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Overview
Master the key elements of contemporary electronic and electrical engineering with this accredited MSc Electronic and Electrical Engineering course. You'll design and implement electronic systems, work with the practical application of current technology, and upgrade your skills to meet the needs of more ambitious roles in your industry.
You'll learn about key topics in electronic and electrical engineering, such as electrical power systems technology, and the practical application and design aspects of electronic systems, on a course designed to meet a skills shortage in the sector. You'll graduate in an excellent position to pursue roles from product design to aerospace engineering.
You can start this course in September or January (full time only in January).
Number 2 in the UK for student satisfaction
We're ranked second in the UK for student satisfaction in electrical and electronic engineering in the 2024 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
- Follow a programme that is recognised by European and UK accrediting bodies, and is designed to shape your skills to the needs of the electronic and electrical engineering sector
- Learn more about the practical design and application of your electronic and electrical engineering study, using professional-standard tools, simulation software and laboratory equipment
- Plan and complete a master's project in your area of interest, using relevant labs or computer suites in the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering or an industrial company, to deliver a significant, in-depth piece of analysis or design
- Explore key industry themes, such as Electrical Power Systems Technology, Advanced DSP Techniques, Electrical Machines and Drives, and Sensors and Measurement Systems
Accredited by:
The MSc Electronic and Electrical Engineering degree course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). This MSc also qualifies, under the UK Engineering Council's Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC), as the further learning required to register for Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. This course is also accredited by European Engineering Programmes (EUR-ACE).
The course is varied, wide-ranging, completely up-to-date and forward looking. The different ways in which the MSc can be studied, shows it’s been structured with student needs as its centre. Now is the time for women to embrace engineering degrees, electronics in particular. As the only female on the course at Portsmouth, I was relieved to be met with such acceptance and encouragement to achieve my individual needs.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
January 2025 start
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 (or equivalent) with no component score below 5.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
September 2025 / January 2026 start
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 (or equivalent) with no component score below 5.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Costs and funding
Tuition fees
January 2025 start
- Full-time: £10,400 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time (2 years): £tbc per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time (3 years): £3,470 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time: £10,400 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time (2 years): £5,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time (3 years): £3,470 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
These figures both include the Transition Scholarship for EU students.
- Full-time: £19,200 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time (2 years): £9,600 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time (3 years): £6,400 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
September 2025 / January 2026 start
- Full-time: £10,900 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time (2 years): £tbc per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time (3 years): £3,630 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time: £10,900 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time (2 years): £tbc per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time (3 years): £3,630 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
These figures both include the Transition Scholarship for EU students.
- Full-time: £19,200 (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time (2 years): £tbc per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time (3 years): £6,400 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
Full time
All modules on this MSc Electronic and Electrical Engineering are core.
Through activities using simulations and hardware, you'll explore static and rotating magnetic fields, analyse DC and AC machines, and investigate power transformers. You'll also evaluate power electronics approaches for controlling machinery and demonstrate your understanding of the operation of synchronous machines.
In this module, you'll demonstrate a rounded understanding of the topics that go into successful management of engineering work. You'll look at creating an ethical work environment, preparing for risk and uncertainty, and modelling financial decisions for investment in engineering projects. When you complete the module, you'll have gained vital commercial awareness for turning engineering potential into economic and social impact.
In this module, you'll look at the efficiency, sustainability and economic viability of exciting new fuel technologies. You'll analyse energy scenarios, undertake a feasibility study, and design a practical renewable energy solution for a given need. You'll complete the module ready to implement alternative energy technologies in a rapidly changing sector.
You'll learn multiple data processing methods in this module, and apply them to enhance efficiency, security and reliability in electronic systems. As you analyse algorithms used in contemporary industry, you'll develop skills in data compression, encryption and protection – and use those data skills to solve practical engineering problems.
In this module, you'll learn about systems, sub-systems and components in the electric power sector. You'll model network operation, evaluating stability and efficiency, and explore fault conditions. Using analytical and simulation approaches, you'll develop the knowledge and skills for assessing the reliability and resiliency of 21st century infrastructure.
In this module, you'll analyse the measurement needs of given projects, evaluate existing solutions, then design and implement your own proposal. Building on a theoretical grounding in measurement and sensor technology, you'll learn key skills for roles ensuring accuracy and reliability in process control, biomechanics or autonomous vehicles.
In this self-led module, you'll manage every step of your project, from investigating current practice and research to devising and evaluating your solution. You'll develop your technical creativity as you explore and test engineering solutions to your identified problem, then build your communication skills to deliver a formal report on your project's results. On completion, you'll have demonstrable experience in scoping issues, creating research-based solutions, and delivering professional outputs.
Part time
All modules on this MSc Electronic and Electrical Engineering are core.
Through activities using simulations and hardware, you'll explore static and rotating magnetic fields, analyse DC and AC machines, and investigate power transformers. You'll also evaluate power electronics approaches for controlling machinery and demonstrate your understanding of the operation of synchronous machines.
You'll learn multiple data processing methods in this module, and apply them to enhance efficiency, security and reliability in electronic systems. As you analyse algorithms used in contemporary industry, you'll develop skills in data compression, encryption and protection – and use those data skills to solve practical engineering problems.
In this module, you'll analyse the measurement needs of given projects, evaluate existing solutions, then design and implement your own proposal. Building on a theoretical grounding in measurement and sensor technology, you'll learn key skills for roles ensuring accuracy and reliability in process control, biomechanics or autonomous vehicles.
All modules on this MSc Electronic and Electrical Engineering are core.
In this module, you'll demonstrate a rounded understanding of the topics that go into successful management of engineering work. You'll look at creating an ethical work environment, preparing for risk and uncertainty, and modelling financial decisions for investment in engineering projects. When you complete the module, you'll have gained vital commercial awareness for turning engineering potential into economic and social impact.
In this module, you'll look at the efficiency, sustainability and economic viability of exciting new fuel technologies. You'll analyse energy scenarios, undertake a feasibility study, and design a practical renewable energy solution for a given need. You'll complete the module ready to implement alternative energy technologies in a rapidly changing sector.
In this module, you'll learn about systems, sub-systems and components in the electric power sector. You'll model network operation, evaluating stability and efficiency, and explore fault conditions. Using analytical and simulation approaches, you'll develop the knowledge and skills for assessing the reliability and resiliency of 21st century infrastructure.
In this self-led module, you'll manage every step of your project, from investigating current practice and research to devising and evaluating your solution. You'll develop your technical creativity as you explore and test engineering solutions to your identified problem, then build your communication skills to deliver a formal report on your project's results. On completion, you'll have demonstrable experience in scoping issues, creating research-based solutions, and delivering professional outputs.
Part time
All modules on this MSc Electronic and Electrical Engineering are core.
Through activities using simulations and hardware, you'll explore static and rotating magnetic fields, analyse DC and AC machines, and investigate power transformers. You'll also evaluate power electronics approaches for controlling machinery and demonstrate your understanding of the operation of synchronous machines.
You'll learn multiple data processing methods in this module, and apply them to enhance efficiency, security and reliability in electronic systems. As you analyse algorithms used in contemporary industry, you'll develop skills in data compression, encryption and protection – and use those data skills to solve practical engineering problems.
In this module, you'll analyse the measurement needs of given projects, evaluate existing solutions, then design and implement your own proposal. Building on a theoretical grounding in measurement and sensor technology, you'll learn key skills for roles ensuring accuracy and reliability in process control, biomechanics or autonomous vehicles.
In this self-led module, you'll manage every step of your project, from investigating current practice and research to devising and evaluating your solution. You'll develop your technical creativity as you explore and test engineering solutions to your identified problem, then build your communication skills to deliver a formal report on your project's results. On completion, you'll have demonstrable experience in scoping issues, creating research-based solutions, and delivering professional outputs.
All modules on this MSc Electronic and Electrical Engineering are core.
In this module, you'll demonstrate a rounded understanding of the topics that go into successful management of engineering work. You'll look at creating an ethical work environment, preparing for risk and uncertainty, and modelling financial decisions for investment in engineering projects. When you complete the module, you'll have gained vital commercial awareness for turning engineering potential into economic and social impact.
In this module, you'll look at the efficiency, sustainability and economic viability of exciting new fuel technologies. You'll analyse energy scenarios, undertake a feasibility study, and design a practical renewable energy solution for a given need. You'll complete the module ready to implement alternative energy technologies in a rapidly changing sector.
In this module, you'll learn about systems, sub-systems and components in the electric power sector. You'll model network operation, evaluating stability and efficiency, and explore fault conditions. Using analytical and simulation approaches, you'll develop the knowledge and skills for assessing the reliability and resiliency of 21st century infrastructure.
In this self-led module, you'll manage every step of your project, from investigating current practice and research to devising and evaluating your solution. You'll develop your technical creativity as you explore and test engineering solutions to your identified problem, then build your communication skills to deliver a formal report on your project's results. On completion, you'll have demonstrable experience in scoping issues, creating research-based solutions, and delivering professional outputs.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
International Student Experiences
Hear from students on the course, about their experiences of studying here in Portsmouth as an International student.
The night before I left, I was a very emotional guy.
I was so nervous. I was so confused.
The distance is so far. You're leaving your family. You're leaving your mother, you're leaving your sisters, father, your whole country.
To study and then live here for the next two years is quite hard.
To come out from your comfort zone will be difficult for everybody.
When I came to the University of Portsmouth, they welcomed me very politely. I feel safe now.
What surprised me most about the UK are the friends and the community of my own nation and other internationals.
I found people here are so lovely and so respectful.
They will help with each and everything. It is just like home now.
My biggest worry when I arrived to the UK was the language.
When I moved to another location, I made myself familiar with everything to adapt.
I actually received a lot of support from the university, such as the Student Union. I get help from them.
When I came to University of Portsmouth, I was homesick so they gave me some extra sessions. I got the pressure of study and health issues, so they supported me in each and every way.
All the staff are really nice and lecturers are all amazing and helpful and take care about the students.
Recently, I just completed my course. I found the University of Portsmouth is a very good university, especially for the engineering fellows. At the moment, I'm working at Apollo Fire Detectors Ltd and my role is to test every functional fail and engineering sessions and dealing with the signals. UK is a dream country of mine and a lot of dreams have come true.
My advice is for each and every student and for each and every person is come to UK and come to the University of Portsmouth. You will make a lot of friends and you would take a step for a bright future.
Don't be afraid to build your future and make your dreams and wishes come true.
Your facilities
Analogue and Digital Electronics Laboratory
Explore our Digital and Electronics Laboratory, where you'll find oscilloscopes, circuit building breadboards and the heart of our electronic engineering courses.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take:
- 3 years (part time study)
- 12 months (full-time study, September start)
- 16 months (full time study, January start)
You can expect:
- 10–15 hours of teaching time every week, made up of lectures and tutorials (5–10 hours for part time students). We do our best to keep all teaching within three days, leaving you the rest of the week for work experience or self-guided study
- 15–20 hours of independent study each week, depending on the modules being studied (pro rata for part time students)
In the last 3 months of the course you'll be focusing on your master's project.
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching on this course includes:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- laboratory sessions
- project work
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- written examinations
- coursework
- laboratory-based project work
- a major individual project or dissertation
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Career development
Because electronic and electrical engineering skills are in global demand, you'll be in a strong position to secure employment when you graduate successfully. Here in the UK, EngineeringUK has identified both electrical engineers and electronic engineers as careers with a shortage of skilled entrants, which means you can expect your salary to reflect your postgraduate qualification.
Career routes you could explore with a Master's in electronic and electrical engineering include:
- Electronics engineer
- Product design engineer
- Aerospace engineer
- Application engineer
- Design
- Research and development
- Product manufacture
- Project management
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert careers advice from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Student Placements and Employability Centre. You can access support from our Careers and Employability Centre for up to 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
In April 2023 I completed my MSc in Electronics and Electrical Engineering with professional experience. The help that I received from the faculty, career department, Union, and as well as all the university staff has assisted me in reaching the finish line. Working as the course representative of my course and being a student experience officer in the student union gave me the platform to develop my communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. I am forever grateful to have the opportunity to receive my degree here. I am working at the Department of Hampshire Engineering Services at Hampshire County Council.
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Start this course in January 2025
Start this course in September 2025
Start this course in January 2026
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.