Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering is the discipline concerned with the generation, transmission, distribution, and use of electrical power, and with the design of the electronic systems and devices that depend on it. It is undergoing a period of fundamental transformation driven by the shift to renewable energy sources, the electrification of transport, the development of smart grids, and the growing demands of data centres and digital infrastructure. Electrical engineers are central to this transformation, designing and managing the power systems, control systems, and energy storage solutions that a net zero economy will require.

At the University of Southampton, this four-year full-time masters programme in Electrical Engineering is accredited and includes a sandwich year with work placement opportunities, giving you professional experience alongside your academic studies. The degree is designed to equip you to contribute to the development of a smarter, greener, and more secure electric power grid. You will study power systems and machines, control engineering, power electronics, electromagnetism, signal processing, digital electronics, and the emerging technologies of renewable energy integration and smart grid management.

The accreditation provides access to professional registration as a Chartered Engineer, which is a significant career milestone in the engineering profession.

You will develop rigorous analytical and design skills, practical laboratory competence, and the ability to work on complex engineering systems in teams. Southampton has strong research activity in power and energy systems, and the programme benefits from engagement with that research community.

Graduates from electrical engineering programmes pursue careers in power systems engineering, renewable energy, utilities, rail and transport electrification, defence, aerospace, and technology companies. The transition to clean energy ensures sustained and growing demand for engineers with this expertise. Postgraduate study or professional development towards chartership is a natural next step.