MEng Electronic Engineering with Mobile and Secure Systems

Here’s how the Electronic Engineering with Mobile and Secure 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 Mobile and Secure Systems are highly employable, moving into roles such as mobile systems architect, cybersecurity hardware engineer, wireless communications specialist, embedded security developer, and IoT security consultant. Many alumni also pursue further study in secure systems or work in sectors including telecommunications, defense, financial technology, and critical infrastructure protection.

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 with leading security-focused technology companies. Students gain hands-on experience through specialist modules in secure hardware design, mobile communications, and cryptographic systems, supported by dedicated secure systems laboratories. The university's Career Hub provides targeted support including cybersecurity career events and recruitment sessions with global technology firms.

Industry Partnerships & Research: 
The program benefits from Southampton's world-leading expertise in secure electronic systems, with strong industry links to companies like BT, Thales, and ARM, plus collaborations with the National Cyber Security Centre. Students access exceptional facilities including secure hardware labs, anechoic chambers for wireless testing, and the £110m cleanroom complex. The curriculum incorporates current research in areas like post-quantum cryptography, 5G/6G security, hardware trust anchors, and secure IoT architectures.

Graduate Outcomes: 
Students develop advanced expertise in both mobile communications engineering and hardware security principles, gaining skills in secure system design, wireless protocol analysis, cryptographic implementation, and vulnerability assessment - capabilities that are in critical demand across multiple industries.

Further Academic Progression: 
After completing the MEng, graduates can pursue PhD research in secure hardware or mobile systems, or move directly into specialist roles in telecommunications security, embedded systems protection, or security-critical hardware development - supported by the program's unique combination of electronic engineering and security training.