MEng Electronic Engineering with Wireless Communications

Here’s how the Electronic Engineering with Wireless Communications (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 Wireless Communications are highly employable, moving into roles such as RF engineer, wireless systems architect, 5G/6G specialist, antenna designer, and satellite communications engineer. Many alumni also pursue further study in telecommunications or work in sectors including mobile networks, aerospace, IoT, and defense systems.

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 telecommunications companies. Students gain practical experience through wireless system design projects, RF laboratory work, and field testing in the university's anechoic chambers. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with hands-on work in cutting-edge wireless technologies, from antenna design to network protocols. The university's Career Hub provides specialized support including telecoms career fairs and recruitment sessions with global network providers.

Industry Partnerships & Research: 
The program benefits from Southampton's world-leading position in wireless research, with strong industry links to companies like Nokia, Ericsson, and the European Space Agency, plus collaborations with the 5G/6G Innovation Centre. Students access exceptional facilities including £4m wireless communications labs, anechoic chambers, satellite ground stations, and the Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory. The program incorporates current research in transformative areas like mmWave technologies, massive MIMO systems, satellite-terrestrial integration, and next-generation network architectures.

Graduate Outcomes: 
Students develop expert-level skills in RF system design, propagation modeling, wireless network optimization, and antenna engineering - capabilities that are fundamental to the global communications infrastructure.

Further Academic Progression: 
After completing the MEng, graduates can pursue PhD research in advanced communications or move directly into specialist roles in 5G/6G development, satellite communications, or wireless system design - supported by the program's outstanding research environment and industry connections in telecommunications.