Program Overview

Electronic and electrical engineering is concerned with the broad application of electricity and electronics, ranging from small intelligent microprocessor-based systems through to large scale power generators. Virtually every sector requires and uses electronic or electrical engineering, and it is difficult to think of an application where it does not have influence.

You will benefit from our research informed teaching, which is a key strength of this programme. You will join a thriving academic department that makes use of our expertise in microelectromechanical smart systems; novel electromagnetics; radio frequency engineering; and millimetre waves with THz signals. Through this programme, you will be exposed to our work with organisations such as CERN and the European Space Agency.

The programme begins with a broad based common first year, shared by all our engineers. You explore topics such as heat transfer and manufacturing, which form a key requirement of modern electronic systems. You will work alongside people from other engineering disciplines, reflecting very much how you would operate in industry, equipping you with interdisciplinary project, communication and professional skills to allow you to excel in your professional career.

Specialist modules in electronic and electrical engineering continue in the second year, where you will build your familiarity and practical experience in widely used programming languages and software development environments, reinforcing your technical knowledge. This year, you will complete a small group project, where you will apply your specialist knowledge within an interdisciplinary team.

In third year, you will start your individual project: a substantial piece of research and investigation into a topic of your choice, but often linked with industry or one of our research groups. The project period covers the entire academic year, with an intensive period following exams to finalise results and present the findings professionally. Previous examples include remote moisture sensing for internet of things; wearable antennas for medical body area network; low carbon shipping through improved electric propulsion; and energy storage and development of an electrical storm tracker.

The third year also continues the management skills theme, which is essential to modern engineering. You will develop your knowledge in company finance and aspects of law, human resource management and industrial organisation. You will also receive an overview of environmental reporting, quality, and safety management.

In fourth year, you will undertake a year in industry, gaining valuable experience and enhancing your employability. We have extensive links built through our leadership in research and have students undergoing placements with multinational corporate companies through to smaller specialist SMEs. Once you have completed your placement, you will write an extended reflective piece about your time spent with the company.

The MEng programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer. It provides a sound foundation in crucial aspects in the design and manufacture of future systems in the medical, environmental, energy, transport, communications and ICT markets. You will gain hands-on experience with modern facilities and an array of high-quality equipment in our state-of-the-art engineering building.

Lancaster is a member of the UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF).This scheme connects undergraduates to leading employers in the electronics sector and provides an annual bursary, paid summer work placements and a paid-for residential workshop.