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Studies & Degrees in Electronic Science

Electronic science is the study of how electrons are controlled in materials and devices, and of the circuits and systems built from them. It starts from physics (semiconductors, diodes, transistors, integrated circuits) and leads to design: analogue and digital circuits, microprocessors, sensors, communication and control systems. Some universities teach it under this name in a science faculty; most teach the same content as electronics or electronic engineering.

The first year of a typical degree shows the mix. At the University of York it gives a grounding in electronic principles, circuits, components and devices, with a strong emphasis on mathematics and computing, including the C programming language; the core modules include digital electronics, analogue electronics and a first engineering project. Practical work is central: students design, build and test real circuits and products in laboratories and group projects.

Qualifications and levels

  • Vocational training: technicians train in shorter, practical programmes. In Spain the higher vocational qualification (FP de grado superior) is the Técnico Superior en Mantenimiento Electrónico, in which students learn, among other things, to calculate the parameters of analogue and digital circuits. In the United States, community colleges offer two-year associate degrees and shorter certificates in electronics and electrical technology.
  • Bachelor's level: in Spain a bachelor's degree (grado) has 240 ECTS credits, normally four years. The Grado en Ingeniería Electrónica de Comunicaciones at the Universidad de Alcalá, for example, has 240 ECTS: 60 of basic training, 108 compulsory, 54 optional and a 12-credit final project. In England a BEng takes three years full-time, as at the University of York (Electronic Engineering) and the University of Bristol (Electrical and Electronic Engineering).
  • Integrated master's and master's: many UK departments offer a longer MEng next to the BEng. At Bristol the first three years of both are common, and York states that students may be able to change between MEng and BEng or add a year in industry. Elsewhere, a separate master's degree follows the bachelor's.
  • Doctorate: research in areas such as semiconductors, photonics or embedded systems is done through a PhD.

Professional recognition matters in this field. The York and Bristol BEng degrees are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET); York adds that its course counts towards the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer status. The Alcalá degree qualifies graduates for the regulated profession of Ingeniero Técnico de Telecomunicación in Spain. If a school awards its own certificate or diploma, ask what recognition the qualification has.

Admission

Mathematics is the usual entry requirement. York's typical offer is ABB at A level including Maths, and Bristol's standard offer is AAA. International applicants must also show their English: York asks for IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component, Bristol for IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills. In Spain, the higher vocational programme can be entered with the Bachiller, another higher technician title, a university degree or an equivalent qualification.

Where to study it

SpainExchange lists 47 active schools for electronic science. The United States has 14, Spain 9 and the United Kingdom 7; India and Mexico have two each, and the remaining schools are spread over countries such as Argentina, Brazil, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Ireland and Zimbabwe.

In Spain the listed schools include the Universidad de Alcalá, the Universidad de Huelva (which teaches the Grado en Ingeniería Electrónica Industrial y Automática), La Salle – Universidad Ramon Llull in Barcelona and the Universidad Europea de Madrid. Teaching is mainly in Spanish; the Alcalá degree offers 75 places, is taught in Spanish and is also offered with teaching in English. In the United Kingdom the list includes the University of York, the University of Bristol, the University of Kent and London Metropolitan University. Schools elsewhere include the University of Calcutta and the University of Madras in India, and the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla and the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara in Mexico, where teaching is in Spanish.

Careers

Electronics graduates design, test and maintain electronic equipment. York lists destinations such as software and systems engineering, cyber security, telecommunications design, broadcast engineering and automotive safety. Technicians with the Spanish higher vocational title work, for example, in the supervision, repair and maintenance of radio, television and audiovisual production systems.

In the United States, electrical and electronics engineers held 297,900 jobs in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering or a related field. Employment is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 16,300 openings a year. Electronics engineers (except computer) held about 98,200 of those jobs; their largest employers were the federal government (15%), telecommunications (14%) and semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing (14%).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between electronic science and electronic engineering?

The content largely overlaps. Electronic science puts more weight on the physics of devices and materials, electronic engineering on the design of circuits and systems. Many universities teach both under the engineering name.

How long does a degree in electronics take?

In Spain a bachelor's degree (grado) has 240 ECTS credits, normally four years. In England a BEng takes three years full-time, for example at the University of York and the University of Bristol.

Do I need mathematics to be admitted?

Usually, yes. The University of York asks for ABB at A level including Maths, and its first year has a strong emphasis on mathematics and computing.

Is there a vocational route into electronics?

Yes. In Spain the FP qualification Técnico Superior en Mantenimiento Electrónico trains maintenance technicians, and holders can go on to a university degree, with possible recognition of some modules.