Bachelor in Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Bachelor Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering aims to form engineers qualified to perform its activity with high scientific rigor and technical competence, in the various domains of electrotechnics.
Brief description of the curricular structure:
1. Degree or diploma: Bachelor in Electrical and Computer Engineering
2. Predominant scientific area of the course: Electrical Engineering.
3. Number of credits, according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, necessary to obtain the degree or diploma: 180 ECTS.
4. Course duration: six curricular semesters.
5. Working hours: Daytime.

The study plan develops over three years, with all subjects mandatory. In the first year of the Study Plan, generic and practical concepts of the area of Electrotechnical and Computer Engineering are presented. The development of practical engineering foundations and physical engineering processes are emphasized throughout this curriculum, and they are further developed in later years.
In this context, students should conduct laboratory experiments, especially at the level of materials, equipment used in electrical, and computer engineering, as well as to use diverse computer software at the user level and programming level. The inclusion of integrating, multidisciplinary projects that can cover various scientific domains, allows from an early stage to develop technical and transversal skills, using a project-based teaching methodology. In the second year the study plan is dedicated to the deepening and generalization of the basic knowledge of electrical and computer engineering, namely: electronics, industrial automation, electrical machines, electric power systems and communication systems. Students should develop applied work and small projects. This degree guarantees a broadband formation, however it allows the students of the last year to choose 4 optional classes (two per semester) to adjust the plan to their own profile.

Candidates can apply through the National Access Call, Special Calls, or by way of change of Institution/course pair.

Entrance Exams for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027

Entrance Exams
16 Mathematics
and one of the following:
02 Biology and Geology
04 Economics
07 Physics and Chemistry
10 Descriptive Geometry
18 Portuguese

Minimum Scores
Application Score: 95 points
Entrance Exam Score: 95 points

Final Score Calculation Formula
Secondary School Average: 50%
Entrance Exams: 50%

Regional Preference
Percentage of Reserved Places: 25%

Influence Area: Aveiro, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Guarda, Leiria, Santarém, Viseu

Other Preferential Access Routes
Percentage of Reserved Places: 10%

Eligible Courses for Preferential Access:
081 Electrical and Electronics (DL 74/2004)
602 Technical-Professional Courses (All Courses)
604 12th Grade Vocational Education (All Courses)
736 Building Electricity Technician
737 Maintenance Electricity Technician
740 Electronics Technician
748 Energy Management Technician
766 Energy Systems Technician
812 Group 1 / Electrical and Electronics
G80 Vocational School Courses Prior to DL 74/2004
P41 Electronics and Telecommunications Technician
P42 Electronics, Audio, Video, and TV Technician
P43 Electronics, Automation, and Control Technician
P44 Electronics, Automation, and Computer Technician
P45 Electronics, Automation, and Instrumentation Technician
P46 Electrotechnical Technician
P47 Renewable Energy Technician
P60 Electrical Installations Technician
P66 Mechatronics Technician
S28 Industrial Electronics and Equipment Technician
S29 Electronics/Instrumentation, Control, and Remote Maintenance Technician
S30 Electronics and Telecommunications Technician
T16 Electronics, Audio, Video, and TV Technician
T17 Electronics, Automation, and Control Technician
T18 Electronics, Automation, and Computer Technician
T19 Electronics, Automation, and Instrumentation Technician
T20 Electrotechnical Technician

The graduate in the degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering can develop his activity in the following professional areas, as a professional in a company or as individual business:
1. Production, transport, distribution and electricity management;
2. Design of electrical and electronic equipment, systems and equipments;
3. Automation and Robotics Industry;
4. Industry and telecommunications services;
5. Maintenance, management and manufacturing direction;
6. Project teams and consulting;
7. Central and local public administration services;
8. Teaching and training.

The main teaching language at the Instituto de Engenharia de Coimbra is Portuguese. However, some curricular units of the course may be offered in English and/or with tutorial support in English.

The Bachelor in Electrical and Computer Engineering Course (BECE) aims to prepare its students to practice the profession of engineer in their specific area. The BECE study plan allows students to develop and demonstrate knowledge in the following areas:
1. Mathematics and fundamental physics;
2. Fundamental concepts of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE);
3. Relevant management techniques for the profession of engineer;
4. Engineer’s professional and ethical responsibilities;
5. Impact of engineering solutions in a global context.
This course also promotes the development of the following skills:
1. Intellectual – Students acquire competencies to analyze and solve engineering problems, dimension systems and apply professional judgments to balance risks, costs, benefits and impact of their options;
2. Practical – Students acquire capabilities to safely plan and execute a series of experiences, prepare reports and use computer resources;
3. Generic – students learn to communicate, interpret electrical designs and schemes, work as a team member, use information and communication technologies, and learn independently, with the aim of professionally progressing in their career in a global context. They will also be instilled the role of the engineer as a manager. In the last year of the course, students should, in working groups, developed a project in the area of specialty, allowing the development of skills for engineering practice. Alternatively, they will be able to do an internship in a professional setting.
In the BECE the proportion of the theoretical teaching model was reduced, changing from passive teaching to teaching more based on skills development, where experimental and project components play a fundamental role. To guarantee the objectives established for the course, the following teaching methods were adopted:
Study cases: solutions are analyzed in professional context to solve complex problems;
Group learning: group problems are solved and students learn to work as a team;
Practical work: solutions are developed for practical problems or small projects are carried out;
Preparation of technical reports and their public presentation;
Laboratory Classes: Experimental works are carried out in the laboratory under the guidance of professors;
Seminars and workshops feature expert presentations followed by lively discussion.
Study visits.

Graduates in Electrical and Computer Engineering may apply for master’s degrees (2nd cycle studies) in the Electrical Engineering area or in related scientific areas.