MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Plymouth

Program Overview

This MSc prepares students to master advanced electronics and electrical engineering across a broad range of modern technologies—from nanotechnology and nanoelectronics to signal processing and embedded systems. It is ideal for graduates with a STEM background (electrical, electronic, electronics-engineering, physics or related) who want to specialise in design, development and research roles rather than generalist engineering paths.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time over one year; part-time option available)
In the initial phase students engage with modules such as “Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronics”, where they investigate semiconductor devices, nanoscale systems and clean-room applications, and “Digital Signal Processing and Embedded Systems”, focusing on signal algorithms, embedded programming and hardware interfacing.
Following that, they study “Communications Systems and Advanced Signal Processing”, which delves into wireless/wire-line communications, multimedia networks, mobile-signal processing and the associated hardware/software interplay.
Finally, the programme culminates in a major individual Project (research or design-based) which enables the student to apply theory and practice to a real-world electronics/electrical engineering challenge—be it in embedded systems, power conversion, communications hardware or another specialist area.

Focus areas

Semiconductor/nano-electronics · Embedded systems & signal processing · Communications engineering & wireless systems · Renewable/modern electrical systems integration · Hands-on hardware design & laboratory work

Learning outcomes

Students will leave able to critically analyse and design advanced electrical and electronic systems, integrate embedded hardware and software platforms, apply signal-processing and communications engineering methods, and conduct a substantive engineering project in an electronics- or electrical-specialist context.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration, provided the student holds a CEng-accredited undergraduate degree.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics at UoP is noted for strong industry links (e.g., collaborations with BT and other technology firms) and offers excellent laboratory facilities in signal processing, communications and electronics-design. Graduates from the programme have gone on to work with major companies such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Texas Instruments and others, giving strong employability signals.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students of the MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Plymouth benefit from a practical, hands-on programme that combines advanced electronic systems, power engineering and communication technologies with real-world applications. From the outset, the emphasis is on “doing” — designing hardware, programming embedded systems and building next-generation electronics in real labs.

In practice, the experiential learning framework includes:

Use of well-equipped laboratories where students design and build their own hardware, including integrated systems programming, advanced inverter technology and mobile communications signal-processing tasks.
Engagement with specialist tools and environments: the programme explores nanotechnology clean-room applications and integrated systems hardware, enabling students to experiment with state-of-the-art electronic devices.
Individual major project work: students undertake a postgraduate project that allows them to apply their skills in an industrial-style setting — for instance taking a real engineering problem through design, build and test phases.
Modules combining group and independent tasks: The curriculum mixes theory with practical assessment, drawing on electronics, communication systems, digital signal processing and power systems, fostering teamwork and hands-on learning.
Exposure to future-facing topics: key areas include wireless communications, digital signal processing, renewable-energy integration and embedded control systems, giving students industry-relevant skills.
Access to the university’s research groups within the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (for example the Nanotechnology and Electronics Research Group), which supports students in connecting with cutting-edge research and equipment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering at University of Plymouth are prepared to design and lead the development of advanced electronic systems—from embedded hardware and signal processing to nanotechnology-enabled communications and renewable power electronics—opening pathways into roles such as Electronic Design Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer, Signal Processing Specialist and Renewable Power Systems Engineer.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University services: The School of Engineering, Computing & Mathematics provides dedicated career support, including one-to-one advice, job-portal listings, CV/interview workshops, and access to alumni networks in electronics and power-systems industries.
Employment stats: Graduates of this programme have entered recognised companies such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Spirent Communications, Roke Manor, Allen & Heath, Jaguar Land Rover, Babcock Marine, Texas Instruments and National Instruments, with starting salaries from around £25,000.
University–industry partnerships: The programme benefits from strong industrial collaboration with British Telecommunications plc (BT) and Bombardier Transportation, including work connected to the Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station, and access to specialist equipment in communication and power labs.
Long-term accreditation value: The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council, meeting the requirements for “Further Learning” toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status for qualifying candidates.
Graduation outcomes: The curriculum covers modules such as Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronics, Digital Signal Processing & Embedded Systems, and Communications Systems, supported by hands-on practical experience in well-equipped laboratories and a substantial project.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may advance into research degrees such as an MPhil or PhD in Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, Nanotechnology or Communications Engineering; alternatively, they may pursue specialised postgraduate certificates in power electronics, IoT hardware design, or wireless communications, and work toward professional engineer chartership (CEng) through IET pathways.