Why this course?
Electronic & electrical engineering is at the heart of everything we do - from renewable energy and smart grids, to high-speed fibre optic broadband, digital sound and vision, and internet security.
Electronic & electrical engineers are the people who:
Their aim is to find innovative and progressive solutions to today’s global challenges whether that’s technologies to deliver clean energy, systems to improve audio and image quality on your phone, tablet and laptop, or techniques to improve digital imagery in medical devices to aid diagnosis.
- design, build, operate and maintain our global power systems, our telecommunications networks and computing infrastructure
- develop electronic systems essential to industry, health and entertainment
Studying electronic and electrical engineering offers all these opportunities and with two million new employees needed in the UK sector by 2020, your career prospects are vast.
All our courses have full accreditation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council, which means you can become a ‘chartered engineer’ – a must for most employers.
What you’ll study
Classes in mathematics, engineering science, analogue and digital circuits, software design, electronics, electrical engineering, computing and business are taken. You complete group-based laboratory projects such as how to build hydrogen- powered vehicles and design wireless communications to gain practical training in core engineering applications and project management skills.
The study of analogue and digital electronics continues, enhanced by an introduction to basic concepts in signal processing. Further study includes the design and analysis of electrical and microcontroller-based instrumentation systems, coupled with further classes in advanced maths. All classes are supported by practical and team-working activities.
In third year, you'll begin to develop specialist engineering skills through completing classes in a range of advanced topics.
In Year 4 you undertake an individual research project, which will help you gain valuable technical and project management skills, along with a selection of advanced technical modules of your choice.
Transfer from BEng to MEng is possible after any year.
The Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering at Strathclyde is acknowledged as one of the premier providers of education in electronic & electrical engineering in the UK. Renowned for its teaching and research quality, student satisfaction ratings and excellent graduate employment rates, it provides the specialist theoretical and practical training in electronics, communications design and operation, hardware engineering systems, image/video processing and robotics.
Students have exclusive access to our extensive computing network, and purpose built teaching spaces including our high voltage facilities, and student design & project labs equipped with the latest technologies.
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 Chartered Engineer.
Engineering Industry & Profession
Electronic & Electrical Techniques & Design 1
To provide an overview of industry and give you some understanding of the industry environment that you would enter as well as the types of roles you would/could undertake. To explain role and responsibility of the engineering profession and individual engineer.
The class is delivered to first-year undergraduate students in the specific context of electronic and electrical engineering together with relationship to mechanical engineering and computer systems.
1. To introduce you to the practical and professional skills required of an engineerEngineering Design For Software Development 1
2. To underpin theoretical concepts introduced elsewhere in Year 1 modules
3. To introduce you to individual and group project work
4. To expose you to problems requiring system integration and design
5. To encourage innovation in the context of project work
6. To facilitate the development of a range of transferable skills
Electronic & Electrical Principles 1
This class will teach elementary computer programming for the absolute beginner. We begin with an introduction of how a computer process instructions then move on to the basic of programming.
Foundation level programming constructs are addressed early in the class and include decision making (conditional flow control) and iteration (loops). The class focuses largely on procedural programming in the first semester and leaves details of functionalisation and object-oriented programming to the second semester.
Throughout the class, the emphasis is strongly on problem solving such that the skills developed can be cross transferred to other languages.
The teaching language used will be Python - a language that permits the programmer to concentrate on the problem solving aspects of programming rather than being distracted by the syntax of the language.
To provide you with a foundational understanding of the analysis and design of both analogue and digital electronic circuits.
Engineering Mathematics 1E
To give a basic understanding of the concepts and applications of mathematical functions, differentiation, integration and complex numbers. The class also provides an introductory experience of using mathematical tools to apply these concepts to practical engineering examples.
Engineering Mathematics 2E
To give a basic understanding of the concepts and applications of calculus, geometry, vectors, matrices and numerical methods.
By the end of the class you'll be able to:
- calculate the linear or rotational motion of objects under simple forces or torques
- be able to apply a basic understanding of atomic and solid state physics to explain conduction in semiconductors and semiconductor devices
- to be able to calculate the motion of charges in simple electric and magnetic fields
- to be able to calculate the electric and magnetic fields around static charge or current configurations using the laws of Coulomb, Gauss and Ampere
- to be able to calculate properties of electromagnetic devices such as motors and dynamos
Engineering Design & Manufacture
This class aims to introduce you to concepts and methodology required to undertake effective design and development of engineering systems. The product development process will be introduced and through practice, a working knowledge of appropriate engineering design processes, tools and techniques will be gained.Physical Electronics
An overview of manufacturing and the manufacturing industry will provide a general appreciation of the range of processes employed in manufacturing together with an understanding of how components can be manufactured economically and reliably.
Following completion of this class you'll be able to demonstrate knowledge of following topics:
Basic Quantum Theory
Early experiments – e/m, photo-electric effect
Structure of the atom
Schrodinger equation and application in simple systems
Basic Semiconductor Physics
Crystal structure Electron mobility Band theory
Doping of semiconductors
Physics of p-n junctions
Basic Device Physics
LED and laser diodes
You'll gain an understanding of the application of electromagnetic effects in practical devices and develop the mathematical skills necessary to analyse these effects in simple geometries.
Electronic & Electrical Principles 2
To introduce you to the analysis and design of analogue circuits and systems as used in electronics, energy & power systems, communications, control and analogue signal processing applications.
Digital Electronic Systems
To introduce you to the use of digital electronics and the rudiments of digital signal processing systems.
Electronic & Electrical Techniques & Design 2
Engineering Design For Software Development 2
To develop a broad understanding of many aspects of engineering (general electrical and electronic, power engineering, mechanical engineering, computing and software) and to enhance generic skills required of a professional engineer (research, practical, team working, communications, reporting writing, oral presentation).
You'll also benefit from two laboratory-based projects, which will enhance your understanding of important electrical and engineering principles that underpin many other classes within the degree programme.
Engineering Mathematics 3E
- an understanding of programming concepts and object orientation
- familiarity with the syntax and facilities available in C++
- an ability to write working programs for use in engineering applications
The aims of this class are:
- to develop the means of solving certain differential equations
- to consider applications of Taylor and Maclaurin series
- to generalise earlier ideas in calculus to deal with functions of several variables
- to discuss in more detail matrices, determinants and functions of a complex variable
- to introduce vector calculus and eigenvalues/eigenvectors
Signals & Communications Systems
The aim of this class is to introduce you to the fundamentals of continuous and discrete signals and linear systems for baseband applications and further describe how these principles are applied in modern communications and bandpass systems.
Electronic & Electrical Principles 3
Instrumentation & Microcontrollers
This class promotes detailed understanding of the electrical and electromagnetic principles and their deployment in a range of engineering applications. These are associated with electromagnetic waves propagation in bounded and unbounded media. They are also in:
- electric power generation (both conventional and renewable)
- power distribution and energy utilisation
- electric transportation systems
- the propagation of electromagnetic waves in free space
- in insulating and conducting lossless and lossy media
- optical fibre
You'll gain an appreciation of the fundamental principles, engineering solutions, and social and economic implications of such applications.
To develop techniques for system modelling based on block diagrams and transfer functions and to use such techniques in the context of analysis and design. To introduce you to instrumentation and measurement as an interdisciplinary engineering activity. To explain the basic principles of feedback and control systems.
To enable understanding of the dependence of measurement and control on a wide variety of scientific and engineering disciplines; to provide appreciation of the universal application of measurement and control within the same range of disciplines.
To demonstrate engineering design as applied to instrumentation systems and control engineering; in particular, to explain the important contribution of electrical, mechanical and software engineering to this process.
To allow you to gain practical design, implementation and test experience of the techniques required to create combined hardware/software systems with an emphasis on measurement.
It is important for you to see mathematics and statistics in the context of the computational problems they will be exposed to in their discipline. Engineering Innovation & Management
The aim of this class is to further develop your skills and abilities in advanced mathematical concepts in the field of engineering. This will be achieved through contextualised problem solving using applicable mathematical and statistical techniques and tools on problems of moderate complexity.
This class aims to provide you with an understanding of the importance of innovation in today’s business environment. The class aims to also develop understanding and skills in the area of innovation management. It aims to develop practical skills for you to integrate a number of themes including:
- product development
- product finances
- project management
- market analysis with a view to successfully exploiting new ideas
To conduct, under supervision, a group based project within a EEE-related domain from a selection of projects tailored to match the EEE curriculum.
In this class you'll develop project management skills, including team work, time management, presentation skills and technical report writing. Moreover, the class will enhance your technical skills and knowledge in a EEE-related subject.
Choose at least three from this list and one further class from the Business School portfolio
Analogue & Digital System Design
Expand your knowledge in the fundamental electrical and electronic engineering areas of analogue and digital design.
Renewable Energy Technologies
This class aims to introduce you to a range of renewable energy technologies, specifically the renewable energy resource, the design and application of the technology and systems, and site assessment. Additionally you'll be introduced to generator/converter systems used with renewable energy sources and appreciate how the grid connection and control of these distributed sources effect power system operation. Wider issues of economic, environmental and social impacts of these technologies will be discussed.
You undertake an individual research project. This will help you gain valuable technical and project management skills.
Choose at least four from this list
To provide an understanding of the principles and key transport technologies which underpin high-speed heterogeneous broadband communications networks and architectures while giving an insight to the technical and strategic challenges associated with the provision of a Quality of Service (QoS)-based integrated future-network platform.
This class aims:
- to introduce you to the basic concepts, mathematical tools and design methods of classical control theory
- to enable you to use analysis and design tools used in control engineering and appreciate the industrial applications of control systems
- to enable you to analyse and design closed loop control system specifically using industrial three-term (PID) controllers
- to introduce you to advanced control methods and to provide a basic understanding of a time-domain approach to control analysis and design of industrial processes
- to appreciate the application of control theory in industrial applications
The primary aim of this class is to enable you to develop a basic conceptual understanding and working knowledge of fibre optic communications systems and their component parts addressing basic principles, engineering, design and performance limits. All of the fundamental principles of light, optics and photonic components necessary to achieve this are dealt with, giving a broad appreciation of photonics in general.
Power Electronics, Machines & Applications
Power System Design, Operation & Protection
- Understand the principles of common power electronic systems
- Gain familiarity with the techniques required to analyse common power electronic circuits
- Understand the basic principles behind the design of rotating electrical machines
- Gain familiarity with the techniques required to analyse basic DC and AC machines
- Recognise that disturbances exist within a power system substation and appreciate that these disturbances may affect electromagnetic compatibility
- Be competent in dealing with the implications of those disturbances; in particular the effects of system switching
- Understand the use of power electronic devices, drives and machines for given applications, specifically for Electric Vehicles i.e. cars and trains
- Understand the range of energy sources capable of powering `independent? (as opposed to catenary supplied) EVs (e.g. batteries and fuel cells), understand how these energy sources work, their performance and degradation issues, and how to charge/fuel them.
To enable you to appreciate the principles of analysis, design and protection of electrical power systems including:
1. design and operational approaches in power systems including electricity generation, transmission and distribution
2. analysis and design of transmission and distribution networks
3. power flow, fault and stability calculations
4. power system control including load frequency control and economic dispatch
5. generation technology implications on power system design and operation
6. the main concepts related to the requirements, functions, design and operation of protection schemes for power system transmission and distribution systems
7. detailed understanding of selected protection schemes used in transmission and distribution networks
This class will provide you with an appreciation and understanding of analogue electronic circuit design, relating to high frequency amplifiers and low noise design of electronic systems.
Digital Signal Processing Principles
Develop necessary tools that will allow you to design, analyse and simulate (Matlab/Simulink) DSP systems by introducing core mathematical concepts, algorithms and fundamental properties of discrete signal and systems with applications
Information Transmission & Security
Impart an understanding of the principles by which information can transmitted with varying levels of security and the techniques by which communication systems can be analysed and designed.
Robotics: Systems & Control
Electrical Machines & Control
This class will provide you with an overview of robotic engineering in the broadest possible sense, and will enable you to understand some of the important principles in the design, control, construction and use of robots in different environments and tasks.
It'll also provide hands on experience in dealing with some of the design and control issues associated with robot mechanisms.
Engineering students from non-electrical disciplines often require a working knowledge and appreciation of electrical power devices and their use. This class develops the theory underlying simple electrical circuit analysis, transformers and electrical motors, and seeks to develop an understanding of their application through example and laboratory work.
You’ll be assessed through a variety of techniques.
In Years 1 to 3, you'll complete at least six modules per year, with each module made up of a combination of written assignments, individual and group reports, oral presentations, practical lab work, and where appropriate, an end-of-term exam.
In Year 4, you'll complete at least four modules and an individual project. Assessment of this project consists of four elements, interim report, poster & oral presentations, conduct and final report.
Learning & teaching
To engage and challenge you, we use a blend of teaching methods. These include lectures, small group problem-solving tutorials, practical laboratories as well as industrial visits and seminars by professional engineers
You’ll not only develop technical engineering expertise but also communication, project management, leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
In later years, you’ll have opportunities to work with academic staff on active research projects.
The course typically consists of around 10 lectures, five tutorial/problem-solving classes and three practical classes per week. To enhance your understanding of the technical and theoretical topics covered in these, you're expected to undertake a further 20 hours of self-study, using the web-based virtual learning environment (MyPlace), computing and library facilities.
Required subjects are indicated following minimum accepted grades.
AAAB (Maths A, Physics or Engineering Science)
Year 1 entry
Typical entry requierments: ABB (Maths, Physics)
Year 2 entry
ABB (Maths, Physics, Computing)
Typical entry requirements: AAA
International Baccalaureate (IB)
32 (Maths HL5, Physics HL5)
Year 1 entry – relevant HNC, Maths for Engineering 1 & 2, Graded Unit A
Year 2 entry – relevant HND, Maths for Engineering 1 - 3, High Level Engineering Software, Analogue Electronics and Digital Electronics, Graded Units AA
Contact our Academic Selectors for further details before applying.
- Applicant interviews conducted in January & February
We want to increase opportunities for people from every background. Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.
Find out if you can benefit from this type of offer.
Find out entry requirements for your country.
Degree preparation course for international students
We offer international students (non EU/UK) who do not meet the entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation year programme at the International Study Centre. To find out more about these courses and opportunities on offer visit isc.strath.ac.uk or call today on +44 (0) 1273 339333 and discuss your education future.
You can also complete the online application form, or to ask a question please fill in the enquiry form and talk to one of our multi-lingual Student Enrolment Advisers today.
Fees & funding
How much will my course cost?
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Rest of UK
The Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering (EEE) can help you with funding and getting relevant work experience while you study, through its industry-supported scholarship programme. More than 200 students currently benefit from this. They receive annual bursaries, paid summer placements and company mentoring from key UK and global employers including Rolls-Royce, ScottishPower, Wood Group, Jaguar Land Rover and Xilinx.
Details of all the scholarships on offer each year are highlighted at a scholarship seminar in week three of Semester 1. In addition, each October we host a scholarships fair, providing the opportunity for you to meet potential sponsors face-to-face. You can learn more about the funding and work experience prospects, build useful contacts for the future and develop industry-specific knowledge through visiting the companies’ exhibitions and presentations.
Royal College Prestigious Awards were established to attract the very best international talent, and we've welcomed recipients from China, India, Malaysia, India and many other nations. Selection is made on academic merit, personal achievements and citizenship.
Up to three awards of £3,000 towards tuition fees are available for international applicants. Email EEE Admissions for an application form. Submission deadline is 30 June.
S6 Bursaries are designed to ensure commitment to academic excellence in the final year of school. Many well-qualified S5 pupils, opt to undertake a sixth year at school. To encourage them to maintain their high standards in this final year, the department offers a one-off bursary.
All eligible S6 Scottish applicants, awarded an unconditional offer based on their S5 performance to any of our undergraduate degrees, will automatically be considered for a bursary. No separate application form is required. Payment of the bursary will only be made to applicants whose S6 results are comparable with their S5 performance. The bursary is paid in October following registration.
AMEC Electrical Engineering Scholarships
AMEC Natural Resources provides engineering and project management services to its customers in the world’s oil and gas, mining, clean energy, environment and infrastructure markets. To support their graduate recruitment activities, we were invited to participate in their scholarship scheme.
One award of £2,000 with a paid summer industrial internship, company mentoring and participation in AMEC’s Graduate Training Programme activities, is available for third-year students with a particular interest in electrical power or electrical protection engineering.
FM Bruce Scholarships
These scholarships, established to foster the next generation of world-class engineers, were given in honour of a distinguished former head of department and professor of power engineering. Up to 15 awards of £500 each towards tuition fees or course expenses are available for first-year students.
IET Power Academy
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is one of the world’s leading professional societies for the engineering and technology community. Its awards programme rewards and celebrates excellence and innovation. The Power Academy is just one of their prestigious scholarship schemes for undergraduate students.
The academy brings together eight leading UK universities, key power sector organisations with support from the IET, Energy & Utility Skills, and National Skills Academy for Power, to deliver a scholarship fund combining financial support with work placements.
We are the only university department in Scotland to be a member of the Power Academy.
Between 50 to 60 awards are on offer. Benefits include a bursary of £2,200 for each year of study, a contribution towards tuition fees, books and software, and a paid summer placement with the company sponsor. Industry mentoring is provided through a series of local and national networking events, including the annual Power Academy Seminar which brings together leading academic and industry experts.
- Atkins Global
- BAE Systems
- London Underground
- Mitsubishi Electric
- National Grid
- Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE)
- Northern Powergrid
- RWE npower
- UK Power Networks
- Western Power Distribution
Faculty of Engineering Undergraduate Scholarships
Students are also eligible for a range of other awards offered by the Faculty of Engineering’s Undergraduate Scholarship Programme, the University and external professional bodies.
Lloyd’s Register Foundation Scholarships
The Lloyd’s Register Foundation is a charity which supports the advancement of engineering-related education, and funds research and development that enhances safety of life at seas, on land and in the air. The EEE department is one of three participating in this scholarship scheme.
A total of nine awards of £3,000 each as a contribution towards tuition fees, are on offer across the three departments. All students in Years 2 to 4 of our undergraduate degrees are eligible. We inform students of when applications can be submitted and selection is based on academic performance.
Sagentia is a global technology and product development services company with over 27 years’ experience. The company has over 150 scientists, engineers and market experts and is a part of the Sagentia Group; with headquarters in Cambridge, UK and offices in London, Boston, Houston and Dubai. Their clients range from start-ups through to global market leaders in the medical, industrial, oil & gas, and consumer sectors.
Ten awards of £2,500 per annum, with selected paid placements, are on offer and students will be competing with those from other institutions. Check the Sagentia website for details on course eligibility and how to apply.
ScottishPower Engineering Excellence Scholarships
ScottishPower Retail & Generation employs more than 3,000 people within the UK and brings a dynamic set of departments together under one umbrella, all with the desire to deliver outstanding service to their customers.
Normally two awards of £2,000 each with a paid summer placement are available and third year students on this degree are eligible to apply.
Course materials & costs
Students are recommended to have copies of course notes. Printed notes are available from the department - subject to a small charge to cover copying costs. E-copies are also freely available. Mandatory printed copies are provided without charge to students.
Mandatory readings are not a required purchase. Rather, it is expected students will read across subject matter and textbooks.
Electronic & Electrical Engineering programmes have a degree of practical and project work that will require the use of consumables and components. These costs are met by the department.
The department make explicitly clear that students are not required to purchase materials for project work.
Approximate costs of course related note materials:
The department also provides a printing quota for students - over and above University provision. This expense is not mandatory.
Other costs incurred in relation to book and text purchases depend on student preferences.
Placement & field trips
The department and student societies support a number of industrial visits throughout the year. These trips are not mandatory for specific programmes and modules. Any costs incurred covering transport is met by either students or department.
Students are not required to purchase any specific software licences. All software is for the course is available on campus machines, either locally or remotely.
All undergraduates are provided throughout the duration of their course with student membership of IET (professional body), paid for by the department.
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my studies?
Students from Scotland and the EU
If you're a Scottish or EU student, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.
For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.
Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland
If you’re from England, Wales or Northern Ireland you may be able to apply for help to pay your tuition fees and living costs from your local funding body.
We also have a few bursaries on offer for students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.
International Students (Non UK, EEA)
We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.
We have a wide range of scholarships available. Have a look at our scholarship search to find a scholarship.
Studying Electronic & Electrical Engineering opens many doors. With two million new employees needed in the UK engineering sector by 2020, you’ll have great career opportunities.
The breadth of this degree ensures that graduates will have the technical knowledge and understanding across the entire electronic & electrical engineering spectrum to consider careers in a diverse range of sectors including:
- consumer & electronics design
- automotive & aerospace industries
- information technology
- finance & banking
- electricity supply industry
- oil & gas
- renewable energy
- project management & engineering consultancy
Many of our graduates secure well-paid and exciting jobs or are in further study by the time they finish their degree. They take up positions such as electronics engineers, electrical engineers and systems designers. Employers include BAE Systems, Accenture, BP, Thales, Rolls-Royce and ScottishPower.
How much will I earn?
The starting salary for newly qualified electronic and electrical engineers is up to £29,000.
This rises with experience. Highly experienced engineers can earn up to £65,000.*
Where are they now?
96% of our graduates are in work or further study.**
Recent job titles include:
- Design Engineer
- Electronic Design Engineer
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineer
- Foundation Engineer
- Hardware Engineer
- Nuclear Engineer
- Project Metering Engineer
- Test Engineer
Recent employers include:
- Allied Vehicles Limited
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Mott MacDonald
- National Grid
- NEL Ltd
- Network Rail
- Scottish Power
- Western Power Distribution
* Information is intended only as a guide.
** Based on the results of the national Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey.