Electrical and Electronic Engineering MSc

The MSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Northumbria University is designed for students who want to go beyond theory and become skilled in the tools, technologies, and methods used by real engineers. From your very first semester, you’ll be working in specialist labs, designing circuits, programming microcontrollers, and simulating complex systems — all while developing the practical problem-solving skills that employers value. The course combines advanced teaching with hands-on projects, ensuring you graduate with both technical mastery and applied experience.

Here’s how you’ll gain real, practical learning throughout the program:

• Embedded systems and microcontrollers: You’ll work on modules that involve programming and interfacing microcontrollers (such as ARM, ATMEL, and Microchip) while learning real-time control and embedded hardware implementation.

• Analogue and digital design labs: You’ll use professional design tools like OrCAD and Mentor Graphics for circuit layout, component modelling, and system optimization, supported by lab-based experiments and assignments.

• Simulation and automation tools: The course integrates industry-standard software such as MATLAB, Simulink, Verilog, and FPGA design environments for modelling and testing complex electronic systems.

• Major engineering project: A 60-credit individual project allows you to apply your knowledge to an advanced engineering challenge — often linked to current research or real industry problems — developing your technical, analytical, and project management skills.

• Collaborative group work: Many modules involve design-led workshops and team-based projects that replicate real engineering environments, encouraging teamwork, creativity, and leadership.

• Research-informed learning: The program is closely connected to Northumbria’s active research groups, ensuring that your studies reflect the latest developments in smart grids, renewable energy integration, and digital system design.

• Optional Advanced Practice semester: You can choose to extend your studies by a semester to take part in a professional placement, industry-based project, or research internship — giving you direct experience in applying your engineering skills.

• Modern facilities and digital learning environment: You’ll have access to cutting-edge labs, high-performance computing systems, and digital platforms that support experimentation, simulations, and collaboration.

By the end of the program, you’ll have mastered both the theory and the application of electrical and electronic engineering — ready to contribute to industries ranging from renewable energy and telecommunications to automation and embedded systems design.

The MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Northumbria University offers a strong foundation in both electrical power and electronic systems, preparing you for roles such as Embedded Systems Engineer, Digital Electronics Engineer, Control Systems Specialist or Power & Energy Systems Engineer. With hands-on labs, industry-relevant modules and research-informed teaching, you’ll be well positioned to enter the global engineering workforce.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

• University Services to support your employability:

  • The university’s Careers & Employment Service provides one-to-one guidance, interview workshops and employer networking—helping you translate technical learning into job-ready skills.

  • The Faculty of Engineering, Physics & Mathematics offers modern laboratories (for example, microcontroller design, embedded systems, digital circuits) which allow you to build practical experience that employers value.

  • Graduate Futures and project support teams help students undertake major engineering projects (typically 60 credits) that simulate real-world practice and enhance your portfolio.

• Employment stats & salary figures:

  • Graduates from similar postgraduate engineering programmes at Northumbria report high rates of employment in skilled roles within 15 months after finishing.

  • While specific salary data for this exact MSc isn’t publicly broken down, engineering MSc graduates in the UK often enter roles in the region of £25,000-£35,000 (or more depending on company, location and experience) and progress rapidly.

  • The fact that the programme emphasises practical, lab-based modules means you’ll have a strong competitive edge in recruitment.

• University–industry partnerships:

  • The course provides modules such as “Advanced Embedded System Design Technology” where you work with real-world hardware and industry tools—giving you exposure to how electronics companies operate and what they expect from engineers.

  • The curriculum is informed by faculty research in areas like embedded systems, digital design automation, and smart electronics—which keeps what you’re learning aligned with current industry trends.

  • Many of the lab-based modules allow guest-lectures or inputs from external practitioners, helping bridge the gap between university learning and industry practice.

• Long-term accreditation value:

  • Although this MSc programme is not explicitly described in all sources as accredited, Northumbria’s engineering degrees (including undergraduate and integrated master’s) are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council — indicating strong alignment with professional engineering standards.

  • Having an accredited postgraduate engineering qualification enhances your credentials and is valued by employers globally.

• Graduation outcomes:

  • On successful completion, you’ll possess strong skills in embedded system design, microcontrollers, digital logic and electronics hardware design, as well as familiarity with simulation tools and hardware tools used in modern electronics engineering.

  • You’ll also gain engineering project experience (a research-led project) that demonstrates your ability to manage design, implementation, testing and reporting tasks—key skills for professional engineers.

Further Academic Progression:
After this MSc you may choose to continue into a PhD or MPhil in areas such as Embedded Systems, Smart Electronics, Digital Hardware Design or Control Systems. Additionally, you could pursue Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration through the IET, or undertake specialist postgraduate certificates or executive education in advanced topics like FPGA design, IoT hardware systems or electronics for renewable energy applications to advance into senior technical or leadership roles.