Triangle

Course overview

The first year of this advanced MSc programme aims to provide you with a Master's level knowledge in Electrical and Electronic Engineering through a wide range of optional modules in order to suit your background, interest and career aspirations.

In the second year, you will apply the knowledge and skills acquired to solve contemporary real world problems in an extended year long research project. This aims to further enhance your knowledge and skills base in order to boost your prospect of employment as a professional engineer in this field.

The year long extended individual project will form the basis of your written dissertation and further develops your ability to engage in independent learning, prepare you for postgraduate research or careers in industry. The course will develop your ability to:

  • think logically and critically
  • acquire problem-solving skills
  • become competent users of equipment and software
  • communicate results effectively

Accreditation

  • This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Why choose this course?

9th in the UK

for electrical and electronic engineering

The Guardian University Guide 2023

One of the largest

research groups in Power Electronics, Machines and Control in the world

Power Electronics Research Group

Course content

This course will be taught full-time over two years. You will complete 120 credits of taught modules in year one, followed by an extended individual project with a dissertation worth further 120 credits in year two.

Modules

Core modules

Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals for Masters (autumn) 20 credits

The module expands students lifelong learning skills by developing their proficiency in self- assessment of their knowledge. This will be achieved by asking students to identify gaps in their knowledge in the core areas of electrical and electronic engineering and the development and implementation of an improvement plan.

The problem/project based learning will be used to reinforce the fundamental skills of an electrical and electronic engineer. These problems will be introduced in student led small group seminars where students will discuss the problem and discuss what background knowledge is required and suitable resources. A member of academic staff will aid the students identify appropriate learning material where students find it difficult to do so. As part of the learning experience, students will keep a weekly online log detailing the learning activities undertaken, what they have learnt and the areas they still need to develop.

Practical skills, both ICT and laboratory based skills will be developed using both individual and group activities.

To provide formative feedback during this learning period, there will be 4 compulsory on-line tests. Although the mark attained is not used in the calculation of the module mark, failure, without good cause to complete 3 of the 4 tests within the given time window, will result in a zero module mark.

ICT technology plays a key role in modern engineering and this module will introduce typical commercial engineering packages used in their area of interest. The software packages are Matlab, Keysight ADS ( Circuit Simulation), ADS (communication systems simulation), Simulink, PLECS

Experience of these packages will be gained from solving exemplar problems.  Students will be required to show competency in 2 packages. A student may elect to experience more ICT packages but will not be assessed on them.

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Computing 2 weeks 2 week 2 hours
Lecture 8 weeks 1 week 2 hours

The formative progress tests will be on-line for completion within a 24 hour period.

Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Poster  5.00 Poster presentation
Presentation 15.00 Oral presentation
Coursework 1 20.00 Assessment of software competencies #1
Coursework 2 20.00 Assessment of software competencies #2
Exam 40.00 End of module exam (autumn) - e-assessment
Advanced Engineering Research Project Organisation and Design (spring) 10 credits

A project-oriented module involving a review of publications and views on a topic allied to the chosen specialist subject. The module will also involve organisation and design of the main project. Skills will be acquired through workshops and seminars that will include:

  • Further programming in MATLAB and /or MSExcel Macros
  • Project planning and use of Microsoft Project
  • Measurement and error analysis
  • Development of laboratory skills including safety and risk assessment

Students will select a further set of specialist seminars from, e.g.:

  • Meshing for computational engineering applications
  • Modelling using CAE packages
  • Use of CES Selector software
  • Specific laboratory familiarisation
  • Use of MSVisio software for process flow
  • Use of HYSYS process modelling software
  • Use of PSpice to simulate analogue and digital circuits

The specialist seminars will be organised within the individual MSc courses.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Seminar 12 weeks 1 week 3 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 1 40.00 Project planning
Coursework 2 20.00 Literature review
Coursework 3 20.00 Experimental Design
In-Class Test 20.00 Stats test
Health and Safety test   Pass required.

Optional modules

Applied Computational Engineering 20 credits

This module covers the development of advanced engineering software projects, spanning a range of application areas. Generic topics to be discussed include: Large-scale software management, robust design and coding techniques, accurate and efficient numerical computing for technological simulations, parallel computing techniques applicable to several classes of parallel computer e. multicore, distributed and graphics processing unit (GPU) based systems, database design and implementation. You’ll have a two-hour lecture each week to study for this module.

Advanced Control (autumn) 20 credits

This module covers a range of advanced control techniques used in a wide range of engineering applications.

Typical topics include:

  • multivariable state space modelling
  • inear and nonlinear systems
  • continuous and discrete domains
  • observer theory.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 7 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours
Practicum 10 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 50%

Part 1: weight 25%, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 25%, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Exam 50% Formative health & safety risk assessment
Advanced Power Electronics (autumn) 20 credits

This module covers the design of power electronic converters for real applications. Both component-level design and the impact of non-idealities on modelling and operation are considered.

Assessment

Exam, 40.0%

Coursework 1, 30.0%

Coursework 2, 30.0%

 

Coursework:

Power electronic systems design exercise that puts module content into practice using modelling and simulation tools.

 

Key Module Topics

Advanced modelling and control of power converters

Enabling technologies of power conversion (semiconductor devices, packaging, cooling)

Digital Signal Processing (autumn) 20 credits

This module introduces the principles, major algorithms, and implementation possibilities, of digital signal processing at an advanced level.

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours
Workshop 10 weeks 1 week 2 hours


Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 50.00

Part 1: weight 25%, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 25%, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Exam 50.00  
Advanced AC Drives (spring) 20 credits

This module covers the control of AC drives, covering drives for a variety of machine types and control strategies, for example, vector control.

This module:

  • provides a good understanding of the concepts of field orientation and vector control for induction and non-salient and salient PM AC machines.
  • provides information and guidance on the design of control structures and their implementations including parameter dependencies and field weakening
  • imparts design skills through the design of a vector controlled drive using manufacturer’s machine and converter data and defined design specifications
  • develops critical assessment skills through design evaluation

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 12 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours

 

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 50% 2-hour written examination
Exam 50%

Part 1: weight 20%, 20 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 30%, 30 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Advanced Electrical Machines (spring) 20 credits

This module introduces advanced electrical machine concepts and applications in the area of more electric transport, renewable generation and industrial automation.

The module will help you to:

  • develop a fundamental understanding of the interaction of the electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal engineering disciplines related to electrical machine design.
  • develop analytical skills in modelling and design of electrical machines.
  • have a clear understanding of the different types and topologies of modern electrical machines.
  • develop skills in designing electrical machines
  • develop the ability to analyse and characterise an electric motor through its parameters and performance using FEA approach

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 12 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours
Practicum  10 weeks 1 week 2 hours

 

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 25%

Part 1: weight 12.5%, 12.5 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 25%, 12.5 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's leaning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Exam 75%  
Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems (spring) 20 credits

This module will provide you with knowledge of the fundamentals of artificial intelligence technologies and their relevance to Electronic Engineering applications. It includes selected topics from the field of artificial intelligence with particular focus on the interface with electronic systems.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Computing 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Lecture 11 weeks 2 weeks 1 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 60.00

Part 1: weight 30%, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 30%, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Exam 40.00  
HDL for Programmable Devices (spring) 20 credits

The module introduces both the syntax and application of HDL for the design of modern electronics. This includes:

  • Xilinx
  • Mentor Graphics
  • combinational and sequential circuits design

You also be introduced to the VHDL syntax and its latest development. The module will use the software tools from both Xilinx and Mentor Graphics to present FPGA based digital system design flow with VHDL.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 weeks 2 hours
Computing 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 30%

VHDL design project
Laboratory 1 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 2 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 3 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 4 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 5 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 6 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Exam 40%  End of module exam
Optical and Photonics Technology (spring) 20 credits

Selected topics from the interface between electronic and optical regimes. Issues regarding component, circuit and system design with applications to communications, material processing, biophotonics and optical imaging.

 

To introduce fundamentals of optical and photonics technologies and their relevance to Electronic Engineering applications.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 12 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours
Workshop 1 week 1 week 4 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 50.00

Part 1: 25% weight, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Part 2: 25% weight, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks
Exam 50.00  
Power Systems for Aerospace, Marine and Automotive (spring) 20 credits

This module aims to develop an understanding of the design and operation of power systems in aerospace, marine and automotive applications.

With the introduction of more electrical technologies in these application areas, the understanding and expected performance of the power system has become a critical platform design issue.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 12 weeks 2 week 2 hours
Practicum  10 weeks 1 week 2 hours

 

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 25.00

Part 1: weight 12.5%, 12.5 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module’s learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 12.5%, 12.5 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module’s learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Exam 75.00

 
RF Electronics (spring) 20 credits

This module covers the main concepts in design of high-speed circuits and devices including:

  • passive circuits,
  • amplifiers
  • active devices

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Practicum 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 30%

RF design project
Laboratory 1 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 2 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 3 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 4 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 5 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 6 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Exam 40% End of module exam 
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Monday 06 November 2023.

Core modules

Extended MSc Project Part 1 60 credits

In this module you will be assigned to an individual supervisor and will carry out a practical or theoretical industrially relevant project. You’ll conduct a literature survey, undertake initial practical or theoretical research and/or development work which could be undertaken within industry and write a report on this work. The module aims to give experience of starting a major research investigation with an industrial context within the topic area of their MSc course, including planning the work to meet a final deadline and reporting on the work both in a report and by an informal oral presentation.

Extended MSc Project Part 2 60 credits

The student will continue the project work started in Part 1 through the spring semester of the second year with the same project supervisor. The student will be expected to complete the research or development project by achieving the research goals and write a draft research paper.  The final output will be in the form of a research paper and the student is expected to defend their work in a viva voce examination attended by supervisor, moderator and (where appropriate) the industrial mentor. This module concentrates on the final delivery of the project objectives and communication of these results.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Monday 06 November 2023.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Group study
  • Practical classes
  • Workshops
  • Lab sessions
  • Supervision
  • Tutorials
  • Independent study

You will be taught and guided by highly experienced academics and professional engineers who are active in their respective areas of work through taught sessions and project-based work.

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Examinations
  • Lab skills
  • In-class test
  • Online exams
  • Dissertation
  • Reports
  • Research project
  • Presentations

The assessment strategy differs between the taught (120 credits) and individual project (120 credits) modules. A typical module contains both written assignment(s) and an end of semester exam which is mostly weighted as 40%. The individual project module is continuously assessed in year 2 and concludes with the submission of a research paper, as well as an oral assessment based upon the practical demonstration of the proposed engineering design/solution. The pass mark for all the modules is 50%. Your final degree classification will be based upon your aggregated achievement from both the taught and the project stages of 240 credits.

Contact time and study hours

You will study a total of 240 credits which consists of 120 taught credits over autumn and spring semesters, with the final 120 credits from a large individual project carried out in year 2. Typical class contact time is 4 hours per week for a 20 credit module. There is typically 11 weeks of class teaching in each taught semester. In addition direct contact with academics, students are expected to put in additional self-study time preparing for lectures, tutorials, labs and assignments. As a guide, one credit is equivalent to 10 hours of total combined effort.

Typical class size is approximately 50 students. Teaching for this course usually takes place on Monday to Friday with the exception of Wednesday afternoon when students are involved in extracurricular activities.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Undergraduate degreeA high 2:1 or equivalent grade in Electrical and/or Electronic Engineering or related discipline. Applicants are expected to have covered modules such as Maths, Electric Circuits, Power Electronics, Electrical Machines, Analogue Electronics, Integrated Circuits, Instrumentation, Control Engineering, or related key technical modules.

Applying

Applicants with other relevant Engineering qualifications should demonstrate clear evidence that they have covered sufficient Electrical and or Electronics based subjects in their undergraduate studies. Please ensure that you include any relevant work experience in the personal statement of your application form.

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply
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Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £8,083
International £23,833

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. Project equipment and components are normally covered by the department, though some students opt to buy some of their own components up to £100.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost up to £300. Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

Career destinations for our graduates in the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering include:

  • IT business analysts
  • Systems designers
  • Programmers
  • Software development professionals
  • Production technicians
  • Electrical engineers and engineering professionals

Career progression

100% of postgraduates from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £25,450.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time, postgraduate, home graduates within the UK.

This course is pending accreditation decision by the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) to meeting the further learning requirements of a Chartered Engineer. 

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
" As part of my MSc I completed a year long project with the Optics and Photonics research group which helped to expand my knowledge and creative thinking. I’m now studying for a PhD at the university designing medical devices – I know I’ll be contributing to the world in a meaningful way. "
Suvvi Kuppur Narayanaswamy, Graduate in MSc Advanced Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 2021

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This content was last updated on Monday 06 November 2023. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.