Study Electrical & Electronic Engineering, why & how to study

CONTENTS

1. What’s Electrical & Electronic Engineering?

2. What Electrical & Electronic Engineering degrees can you study?

3. What do you need to get onto an Electrical & Electronic Engineering degree?

4. What topics does an Electrical & Electronic Engineering degree cover?

5. How will you be assessed?

6. Why study Electrical & Electronic Engineering?

7. Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree?

8. What do Electrical & Electronic Engineering graduates earn?

9. What jobs can you get as an Electrical & Electronic Engineering graduate?

10. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

11. Similar subjects to Electrical & Electronic Engineering

12. Have any questions?

What’s Electrical & Electronic Engineering?

Electrical & Electronic Engineering deals with the study and real-world application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. Practised since the 1800s, it's at the forefront of new technologies in several industries, including transport, healthcare, construction and robotics.

What Electrical & Electronic Engineering degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in Electrical & Electronic Engineering include:

• Electrical & Electronic Engineering BEng (three years)
• Electrical & Electronic Engineering MEng (four years)
• Electrical & Electronic Engineering with Management MEng
• Electrical & Electronic Engineering with a year abroad MEng

Degrees may include an integrated foundation year or master’s. Industrial placements and year abroad options are available.

What do you need to get onto an Electrical & Electronic Engineering degree?

Must have

Entry requirements for an Electrical & Electronic Engineering degree at a university range from 88–160 UCAS points. This could include:

• A Levels: A*A*A–CCD
• BTECs: D*D*D*–MMP
• Scottish Highers: AAAAA–BBBC (Advanced Highers: AAB–AA)
• International Baccalaureate: 40–26
• Universities will usually ask that you have studied: maths at A Level (or equivalent) and a science or technology-based subject
• Interview and entry assessments may be required by some universities 

Good to have

• Physics, chemistry, further maths, electronics, design and technology to at least GCSE level
• Shadowing an engineer to gain insights on the day-to-day work
• Extending your engineering skills through challenges, competitions, online courses or MOOCs
• Further research into areas of interest – such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) website series on Thought Leadership, or podcasts or engineering magazines
• STEM summer schools, if available, such as the Sutton Trust or UNIQ

What topics does an Electrical & Electronic Engineering degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

• Circuits and analysis
• Electrical and information engineering
• Electrical power and machines
• Electromagnetism
• Engineering computation
• Mathematics for engineers and scientists
• Semiconductor electronics
• Structures and mechanics
• Structures, materials and dynamics

How will you be assessed?

Assessments may be carried out by a mixture of the following, and will vary from module to module:

• Coursework
• Exams
• Lab observations
• Presentations
• Project reports

Why study Electrical & Electronic Engineering?

You may want to study for an Electrical & Electronic Engineering degree if you enjoy mathematics and science, are fascinated by energy and electronic gadgets, and want to design and invent things that benefit others. You'll develop highly sought-after skills and could make a difference to society.

Career-specific skills:

• Knowledge of engineering, electronic systems and circuits, software, manufacturing and more
• Practical skills in design and testing
• Digital skills and data handling

Transferable skills:

• Creative problem solving
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Decision making
• Programming
• Strong maths skills
• Team working

Professional accreditation:

• Degrees may be accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
• Other accreditations may include the Institute of Measurement and Control (InstMC) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
• May include registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng), and partial registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)

What do Electrical & Electronic Engineering graduates earn?

What jobs can you get as an Electrical & Electronic Engineering graduate?

With the rapid expansion of the technology sector, the demand for Electrical & Electronic Engineering graduates is high. 

Particular job areas include in aerospace, broadcasting, control, and electrical, electronic and network engineering but your skills could also lead into other areas.

Roles might include: 

• Avionic systems engineer
• Broadcast engineer
• Cyber security engineer
• Design engineer
• Electrical engineer
• Engineering consultant
• Engineering manager
• Generator engineer
• IT consultant
• Lecturer
• Mechanical engineer
• Software and systems engineer
• Subsea engineer
• Systems analyst

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

If you have a first degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or a related area, you can take a postgraduate degree to specialise. Examples of taught master’s and research degrees at postgraduate level include:

• Big Data and Digital Futures PGDip/MSc
• Communications and Signal Processing MSc
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering MPhil/PhD
• Future Power Networks MSc
• Robotics and Autonomous Systems MSc

Similar subjects to Electrical & Electronic Engineering

If you’re interested in engineering or electrical systems, you could consider:

• Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science
• General Engineering
• Information Technology & Systems
• Manufacturing & Production Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Medical Technology & Bioengineering

Have any questions?

Ask our experts! You can email ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk with your question about studying Electrical & Electronic Engineering – we’ll be happy to hear from you.