MEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

MEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Plymouth
This is a four-year, full-time integrated master’s programme, with an optional fifth sandwich year, designed to fully prepare you for professional engineering roles, including Chartered Engineer status. The course blends hands-on learning with entrepreneurial and communication skill development in an environment rich with industry participation and support. You’ll study in one of the UK’s largest undergraduate lab facilities, covering electronics, communications, and renewable energy technologies. Accreditation by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) ensures it meets the full academic requirements for Chartered Engineer registration.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1

Your journey begins with a strong emphasis on hands-on, practical learning in state-of-the-art labs. You’ll develop essential technical and communication skills through group projects, integrating structured design principles in both hardware and software. Core modules include Embedded System Design and Build, where you prototype real-world solutions; Analogue Electronics, introducing circuit design and analysis; Digital Electronics, covering combinational and sequential logic; Electrical Principles and Machines, which explores circuit behavior and energy conversion; and Engineering Mathematics, laying the groundwork for engineering analysis. Preparing for industry from day one, the Electrical/Robotics Placement Preparation module equips you for future placement opportunities.

Year 2

In your second year, you deepen your understanding of engineering fundamentals and circuit design while continuing to sharpen your project and presentation skills. You’ll work with industrial-standard software tools essential for simulation and real-world design. Core modules include Power Electronics and Generation, where you'll build and interface motor drives and generation systems; Communication Systems, expanding your understanding of electronic and communication principles; Engineering Mathematics and Statistics, covering transforms, probability, and quality control methods; and Control Engineering, introducing system dynamics and control stability. The Real Time Systems Project rounds off the year with hands-on development using microcontrollers and FPGAs. Your placement preparation continues via the second-year-specific module.

Year 3 (Optional Placement Year)

Here, you have the opportunity to step into the real world with a 48-week industrial placement under the Electrical Industrial Placement module. This year allows you to apply your first two years of academic learning in a professional engineering environment, develop confidence, and build valuable industry connections. Many students gain final-year sponsorships or job offers due to strong performance during their placement. Progress is tracked via industry reports and university visits to ensure a meaningful and enriching experience.

Year 4

Back on campus (or pushed to Year 5 if you've taken the placement) for senior-level studies, this year is designed to consolidate your learning and research capabilities. You'll work on an Individual Project, tackling an industry-inspired problem using advanced engineering tools—then present your findings in a showcase setting with industrial prizes. Core modules include Information and Communication Signal Processing, Design and Control of Renewable Energy Technology, and Advanced Embedded Programming. These complement your independent work and help sharpen your analytical, design, and presentation skills.

Year 5 (Final Year)

This final year elevates your expertise to master’s level. You’ll engage with advanced, cutting-edge topics and methods, culminating in a substantial MEng Group Project. Core modules include Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronics – covering nanoscale device fabrication and sensors. and Advanced Power Systems – focusing on design and analysis of modern electrical systems, including simulation and protection strategies. Your group project will address a complex real-world challenge from industry or research—featuring prototype development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the potential for innovation-led spinoffs showcased at project expos.

Focus areas:

• Power systems and generation
• Communication technologies
• Analogue and digital electronics
• Embedded systems and robotics
• Engineering mathematics and statistics

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will have a strong foundation in electrical and electronic engineering principles, with the ability to design, analyze, and implement complex systems. They will possess practical experience gained through laboratory work and industrial placements, and be prepared for professional roles in various engineering sectors.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The program is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), fulfilling the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of Plymouth's engineering programs are well-regarded for their emphasis on practical learning and industry connections. Graduates are highly sought after by employers in various sectors, including power systems, communications, and robotics.