About this course
This degree will teach you to design new technologies and solve some of today’s biggest engineering challenges. You'll look into subjects like smarter energy distribution and intelligent robotics. Learn from researchers who will share their passion for their areas of expertise. This includes high-voltage electrical engineering, sustainable energy and machine learning.
Electronics is all about the components and systems that make electronic devices work. Electrical engineering deals with the generation, distribution and use of electricity on a large scale. This degree combines our exceptional training in both disciplines.
During your studies, you’ll have access to outstanding experimental research facilities. This includes a modern electronics lab with the latest industry-standard equipment.
You’ll carry out experimental and design-based assignments. You could build a robot or design and testing a microprocessor. You’ll also learn the programming and mathematical skills in your engineering training. For example, you might choose to use simulation software to design and analyse electronic control systems.
You can also learn about the latest advances in areas such as quantum technology and photonics (the science of light).
This BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of:
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fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer
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partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer
Accreditations

Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
AAA including mathematics and an additional required subject
or
A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order)
A-levels additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where applicable.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation, and 6 at Higher Level in an additional required subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Required Higher Level subjects include mathematics and either physics, further mathematics or computer science.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level mathematics and A in an additional required A-level subject.
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma without additional A-levels.
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or a BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
BTEC additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the science Practical is required where applicable.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Our electronics and electrical engineering course balances theory with practical work, ensuring you gain the skill set you’ll need in today’s industry. Across the first 2 years, you’ll gain a strong foundation in mathematical and programming skills.
You’ll also be learning hands-on skills in the lab from the very start. There are optional modules in every year of study, with extensive scope to customise your course in year 3.
Year 1 overview
You’ll develop an understanding of electrical materials, circuits and energy storage both in theory and practice. You’ll also study core modules in programming and mechanics.
Modules in year 1 are similar across our degree programmes, enabling you to switch courses if you decide another electronic engineering degree is right for you.
Year 2 overview
You’ll continue with core modules from both subject areas and can choose options like photonics (the study of light) and electrical machines.
You’ll undertake a 3-week team challenge, judged by an industry panel. You’ll also design a microchip for manufacture and test the finished product.
Year 3 overview
You’ll undertake your own research project in a field that interests you. Typically, you’ll design, simulate, build and/or test a new electrical or electronic system. This project can lead to students publishing their first scientific paper. Past projects have included:
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the use of a capaciflector (a collision-avoidance sensor) in monitoring brain activity
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the use of quantum dots in high-efficiency LEDs.
You’ll choose from a range of optional modules on topics including, robotics, machine learning or energy efficient electronic devices.
You could also study a language, take modules from other disciplines such as psychology or anthropology, or choose from a range of innovative interdisciplinary modules.
With our support, you can choose modules that will suit a particular career path.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Michael Ng is the course leader.
Careers
This course is currently accredited as fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer. You can also undertake further study, either part time or full time, to gain the academic qualifications to be accredited as a Chartered Engineer.
There is a shortage electronic and electrical engineers, and our graduates are in demand. Most go straight into electronic engineering jobs in high-tech companies. You’ll be prepared for professional and managerial roles such as:
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electronic engineer
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design and development engineer
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technology analyst
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systems engineer
On this course you’ll cover essential transferable skills, such as:
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budgeting
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project management
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entrepreneurship
Our graduates have built successful careers in professions such as finance and law, and have started their own companies.
This degree is also a great foundation for further study at PhD level.
You can also enhance your professional skills by taking an optional industry-specific module, Engineering Management and Law.
Our Electronics and Computer Science graduates have secured roles at organisations including:
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IBM
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Apple
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Network Rail
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Intel
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Sony
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Microsoft
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Amazon
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: H600
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000