Study electrical and electronic engineering for a hands-on look at technology's building blocks, from circuits and systems to cutting-edge innovations, unlocking the potential to reshape our digital future.
Electrical and electronic engineering brings together innovation and technology with many applications that define our modern world. From designing integrated circuits and power systems to developing cutting-edge communication technologies, electrical and electronic engineering is at the forefront of technological advancement.
Graduates find themselves in roles including telecommunications, robotics, renewable energy, and semiconductor industries. With a foundational understanding of electrical systems and electronics, professionals in this field contribute to solving complex challenges, driving advancements in automation, and playing important roles in the development of smart cities. It can also lead to leadership roles in research and development, project management, and entrepreneurship.
The impact you could make
- Drive technological innovation by contributing to the development of cutting-edge technologies.
- Develop and improve renewable energy technologies such as solar power, wind energy, and energy storage.
- Contribute to the development of automation and robotics technologies.
What you could study
- Circuits and analysis
- Electrical and information engineering
- Electrical power and machines
- Electromagnetism
- Engineering computation
- Mathematics for engineers and scientists
- Semiconductor electronics
- Structures and mechanics
Study options
Options to study in this field include:
Chat to a current electrical and electronic engineering student
Chat to a current electrical and electronic engineering student using UniBuddy.
Some conversation starters for you:
- Ask which modules they really enjoyed.
- Find out how easy it was for them to make friends on their course.
- Do they have any tips on your personal statement?
- Did they do anything to prep for uni before they went?
- Are there books, podcasts or YouTube channels they would recommend?
Start your search now
Get your UCAS Hub
Your place to discover your options and research your future.
Sign up today
Example module
"My favourite module is Analogue Electronics, and specifically with a view to signal processing. It hits the sweet spot for me between the fundamental physics of electronics, and some of the larger applications too."
Second year electronic engineering student, University of Warwick
Example project
“One project I completed was an automated greenhouse concept. It used various sensors and components connected to an Arduino to regulate temperature and soil moisture levels to within a consistent tolerance.”
Third year electronic engineering student, Ulster University
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Some electrical and electronic engineering courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.
Hard skills you'll develop
- circuit analysis skills
- Power systems knowledge
- Understanding electromagnetic theory
- CAD software experience
Soft skills you'll develop
- Problem-solving attitude
- Creativity and innovation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Patience and persistence
Careers: Where it can take you
Find out more about your career prospects from studying electrical and electronic engineering. The following information is based on a typical electrical engineer role.
Available jobs
48,037 vacancies in the past year
3.71% growth over next eight years
Average salary
£52,592
Up to £79,280
What is a... robotics engineer?
Sitting at the cutting-edge of designing and creating intelligent machines, these engineers combine expertise in electrical and electronic engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering to develop robotic systems used in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and exploration. They may design and program robotic arms for precise manufacturing processes, develop autonomous vehicles for navigating complex environments, or create robotic systems for medical procedures. Their role contributes to the ongoing evolution of technology and its integration into everyday life.
Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study electrical and electronic engineering at university or as an apprenticeship.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from electrical and electronic engineering applicants.
Vocational
BTEC DMM
Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative
Engineering apprenticeships
Check out our industry guide to help you decide if an engineering apprenticeship might be the right choice for you.
Listen to our brand new podcast all about degree apprenticeships in engineering. Find out about funding, what day-to-day life is like, making friends, and more from our expert panel.
Other subjects you may be interested in
Considering an apprenticeship?
Applying for an apprenticeship is just like applying for a normal job. Here’s what you need to know:
-
Deadline
Apprenticeships don't follow the same deadlines as applying to uni, the deadline is down to the employer.
-
Where to apply
You apply directly through the employer.
-
No limits
You're not restricted to one apprenticeship application; you can do as many as you like.
-
Apply to university and apprenticeships
There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies.
-
Explore further
Go deeper into topics around electrical and electronic engineering with the following:
-
Engineering Design Show
Have a day out at the
UK’s biggest show dedicated to mechanical, electronics and embedded design.
-
The Embedded podcast
This
weekly podcast delves into the how, why, and what of engineering, focusing mostly on electrical devices. Perfect if you’re curious about how things work.
-
Keep up-to-date with the latest news
60% of students
studying electrical and electronic engineering would recommend the subject to others
(UCAS subject guide survey 2023)
Application advice
Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our application advice will help you get ahead in your electrical and electronic engineering journey.
Skills, experiences, and interests to mention
- Express your interest in emerging technologies within electrical and electronic engineering, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things, or renewable energy.
- If you've attended engineering conferences or workshops, or if you've had the opportunity to talk to professionals in the industry, discuss how these experiences inspired your career goals.
- Mention any programming languages you’re familiar with, especially those relevant to electrical and electronic engineering such as Python, C, or MATLAB.
- Showcase your ability to analyse complex problems and develop effective solutions.
- If you’ve done independent study or research projects related to electrical and electronic engineering, discuss the topics, methodologies, and outcomes.
Personal statement guide
We asked admissions tutors to share their dos and don’ts for writing a strong and engaging engineering personal statement. Here's what they told us.
Personal statement builder
Try our tool.
Get help structuring your statement.
Sign up today
UCAS Media Service