Course options
Key information
Duration: 5 years full time
UCAS code: H6H1
Institution code: R72
Campus: Egham
The course
Electronic Engineering with a Year in Industry (MEng)
Electronic engineering is at the heart of many systems we use on a daily basis, including mobile communications, computers, transport systems, most domestic appliances, TV, radio, music studios and gaming devices.
Studying an MEng Electronic Engineering with a Year in Industry at Royal Holloway, University of London will equip you with the knowledge, practical skills, and confident verbal and written communication abilities that are key to successful industrial team working. The additional year in industry will provide extra insight and experience to embark on a fulfilling career creating technical solutions for an evolving world.
This five-year course will see you benefit from research-led teaching that encourages creative thought, helping you to realise and develop your ideas. You’ll study in our brand new, purpose designed Electronic Engineering building, where a £20 million investment is providing our students with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including dedicated research and collaboration areas and renewable energy laboratory with wind turbine and solar panels on the roof.
Follow your passion for Electronic Engineering at Royal Holloway and you’ll become a part of our vibrant, international student community, studying at our beautiful Surrey campus within easy reach of London. This comprehensive course is geared towards giving you the advanced skills and experience you need to thrive in this exciting sector.
- Structured to develop ingenuity, invention and product development skills.
- Enjoy varied, practical project-led learning.
- Learn in a new building that is purpose-built to support electronic engineering processes.
- Gain real-world industry experience during your placement year.
- Graduate with a highly prized Masters in Electronic Engineering.
From time to time, we make changes to our courses to improve the student and learning experience. If we make a significant change to your chosen course, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Course structure
Core Modules
Year 1
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Working in groups, you will carry out a project using methods and techniques that parallel industrial practice. You will develop prototypes which solve one or more elements of a given issue. You will look at digital logic in the context of combinational and sequential logic with discrete logic gate circuits (AND, NOT, OR, NAND, XOR, XNOR) and consider how their responses can be modelled in practice using Boolean algebra, truth tables, De Morgan's theorem and Karnaugh maps. You will also become familiar with the professional team working attitudes and skills required to take projects from inception to the fabrication of a final product prototype.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of programming in C++. You will learn how to use mathematical and computer-based models to solve electronic engineering problems and how to apply quantitative methods in C++. You will look at the concept of a computer program and compilation in the context of objective-orientated programming, and examine the digital representation of numbers, user interfacing, printing to screen, iterative and conditional statements, and error handling.
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The aim of this module is to provide theoretical and practical knowledge of electronic components and their use in circuits. This module covers the electrical properties of both passive (including resistors, capacitors, inductors) and active electronic components (including diodes, photo diodes, LEDs, transistors, ICs, opto-isolators, opto-couplers) and how they are typically used in practical circuits during laboratory sessions. The design and analysis of analogue circuit behaviour is covered in the context of the use of phasors to represent voltage-current phase differences, transient and steady-state design and analysis of passive and active filters, time and frequency domain representations of the small signal responses of amplifier circuits.
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The aim of this module is to provide an introduction theoretical and practical knowledge of communications engineering. In terms of indicative content, this module will include the description of a signal and its characterisation in the time and frequency domains, considerations, introduction to analogue and digital signals; linear time invariance, random variables, Gaussian random processes, probability, thermal noise; introduction to modulation techniques including RF modulation, spectral and power considerations, pre-emphasis and de-emphasis, baseband recovery, error detection and correction, PLLs, multiplexing; introduction to digital signal transmission including sampling theorem, a2d and d2a conversion and quantisation, numbers of bits, error bit probabilities, introduction to digital signal processing.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of how the internet works and its key protocols. You will look at the technologies used for web development, including scripting languages and their potential for adding dynamic content to web sites and applications. You will consider the role of web services and related technologies, and will examine the fundamental principles of network security.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of how to solve problems involving one variable (either real or complex) and differentiate and integrate simple functions. You will learn how to use vector algebra and geometry and how to use the common probability distributions.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of how to solve problems involving more than one variable. You will learn how to use matrices and solves eigenvalue problems, and how to manipulate vector differential operators, including gradient, divergence and curl. You will also consider their physical significance and the theorems of Gauss and Stokes.
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This module will describe the key principles of academic integrity, focusing on university assignments. Plagiarism, collusion and commissioning will be described as activities that undermine academic integrity, and the possible consequences of engaging in such activities will be described. Activities, with feedback, will provide you with opportunities to reflect and develop your understanding of academic integrity principles.
Year 2
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In this module you will move from prototype design to product creation. Working in groups, you will take on a specific management function within the context of industrial practice. You will use the results of analysis and apply technology by implementing engineering processes to solve engineering problems. You will demonstrate the ability to use relevant materials, equipment, tools, processes or products and use creativity and innovation in a practical context to establish an innovative solution.
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The aim of this module is to provide theoretical and practical knowledge of software engineering for electronics. This module introduces software engineering processes including the software lifecycle and the techniques used to produce and manage complex, fit-for-purpose, safe, large, cost-effective software systems in practice from both a technical and non-technical point of view. The concepts of software design, analysis and creation will be explored in the context of real-world examples and software architectures.
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The aim in this module is to understand the mathematical interactions that the combination of various system types impose upon signals and their conveyance in communication applications, quantifying the interplay of deterministic cost factors such as bandwidth, energy, power and interference.
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The aim of this module is to provide theoretical and practical knowledge in control engineering. This module will make extensive use of MATLAB and the control toolbox in the context of solving control engineering problems and its indicative content includes the step response of first and second order systems and the effect of varying the time constant on overshoot and settling times, the use of bode plots, root locus, Nyquist plots, error estimation. Practical control systems will be explored theoretically and practically.
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The aim of this module is to provide theoretical and practical knowledge on the materials that underpin electronic devices. The indicative content for this module encompasses the solid-state physical macro- and nano-scale properties of solid conductor, insulator, semiconductor and optoelectronic materials that make them useful in electronic devices, their structures, the behaviour of electrons, electrical conduction, lattice vibration, thermal conduction, how dopants are used, and their interaction with light where appropriate. Existing electronic materials as well as future deveopments will be explored.
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Analogue Electronic Systems covers electronic engineering in content to extend and deepen your knowledge of electronic circuits and systems
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This module introduces the full and holistic life cycle analysis in relation to electronic products and components, their environmental impact and sustainability. You will develop an understanding of closed loop technology renewable and sustainable technologies and challenges, motivators for sustainable engineering and the notion of ‘green engineering’. Ethical and social impact of engineering and technology will be covered together with real-world case studies.
Year 3
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In this module you will engage in theoretical and practical work on an agreed specific area relevant to electronic engineering. This will usually be a prototype that demonstrates the feasibility of a product or a fully functioning prototype depending on the nature of the topic itself. You will be allocated a supervisor and progress will be monitored against the specification in terms of implementation and testing as appropriate.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the scientific principles underpinning practical signal processing. You will look at the mathematics behind signal processing and consider new and emerging technologies within the field. You carry out practical work in digital filter design involving the use of MATLAB.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of modern techniques used in company management to tackle the challenges of the business sector. You will look at company management structures, company finance, statuary requirements, human resource management, project management techniques, managing risks, health and safety requirements, and how to deal with problems that arise during the project lifecycle. You will consider the role of codes of practice and industry standards, and examine relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities.
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This course module will help you develop your knowledge and understanding of advanced digital systems design. You will learn the principles of designing digital logic circuits, hardware description languages and control unit design, acquire the skills to design controllers from written specifications, and evaluate and make decisions about specific digital system designs.
- Advanced Communications Systems
Year 4
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You will spend this year on a work placement. You will be supported by the Department of Electronic Engineering and the Royal Holloway Careers and Employability Service to find a suitable placement. This year forms an integral part of the degree programme and you will be asked to complete assessed work. The mark for this work will count towards your final degree classification.
Year 5
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In this module you will work on a practical problem relevant to tomorrow's societal needs. Working in groups, you will classify the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and practical modelling techniques in the context of your chosen project topic. The working practice of your group will be modelled on industrial practices in terms of planning, keeping proper records of meetings and the progress of work, and you will take on an individual role within the team that is vital to the professional and successful running of the project. You will compare and assess different design processes and methodologies and working successfully as a group member you will exercise initiative, leadership, time management and professional decision-making skills.
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In this module you will you conduct a research project exploring a specific topic in electronic engineering. Topics may include smart cities, robots in industry, the aviation industry, the telecommunication industry, energy in developing nations, controlling complex systems, global communication systems, music technology, renewable energy generation, or cybersecurity protection of physical layers.
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The module extends the knowledge acquired in digital systems with advanced topics in the emergent area of FPGA based system on chip design. The module will cover state-of-the-art features available in modern FPGAs exploring their fine-grained internal architecture and embedded macro blocks such as DSP slices, IPs and hardcore/softcore processors. A design language based on C/C++ will be presented as an alternative to traditional RTL design (VHDL). High level synthesis tools will be used to compute signal processing applications.
Optional Modules
There are a number of optional course modules available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course modules that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new modules may be offered or existing modules may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.
Year 1
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All modules are core
Year 2
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All modules are core
Year 3
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In this module you will develop an understanding of a range of renewable energy generation concepts. You will look at technologies such as wind generators, solar generation, hydro and marine generation concepts, geothermal dynamics and biofuels. You will consider the different sources of primary energy as well as the energy conversion and electricity generation principals that are exploited. Using your engineering skills, you will build your own renewable micro-generators.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of voice synthesis, recognition and processing in the context of present-day and future engineering systems that make use of a voice input or output. You will look at the synthesis of human speech and singing in terms of the sound source and sound modifiers in practice to create electronic voice signals. You will consider standard voice processing techniques, used, for example, to enhance speech quality and to remove background noise and improve perceived voice quality. You will also examine techniques used for automatic speech recognition, such as Apple's 'Siri' system.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the human factors in healthcare engineering. You will look at critical safety issues in healthcare engineering and material compatibility in the context of implantable devices. You will consider the operation of systems such as eye trackers, hearing aids, cochlear implants, pacemakers, wearable health monitors and examine the role of assistive technologies, electronic enhancement for condition diagnosis, medical robots and drug delivery control.
- Information Security
Year 5
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This module provides theoretical and practical knowledge relating to pattern recognition. Topics will include Bayesian decision theory, Artificial Neural Networks and Support Vector Machines (amongst others). The nature of these algorithms will be studied along with engineering techniques for developing smart applications. Further, deep learning for engineering applications (eg. classification of electrocardiograms) will be studied and you will undertake a coursework to apply an appropriate machine learning methodology to solve a real-world pattern recognition problem.
- Advanced Distributed Systems
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This module is an introduction to the design needs and software/hardware solutions to modern immersive capture, storage, mixing, rendering and presentation systems. Students will learn how VR/AR systems are constructed and the audio visual technology behind them.
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This module will develop a deep understanding of the design needs and software/hardware solutions to modern immersive capture, storage, mixing, rendering and presentation systems. Students will learn how eXtended Reality (XR) systems are constructed and the audio visual technology behind them.
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This module covers the fundamental of nanotechnology and its impact in electronics. The indicative content encompasses the principles of quantum mechanics (including the concept of quantisation, the wave-particle duality, and wave-functions), how they interact at the interface with classical physics, why they alter the traditional view of electrons’ behaviour, and why they become significant with the downsizing of electronic devices. The fabrication and characterisation techniques of the nano-scale electronic devices will also be explored.
Teaching & assessment
All taught modules are worth 15 credit units and there are eight of these in all years except the final year (year 5), where there is an individual project worth 30 credit units.
In many modules you will carry out practical project work, involving problem-solving using theory developed within the module and electronic circuit building and/or software skills as appropriate. Teaching activities will include lectures, workshops and seminars, and practical project work will be carried out in groups and individually in purpose-built thinking and fabrication laboratories.
Various assessment methods will be used including examinations for theoretical subjects, formal presentations, reports and practical demonstrations for project work with an additional viva voce examination for final year individual projects. You will be expected to review material after lectures to support your learning and to preview scripts before coming to laboratory sessions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are highly valued and sought after in the industrial workplace and are essential for effective group working. You will develop these as part of project-based work and will be assessed formally on them.
All students will have an allocated Personal Advisor as someone with whom any issues can be discussed to enable appropriate advice and help to be given as appropriate.
Entry requirements
A Levels: ABB-BBB
Required subjects:
- A-level in Mathematics
- At least five GCSEs at grade A*-C or 9-4 including English and Mathematics.
Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. For students who are from backgrounds or personal circumstances that mean they are generally less likely to go to university, you may be eligible for an alternative lower offer. Follow the link to learn more about our contextual offers.
T-levels
We accept T-levels for admission to our undergraduate courses, with the following grades regarded as equivalent to our standard A-level requirements:
- AAA* – Distinction (A* on the core and distinction in the occupational specialism)
- AAA – Distinction
- BBB – Merit
- CCC – Pass (C or above on the core)
- DDD – Pass (D or E on the core)
Where a course specifies subject-specific requirements at A-level, T-level applicants are likely to be asked to offer this A-level alongside their T-level studies.
English language requirements
All teaching at Royal Holloway is in English. You will therefore need to have good enough written and spoken English to cope with your studies right from the start.
The scores we require
- IELTS: 6.5 overall. No subscore lower than 5.5.
- Pearson Test of English: 61 overall. No subscore lower than 51.
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
Country-specific requirements
For more information about country-specific entry requirements for your country please visit here.
Undergraduate preparation programmes
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements, for this undergraduate degree, the Royal Holloway International Study Centre offers following pathway programmes designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year – for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
- International Year One - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Your future career
Study Electronic Engineering with a Year in Industry and you'll graduate with a Masters degree in one of the world's fastest-growing sectors, as well as the invaluable experiences and network of contacts you gained during your placement year.
Royal Holloway, University of London is located in the South East regional hub of electronics businesses, meaning that our students have access to a range of placement, internship and employment opportunities in some of the country's top technology businesses.
Electronic Engineering graduates can enjoy an abundance of well-paid career opportunities in a thriving industry, with the skills and knowledge of enthusiastic graduates in demand across a variety of related sectors.
Fees, funding & scholarships
Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £9,250
The fee for your year in industry will be 20% of the tuition fee for that academic year.
EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £25,200
The fee for your year in industry will be 20% of the tuition fee for that academic year.
Other essential costs***: There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course.
How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students who have already taken out a tuition fee loan for undergraduate study should check their eligibility for additional funding directly with the relevant awards body.
**The tuition fee for UK undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. The fee for the academic year 2024/25 is £9,250 and is provided here as a guide. The fee for UK undergraduates starting in 2025/26 has not yet been set, but will be advertised here once confirmed.
**This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2024/25, and is included as a guide only. The fee for EU and international students starting a degree in 2025/26 has not yet been set, but will be advertised here once confirmed.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for overseas fee-paying students. Please be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree. The upper limit of any such annual rise has not yet been set for courses starting in 2025/26 but will be advertised here once confirmed. For further information see fees and funding and the terms and conditions.
***These estimated costs relate to studying this specific degree at Royal Holloway during the 2024/25 academic year, and are included as a guide. General costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing etc., have not been included.
