Advanced Electronic and Electrical Engineering (with an industrial placement year) MSc

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

This MSc offers an immersive experience in advanced electronic and electrical engineering, combining cutting-edge theory with hands-on practice and an industrial placement year. It suits students with a background in electrical, electronic, computer engineering (or closely related numerate subject) who want to step into design, control, embedded systems or systems-on-chip roles in industry.

Curriculum Structure
Year 1 (on campus): In the first year students build a strong foundation by studying core modules such as Advanced Electronic Systems and Internet-of-Things and Embedded System Practice in the autumn term, then Advanced Topics in Control of Electromechanical Systems and Reconfigurable System on Chip in the spring. They also complete the MSc Individual Project over the year. Optional modules allow students to tailor their interests — for example Advanced Digital Signal Processing, Mobile Communications, Image Processing or Wearable Technologies.
Year 2 (industrial placement year): The second year gives students the chance to apply their learning in a real-world industrial environment through a full industrial placement, gaining practical experience, working as part of a technical team and solving real engineering challenges.

Focus areas: Embedded systems & IoT; Control of electromechanical systems; Reconfigurable systems on chip; Digital signal processing; Communications and wearable technologies.
Learning outcomes: Graduates will gain the ability to design and analyse advanced electronic and electrical systems, implement embedded and reconfigurable hardware-software solutions, integrate control and signal processing techniques, and enter industry with practical experience from their placement.
Professional alignment (accreditation): While the webpage doesn’t list a specific professional body accreditation for this MSc, it sits in the School of Engineering & Informatics of the University of Sussex, which specifies that industrial placement year opportunities are available and supported.
Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Sussex is ranked 43rd in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2026, and is placed 17th in the UK for employment outcomes in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Moreover, 91% of Sussex postgraduates on this course have completed work experience by the end of their studies (2023/24 data).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the MSc Advanced Electronic and Electrical Engineering (with an Industrial Placement Year) at the University of Sussex gain hands-on experience through a blend of practical lab work, real-world projects, and an extended placement in industry. The programme is designed to help learners develop technical mastery across electronic systems, power engineering, embedded design, and control technologies. Working within the University’s advanced engineering facilities, students have the opportunity to experiment with industrial-grade tools and modern digital platforms while being guided by leading researchers and practitioners.

They translate theoretical understanding into practice through interactive lab sessions, collaborative project work, and direct engagement with industry partners during their placement year. This combination of academic depth and experiential learning builds the confidence and competence expected of professional engineers in a global setting.

Key experiential components include:

Specialist Software and Tools: Students work with NI LabVIEW, NI Multisim, MATLAB/Simulink, and FPGA development boards for design, analysis, and simulation tasks.
Hands-on Laboratory Work: Practical sessions take place in the Power Systems and Electrical Machines Labs, where learners operate AC generators, motor systems, transmission-line simulators, and converter equipment to understand real-world electrical behaviors.
Electronics Prototyping and Testing: The dedicated Electronic Beta Bay and Power Electronics Lab enable students to design and evaluate circuits using oscilloscopes, soldering stations, FPGA boards, and data acquisition systems.
Industrial Placement Year: The second year of the programme is devoted to a full industrial placement, allowing students to apply their academic learning in a professional engineering context and gain first-hand industry experience.
Group and Individual Projects: Project work mirrors professional practice, with opportunities to collaborate on design challenges or work individually on research-led projects, often developed in partnership with industry.
Software and Simulation Labs: Learners use high-performance computing facilities equipped with professional-grade programming and simulation environments for embedded systems and control design.
Research and Innovation Environment: The School of Engineering and Informatics houses specialist labs for robotics, prototyping, and electronics—spaces designed to support innovation and research-led learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the University of Sussex MSc in Advanced Electronic and Electrical Engineering (with an Industrial Placement Year) are highly sought after for their strong technical knowledge and hands-on industry experience. Many go on to work in cutting-edge fields such as renewable energy, robotics, telecommunications, and embedded systems. Common career paths include: Electronics Design Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, and Research & Development Engineer.

Students gain a strong career advantage thanks to Sussex’s deep industry connections and employability-focused services:

Career and Employability Centre: Provides one-to-one career advice, CV workshops, mock interviews, and exclusive access to employer networking events.
Placement support: Dedicated staff assist students in finding and preparing for their year-long industrial placement, helping them secure roles with companies such as National Grid, Siemens, Thales, and Rolls-Royce.
Graduate employment success: Over 93% of Sussex Engineering graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes survey, HESA).
Salary potential: Graduates in engineering-related fields typically earn between £35,000–£50,000 within a few years, depending on their role and experience.
Professional recognition: The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), helping graduates move toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status — a credential that enhances long-term career mobility and international recognition.
Strong research and innovation links: Sussex collaborates with global partners through its Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies and Energy Group, ensuring the curriculum remains aligned with emerging industry needs.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, students may pursue a PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering or related research areas such as renewable energy systems, intelligent sensors, or nanotechnology. Sussex’s strong research environment and partnerships with major technology companies make it an ideal place to continue advancing in academic or industrial research careers.