Program Overview

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Electrical Engineering (BEng)

Award: Bachelor of Engineering

Typical Offer: AAA

Duration: 3 years

Course Type: Full-time

Campus: Highfield

UCAS Course code: H620

About this course

Enter the world of large-scale electrical power. Learn to build the systems and technologies that will grow our power networks for decades to come. From sustainable energy generation to the use of electric vehicles, big changes in the way we produce and use power are creating exciting challenges for today’s electrical engineers.

Electrical engineering is about the generation and control of electricity, its distribution for use in homes and industry, and the design of large-scale machinery.

You’ll study technologies of:

• electrical power engineering, including production, distribution and control
• microelectronics and computing
• systems that interface electronics and computers with aircraft, electric cars and renewable energy sources

This degree can take you in several interesting career directions – you could find yourself improving the integration of sustainable power sources to the grid or designing next-generation components to upgrade the ageing power infrastructure.

You’ll learn in an electronics lab equipped with the latest technologies. We are also home to the Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory – a centre for cutting-edge electrical power research and one of just a few labs of its kind in the UK.

We are a partner of the Institution of Engineering and Technology Power Academy, which gives you the chance to apply for a company-led scholarship that provides financial support, paid summer work placements and industry mentors.

This electrical engineering degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of:

• fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer
• partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAA including mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, electronics or further mathematics (minimum grade A), plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points required at Higher Level including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation), and 6 at Higher Level in Physics

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grade A in A-level mathematics and grade A in either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

Additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics and grade A in either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

Other requirements

• UK students
• International students
• Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

• our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
• skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics

A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.

It could be the right option if you:

• have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
• have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
• have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
• are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
• are a mature student with relevant experience or study

You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.

Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

Course structure

Year 1 and 2 modules are similar across our electrical degree programmes and provide a grounding in key topics.

In year 3 you’ll have the freedom to customise your course by choosing optional modules. There’s also the opportunity to broaden your studies beyond electrical engineering.

Most modules include lab-based or design projects. In each year, you'll be involved in design and build projects, developing confidence and the skills to deliver working prototypes.

Year 1 overview

You’ll study core electrical engineering topics such as electronic circuits, mechanics and electrical materials and magnetic fields.

You’ll also learn about related aspects of electronics and get the programming and mathematical skills that will underpin your studies.

Year 2 overview

You’ll deepen your understanding of electrical engineering by studying topics such as, power electronics and drives, applied electromagnetics and power circuits and transmission.

You’ll also develop your engineering design, project management and communication skills, by carrying out a group design project to design, build, and evaluate an autonomous robot.

Year 3 overview

You’ll carry out an individual project in an area of electrical engineering that interests you. Past projects have investigated areas such as the:

• use of recyclable composites for high-voltage cable insulation
• use of hollow cathodes for low-current power in space.

Optional modules in year 3 allow you to follow your interests. For example, you could study power systems engineering in more depth or explore other topics such as robotics or bionanotechnology.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules in year 1:

• Circuits
• Digital Systems
• ELEC Part One Laboratory Programme
• Electronic Systems and Devices
• Engineering Mathematics
• Fields, Forces and Materials
• Introduction to Signals, Control and Communications
• Mathematics
• Programming

Year 2 modules

You must study the following modules in year 2:

• Applied Electromagnetism
• Control and Systems Engineering
• Design
• Electrical Machines and Drives
• Electrical and Mechanical Materials
• Power Circuits and Transmission
• Signal Processing
• Simulation and Modelling for Electrical Engineering

Year 3 modules

You must study the following modules in year 3:

• High Voltage Engineering
• Part III Individual Project Phase 1
• Part III Individual Project Phase 2
• Power Systems Technology

You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:

• Advanced Partial Differential Equations
• Control System Design
• Digital Control System Design
• From Data to Dynamical Model: System Identification
• Guidance, Navigation and Control
• Integral Transform Methods
• Operational Research
• Optimisation
• Power Electronics
• Power Systems Engineering
• Robotic Systems

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

Year 1

• Study time:
  • Scheduled learning & teaching: 33%
  • Independent learning: 67%
• Assessment:
  • Coursework, laboratory reports and essays
  • Design and problem-solving exercises
  • Individual and group projects
  • Oral presentations
  • Written exams
• Assessment breakdown:
  • Year 1: 50% written exam, 31% coursework, 19% practical exam

Year 2

• Study time:
  • Scheduled learning & teaching: 30%
  • Independent learning: 70%
• Assessment:
  • Coursework, laboratory reports and essays
  • Design and problem-solving exercises
  • Individual and group projects
  • Oral presentations
  • Written exams
• Assessment breakdown:
  • Year 2: 68% written exam, 12% coursework, 20% practical exam

Year 3

• Study time:
  • Scheduled learning & teaching: 22%
  • Independent learning: 78%
• Assessment:
  • Coursework, laboratory reports and essays
  • Design and problem-solving exercises
  • Individual and group projects
  • Oral presentations
  • Written exams
• Assessment breakdown:
  • Year 3: 44% written exam, 56% coursework

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Leadership
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• EDI leadership
• Adaptability
• Problem solving
• Resilience

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Information and Communication
• Manufacturing
• Education
• Finance and Insurance
• Public Administration and Defence
• Scientific and Technical

Careers directly related to this course:

• Electrical engineer
• Design and development engineer
• Technology analyst
• Systems engineer
• Telecommunications engineer
• Controls engineer
• Robotics engineer
• Armed forces engineer officer

Wider career opportunities:

• Project manager
• Security analyst
• Secondary school teacher
• Data analyst
• Financial analyst
• Patent attorney

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,535.
• EU and international students pay £29,400.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees
• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges, and expenses regulations

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: H620
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Electrical Engineering (BEng) is a course in the Electrical and electronic engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

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• Electronic Engineering with Artificial Intelligence (MEng)
• Electronic Engineering with Computer Systems (MEng)
• Electronic Engineering with Mobile and Secure Systems (MEng)
• Electronic Engineering with Nanotechnology (MEng)
• Electronic Engineering with Photonics (MEng)
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• Mechatronic Engineering (BEng)
• Mechatronic Engineering (MEng)