The course
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 programme 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 programme 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 invaluable real-world industry experience during your placement year.
- Graduate with a highly prized Masters in Electronic Engineering.
Course structure
Core Modules
Year 1-
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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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 introduce the full and holistic life cycle analysis in relation to electronic products and components, which considers environmental impact and sustainability. The production of items should minimise resource use, especially resources which are scarce or hazardous. This module considers how electronic products affect the environment during their operation, for example in terms of energy consumption or greenhouse gas emissions and consideration of how to minimise the environmental impact (e.g. pollutants, bio-degradability) of a product at the end of its life cycle through recycling etc. Renewable generation will be introduced and explored practically and the advantages of demand-side management can be used to shave off and control peak demand.
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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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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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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 extend on topics explored in communications engineering in the first year. In terms of the indicative content, analogue and digital modulation techniques will be explored including practical modulation techniques such as time and frequency division multiplexing, pulse amplitude and time modulation, pulse code, differential pulse code and delta modulation.
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The aim of this module is to cover the entire process of using a primary source of energy, converting it to electricity and delivering the generated electricity to where it is required. You will look at the physical principles of energy generation and conversion, both conventional and renewable. You will explore generation methods used in current power systems across the world, including coal, oil, gas, and nuclear, as well as renewable technologies. You will also examine wind generation and photovoltaic generation, both of which have reached significant generation levels in various countries, as well as pumped water storage and its role in fast-response.
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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 of digital coding and the networking of data. The indicative content for this module builds on the Communications Engineering modules and includes lossy and lossless digital coding in the contexts of audio (e.g. MP3, AAC), video (e.g. VP8, MPEG, H.264) and combined (e.g. AVI, MP4, FLV) transmission and storage, as well as the concept of a data network, its geography and the principles behind its operation including: speed considerations, data packets, packet switching, bandwidth, data integrity, error detection, network links, wired and wireless connection, network topologies, communications protocols, routers, switches, firewalls, intranet, extranet, internet, quality of service, resilience and security.
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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.
- Individual Project
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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.
- Group Project
- Research Report
Optional Modules
Year 1- All modules are core
- All modules are core
- Signal Processing
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Principles of Engineering Company Management
- Smart Transportation
- Voice Technologies
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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.
- Applications of Cryptography
- Advanced Wireless Communications
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In this module you will develop an understanding of leadership concepts and their application within the field of engineering. You will look at examples of good and bad leadership in companies, considering what makes an excellent leader and how leadership and advanced communication skills can be developed. You will examine and apply the principles of engineering leadership in the context of your own career and reflect on the success of current and past leaders, including how they built team spirit and got the best from their teams. You will also learn how to make general evaluations of commercial risks in the context of leading an engineering company.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of electrical engineering in the context of advanced manufacturing. You will look at efficiency in manufacturing, historical perspectives and changes to the present day in printed circuit board (PCB) and enclosure manufacturing, manufacturing techniques change management and financial implications of technology change in manufacturing techniques. You will consider the roles of 3D printing, laser cutting and other modern manufacturing techniques and assess their potential impact now and in the future in the manufacturing sector. You will also examine the processes of system prototyping and acceptance testing, component selection for tolerance and resilience, and protecting electronic circuits for application in harsh conditions such as road, rail, sea, underwater, aircraft and space vehicle electronics and environmental monitoring systems.
- Personal Communications Technology
- Imaging Systems for Medicine and Industry
- App Programming
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 45 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: AAB-ABB
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. Socio - economic factors which may have impacted an applicant's education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants.
Other UK Qualifications
International & EU requirements
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.
For more information about country-specific entry requirements for your country please visit here. For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements, we offer an International Foundation Year, run by Study Group at the Royal Holloway International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, students can progress on to selected undergraduate degree programmes 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
Home and EU students tuition fee per year*: £9250
The fee for your year in industry will be 20% of the tuition fee for that academic year.
International students tuition fee per year**: £17900
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.
**The tuition fee for UK and EU undergraduates is controlled by UK Government regulations, and for students starting a degree in the academic year 2018/19 is £9,250 for that year, and is shown for reference purposes only. The tuition fee for UK and EU undergraduates has not yet been confirmed for students starting a degree in the academic year 2019/20.
**Fees for international students may increase year-on-year in line with the rate of inflation. The policy at Royal Holloway is that any increases in fees will not exceed 5% for continuing students. For further information see fees and funding and our terms and conditions.
***These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree programme at Royal Holloway. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing etc., have not been included.
