible sources for a target audience
- explain technical concepts clearly and accurately
- Control, Sensors and Instrumentation
What you learn (16)
- apply laplace transforms to derive transfer functions for dynamic systems
- describe practical challenges of implementing control systems in real-world settings
- analyse transfer functions to determine system properties
- relate system properties to control objectives
- design simple control systems to meet specified objectives
- use matlab-based tools to analyse and design control systems
- apply compensators and pid controllers to meet control objectives
- describe the operating principles of various sensor types
- identify limitations of different sensor types
- explain the contribution of sensors to control system development
- explain advanced technical concepts clearly and accurately
- evaluate advanced technical concepts critically
- select appropriate mathematical techniques for advanced problems
- adapt mathematical methods to solve advanced engineering problems
- demonstrate problem-solving ability in engineering contexts
- apply critical analysis and mathematical reasoning to engineering tasks
- Acoustics and Studio Recording
What you learn (17)
- describe the recording studio environment and formats
- explain signals and systems used in audio recording
- use a digital audio workstation for recording and editing
- apply mixing and processing tools for production work
- analyse recording scenarios to determine microphone requirements
- select and use appropriate microphones for live and studio recording
- mix separate audio tracks into a stereo master
- explain basic principles of acoustics
- explain acoustic impulse responses and their analysis
- apply impulse responses to auralisation tasks
- describe practical applications of convolution and fourier transform in audio processing
- implement MATLAB code to process digital audio signals
- write a technical report on studio work
- create documentation supporting creative audio projects
- evaluate and reflect on own studio work
- complete creative and technical studio tasks independently
- analyse technical issues and devise solutions
- Audio Technology and Psychoacoustics
What you learn (20)
- describe the historical development of sound synthesis techniques
- relate synthesis techniques to their use in modern music
- explain the theoretical basis of sampling systems
- explain the theoretical basis of synthesis systems
- analyse digital audio signals against specified requirements
- manipulate digital audio signals to meet target specifications
- build a basic synthesis system using Pure Data
- evaluate the performance of a self-built synthesis system
- discuss basic principles of psychoacoustic perception
- explain how listeners perceive musical sounds
- design an interactive Pure Data demonstration of a psychoacoustic effect
- apply time-domain analysis tools to audio signals
- apply frequency-domain analysis tools to audio signals
- relate signal analysis results to psychoacoustic characteristics
- produce a technical report on audio technology findings
- identify reliable sources for technical research
- recognise academic integrity issues such as plagiarism and collusion
- analyse a technical problem systematically
- solve technical problems using creative approaches
- evaluate outcomes critically to inform improvements
Year 3 · 2 core, 5 optional · 60 credits ≈ 600 hours
- Audio App Development and Marketing
What you learn (15)
- apply object-oriented and Swift programming techniques to build an app
- use current industry-standard tools and libraries in app development
- design an original audio app through iterative lab-based experimentation
- discuss commercial exploitation issues relevant to app products
- critically evaluate technical documentation from major software providers
- evaluate how mobile apps influence the music industry
- incorporate user diversity and cultural expectations into app design
- evaluate the sustainability impact of electronic products across their lifecycle
- assess ethical, equality and inclusion issues in app development
- evaluate risks to users and businesses from app use, including data security
- apply software testing strategies using an industry-standard IDE
- manage development of a complex commercial audio app solution
- comply with legal and intellectual property requirements in app development
- communicate technical and marketing information through varied formats
- adapt communication style to different audiences such as customers and engineers
- Individual Final Project
What you learn (17)
- evaluate alternative approaches to engineering problems
- analyse specialised scientific literature
- select appropriate tools and techniques for a project
- research a specialised engineering topic
- design and construct an advanced engineering project
- verify the performance of an engineering project
- write a final project report
- deliver an oral presentation defending project work
- identify key engineering aspects relevant to problem solving
- define project specifications
- propose realistic project timescales
- complete project tasks independently
- collaborate with colleagues during project work
- defend project work in an oral examination
- produce technical reports with critical analysis of sourced information
- apply planning and time management skills to a project
- evaluate risks associated with a project
5 optional modules
- Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation
What you learn (11)
- analyse how sensors convert physical quantities into measurable signals
- describe the operating principles of various sensor types
- identify limitations of different sensor technologies
- explain how sensors contribute to control system design
- analyse how application requirements determine sensor selection
- design a basic control system for a sensing application
- explain advanced technical concepts clearly and precisely
- evaluate advanced technical concepts for accuracy
- apply appropriate mathematical techniques to solve complex problems
- apply problem-solving and critical analysis skills to engineering tasks
- apply mathematical skills to analyse engineering problems
- Digital Signal Processing
What you learn (11)
- evaluate the impact of data windowing on signal analysis accuracy
- evaluate the impact of data windowing on filter performance
- differentiate discrete convolution from discrete correlation
- identify appropriate applications for convolution and correlation techniques
- develop software code for FIR filters based on given specifications
- explain supervised learning concepts underlying neural networks in DSP
- summarise technical DSP concepts clearly in written reports
- implement signal processing algorithms using MATLAB
- test and analyse discrete signals to draw conclusions
- present analytical results clearly
- organise time effectively during laboratory work
- Electric Powertrain Design
What you learn (9)
- explain fundamental design concepts for electric machines
- explain fundamental design concepts for drive systems
- analyse electromagnetic systems using equivalent circuit models
- calculate electromagnetic structure parameters from circuit models
- evaluate an industrial application to determine machine requirements
- select an appropriate electrical machine and drive system
- summarise core technical concepts clearly and accurately
- compare alternative electric powertrain technologies
- organise own time to complete laboratory tasks effectively
- Digital Engineering
What you learn (12)
- apply the full digital design flow from synthesis to timing analysis
- create complex digital designs using the standard design flow
- analyse the behaviour of digital standard cells and simple circuits
- characterise digital standard cells for use in asic designs
- create fpga designs incorporating complex ip modules
- describe advanced techniques used in circuit design
- discuss the advantages and limitations of advanced circuit design techniques
- create complex testbenches for verifying circuit designs
- devise verification strategies including pre- and post-route simulation
- evaluate the strengths and limitations of fault modelling and detection methods
- integrate test logic into a digital circuit design
- report experimental results clearly and accurately
- Photovoltaics and Solar Thermal Energy
What you learn (11)
- describe how photovoltaic systems convert sunlight into electricity
- describe how solar thermal systems convert sunlight into heat
- build a model of PV power generation using simulation software
- explain the factors that influence PV system efficiency
- explain the factors that influence solar thermal system efficiency
- analyse the benefits and drawbacks of different PV technologies
- identify suitable tools for analysing solar energy system data
- evaluate the effectiveness of tools used to analyse solar system data
- state fundamental technical concepts clearly and accurately
- compare different solar energy technologies to identify similarities and differences
- organise own time effectively during laboratory work
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£33,000median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£26k
Median£33k
Upper quarter£39k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 135 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 13, 24, 12, 22
Half of graduates earned between £26,000 and £39,000. Five years on, the median is £41,000. 85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 95% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 10% left | 100% | 10 |
| In work or study, 15 months on10% studying | 85% | 20 |
| Professional or managerial job | 95% | 15 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £33,000 | 20 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £33,000 | 135 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £41,000 | 140 |
Money
What does it cost?
£10,050a year for UK students, 2027/28 entry
Tuition fee loan — paid straight to the university; repayments start the April after you leave, at 9% of income above the threshold. UK fees are capped by government and rise with inflation; placement and study-abroad years are usually charged at a lower rate.
York fees page · source
About £30,150 in fees over 3 years, covered by a tuition fee loan you repay only when earning above the threshold. International students: £33,500 a year (2027/28).
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
90%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 73% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 45 students answered
Highest: 93% agreed on question 1; lowest: 57% on question 24.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 93% |
| Question 2 | 73% |
| Question 3 | 90% |
| Question 4 | 90% |
| Question 5 | 76% |
| Question 6 | 78% |
| Question 7 | 81% |
| Question 8 | 75% |
| Question 9 | 86% |
| Question 10 | 72% |
| Question 11 | 81% |
| Question 12 | 70% |
| Question 13 | 72% |
| Question 14 | 70% |
| Question 15 | 89% |
| Question 16 | 90% |
| Question 17 | 63% |
| Question 18 | 66% |
| Question 19 | 90% |
| Question 20 | 93% |
| Question 21 | 93% |
| Question 22 | 86% |
| Question 23 | 75% |
| Question 24 | 57% |
| Question 25 | 74% |
| Question 26 | 90% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of York’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of York is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.