Electronic Engineering MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Surrey

Program Overview

This MSc offers a one-year full-time (or extended part-time) journey into cutting-edge electronic engineering, allowing students to tailor their studies across areas such as RF/microwave, embedded systems, satellite/mobile communications, AI and energy systems. It is ideal for students with an undergraduate degree in electronic, electrical, telecommunications, computer engineering or a closely-related numerate discipline, who want to move into specialist design, communications, systems-on-chip, or high-frequency engineering roles in industry.

Curriculum Structure
Year 1 (full-time on campus): Students take a range of modules that build their technical depth and specialist expertise. For example, the programme enables study in modules aligned to their interests such as RF Systems and Circuit Design, Wireless Communication Principles, Satellite Communications, Nanotechnology and Renewable Energy, and then complete a substantial individual project or dissertation to apply their learning in a practical context.
(If taken part-time, the same content is spread out over two or more years, allowing industry-working students flexibility.)

Focus areas:
Wide-ranging specialisms such as RF & microwave design; mobile and satellite communications; embedded & integrated systems; artificial intelligence applied to electronics; wireless & wired system design; renewable energy electronics.

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to analyse and model complex electronic engineering problems, design and implement advanced electronic systems across devices, communication links and embedded platforms, apply latest tools and methods (including programming, signal processing, system-on-chip, CAD, measurement) and conduct independent projects to solve realistic engineering challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council, for the purposes of fulfilling requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partial Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, assuming the relevant undergraduate qualification.

Reputation (employability rankings):
University of Surrey is noted for world-class research centres such as the 5G/6G Innovation Centre and is ranked Top 50 globally for Telecommunication Engineering by the Shanghai Global Subject Rankings 2024. According to the University’s published data, around 93% of its postgraduate-taught students are in work or further study after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2022).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the MSc Electronic Engineering at the University of Surrey engage in an immersive, hands-on programme where advanced theoretical learning is integrated with practical lab environments, real-world tool usage and research-informed projects. Throughout the year, learners work within purpose-built electronic and embedded systems laboratories, develop circuit and system designs, simulate and test ideas using industry-grade software, and deliver an individual project that applies engineering principles to a real challenge. This approach ensures that students develop both deep technical understanding and visible practical competence.

Key experiential components include:

Modern teaching labs with sophisticated hardware and software: The School’s electronic engineering teaching facilities consist of 750 m² of lab space recently refurbished. These include first- and second-year labs equipped with analogue and digital oscilloscopes, function generators, power supplies, digital multimeters, soldering stations, 3D printers, and dedicated PC workstations for tasks such as PCB design, circuit simulation and embedded programming.
Embedded systems laboratory and fabrication workshop: The Embedded Systems Lab houses educational satellites (EyaSat), surface-mount fabrication equipment, pick-and-place soldering stations, and SMD facilities. This gives students experience in embedded hardware development, system-on-chip tools (e.g., Xilinx Vivado) and hands-on building/testing of electronics.
Specialist RF/communications instrumentation and test beds: There is a PC suite and short-course laboratory that includes high-bandwidth oscilloscopes, spectrum analysers, network analysers and satellite modem test beds—particularly relevant for modules in wireless, satellite or RF communications.
Large individual project with open-ended problem solving: The programme specification emphasises that students work through structured modules and then progress to an individual major project (typically 60 credits) where they define and execute a solution to a complex problem—often with industry or research relevance.
Industry-relevant specialisations and software tools: Students tailor their studies in areas such as AI, embedded systems, RF/microwave, mobile/satellite communications, integrated circuits and energy systems. The programme highlights use of professional tools including MATLAB, Python, VHDL/HDL, Xilinx tools and simulation environments.
Collaborative projects, group work and professional readiness: Weekly learning includes lab-based practicals, group tutorials, seminars and interactive problem solving. Students are encouraged to work in teams, mirror real-engineering workflows and prepare for professional environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the University of Surrey MSc in Electronic Engineering leave ready to step into roles such as Electronics Design Engineer, RF/Microwave Systems Engineer, Embedded Systems Developer and Satellite Communications Engineer—thanks to its breadth of advanced modules in AI, communications, nanotechnology and more. They are well placed for both industry and research careers:

University services: Surrey’s Employability & Careers team is award-winning, supporting students with CV workshops, interview preparation and professional skills development.
Employment stats and salary figures: According to their own data, 93% of postgraduate taught students in electrical and electronic engineering were in work or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2022) with an average starting salary around £33,469. A separate figure states for electrical & electronic graduates an average salary of £38,763.
University–industry partnerships: Surrey is home to major research centres including the 5G/6G Innovation Centre, the Surrey Space Centre and the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing — giving students exposure to cutting-edge industry work in satellite communications, wireless systems and autonomous technologies.
Long-term accreditation value: The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and meets requirements for Chartered Engineer status, which adds strong professional credibility.
Graduation outcomes: Through its flexible module structure (covering AI, embedded systems, RF/microwave, energy systems, and integrated circuits) and a major individual research project, students build a strong, practical portfolio and desirable technical skill-set for employers or for further study.

Further Academic Progression:
After this MSc, a student could pursue a PhD in areas such as RF/microwave engineering, satellite and space systems, embedded systems or nanotechnology—benefiting from Surrey’s deep-research environment. Alternatively they could go for professional certifications or a part-time doctoral while working, positioning themselves for senior specialist or leadership roles in engineering or innovation sectors.