About this course

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Help develop the next generation of world-changing technology - from mobile phone and entertainment systems, to medical devices and artificial intelligence. Electronic Engineering is both a technical and creative subject that combines theory and practice. You’ll learn to solve problems by designing, building and testing new electronic systems. You'll gain all the knowledge and skills for a career as an incorporated electronic engineer.

Electronics is the study of the physical components, software and systems that bring electronic devices to life.

This 3-year course will help you develop the skills to solve real-world challenges, from sustainable energy production to cyber security. You’ll explore the components within electronic devices and how they work together, for example, to analyse data or display information on a screen.

Our outstanding facilities, huge range of optional modules and strong industry links make Southampton one of the best places in the UK to study Electronic Engineering.

As part of this course you can:

use our research facilities, including a high-voltage laboratory and our £110m interdisciplinary clean room
develop your enterprise skills with help from our startup supporter, Future Worlds
build your own unique electronic systems
learn from leading researchers in quantum technology, nanotechnology and photonics
study engineering management and law to develop your career skills

This BEng Electronic 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 an Incorporated Engineer
partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer

Accreditations

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

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 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.

Find out more on our COVID advice page.

ODT

Download 2022-23 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAA including mathematics and either physics, electronics, further mathematics or computer science or A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and either physics, electronics, further mathematics or computer science.

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

More information about A-levels

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 either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science (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 either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science (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 either Physics or Computer Science.

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

More information about International Baccalaureate Diploma

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 grade A in A-level mathematics and grade A in either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.

RQF BTEC

Additional information

More information about BTEC

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics and grade A in either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.

Entry requirements filter options

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

The year 1 and 2 modules are similar across all our Electronic Engineering courses and provide a grounding in essential engineering topics.

In years 2 and 3, you can follow your interests by choosing modules from a wide range of options. You can also choose modules from other subject areas.

You’ll work in high-spec electronics and computer labs, equipped with the latest technology, hardware and software.

Year 1 overview

The first year has core modules in:

mathematics
physics
electronics
programming

You’ll study digital systems, and electrical materials and fields. We'll develop your practical skills through extensive laboratory classes.

Year 2 overview

Compulsory modules will explore:

electrical materials
circuitry
programming
communications

You'll choose from optional modules, covering topics such as:

photonics
semiconductors
computer engineering

A group design project will require you to design, construct and test a range of circuits. Previous projects include the creation of a home AI system.

Year 3 overview

In your final year, you’ll complete a unique piece of individual research. This will typically involve designing, building and testing a new electronic system. For some students it can lead to their first published scientific paper.

Examples of past projects include:

designing high-efficiency, quantum-dot-enhanced LEDs
developing underwater communications

You can choose to specialise your module options, or stay on a broad study path. Optional modules include:

advanced computer architecture
bionanotechnology
robotic systems

You can also choose to:

study a language
take modules from other disciplines such as psychology or anthropology
take a range of innovative interdisciplinary modules

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2022-23

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Advanced Programming

To embed an understanding of Object Oriented development and grow specific skills in using C++ in a variety of situations.

Digital Systems and Microprocessors

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.

Electrical Materials and Fields

Electronic Circuits

To explain the mathematical techniques needed to analyse linear and simple non-linear electrical and electronic circuits.

Electronic Systems

Mathematics for Electronic and Electrical Engineering

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

Programming

To introduce the student to the concepts of programming using the C programming language, with an emphasis on programming for embedded systems.

Solid State Devices

To introduce the electronic properties of semiconductors and semiconductor devices

You must study the following modules in year 2:

Control and Communications

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,...

Digital Systems and Signal Processing

This module is taught by a combination of lectures, laboratory exercises and a design assignment. You will gain practical knowledge of digital system design and of digital signal processing in the context of modern systems. The design exercise is inten...

Electromagnetism for Communications

The course presents the principles and applications of electromagnetic theory with examples in high-speed electronics, communications and electromagnetic compatibility, and provides an introduction to photonic engineering. It covers the underlying math...

Electronic Design

Conventional laboratory experiments are useful mainly to assist understanding or analysis: because they are of necessity stereotyped, they are of limited usefulness when a circuit or system must be designed to meet a given specification. The majority of e...

Mathematics for Electronics & Electrical Engineering Part II

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...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:

Advanced Electronic Systems

This module focuses on how to create real electronic systems. It covers 'building block' circuits using bipolar transistors and FETs, and looks at the use and operation of op-amps. It also covers how to deliver timing in circuits, interfacing in mixed-sig...

Computer Engineering

This module looks at the how computer systems are designed and constructed, focussing on microcontrollers but also looking at how they fit into the context of other types of computer (e.g. DSP and desktop processor). It considers how data is processed and...

Devices

Semiconductor device technology has evolved beyond computation applications and is now increasingly being used in quantum electronics, lighting, lasers, high speed communications, photovoltaic energy harvesters, smart electronics for the Internet of Thing...

Photonics I

You must study the following module in year 3:

Part III Individual Project

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...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:

Advanced Computer Architecture

This module covers the development of modern computer architectures for servers, workstations, hand-held devices, signal processing and embedded systems from the introduction of the four-stage RISC pipeline to the present day.

Advanced Partial Differential Equations

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.

Analogue and Mixed Signal Electronics

To cover in some depth those areas of circuitry likely to be used between an analogue signal source and a digital signal processing system, making maximum use of available integrated circuits. This fits in with our overall programme of providing a broa...

Computational Biology

Modern biology poses many challenging problems for the computer scientists. Rapid growth in instrumentation, and our ability to archive and distribute vast amounts of data, has significantly changed the way we attempt to understand cellular function, and ...

Control System Design

Digital Coding and Transmission

- To expand knowledge of techniques for information transmission via discrete (digital) channels, which have a wide area of applications, i.e. distributed computer systems, instrumentation and control systems, as well as communication systems of all types...

Digital Control System Design

The topics considered are: z transforms, sampling and reconstruction, discretisation, elements of realisation theory, controller design via pole placement, observers, optimal control design.

Digital IC and Systems Design

Embedded Networked Systems

With rapid popularity and advancements in technologies like the internet-of-things (IoT) and network-on-chip (NoC), the ability to connect and network embedded devices is becoming ever more commonplace, and a feature of most electronic devices. This modul...

Engineering Management and Law

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...

Foundations of Machine Learning

Machine Learning is about extracting useful information from large and complex datasets. The subject is a rich mixture of concepts from function analysis, statistical modelling and computational techniques. The module will cover the fundamental principles...

Green Electronics

This module covers recent developments in electronic devices that reduce energy consumption, generate power, or advance the distribution of power. Together these devices are playing an essential role in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. The modu...

Guidance, Navigation and Control

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.

Integral Transform Methods

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...

Nanoelectronic Devices

The module will discuss all important issues related to scaling down the transistor size into the nanometer regime, such as high-k dielectrics and FINFETs. The teaching will be complemented with a finite element simulation of the MOS scaling which will br...

Operational Research

The module introduces the operational research approach for modelling and solving engineering and management problems.

Optimisation

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...

Photonics II

Real-Time Computing and Embedded Systems

This module gives a broad introduction to development of real-time and embedded systems

Robotic Systems

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...

Security of Cyber Physical Systems

The course requires to understand C code, assembly language, x86 architectures and memory allocation (a refresher will be provided).

Signal and Image Processing

Signal processing is an essential part of human life and of modern industrial systems. As humans we see and hear and process signals. This is the same in electronic systems: we sense and then process signals. We need to be able to understand these signals...

Wireless and Optical Communications

This module introduces both the wireless and optical propagation environments, the modelling of the corresponding channels as well as their implications on the design and architecture of wireless and optical communications systems. The basic principles of...

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)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

33%

Scheduled learning & teaching

67%

Independent learning

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:

45%

Written exam

33%

Coursework

22%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Xu Fang is the course leader.

Careers

This course is accredited as meeting the full academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

As a bachelor of electronic engineering from Southampton you’ll have excellent career prospects.

Most of our students go straight into graduate electronic engineering jobs in high-tech companies. You’ll be prepared for professional and managerial roles such as:

electronic engineer
design and development engineer
technology analyst
systems engineer

This highly respected degree and the transferable skills you'll develop will also suit a wide range of other sectors. Skills include:

intellectual and problem-solving capabilities
team-work
project management
communication

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 postgraduate level.

Our Electronics and Computer Science graduates have secured roles at organisations including:

Apple
Audi
BAE Systems
Huawei
IBM
Nokia
Sony

Our faculty's Careers Hub provides specialist career support and lets you connect with employers. It includes:

an Electronics and Computer Science careers fair, attended by major electronics companies
an online jobs and placements portal
paid summer internships

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). 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

Students on this course are encouraged to spend 20 weeks in industry, usually as two 10-week summer placements.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £25,000.

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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented 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.

Electronic Engineering (BEng)