MEng Electronic Engineering with Computer Systems

Here’s how the Electronic Engineering with Computer Systems (MEng) degree at the University of Southampton transforms theory into tangible engineering ability through immersive, hands-on learning:
From the outset, you’ll design and build real electronic systems, code embedded platforms, and prototype AI-driven applications—all in Southampton’s advanced research and teaching labs. You work with industry-standard equipment alongside expert academics who drive innovation in robotics, neuromorphic computing, cleanroom fabrication, and machine learning research.

Experiential learning in this programme includes:

• Practical Robotics & Algorithm Labs: Develop control systems and machine learning tasks (like robot navigation or image recognition) in real labs, bridging electronics and software design using hardware-in-the-loop testing and live datasets.
• High‑Voltage & Device Fabrication Facilities: Access the Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory (for power, sensor and insulation testing) and the £110 million interdisciplinary cleanroom where you can prototype AI sensors or custom electronics under expert supervision.
• Team-based Group Design Project: In later years, you’ll undertake an industrial-style collaborative design brief—delivering prototypes that integrate embedded systems, FPGA, machine learning, electronics, and technical documentation.
• Embedded Systems & FPGA Design: Through modules such as Digital Systems, Microprocessors, Intelligent Agents, and Machine Learning, you’ll build real-time AI systems using ARM processors, FPGA toolchains (SystemVerilog/VHDL), MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and Cadence/PSpice simulation suites.
• Start-Up & Innovation Support via Future Worlds: Launch your own AI-engineering project or prototype into entrepreneurship with lab space, mentorship, and funding guidance—ideal if you aim to commercialise smart hardware designs.
• Year‑Long Industrial Placement Option: Opt for the “Industrial Studies” variant and spend a full, paid year working with industry partners on real AI or electronics projects—developing your skillset on the job, with academic and employer feedback built into your degree.
• Paid Summer Internships & Research Opportunities: Participate in ECS-funded placements between Years 2–3 working on AI-enabled sensor or robotics research projects. You’ll often present these in formal poster/demonstration sessions alongside faculty-led labs.
• Access to Industry Labs & Custom Hardware: Work in purpose-built spaces like the Hardware Projects Laboratory, Teaching Labs, and High-Performance Workstations. These labs mirror real R&D environments and support your designs from circuit sketch to validation on benches with scopes, reflow ovens, and digital instrumentation.
• Research-Grade AI & Electronics Resources: Tap into Southampton’s leadership in areas like neuromorphic computing, RF sensing, sustainable electronics and disaster‑relief robotics via optional links with PhD-level research groups such as SET—helping you build into advanced lab ecosystems or publish prototype work.

Graduates of the University of Southampton's MEng Electronic Engineering with Computer Systems are highly employable, moving into roles such as systems architect, embedded systems engineer, hardware-software integration specialist, FPGA developer, and IoT solutions designer. Many alumni also pursue further study in computer engineering or work in sectors including semiconductor design, telecommunications, automotive systems, and smart device development.

Here's how Southampton specifically supports your future:

Career Services & Experiential Learning: 
The four-year integrated master's program offers opportunities for an industrial placement year or study abroad, allowing students to gain professional experience in computer systems engineering. The curriculum blends hardware and software development through practical lab work, system design projects, and individual research, with access to dedicated computer engineering facilities. The university's Career Hub provides specialized support including tech career fairs and employer-led workshops for computer systems engineers.

Industry Partnerships & Research: 
The program benefits from Southampton's world-leading reputation in computer engineering, with strong industry links to companies like ARM, Microsoft, and Intel, plus research collaborations with the National Microelectronics Institute. Students access cutting-edge facilities including the £110m cleanroom complex, the Embedded Systems Laboratory, and the High-Performance Computing center. The program incorporates current research in areas like reconfigurable computing, real-time systems, hardware security, and distributed computing architectures.

Graduate Outcomes: 
Students develop expert-level skills in digital system design, embedded software development, computer architecture, and hardware-software co-design - capabilities that are increasingly valuable across the technology sector.

Further Academic Progression: 
After completing the MEng, graduates can pursue PhD research in computer engineering or related fields, or move directly into senior roles in system-on-chip design, embedded systems development, or hardware security - supported by the program's strong industry connections and research-led approach to computer systems engineering.