About this course
Radical changes in how we produce and use electricity, such as the growth of wind and solar energy and the electrification of transport, pose new challenges for electrical engineers. With this master's in electrical engineering, you can contribute to the development of a smarter, greener and more secure electric power grid. This accredited degree will give you access to professional registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Electrical engineering is about electricity on a large scale – how it is generated, controlled and distributed for use in industry and homes.
The master's degree in electrical engineering follows the same curriculum as the 3-year BEng, with an additional year that allows you to broaden your knowledge and cover topics at a more advanced level.
You’ll be able to study specialist areas, such as high-voltage insulation systems, medical electrical technologies and the societal aspects of power generation.
The course balances theory and practical work and most modules include lab-based or design projects. You’ll also have the opportunity to use our high-voltage laboratory, which is a centre for cutting-edge electrical power research and one of the few labs of its kind in the UK.
You can take this course with an additional year-long, paid placement. Apply with UCAS code HH62 for the Industrial Studies option.
We are a partner of the Institution of Engineering and Technology Power Academy, which gives you the chance to apply for a company-led scholarship that provides financial support, paid summer work placements and industry mentors.
This MEng Electrical Engineering degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A) or A*A*B including mathematics (minimum grade A*) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A*) or AAAA including mathematics and an additional required subject
A-levels additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, further mathematics or electronics. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the physics 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: AAA including mathematics and an additional required subject, 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: AAA including mathematics and an additional required subject _x000D_<br>or_x000D_<br>A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order)_x000D_<br>
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 points overall with 19 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 physics
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 National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A in A-level mathematics and an additional required A-level subject or D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA in A-level mathematics and an additional required A-level subject. We only accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma in acceptable subjects, when studied alongside A-level mathematics. We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma without A-level mathematics and an additional required A-level subject. Applicants with a BTEC National Extended Diploma or a BTEC National Diploma can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.
RQF BTEC
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.
Additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, further mathematics or electronics. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. ‘Use of mathematics’ A level is not a substitute for ‘mathematics’ A level. A pass in the physics Practical is required where applicable.
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A in A-level mathematics and an additional required A-level subject or D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA in A-level mathematics and an additional required A-level subject. We only accept the BTEC Extended Diploma in acceptable subjects, when studied alongside A-level mathematics. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma without A-level mathematics and an additional required A-level subject. Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or a BTEC Diploma can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.
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.
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics at H1 and an additional required subject at H1
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1 A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 including mathematics at A1 and physics at A1
Irish certificate additional information
Required subjects include mathematics and either physics or applied mathematics
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D2, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics and an additional required subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Required Principal subjects include mathematics and either physics or further mathematics.
Welsh Baccalaureate
A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A) or A*A from two A-levels including mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order), and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge CertificateorA*A*B including mathematics (minimum grade A*) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A*)orA*A* from two A-levels including mathematics and an additional required subject, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, further mathematics or electronics. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A pass in the physics Practical is required where applicable.
Welsh 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.
European Baccalaureate
85% overall including grade 9/10 in mathematics and grade 9/10 in physics
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics
A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
- have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
- have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
- have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
- are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
- are a mature student with relevant experience or study
You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.
Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.
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
Year 1 and 2 modules are similar across our electronic and electrical engineering degrees and provide a grounding in essential topics.
In years 3 and 4 you’ll have the freedom to customise your course by choosing optional modules. There’s also the opportunity to broaden your studies beyond electrical engineering.
Most modules include lab-based or design projects. In each year, you'll be involved in design and build projects, developing confidence and the skills to deliver working prototypes.
Year 1 overview
You’ll study core electrical engineering topics, such as electronic circuits, mechanics and electrical materials and fields.
You’ll also learn about related aspects of electronics and gain the programming and mathematical skills that will underpin your studies.
Year 2 overview
You’ll deepen your understanding of electrical engineering by studying topics such as, power electronics and drives, applied electromagnetics and power circuits and transmission.
You’ll also develop your engineering design, project management and communication skills, by carrying out a group design project to design and build a range of circuits.
Year 3 overview
You’ll enhance your professional skills through team project work and by taking an industry-specific module on essentials such as law, budgeting and project management.
Optional modules allow you to follow your interests – you could study power systems engineering in more depth or explore other topics such as robotics or bionanotechnology.
You could also study a language, take modules from other disciplines such as management or law, or choose from a range of innovative interdisciplinary modules.
Year 4 overview
The group-design project is a great opportunity to put your skills into practice and experience working for an industry or academic customer. Past projects have involved:
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producing a design for an electrical system for an offshore platform, for a global technology services company
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designing an external battery to power an integrated secondary flight display, for a specialist avionics company
There’s also the chance to study abroad for a semester.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
To introduce digital system design, the principles of programmable logic devices, the implementation of combinational and sequential circuits, and the principles of hardware design using SystemVerilog, a state-of-the-art hardware description language.
To explain the mathematical techniques needed to analyse linear and simple non-linear electrical and electronic circuits.
This course lays the mathematical foundation for all engineering degrees. Its structure allows students with different levels of previous knowledge to work at their own pace. One of the pre-requisites for MATH3081 and MATH3082
This module equips students with a comprehensive understanding of how mechanical systems move and deform when subjected to external forces. It first introduces the fundamental laws covering particle dynamics, before progressing to rigid body dynamics in b...
To introduce the student to the concepts of programming using the C programming language, with an emphasis on programming for embedded systems.
To introduce the electronic properties of semiconductors and semiconductor devices
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This module introduces and develops the knowledge in fundamental electromagnetics for second year Electrical and Electronic Engineering students. The course presents the basic concepts of electromagnetic theory from a physical and application points of vi...
To develop knowledge of the analysis of linear continuous-time systems. To introduce the basic analysis and design tools for electronic system control and communications engineering. To provide a comprehensive foundation for Part III/IV signal processing,...
- To introduce the students to fundamental concepts and principles of operation of various types of electrical machines. - To equip students with basic experimental and modelling skills for handling problems associated with electrical machines. - To giv...
- To develop knowledge for materials at the extreme ends of the conductivity range, i.e. insulators and superconductors. - To develop knowledge of material response to electrical fields, i.e. polarisation and conduction in dielectrics. - To introduce to...
The aims of this module are to: - Give students a solid grounding in mathematical methods and ideas in areas relevant to applications in engineering: Fourier series, Fourier transforms, eigenvalues, eigenvectors and eigenfunctions, linear ordinary differ...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
This module will provide students with an introduction to management and law – knowledge and skills which can be applied to the operations of an engineering-based organisation. The learning outcomes address: managerial decisions, commercial aspects of eng...
Students are not required to have taken ELEC2206 before taking ELEC3211, but it is strongly recommended.
The individual project gives students the opportunity to gain both detailed knowledge and practical experience in a more focussed area than generally possible elsewhere in their degree programme. Most projects are in the nature of a challenging enginee...
- To introduce the students to fundamental concepts relating to the design and management of modern electrical power systems. - To develop amongst the students an awareness of technical problems associated with operation of such systems. - To teach the ...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) occur frequently in many areas of mathematics. This module extends earlier work on PDEs by presenting a variety of more advanced solution techniques together with some of the underlying theory.
The topics considered are: z transforms, sampling and reconstruction, discretisation, elements of realisation theory, controller design via pole placement, observers, optimal control design.
This module will be first offered in the 2019/20 academic year. This module will provide a basic grounding in navigation guidance and control with particular aspects on the processing of the signals involved and overall system integration.
Many classes of problems are difficult to solve in their original domain. An integral transform maps the problem from its original domain into a new domain in which solution is easier. The solution is then mapped back to the original domain with the inver...
Bionanotechnology is the study of biology, in particular biological machines, and the application of biological building blocks to solve engineering challenges and create new areas of technological development. Learning about the structure and function of...
The module introduces the operational research approach for modelling and solving engineering and management problems.
The module provides an introduction to the theory and practice of optimization techniques. It covers linear programming as well as nonlinear programming. This module is suitable to those who want to apply computational optimization methods to their proble...
Robots are becoming more widely used in society, with applications ranging from agriculture through to manufacturing, with increasing interest in autonomous systems. This module will introduce students to the fundamentals of robotic systems including k...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following module in year 4:
This module provides an introduction to intensive group project work in collaboration with an industrial or academic customer. Students work in groups of at least four people on a project typically based on an idea from an industrial partner, or from an a...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
This module will introduce the student to key topics within control and signal processing, developing understanding through a combination of theoretical content and practical application. The theoretical content is focussed in a number of key themes wi...
The aim of this module is to provide an overview of a range of biomolecular, microscale and nanoscale systems and devices, including sensors. The module consists of practical work on three different systems, involving construction and characterisation wit...
This module lies at the intersection of robotics and biology. Through the abstraction of design principles from biological systems, it is possible to develop a range of core competences, including mechatronic systems, sensor and actuator technologies. By ...
This module will provide an introduction to the theory and practice of bionanotechnology, and introduce students to working in a cleanroom and a wet laboratory. ELEC6205 includes a bionanotechnology experiment involving state-of-the-art equipment that ...
This module provides a systematic understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of issues related to the management and design of high voltage insulation systems. The course introduces a number of topics related to the design and testing of insulation...
The Individual Research Project is a 7.5 ECTS credit masters level module undertaken by independent study that allows students to demonstrate mastery of an advanced aspect of their discipline, including critical evaluation of current research and research...
This module teaches the basics of the behaviour of fluids in microsystems, specifically focussing on the interaction of fundamental physical mechanisms and the design of microfluidic devices. It also reviews and analyses the state of the art in applied mi...
This module presents a broad overview of microsensor technologies, including the basic principles of measurement systems and the scaling effects arising from system miniaturisation. The practical component, assessed by a Lab Report, involves the design an...
The emphasis of this module is on the methods required to develop mathematical models using differential equations to understand physical problems. The module involves both conventional lectures as well as discussion lectures. The discussion lectures comp...
Often in mathematics, it is possible to prove the existence of a solution to a given problem, but it is not possible to "find it". For example, there are general theorems to prove the existence and uniqueness of an initial value problem for an ordinary di...
This module introduces students to fundamental issues in the design and operation of electricity transmission and distribution networks. There is a particular focus on understanding how to specify equipment, including through the use of power flow modell...
The syllabus will be based upon several topics relating to the use of power semiconductors and components in power systems. The course starts with considerations of the individual power electronic devices, before moving on to their use as part of an HVDC ...
The module content allows students to 1) Appreciate the role of electric power in the modern world – Size of the industry 2) Understand current power demands and projected increase – Geographic location – Seasonal and daily variations 3)...
- To introduce fundamental concepts relating to the design, analysis, economics and management of modern electrical power systems. - To develop awareness of the technical problems associated with operation of such systems. - To gain analytical and numer...
This course is intended to give students an outline of how wireless communication and computer networks work "above the physical layer". This includes the interoperability of wireless networks such as WiMax/GPRS and WiFi to provide WiFi on trains etc. How...
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
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Thomas Andritsch is the course leader.
Careers
This course is currently accredited as fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Most of our graduates go straight into electrical engineering jobs in major energy companies or in industry sectors such as manufacturing, construction and transport. You’ll be prepared for:
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professional and managerial roles such as power system engineer
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consultancy and design roles
This degree is also a solid foundation for further study at PhD level.
We also encourage a culture of enterprise and have a track record of spin-out company success. One example is Wolfson Electrostatics, which has become a leading centre of expertise in the control of electrical and electrostatic hazards in industry. Through our on-campus start-up incubator, Future Worlds, we also offer support for students who are keen to commercialise a technological innovation.
Our Electronics and Computer Science graduates have secured roles at:
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Cobham Technologies
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Jaguar Land Rover
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London Transport
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National Grid
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Network Rail
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Rolls-Royce
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Western Power Distribution
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.
Work in industry
You’ll have the opportunity to take a year-long paid placement in an engineering organisation to give you a headstart when you qualify as a Chartered Engineer.
During your placement, you can apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed during your degree, and gain vital professional engineering experience.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £23,720.
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: H601
- 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
