Electrical Engineering MSc

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of the Highlands and Islands

Program Overview

The MSc Electrical Engineering at UHI is a postgraduate programme designed to deepen your knowledge in electrical and electronic engineering, combining core engineering principles with advanced and emerging technologies. It’s ideal for students who already have a bachelor’s in engineering (or equivalent qualification) and want to move into high‑level design, analysis, systems engineering, or specialised electrical engineering roles.

Curriculum Structure & What You’ll Study

Because this is a master’s course delivered flexibly online, the structure differs from a typical multi‑year undergraduate degree:

Core Learning & Specialist Modules
You’ll study advanced electrical engineering topics, including high‑speed integrated circuitry, high‑frequency electronics, neural networks, use of engineering software and simulation tools (such as MATLAB or Simulink), mathematical and systems methods (transfer functions, state-space analysis, stability analysis), and optimisation methods for designing and analysing electrical engineering systems. You will also complete a design project tailored to electrical-engineering challenges.
Flexible Study Options
The course is offered fully online, allowing flexibility to study around other commitments. You can study full-time (about 1.5 years) or part-time (up to 3 years), depending on your schedule.
Research Project / Dissertation
To earn the MSc, you complete a research project or dissertation, which can often be coordinated with your employer (if applicable) and must relate to a specialisation in electrical engineering.

The programme is modular, so the exact modules you take can vary depending on your interests (e.g., analogue electronics, renewable energy, neural networks, system design, etc.).

Focus areas:
Advanced electrical engineering — integrated circuitry, high-frequency systems, simulation/modeling (MATLAB, Simulink), system design & optimisation, control systems, electronic systems, and optionally renewable energy modules depending on choices.

Learning outcomes:
You’ll gain strong theoretical and practical competence in electrical and electronic engineering, ability to design and analyse complex systems, proficiency with standard engineering tools and methods, and readiness to handle advanced engineering challenges. The project/dissertation sharpens your research skills and gives experience bridging theory and real-world application.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), satisfying the UK Engineering Council requirements for the “Further Learning” portion of Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration. This makes it a credible path toward a chartered engineering qualification, provided other requirements are met (e.g., prior degree/work experience).

Reputation & Employability:
Graduates are well-positioned for roles such as design engineer, electrical engineer, electronics engineer, controls engineer, systems engineer, energy engineer, instrumentation engineer, power engineer, or project manager — as well as further research or academic roles. The flexible online format is particularly attractive if balancing work or other commitments.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Electrical Engineering is a postgraduate degree designed to deepen your engineering knowledge, focusing on design, analysis, optimisation, and advanced electrical engineering skills.
The programme can be studied full-time or part-time, offering flexibility depending on your commitments.
Completion requires a research project or dissertation in a chosen area of electrical engineering.
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), meeting UK Engineering Council standards for the “Further Learning” portion required for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration (subject to other requirements).

Experiential Learning — Curriculum, Tools & Learning Structure

The course is delivered online through a virtual learning environment (VLE), allowing you to study from your location or while working.
Core modules cover themes such as design optimisation, engineering project management, and quantitative research methods and data analysis.
Optional or specialisation modules may include:
- Advanced analogue electronics
- Advanced engineering mathematics and modelling
- Artificial neural networks and evolutionary algorithms
- Renewable energy technologies or tidal/wave energy systems
- Safety case studies relevant to power and industrial environments
The final stage (MSc) involves completing a dissertation or research project, which can be coordinated with an employer to align with professional work.
The flexible online format allows students to balance study with work commitments while engaging with high-level electrical engineering topics.

Skills, Credentials & Career Readiness

Graduates will gain:

Advanced technical knowledge in electrical engineering, including electronics, system design, optimisation, and high-frequency systems.
Strong analytical and research skills through the dissertation/project, involving design, testing, analysis, or modelling of engineering systems.
Flexibility to study from anywhere, making it suitable for working professionals.
A recognised qualification supporting professional accreditation (CEng via IET), enhancing career prospects in engineering, energy, electronics, and design fields.
Specialisation options to focus on areas such as electronics, renewable energy, neural networks, system design, or engineering project management.

Who This Programme Is Best For

This MSc is ideal if you:

Have an undergraduate engineering degree (or equivalent) and want advanced, specialised training in electrical engineering.
Require flexibility due to work or personal commitments, benefiting from online delivery.
Want to combine academic advancement with professional or industry work.
Are interested in modern and emerging topics such as renewable energy systems, neural networks, electronics, and system optimisation.
Seek a recognised qualification that contributes toward professional accreditation and strengthens global career opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

This MSc equips you for advanced engineering roles such as Electrical Engineer, Power Engineer, Controls Engineer, Systems Engineer, Energy Engineer, Project/Design Engineer, Instrumentation Engineer, or Process-Control Engineer. Graduates can work in energy, manufacturing, automation, renewable energy, industrial systems, and related sectors. The programme also provides a pathway toward professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) in the UK, enhancing long-term career prospects.

What UHI Offers (Course Strengths & Support)

Flexible delivery — fully online: Study from anywhere in the world while continuing work or other commitments, supported by UHI’s virtual learning environment and tutors.
Specialist and advanced curriculum: Covers high-level topics such as high-speed integrated circuitry, high-frequency systems, neural networks, advanced mathematical modelling (transfer functions, state-space, stability analysis), optimisation of electrical systems, and includes a research or design project.
Accreditation eligible for Chartered Engineer (CEng) “Further Learning”: The programme meets IET requirements for CEng further learning, supporting professional engineering registration.
Entry flexibility and pathways: Typically requires a BEng (Hons) in engineering (2:2 or equivalent), with consideration for prior experiential learning in some cases.
Modular study options: Allows study as individual modules (PgCert/PgDip) or completion of the full MSc, ideal for professional development without committing to a full degree immediately.

Why This MSc Stands Out

Fully online, providing flexibility for working professionals or international students.
Combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in design, system optimisation, and use of industry-standard tools.
Recognised for professional accreditation, enhancing employability and international mobility.
Flexible entry for students from related engineering backgrounds.
Focus on sectors in high demand globally, including energy systems, renewables, automation, electronics, and control systems.

Further Academic or Professional Progression

After completing the MSc, graduates can:

Take senior-level engineering roles in design, systems, power, automation, instrumentation, project management, or R&D.
Work in specialised sectors such as renewable energy, power distribution, electronics manufacturing, robotics, industrial systems, or consultancy.
Pursue professional accreditation (CEng) to enhance career mobility.
Consider further research (PhD) in advanced electrical engineering, energy systems, control systems, electronics, or applied engineering.