Electrical Engineering Degrees

Electrical engineering has transformed society during the 20th and 21st centuries. A degree in electrical or electronic engineering provides students with in-depth knowledge of how the industry works and allows them to contribute to the continuous development of electrical products and systems. Read our guide to studying electrical and electronic engineering at university, including an overview of common course topics, specialisations, and career options. 

Course Content 

Students of electrical and electronic engineering can expect to study a range of topics. The similarities between electrical engineering and electronic engineering mean that the two subjects will often have a lot of overlap in the individual topics and modules that they include. 

The exact modules that students will study varies depending on the university. They may include subjects such as: 

• Communications systems 

• Cyber security 

• Renewable energies 

• Medical technology 

• Coding 

• Computer programming 

• Signals and systems 

• Electrical circuits 

• Robotics 

• Digital electronics 

• Transport technology 

• Motor control 

• Hardware and software 

Entry Requirements 

Like any highly demanding university course, a basic qualification, for example, a passing grade at GCSE, in maths and English, or the national equivalent, is required. 

The subjects that universities are most interested in when considering prospective students, are maths and physics. High grades in these subjects will give students a better chance at being accepted onto a university programme. Other desirable subjects include the other sciences, biology and chemistry, and technology. 

Some university courses will also accept vocational qualifications such as a BTEC. These vocational courses allow hopeful students to specialise in electronics, giving them a strong foundation of knowledge as well as experience in a professional environment. 

Course Structure and Assessment Methods 

An electrical or electronic engineering course will generally consist of both compulsory and elective modules. This means that students can expect to receive a basic knowledge of the subject which they can build upon by choosing an area of specialisation and tailoring their course towards their career ambitions or personal interests. 

Assessment methods will generally be a combination of coursework, both practical projects and long-form research essays, practical work under observation, and traditional written examination papers. 

Specialisations 

 Specialisations for a degree in electrical or electronic engineering include: 

• Communication – focuses on the development of communication devices and platforms. 

• Computers – focuses on the development of computer hardware and software. Looks at the application of computers in different situations and companies and how they can be more useful and efficient. 

• Control Systems – focuses on the electrical components of vehicles from cars to ships and spacecraft. 

• Power Systems – focuses on systems that generate energy such as solar panels, nuclear power plants, energy transmitters and power lines which connect individual buildings to power storage facilities. 

Career Options 

Many students choose to study electrical or electronic engineering because they aspire to be an electrical engineer or an electronics engineer. It is important to note that, because the subjects are very similar, both career options will be available to graduates of either degree. They may also choose to explore other careers such as: 

• Aerospace engineer – the design and operation of machinery that flies outside of the earth's atmosphere. This could include different kinds of spacecraft and satellites. 

• Aeronautical engineer – the design and operation of machinery that flies inside the earth’s atmosphere. This could include aeroplanes, helicopters, military equipment and drones. 

• CAD technician – uses computer aided design software to design buildings, machinery, and products. 

• Design engineer – someone involved in the design process of a project. They may work on a variety of projects, from built environment to vehicles and electrical products. 

• Nuclear engineer – the construction and maintenance of nuclear power stations. 

• Software engineer – applying electrical knowledge to build software that will aid in the use of computer systems. 

• Project manager – managing the design, testing and construction phases of a project that aims to develop an electrical product. 

• Management consultant – advising businesses within the field of engineering regarding the development of products, customer support, business strategy and marketing.