
Electronics and Computer Engineering MEng
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering
You are viewing this course for 2021-22 entry.
Key details
- A Levels AAA
Other entry requirements - UCAS code H651
- 4 years / Full-time
- Find out the course fee
- Industry placement
Course description
Modern electronic system design is based on an understanding of a wide range of subjects from electrical network behaviour through signal processing and programmable systems, to the programming languages used to design hardware circuits.
All our first-year students take part in the faculty's Global Engineering Challenge, working with students from other engineering disciplines to solve a real-world problem. All second-year Electronics and Computer Engineering students get to work on a week-long project devised by one of our industry partners. You'll also get the chance to work with an engineering company through the Sheffield Industrial Project Scheme.
In your third year, you'll carry out your own research project, supervised by an academic. You'll start to focus on more advanced topics such as digital signal processing, VLSI design, hardware description languages and operating systems.
In your final year, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team on a research project led by an academic with industry input.
Accreditation
Our Electronics with Computer Engineering courses are new degree titles and the department is seeing accreditation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) which will be backdated to entry. If you take our three year BEng you will need to complete some further learning to satisfy the requirements to achieve Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. A four year MEng meets all the academic standards for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Modules
The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department directly.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: H651
Years: 2021
Core modules:
- Digital System Engineering
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This module introduces the basic principles underlying the design of electronic systems. The ideas are discussed mainly in the context of digital design which cannot be undertaken realistically without some level of system thinking and planning. Other areas of system design will be used to illustrate and reinforce the idea that system design ideas apply to many fields beside digital design. The module will also introduce some of the computer based tools used by system designers for simulation and verification.
20 credits - Electrical Circuits and Networks
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This module introduces the basic principles underlying electric circuits. The idea of a circuit, and the concepts of voltage, current and power are introduced for both alternating and direct sources. The interaction between electrical circuits and magnetic circuits is discussed and the idea of mutual coupling and transformers is introduced. Formal analysis methods such as nodal, loop and superposition are introduced in the context of dc and ac circuits and the complex notation for ac quantities applied to the latter. The calculation of power in a range of contexts is discussed extensively.
20 credits - Electronic Devices and Circuits
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The first part of this module introduces basic concepts of computer programming, through an introduction to problem solving and the development of simple algorithms using the programming language Python. The module will stress the importance of good programming style and good code design and will introduce how an object-oriented approach can help to achieve these aims. The second part of this module introduces some of the fundamental principles of object oriented programming and software engineering using the Java Programming Language. In particular it covers the principles that underlie the structuring of software and introduces models of real-world systems. Techniques for developing sound programming techniques are introduced and applied.
20 credits - Mathematics (Electrical)
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This module aims to reinforce students' previous knowledge and to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the level 2 mathematics courses in the appropriate engineering department.
20 credits - Algorithms and Data Structures
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This module introduces the basic building blocks of non-trivial computational processes by providing the knowledge required to select and implement appropriate data structures and algorithms. The understanding of the limits of computation for a given problem is developed using a range of examples. The module will be delivered using a range of lectures and practical sessions to help students develop the module outcomes.
10 credits - General Skills
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This unit deals with practical laboratory skills.
10 credits - Programming
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This unit deals with practical programming. Students will study and practise programming in C andMatlab to provide underpinning skills for their development as engineers.
10 credits - System Design Analysis
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This unit aims to investigate the design and assembly of common electrical and electronic devices. Examples of commercially available devices will be examined in detail and deconstructed to allow critical assessment of the assembly and the design decisions that have been made in their construction. The unit will be a combination of formal lectures and laboratory analysis of the devices, being assessed by a short report and interaction during laboratory sessions. A formal talk will also form part of the assessment.
10 credits - Global Engineering Challenge Week
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The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme, and the project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of six, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, ICT, Waste Management and Energy with scenarios set in a developing country. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Challenge* and other projects have been suggested by an academic at the University of Makerere in Uganda (who is involved in developing solutions using IT systems for health, agriculture and resource problems in developing countries). Students are assessed on a number of aspects of being a professional engineer both by Faculty alumni and a number of local industrial engineers.*The EWB Challenge is a design program coordinated internationally by Engineers Without Borders Australia and delivered in Australian, New Zealand, British and Irish universities. It provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects. By participating in the EWB Challenge students are presented with a fantastic opportunity to design creative solutions to problems identified by real EWB projects. Each year, the EWB Challenge design brief is based on a set of sustainable development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations. http://www.ewb-uk.org/ewbchallenge
Core modules:
- Analogue and Digital Electronics
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This module brings together the underlying physical principles of BJT, JFET and MOSFET devices to show how structural decisions in device design affect performance as a circuit element. Basic circuit topologies such as long - tailed pairs, Darlington transistors and current mirrors are described as a precursor to exploring the internal design of a typical op-amp. Common applications of op-amps are discussed. The relationship between device structure and performance in simple CMOS circuits is explored and applied to real digital circuit applications. Digital system design strategies are introduced with examples drawn from everyday embedded digital systems.
20 credits - Communication Electronics
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This module introduces the basic structure of a communication system and examines the various circuits and signal engineering strategies that are necessary to make a system work. The idea of spectrum as a limited resource and some of the regulatory framework that allows multiple use of spectrum without conflict between users is introduced. The unit, which aims to form a bridge between communication systems and electronics, will include a number of case studies in order to place ideas in a sensible context.
20 credits - Software Engineering
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This module sets out the process of software engineering and allows students to develop effective and efficient strategies for the realisation of large scale software systems system. Fundamentals of object oriented programming will also be addressed in the context of software engineering to solve a computational problem.
20 credits - Design Project
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Students will undertake an extended design project (chosen from a list of possible projects covering a range of topics relevant to the various degree programmes for which this is a core element). The design projects will encompass modelling, design, implementation and test. The list of available projects will change from time-to-time but will encompass antennas, radio circuits, embedded processors, digital systems, semiconductors (solar cells, SAW filters), generators.
10 credits - Engineering Software Design
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This module builds on the C programming learned in year 1 by exploring both the higher level issues of programming, modelling, and embedded programming. The aim is to develop in students the habits of object orientation (e.g. modularity, data hiding, etc.) using C and MATLAB, both commonly used industry standard tools, and writing software for embedded systems. This is done in the belief that these are skills that a `normal¿ Electronic Engineer should possess. Three mini projects using C and MATLAB and drawn from across the department are used as a focus for the various activities and to enable students to demonstrate achievement of the module outcomes.
10 credits - HDL-Based Design & Programmable Logic
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Provide a comprehensive overview of Hardware Description Languages focusing on the modelling, simulation & synthesis of digital logic circuits. Continue through to the extension of HDLs for system design and verification of System on Chip (SOC) designs. Provide an overview of target technologies, in particular programmable logic & FPGA. Emphasis will be on Verilog as commercial processor cores (ARM, MIPS) are only available in Verilog. Comparisons with VHDL will be made at all stages.
10 credits - Industrial Project
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This module will be a combination of lectures, exercises and an industrial project, aimed at self development, time management, managing meetings etc. and also at developing skills in dealing with other people and group working.
10 credits - Managing Engineering Projects and Teams
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The module is designed to introduce you to one of the key skills needed in your study and work. You will learn why projects are a key feature of engineering environments. You will also be introduced to the fundamentals of project management concepts and its terminologies. In addition, you will learn how to plan a project and deliver it for its successful completion. It will introduce project management topics such as planning, scoping, scheduling, resources, cost and constraints. Additionally, you will develop an awareness of the importance of people for successful project delivery in practice, including stakeholders and team dynamics.
10 credits - Mathematics II (Electrical)
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This module is part of a series of Level Two modules designed for the particular group of engineers shown in brackets in the module title. Each module consolidates previous mathematical knowledge and develops new mathematical techniques relevant to the particular engineering discipline.
10 credits - Engineering - You're Hired
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The Faculty-wide Engineering - You're Hired Week is a compulsory part of the second year programme, and the week has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of about six, students will work in interdisciplinary teams on a real world problem over an intensive week-long project.The projects are based on problems provided by industrial partners, and students will come up with ideas to solve them and proposals for a project to develop these ideas further.
Core modules:
- Individual Investigative Project
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To provide a structured individual design project to enable the student to carry out practical and/or theoretical work which underpins his/her academic studies and allows for the acquisition and demonstration of a wide range of practical skills applied to engineering designs.
40 credits - Digital Engineering
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This module provides an introduction to digital processor organisation, architecture, instruction set architectures and system organisation/design. It also provides elements on the underlying computer arithmetic and approaches to design (including Verilog Hardware Description Language). The module is underpinned by practical examples. The module then considers an important application area, looking at the fundamental concepts, underlying mathematics, design methodologies and techniques.
20 credits - Electronics and Devices
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This course aims to describe the generic circuit elements, analogue and digital and their associated properties which are typically used within IC circuits. Additionally, this course aims to bring the student to level of understanding of VLSI design, such that they can design basic circuits. Having considered integrated electronics at a circuit level, this module will then look at the fundamental properties of semiconductor materials and devices. It will introduce heterojunctions and look at the structure and behaviour of a wide range of devices (JFET, MOSFET, MESFET, HEMT, LED, laser, Solar Cells). It will also look at the issues of designing high power semiconductor devices.
20 credits - Feedback Systems Design
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The module provides an introduction to the modelling, analysis and design of feedback control systems using classical control theory. The focus is linear time-invariant (LTI) systems in the continuous-time domain, although a brief introduction is also provided to digital controllers.
10 credits - Finance and Law for Engineers
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The module is designed to introduce engineering students to some of the key financial and legal issues that engineers are likely to encounter in their working environment. The module will draw directly on practical issues of budgeting, raising finance, assessing financial risks and making financial decisions in the context of engineering projects and/or product development. At the same time the module will develop students¿ understanding of the legal aspects of entering into contracts for the development and delivery of engineering projects and products and an awareness of environmental regulation, data protection and intellectual property rights. Through a series of parallel running lectures in the two disciplines, the module will provide a working knowledge of the two areas and how they impinge on engineering practice. There will be a heavy emphasis on group working, report writing and presentation as part of the assessment supplemented by online exercises and an individual portfolio.
10 credits - Mathematics III (Electrical)
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This module consolidates previous mathematical knowledge and develops new mathematical techniques relevant to electrical engineering at levels 3 and 4.
10 credits - Principles of Communications
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This course considers the theory and techniques used by a wide range of communication systems, particularly the more recent digital and cryptographic systems. The aim is for students to develop a good grasp of the structure of a modern communication system and to understand the basic issues at each stage in the system.
10 credits
Core modules:
- Group Project
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The project, performed under the supervision of either two academic supervisors, or one academic supervisor and one second external marker from an industrial partner, takes the form of a multidisciplinary investigative or design project usually with a significant industrial input. Students are divided into multidisciplinary teams and presened with the project brief by the industrialists involved. Project activities are based in the research labs of the supervisor(s) although students may also have to make use of the facilities, normally within the Department. Students hold regular minuted progress management meetings with group members rotating their group management responsibilities.
45 credits - Advanced Computer Systems
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This module looks at modern computer systems from operating systems down to the underlying computer architectures to provide a coherent view of how such systems work and how their performance can be improved, looking, in particular, at parallelism.
15 credits - Advanced Integrated Electronics
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This course advance students' understanding of analogue and digital VLSI design. It concentrates on issues such as power consumption, the effect of interconnect, non-CMOS logic, circuit layout, analog amplifiers, data converters, and using Spice.
15 credits - System Design
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This unit is concerned with the management of complexity in system design. To learn the basics of structured approach to design of complex systems, students undertake a design project that requires the application of state of the art design tools that help to achieve appropriate error free design structures. Implementation is undertaken using a Hardware Description Language, Verilog.
15 credits
Optional modules:
- Advanced Signal Processing
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This unit focuses on introducing advanced signal processing methods and technologies and their applications. Topics include multi-rate filtering and filter banks; signal transforms; random signals; adaptive filtering and array signal processing.
15 credits - Broadband Wireless Techniques
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This module will give an understanding of the most up to date communication techniques used in the design and operation of broadband wireless systems based on OFDM technology such as WiFi, WiMAX and LTE. The module will explore the physical (PHY) layer, medium access control (MAC) and radio resource management functionalities of broadband wireless systems. The outline syllabus will include an introduction to broadband wireless systems; the principles of OFDM, OFDMA and TDD/FDD multiple access; bit interleaved convolutional and turbo channel coding/decoding for OFDM systems; adaptive coding and modulation; frequency selective fading, channel estimation and equalisation; MIMO techniques; and network architectures.
15 credits - Data Coding Techniques for Communication and Storage
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Processing techniques to enable transmission and storage of data with reliability and security are a key element in nearly all of modern communication systems. This course deals with data coding techniques required for reliable and secure data transmission and storage; it covers various aspects of digital communication tying in elementary communication theory with practical solutions to problems encountered.
15 credits - Data Modelling and Machine Intelligence
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All of our lives are affected by machine intelligence and data models - Google is a very visible example. But if you are a victim of identity theft, if you want a loan to buy a house or if you want to pass through immigration at an airport, a model derived from data using some form of machine learning technique will be involved.Engineers increasingly look to machine intelligence techniques such as neural networks and other machine learning methods to solve problems that are not amenable to conventional analysis e.g. by application of Newton's & Kirchhoff's laws, and other physical principles. Instead they use measurements of system variables to compute a model of the process that can then be used in design, analysis and forecasting. System identification is a specific example of data modelling.We will look at the underlying principles of machine learning, the advantages and limitations of the various approaches and effective ways of applying them with the aim of making you a competent practitioner.
15 credits - Engineering Commercial Success: And making the world a better place!
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Students work in interdisciplinary teams to create solutions to a real problem provided by a real customer. Typically the customer will be a member or members of the community e.g. children with disabilities, terminally ill people, etc. Student teams learn how to solicit needs from user interviews and go on to create (and where possible prototype) solutions that meet functional, commercial and social requirements. Students are supported by a variety of external experts including investors, marketeers, business advisors and manufacturers. Teams pitch their proposals to an invited audience and expert judges. Prizes are then awarded to the best presentations.
15 credits - Managing Innovation and Change in Engineering Contexts
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This module introduces you to the importance of innovation in manufacturing and service organisations whose primary business activity is engineering and/or technology. Innovation management is introduced as the thoughtful combination of new product/process development and change management. Through case studies, theoretical frameworks, and tools you will come to understand innovation at multiple scales: international, national, regional, organisational and team, with particular emphasis on how organisations manage and exploit the commercial risks and opportunities inherent in innovation, and how project teams and engineers can respond to innovation challenges effectively. The module is aimed at engineering students of any discipline.
15 credits - Mobile Networks and Physical Layer Protocols
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Description and demonstration of the physical layer for cellular mobile networks with historical perspective. Antenna design for the physical layer, including handset, vehicle and base station antennas. EMC / health related issues of cellular radiation. GMSK, QPSK, QAM, OFDM modulation. GSM (incl. GPRS, EDGE etc.) protocol. WCDMA 3G UMTS (incl. HSDPA etc.) protocol. 4G LTE/WiMAX protocol. Propagation issues, diversity gain, rake reception, MIMO. Link budgets. Cellular design strategies (femto, pico, micro, macro, umbrella etc.). Engineering Field Test mode parameters.
15 credits - Optical Communication Devices and Systems
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The course examines the behaviour of the components in a communications system and the way in which their design and individual performance is determined by that of the system requirements.
15 credits - Optimisation: Theory, algorithms and applications
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This unit provides detailed presentations on the use of numerical optimisation and search methods for a wide range of engineering problems. Traditional approaches drawn from Operations Research will be enhanced by topics based on recent developments in heuristic methods, such as evolutionary computing, e.g. genetic algorithms and swarm intelligence.
15 credits - Principles of Communications
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This course considers the mathematical foundations and the derived theories and techniques used by a wide range of communication systems, particularly the more recent digital systems. It looks at systems: organisation, information, entropy, random signals, power spectra, ecoding, and Hartley-Shannon. It also looks at transmission of signals: errors, M-ary signalling, communication channels and methods of transmission; receivers: Maximum Likelihood, matched filtering. Additionally, it will look at multiplexing, multiple access, and spread-spectrum.
15 credits - Wireless Packet Data Networks and Protocols
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The aim of this module is to give an understanding of the functionality of packet switching protocols at different layers of a wireless system and to appreciate how these protocols achieve reliable data delivery in wireless communication systems. An outline of the syllabus includes an introduction to packet switching in wireless networks; radio link protocols, CRC, ARQ and hybrid-ARQ; MAC protocols; packet scheduling and differentiated quality of service; routing, IP protocol, mobile IP, wireless TCP and end-to-end quality of service; radio resource management, network planning and ptimisation; network examples - WiFi, HSPA or LTE.
15 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Learning and assessment
Learning
Learning will be delivered through a combination of lectures, practical labs and tutorials as well as independent study that is supported by problem classes.
In your first and second year all your labs will be held in the Diamond where you will use industry grade equipment and have lab sessions in the dedicated teaching clean room.
Our teaching is informed by the research that our department is involved with. This results in learning by a combination of theory and hands on practical lab sessions in our state of the art facilities with courses that are accredited by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Assessment
You will be assessed using a mixture of exams/tests, coursework and practical sessions.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAA
including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics
A Levels + additional qualifications | AAB, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics + A in a relevant EPQ; AAB, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics + A in AS Level or B in A Level Further Maths AAB, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics + A in a relevant EPQ; AAB, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics + A in AS Level or B in A Level Further Maths
International Baccalaureate | 36, 6 in Higher Level Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics 34, including Higher Level Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics at grades 6, 5
BTEC | DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A Level Maths grade A DD in Engineering or Applied Science + A Level Maths grade B
Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers | AAAAB + AA, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics AAABB + AB, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | A + AA, including Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Electronics B + AA, including Maths and Physics, Chemistry or Electronics
Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits overall in a relevant subject with 45 at Level 3 including 39 credits at Distinction, to include Mathematics and Physics, and 6 credits at Merit. A Mathematics test may also be required 60 credits overall in a relevant subject with 45 at level 3 including 36 credits at Distinction, to include Mathematics and Physics, and 9 credits at Merit. A Mathematics test may also be required
Mature students - explore other routes for mature students
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

We have been at the forefront of research and teaching within the field of electronic and electrical engineering for over a century. In that time the use of electronics has become mainstream requiring challenges to be overcome to provide solutions for everyday needs.
Our students learn from academic experts who have strong links with partners in industry. Our state-of-the-art laboratories allow you to get hands on with equipment used in industry as preparation for your career.
Our wide range of MEng and BEng undergraduate degree programmes provide you with a robust understanding of the principles of electronic and electrical engineering. We offer a common start to all our degrees which offers you the flexibility to change courses at the end of your first year if you wish to focus on certain areas of interest.
All of first year students take part in the faculty's Global Engineering Challenge, working with students from other engineering disciplines to solve a real-world problem. In your third year, you will work on your own research project supervised by an academic.
All our courses are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology. A four-year MEng meets all the academic standards for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. If you take our three-year BEng, you'll need to complete some further learning to satisfy the requirements.
Department of Electronic and Electrical EngineeringWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A Top 100 university 2021
QS World University Rankings
Top 10% of all UK universities
Research Excellence Framework 2014
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019, 2018, 2017
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering
World University Rankings 2019
Graduate careers
Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Typical graduate job titles include: design engineer, system engineer, electrical engineer, electronic engineer, control and instrumentation engineer, software engineer, graduate analyst, research and development test engineer, electrical building services engineer.
Employers of our graduates include ARM, ARUP, BAE Systems, Jaguar, Nissan, National Grid, National Instruments, Renault, Siemens, Unilever, Volvo.
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Taster days
At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.
Applicant days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com
Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 222 5382
Email: eee-rec@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.