Electronic engineering underpins the very fabric of modern day living. It is a discipline at the forefront of advances that have shaped the way we live today and continues to push forward technological frontiers.

Electronic systems are vital to modern society and the role of the electronic engineer covers a wide spectrum of industry and business. Postgraduate courses in electrical and electronic engineering are recommended for those who want to enhance their knowledge, skills and indeed, their career. Read on to discover how a postgraduate course in electronic engineering can benefit you.

A professional electronic engineer is an inventor, a designer, someone who makes things work - the driving force behind the development of many of today’s inventions, products, processes and devices. To name just a few examples: computer applications, control systems (from satellite tracking to domestic appliances), medical equipment, mobile telephones, digital television, active suspension units in Formula 1 cars, MP3 players, supercomputers, industrial robots and virtual reality games!

Typical work activities

There are two main types of electronics engineers. Chartered Engineers (CEng) normally specialise in research and development or manufacture and installation. Incorporated Engineers (IEng) are usually involved in developing and implementing new technology but both may have managerial roles.

Many organisations now operate cross-functional project management teams with electronics engineers involved at every stage of development. In collaboration with colleagues, they work on from the initial brief for a concept, through to the design and development stage, testing of one or more prototypes and finally following the project through right up to final manufacture, implementation and after-sales service. They must take into account essential factors such as safety, time constraints and cost.

If your interest lies in the design and implementation of electronic and communication systems, and in helping to meet customers’ needs and aspirations, then a postgraduate course in electronic engineering may be for you.

Postgraduate study

The aim of a postgraduate course is to deepen your understanding of the principles of electronic systems, communication and networks.

You will gain relevant, in-depth skills and knowledge and an understanding of how to apply new technologies in the design and implementation of modern systems. It will enhance your engineering competency and provide a broader knowledge of electronic engineering through a wide choice of topics.

Most postgraduate courses in electronic engineering offer a range of modules which can be selected to suit the individual’s own interests and aims. Subjects may include: Digital system design, Microwave and wireless technology, Data network principles and Data network operation and VHDL systems design.

On many courses you will be required to undertake an individual project in which you apply your knowledge to a significant, in-depth piece of analysis or design. Your projects would usually be tailored to your individual interests and may take place in our own laboratories or in some cases, out in industry.

On completion of a course you will be very attractive to a wide variety of employers with interests ranging from overall system design to the more detailed development of radio frequency and data subsystems.

An MSc in Electronic Engineering will suit graduates from related disciplines and practising engineers who wish to enhance and specialise their skills in preparation for a successful career in this expanding and dynamic field.