BEng Electronics & Electrical Engineering

When you choose Electronics & Electrical Engineering BEng at the University of Glasgow, you’re signing up for a course built around active, hands‑on learning right from Day 1. You’ll begin with real circuit‑building, CAD modelling and microcontroller programming in well‑equipped engineering labs near the Gilmorehill campus. As you advance, you work in modern test, fabrication and design facilities, overseen by staff who also lead internationally recognised research in quantum photonics and nano‑electronics. And throughout, digital systems like Moodle and logbooks ensure your practical progress is shaped and assessed just as it would be in a professional engineering environment.

The practical learning continues all the way through, including internal group‑ and individual design projects, live‑industry placement options, simulation software training and access to real prototyping facilities:

Workshop & Engineering Skills 1 labs (Year 1):
Build simple analogue/digital circuits, fault‑find, create basic CAD drawings and computer programs using enforced professional standards.

Team Design Project EE3 (Year 3):
Work in small teams to turn a real electronic equipment concept into a working product—from specification through testing and documentation.

Embedded Processors 2 & Real‑Time Systems 3 (Year 2/3):
Write C/C++ firmware for microcontrollers, program embedded systems and use simulation tools in project labs.

Advanced Programming & System Simulation:
MATLAB/Shell/C all feature in real-time and software engineering modules from Year 3, with graded projects using industry‑standard tools.

Electronics Design Centre access:
Once you’re eligible, you can book time in labs used in research on VLSI, mm‑wave & THz circuits, with CAD and test benches operated by micro/nano‑technology research staff.

James Watt Nanofabrication Centre:
Run cleanroom prototype runs using €35 million of equipment (e‑beam lithography, etching, metal deposition and high‑resolution metrology)—even as an undergraduate, you can visit or contribute to group builds.

Engineering Career Skills & optional society engagement:
Year 3 includes a structured module to build CV‑style leadership and project management skills, and you can join formula-student-style events or IET student‑society projects to supplement lab experience.

Individual projects & industrial placements:
BEng students complete a substantial one‑on‑one project in Year 4, supervised by academic staff

Graduates of the University of Glasgow’s BEng (Hons) Electronics & Electrical Engineering are highly employable, moving into roles such as electronics engineer, power systems engineer, telecommunications specialist, embedded systems developer, and renewable energy consultant. Many alumni also pursue further study in electrical engineering, robotics, or related fields, or work in sectors including energy, aerospace, IT, and manufacturing.

Here’s how Glasgow specifically supports your future:

Career Services & Experiential Learning:
The program offers opportunities for industrial placements and study abroad, enabling students to gain professional experience or international exposure. Teaching combines lectures, laboratory sessions, and project-based learning, with a strong emphasis on practical skills in circuit design, digital systems, and power electronics. The University’s Careers Service provides tailored support, including CV workshops, employer networking events, and access to industry-led projects, ensuring students are career-ready upon graduation.

Industry Partnerships & Research:
Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering has strong ties with leading companies such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and ScottishPower, offering students exposure to real-world challenges. The program benefits from cutting-edge facilities, including the Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering Research Division and the Power Electronics Laboratory, where students engage with research in areas like renewable energy systems, microelectronics, and smart grids. Industry partners highly value the program’s focus on analytical problem-solving, programming (e.g., MATLAB, VHDL), and hardware-software integration.

Accreditation:
The BEng is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), meeting the academic requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and partially for Chartered Engineer (CEng). This ensures the program aligns with professional standards and enhances employability globally.

Graduate Outcomes:
Graduates develop advanced skills in electronics design, signal processing, and project management, making them highly sought after in industries such as energy (20% of graduates), IT (25%), and engineering consultancy (15%). The program’s strong industry links contribute to a high employment rate, with many graduates securing roles at top firms like Intel, Siemens, and National Grid.

Further Academic Progression:
After the BEng, students can progress to a master’s in electrical engineering, robotics, or related disciplines, or enter professional roles in sectors like telecommunications, automotive, or renewable energy. Glasgow’s research strengths and employer networks provide a solid foundation for career advancement.