Electronic engineering vs Electrical engineering. What’s the difference?

One of the most commonly asked questions for our AskWIT team is ‘what is the difference between electrical engineering and electronic engineering?’ We explain

Refining your options for your CAO choice can be a confusing and challenging time, especially for someone looking at engineering due to its many disciplines.

Here we break down the difference between electronic engineering and electrical engineering and also have a look at WIT’s common entry engineering option which has elements of both included.

Electronic engineering

The electronic engineering discipline, Electronic engineers design, develop, apply and maintain electronic circuits and software for applications in diverse areas such as automation and control systems, robotics, biomedical devices, computing hardware, power and electrical equipment, sound and vision systems and, research and development. The skills acquired through an education as an electronic engineer are in high demand and are very transferable to other areas of employment.

Projects: If you decide to choose this course there is a strong emphasis on project work. Throughout this project work students choose to do projects in areas such as robotics, automotive electronics, and telecommunications along with others. Essentially the students will design, construct and test these electronic applications.

Opportunities: These projects help when graduates go into jobs after their studies as there are many from this degree.

CAO entry options for electronic engineering

Level 8: The level 8 Electronic Engineering degree is accessed through the level 8 common entry degree.

Level 7: This is a direct entry course through the CAO, you go straight into the level 7 BEng in Electronic Engineering. When you finish this degree you have the option to go into the workforce or enter the third year of the level 8 degree to complete your level 8 degree.

Level 6: There is also an option for the Higher Certificate in Engineering in Electronic Engineering which is also a direct entry course straight from the CAO. When finishing this two year degree you have the option of entering the level 7.

There is also the option of advanced entry. This discipline has options for you to enter in year 2, 3 and 4. 

Electrical engineering

In the electrical engineering discipline, Electrical Engineering is primarily concerned with the generation, transmission and distribution of Electrical power, the design and development of electrical machines and equipment and the specification of electrical service plans for industrial buildings and facilities. There are also some elements which are similar such as electronics and information technology are also studies in this course.

Real life experience: At WIT in electrical engineering there is also a big emphasis on project work both individually and as part of a team. Students work on robotics and automation  projects, electrical installation projects and  develop electrical plans for buildings , In addition to this there are site visits to electrical power stations and facilities and there are industry speakers in to talk to the students on a regular basis. There is also a nine month work placement module which prepares the student for employment. This really helps with the opportunities available on graduating.

CAO entry options for electrical engineering

Level 8: The level 8 Electrical Engineering degree is accessed through the level 8 common entry degree. 

Level 7: This option is direct entry through the CAO. If you pick the level 7 option you do not get the option of doing the common entry. However you still have the option to progress into year three of the level 8 on completion of the level 7 BEng in Electrical Engineering

There is also the option of advanced entry. This discipline has options for you to enter in year 2, 3 and 4. 

The two compared

Electrical engineering is primarily concerned with the large-scale production, transmission and distribution of electrical power, while electronic engineering focuses specifically on the design, optimisation and management of smaller electronic circuits and devices.

Delay your decision with common entry

A third option if you are interested in both of the above options or any area of engineering is the common entry engineering course, the Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Common entry).

This is a course where in semester one you are introduced to all engineering disciplines through a series of mini projects typically lasting two weeks each. Then at the beginning of semester two you begin to specialise in the field in which you believe is best suited to you and that you enjoy the most.

Related Courses

• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in  Electrical Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in  Electronic Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering in  Electrical Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering in  Electronic Engineering
• Higher Certificate in Engineering in  Electronic Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in  Engineering (Common Entry)