The Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng at the University of Sussex offers a dynamic, four-year programme that blends cutting-edge research areas—such as sensors, flexible electronics, medical robotics, 5G communications, and space systems—with hands-on learning in high-tech labs like the “Future Technologies Labs.” It’s ideal for students aiming to tackle real-world challenges, gain deep technical skills, and meet the academic requirements to become a Chartered Engineer.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in Electrical Circuits & Devices, learning circuit theory, components (resistors, capacitors, transistors), and practical lab analysis. You'll also take Electronic Devices & Circuit Prototyping, where you'll work with diodes, MOSFETs, simulate and prototype circuits using NI Multisim and NI Elvis.
Year 2
Your second year introduces more advanced subjects. Electrical Machines & Power Electronics covers DC/AC machines, power electronic converters, and their role in applications like electric vehicles and wind power—with hands-on modeling in MATLAB and Simulink. You’ll also study modules like Digital Systems & Microprocessor Design, Embedded Systems, Analogue Communication and Propagation, and Systems Analysis and Control.
Experience Year (optional)
Between Years 2 and 3, you can choose to enhance your degree through a Study Abroad or Placement Year. Studying abroad allows you to develop an international perspective, improve your adaptability, and stand out in the global job market. Placement opportunities let you gain hands-on industry experience, applying your skills in real-world settings. Recent Sussex engineering students have completed placements with major employers such as EDF Energy, GE Aviation, and Vauxhall Motors, developing technical expertise, teamwork, and transferable skills. Whether abroad or in industry, this year adds invaluable depth to your academic learning and boosts your employability.
Year 3
In the final year, the focus shifts to Control Engineering, Electrical Power Systems, and Business and Project Management, preparing you to lead complex technical projects. You'll undertake an Individual Project, applying all your skills to an industry-inspired problem. You’ll also explore Smart Interactive Sensing Systems and Applications, shaping your understanding of intelligent, sensor-driven technologies.
Year 4
In your final year, you’ll step into advanced, professional-level study, applying everything you’ve learned to complex systems and innovative engineering solutions. Core modules like Advanced Electronic Systems and Advanced Topics in Control of Electromechanical Systems push your technical expertise, while the MEng Group Project gives you the chance to work collaboratively on an ambitious design or research challenge that mirrors real industry practice. To tailor your degree, you can select from options such as Advanced Digital Signal Processing, Future Networks and Internet of Things, Mobile Communications, Financial and Strategic Management, Image Processing, Reconfigurable System on Chip, and Wearable Technologies—allowing you to specialise in cutting-edge areas that match your career goals.
Focus areas
Sensors, robotics, flexible electronics, medical imaging, 5G communication, embedded systems, power electronics, control systems, smart sensing.
Learning outcomes
You’ll gain strong theoretical understanding and practical competence in designing, modeling, and implementing electrical and electronic systems—across circuits, devices, power systems, control systems, and smart technologies.
Professional alignment (accreditation)
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), meeting the requirements for professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Reputation (employability rankings)
University of Sussex Engineering enjoys excellent research credentials (87.9% of outputs rated world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021), with the BEng course ranked 13th in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2026) and 16th nationally in Electrical Engineering (Guardian University Guide 2025).
Here’s how Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons) at University of Sussex delivers a richly practical, hands-on learning experience. From your first year, you're immersed in real engineering: designing, building, testing and refining systems in modern labs that bridge electronics, embedded systems, power, robotics, and control.
Experiential learning includes:
Future Technologies & Electronics Labs: You’ll work in the £12 million Future Technologies Labs, a cutting-edge environment for robot building, embedded systems programming, digital signal processors, and computer-aided design—alongside electronics & control engineering laboratories and electrical drive systems. You may even join the Formula Student or Medical Robotics teams.
Simulation, electronics & circuit design modules: Modules like Digital Systems & Microprocessor Design let you design and program processors with VHDL and simulation tools, providing a strong foundation in digital logic.
And Electronic Circuit & Systems Design challenges you to simulate, build, test, and evaluate complex analogue systems using industry-standard equipment and CAD tools.
Power systems & control theory, hands-on: In Electrical Machines & Power Electronics, you'll gain practical experience with AC/DC machines, power converters, and drive systems—using MATLAB/Simulink to model and integrate systems relevant to EVs, wind energy, robotics, and microgrids.
Additionally, Systems Analysis & Control blends theory and lab practice, teaching you to model dynamical systems and apply controls in real contexts.
Embedded Systems module: You learn embedded programming with hardware projects—working in labs every week to build, test, and present real systems.
Specialist electronics and electrical labs:
Industrial placement support: There's an optional industrial placement year that gives you real industry exposure—where you'll help design products or services and build confidence as a practicing engineer.
Research-led learning: Teaching is influenced by Sussex’s research strengths in sensors, flexible electronics, medical robotics, 5G communications, imaging, and space systems—ensuring your projects reflect real-world innovation.
Graduates of the University of Sussex's MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering are highly employable, moving into senior roles such as power systems architect, electronics design consultant, automation specialist, telecommunications lead engineer, and technical project manager. Many alumni also pursue PhD research or work in advanced sectors including renewable energy infrastructure, smart grid technologies, industrial digitalization, and next-generation communications systems.
Here's how Sussex specifically supports your future:
Career Services & Experiential Learning:
The four-year integrated MEng programme includes opportunities for an industrial placement year with global engineering leaders. Students undertake advanced projects in Sussex's Future Technologies Labs, including a substantial group design project solving complex industry challenges. The curriculum emphasizes engineering leadership through team-based projects with companies like National Grid and Thales. The university's Careers and Employability Centre provides exclusive recruitment events with top engineering firms and personalized career strategy sessions for MEng students.
Industry Partnerships & Research:
The programme benefits from Sussex's world-class collaborations with companies like Rolls-Royce, Siemens Energy, and ARM, alongside research partnerships with the Sussex Energy Group and the Centre for Advanced Communications. Students access cutting-edge facilities including the Power Electronics and Machines Laboratory, Smart Grid Research Equipment, and 5G/6G Innovation Centre. The curriculum integrates transformative research in areas like offshore renewable energy systems, industrial IoT, electric vehicle technologies, and advanced semiconductor devices.
Graduate Outcomes:
Students develop expert-level competencies in power network analysis, sustainable energy technologies, advanced control systems, and engineering project leadership - skills that command premium positions in the global engineering sector. Recent graduates have progressed to senior roles with companies like Siemens, National Grid, and Dyson.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MEng, graduates can progress directly to PhD research in specialist engineering fields or move into senior technical roles with major engineering corporations - supported by the programme's outstanding industry reputation and research-led approach to solving complex engineering challenges. The optional industrial year provides exceptional professional experience that gives graduates a competitive advantage.
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