MSc Electronic and Electrical Engineering

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

This MSc enables students to develop advanced expertise across both the electronic and electrical engineering disciplines, offering flexibility to specialise in areas such as embedded electronics, power systems, automation or intelligent systems. It is ideal for students who hold an undergraduate degree in electronic, electrical or communications engineering (or a closely related numerate subject) and who wish to step into modern engineering roles in design, research or industry.
The programme stands out for its industry‑relevant curriculum and strong links to cutting‑edge labs and real‑world engineering challenges.

Curriculum Structure
Year 1 (12 months full‑time):
In the taught component, students start with a compulsory module Assignment & Professional Studies (20 credits) which supports professional development and academic preparation.
Following that, students select a wide range of optional modules (100 credits) from thematic lists — for example Advanced Power & Energy Systems (20 credits) covering power‑system operation, planning and protection; Embedded Systems, Communications Engineering, Machine Learning for Engineering, etc.
Finally, students undertake the MSc Project (60 credits) during the May‑August period, which may be either research‑based within the department’s themes or industry‑based via a partner company. This allows students to apply their knowledge in a real‑world engineering investigation.

Focus areas:
Embedded & integrated electronics; control & automation systems; intelligent systems and IoT; power systems & energy engineering; communications and signal processing; system design and professional engineering skills.

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to model, design and implement electronic and electrical engineering systems; select and apply advanced tools/methods across electronics and power domains; specialise in their chosen area (e.g., embedded systems or power networks); conduct independent engineering investigations and engage with real‑world applications and industry.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council, which supports further learning towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status when combined with an appropriate undergraduate degree.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Strathclyde’s Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering is one of the UK’s largest in its field, with strong research output and industry engagement. The MSc is structured to enhance employability via industry projects, internships and access to high‑voltage labs and smart‑systems facilities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students enrolled in this MSc programme at Strathclyde engage in an advanced, hands‑on programme that covers the full span of electronic and electrical engineering. They study within purpose‑built laboratories, engage in applied projects, and benefit from strong industry links, enabling them to apply theory to practical engineering challenges. Throughout the year they select optional streams from power systems, embedded electronics, intelligent automation or communications, enabling them to tailor their learning to their interests while maintaining a strong engineering foundation. This focused blend of lab work, project investigation and professional development ensures graduates leave with both deep technical competence and practical readiness.

Key experiential components include:

Purpose‑built facilities and industry‑grade labs: Students have access to specialist teaching spaces and state‑of‑the‑art labs including a high‑voltage laboratory, micro‑grid test systems, a distribution‑network and protection laboratory (e.g., 100 kVA micro‑grid, programmable load banks) and an Applied Space Technology lab.
Advanced modules with real‑world tools and applications: For example, optional modules include Advanced Power & Energy Systems, Power Electronics, Machines & Applications, Software Design & Programming for Engineering (Python, embedded), Neural Networks & Deep Learning – each offering practical lab or simulation work.
Major individual MSc project with research or industry orientation: Students progress (after taught modules) to an MSc Project (60 credits) where they investigate a topic of their choice—either research‑aligned with the Department’s themes or conducted as an industry‑based internship including site visits, technical data access and mentorship.
Flexible curriculum and choice of specialisation areas: The programme allows students to tailor their specialism across electronics, power systems, intelligent automation, communications, making it highly relevant to diverse engineering sectors.
Industry engagement & professional‑skills development: The Department emphasises industry links, guest seminars, internships and networking, helping students build connections and apply skills in real engineering environments.
Blended teaching methods with labs, tutorials and independent work: Learning is delivered via lectures, problem‑solving tutorials, lab sessions, and supported independent study via the virtual learning environment. This approach mirrors professional practice and encourages active learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the University of Strathclyde MSc in Electronic & Electrical Engineering are positioned to enter diverse high‑technology roles such as Electronics Design Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, Embedded Systems Architect and Communication Systems Specialist:

University services: The Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering provides students with access to cutting‑edge facilities including high‑voltage labs, micro‑grid and protection test beds, industrial‑standard design tools and dedicated career support via the Faculty of Engineering.
Employment stats & salary figures: According to the programme page, entry‑level Electrical Engineers in the UK can start at around £37,000/year, rising to approximately £52,000/year for more senior roles; specialists such as Power Systems Consultants may begin at ~£27,000 and progress to ~£76,000 with experience.
University–industry partnerships: The programme boasts strong linkages with industry partners such as Siemens, Rolls‑Royce, SSE and Mott MacDonald. Projects and internships enable students to engage with real‑world engineering challenges.
Long‑term accreditation value: The MSc is fully accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), meeting educational requirements towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status for those holding an appropriate accredited undergraduate degree.
Graduation outcomes: Students complete a major MSc Project (typically 60 credits) which may be research‑based or industry‑based, allowing them to build a strong portfolio of applied engineering work. The curriculum covers themes across electronics, power, communications, embedded systems, and data analytics to prepare graduates for technological innovation.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this MSc, students may pursue a PhD in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Embedded Systems, Power Systems or Communications Engineering leveraging Strathclyde’s strong research environment. Alternatively, they could move into professional engineering certification (e.g., CEng) or specialist postgraduate diplomas/qualifications in domains like power electronics, IoT systems or signal processing—positioning themselves for senior technical or leadership roles in industry.