About this course
We've changed some parts of this course for the 2020 to 2021 academic year due to coronavirus (COVID-19). These changes may affect how we'll teach you and which modules you'll take.
The programme specification addendum (PDF, 900 KB) has all the latest details.
Infuse your Electronic Engineering studies with the science and technology of light. Photonics engineering has many applications, from broadband internet to precision medical and industrial tools. It’s also vital for new technologies such as quantum and photonic computing, which uses photons for ultra-fast, energy-efficient data processing. This accredited degree will give you access to professional registration as a Chartered Engineer.
On this 4-year, integrated master's, you'll train in the fundamentals of electronic engineering. This will provide a basis for your specialist photonics studies. You'll choose from a huge range of specialist modules, covering the latest advances in areas such as :
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fabrication and microscopy
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optical communications
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nanoelectronic and quantum devices
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metamaterials
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digital coding and transmission
You’ll learn under academics from our prestigious Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC). The ORC has an impressive record of discoveries - our researchers developed the optical components that power today’s internet.
As part of this course you can:
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use our research facilities, including a high-voltage lab and our £110m clean rooms
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develop your enterprise skills with help from our startup supporter, Future Worlds
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build your own unique electronic systems
This MEng Electronic Engineering with Photonics 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.
We are also a member of the UK Electronics Skills Foundation.
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
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, 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:
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_
or_x000D_
A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and an additional required subject (in any order)_x000D_
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 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 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 do not accept the BTEC Diploma without additional A Levels
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without additional A Levels
Applicants with a BTEC Extended 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.
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, 3 and 4 you’ll specialise in photonics, and can follow your interests by choosing modules from a wide range of options. You can also take 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
In the first year, you’ll study digital systems, and electrical materials and fields. There are core modules in:
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mathematics
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physics
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electronics
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programming
We'll develop your practical skills with extensive laboratory classes. In your first semester you’ll get to build processing boards.
Year 2 overview
Compulsory modules will explore:
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signal processing
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control and communication
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electromagnetism
You'll also start to build your knowledge in key areas of Photonics. This includes looking at optical waveguides and photodetectors.
At the end of the year, you'll complete a 3-week team challenge, judged by an industry panel. Previous projects include the development of a home AI system.
Year 3 overview
You’ll complete a unique piece of individual research in a photonics topic of your choice. You'll be supervised by one of our expert academics. For some students, this project can lead to the publication of their first scientific paper.
You’ll study specialist topics, such as:
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signal and image processing
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nanoelectronic devices
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optical communications
You can select optional modules covering topics, such as cyber security or machine learning.
You can also choose to:
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study a language
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take modules from other disciplines such as psychology or anthropology
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take a range of innovative interdisciplinary modules
Year 4 overview
The main group design project is a great opportunity to experience working for an industry or academic customer. It is the only compulsory element in year 4. A previous project designed quantum computing lenses for the Networked Quantum Information Technologies Hub.
For the remaining modules, you can explore more photonic topics or choose options from other areas of electronics and computer science, including:
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advanced fibre telecommunications
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silicon photonics
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optical fibres
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machine learning
You can also apply to spend the second semester studying abroad at a partner institution.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study 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
Stuart Boden is the course leader.
Careers
This course is accredited as meeting the full academic requirement for registration as a chartered engineer.
With a highly respected electronic engineering degree and specialist expertise, you’ll have excellent career prospects in many areas of the electronics sector, particularly optoelectronics and telecoms companies.
Most of our students go straight into electronic engineering jobs in high-tech companies. You'll develop transferable skills to suit a wide range of other sectors. Skills include:
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intellectual and problem-solving
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team-work
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project management
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communication
Our graduates have succeeded in sectors such as finance and law.
This photonics engineering degree is also a great foundation for further study at PhD level.
Electronics and Computer Science graduates have secured roles at organisations including:
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Apple
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McLaren
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Microsoft
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Samsung
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Sony
Our faculty's Careers Hub provides specialist career support and lets you connect with employers. It includes:
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an Electronics and Computer Science careers fair, attended by major electronics companies
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an online jobs and placements portal
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paid summer internships
Our support for innovation and enterprise means we have a track record of success. For example, programme leader and wireless communications specialist Professor Rob Maunder founded AccelerComm Ltd to bring his 5G-ready processor to market.
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: H680
- 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
