MEng Electronic Engineering with Photonics

Here’s how the Electronic Engineering with Photonics (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 Photonics are highly employable, moving into roles such as photonics engineer, optical systems designer, laser technologist, fiber optics specialist, and quantum photonics researcher. Many alumni also pursue further study in photonics or work in cutting-edge sectors including telecommunications, quantum technologies, biomedical imaging, and advanced manufacturing.

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 photonics companies or research institutions. Students gain extensive hands-on experience in world-class optical laboratories through practical projects in laser systems, fiber optics, and photonic device fabrication. The university's Career Hub provides specialized photonics career support, including networking events with optical technology employers and recruitment sessions with photonics industry leaders.

Industry Partnerships & Research: 
The program benefits from Southampton's global reputation in photonics research, with strong industry links to companies like Huawei, Coherent, and Lumentum, plus collaborations with the Optoelectronics Research Centre and the Zepler Institute. Students access exceptional facilities including the £110m cleanroom complex with dedicated photonics fabrication suites, laser laboratories, and optical fiber drawing towers. The curriculum incorporates current research in transformative areas like silicon photonics, quantum light sources, optical communications, and biophotonics.

Graduate Outcomes: 
Students develop advanced expertise in optical system design, photonic device engineering, laser physics, and fiber optic technologies - skills that are revolutionizing industries from telecommunications to healthcare.

Further Academic Progression: 
After completing the MEng, graduates can pursue PhD research in photonics or quantum technologies, or move directly into specialist roles in optical communications, laser system development, or photonic chip design - supported by the program's world-leading photonics research environment and industry connections.