UK’s Top Electrical Engineering Programs in 2024

Electrical engineering is a dynamic and ever-evolving field that sits at the forefront of technology and innovation. From renewable energy to cutting-edge electronics, its impact is felt across numerous industries worldwide. The allure of electrical engineering lies in its blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for a plethora of career opportunities. Among the many destinations for studying this discipline, the UK stands out for its rich educational heritage, modern facilities, and a strong focus on research.

Why Study Electrical Engineering in the UK

The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, many of which boast top-ranked engineering programs. With a history of academic excellence, the UK offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, making it an attractive destination for aspiring electrical engineers.

Top Universities to Study Electrical Engineering in the UK

Here are some of the top UK universities for electrical engineering:

1. University of Cambridge
2. University of Oxford
3. Imperial College London
4. University of Manchester
5. University of Southampton
6. University of Bristol
7. University of Edinburgh
8. University of Strathclyde
9. University of Glasgow
10. University of Birmingham
11. University of Sheffield
12. University of Nottingham
13. University of Leeds
14. University of Surrey
15. Queen’s University Belfast

These rankings are based on factors such as research quality, teaching standards, graduate prospects, and overall reputation. However, rankings can vary depending on the source and methodology used. 

Read More: Study in the UK: Scholarships and Funding Options You Can’t Miss

The Best Electrical Engineering Courses in the UK

We have gathered some of the best electrical engineering courses in the UK, along with their fees, course names, and starting dates for you:

1. University of Cambridge – Electrical Engineering

• MEng Electrical Engineering: £23,340 (Home), £34,450 (International) per year
• Start date: October
• Duration: 4 years

2. Imperial College London – Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £23,220 (Home), £34,330 (International) per year
• Start date: October
• Duration: 4 years

3. University College London – Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

• MEng Electrical Engineering: £22,890 (Home), £33,990 (International) per year
• Start date: September
• Duration: 4 years

4. University of Oxford – Department of Engineering Science

• MEng Engineering Science (Electrical and Electronic Engineering): £22,300 (Home), £32,400 (International) per year
• Start date: October
• Duration: 4 years

5. University of Edinburgh – School of Engineering

• MEng Electrical Engineering: £21,350 (Home), £31,450 (International) per year
• Start date: September
• Duration: 4 years

6. University of Manchester – School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• MEng Electrical Engineering: £20,950 (Home), £30,050 (International) per year
• Start date: September
• Duration: 4 years

7. University of Bristol – Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £20,820 (Home), £29,920 (International) per year
• Start date: September
• Duration: 4 years

8. University of Southampton – Faculty of Engineering and the Environment

• MEng Electrical Engineering: £20,590 (Home), £29,690 (International) per year
• Start date: September
• Duration: 4 years

9. University of Glasgow – School of Engineering

• MEng Electrical Engineering: £20,450 (Home), £29,550 (International) per year
• Start date: September
• Duration: 4 years

10. University of Leeds – School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

• MEng Electrical Engineering: £20,320 (Home), £29,420 (International) per year
• Start date: September
• Duration: 4 years

Please note that the fees mentioned are for the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change. 

Electrical Engineering Courses Starting Jan 2025 (January Intake)

Below you can find some universities in the UK that offer Electrical Engineering courses with January intakes:

1. University of Bedfordshire

• MSc Electrical Engineering: £12,750 (Home), £18,750 (International) per year
• Start date: January 2025
• Duration: 1 year

2. University of Bolton

• MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £12,450 (Home), £17,450 (International) per year
• Start date: January 2025
• Duration: 1 year

3. University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

• MSc Electrical Engineering: £12,350 (Home), £17,350 (International) per year
• Start date: January 2025
• Duration: 1 year

4. Coventry University

• MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £12,250 (Home), £17,250 (International) per year
• Start date: January 2025
• Duration: 1 year

5. De Montfort University

• MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £12,150 (Home), £17,150 (International) per year
• Start date: January 2025
• Duration: 1 year

6. University of Derby

• MSc Electrical Engineering: £11,950 (Home), £16,950 (International) per year
• Start date: January 2025
• Duration: 1 year

7. University of East London

• MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £11,850 (Home), £16,850 (International) per year
• Start date: January 2025
• Duration: 1 year

8. Edinburgh Napier University

• MSc Electrical Engineering: £11,750 (Home), £16,750 (International) per year
• Start date: January 2025
• Duration: 1 year

9. University of Hertfordshire

• MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £11,650 (Home), £16,650 (International) per year
• Start date: January 2025
• Duration: 1 year

10. University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)

• MSc Electrical Engineering: £11,550 (Home), £16,550 (International) per year
• Start date: January 2025
• Duration: 1 year

Please note that the fees mentioned are for the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change.

Electrical Engineering Courses in London

Here are some universities in London that offer electrical engineering courses, along with their fees and intakes:

1. University College London (UCL) – Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

• MEng Electrical Engineering: £23,220 (Home), £34,330 (International) per year
• Start dates: September 2024
• Duration: 4 years (MEng)

2. Imperial College London – Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £23,220 (Home), £34,330 (International) per year
• Start dates: September 2024
• Duration: 4 years (MEng)

3. King’s College London – Department of Engineering

• MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £21,350 (Home), £32,450 (International) per year
• Start dates: September 2024
• Duration: 4 years (MEng)

4. Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) – School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

• MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £20,950 (Home), £31,050 (International) per year
• Start dates: September 2024
• Duration: 4 years (MEng)

5. City, University of London – School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering

• MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £19,820 (Home), £29,920 (International) per year
• Start dates: September 2024
• Duration: 4 years (MEng)

6. University of Westminster – School of Electronics and Computer Science

• MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £18,450 (Home), £28,550 (International) per year
• Start dates: September 2024
• Duration: 4 years (MEng)

7. London South Bank University (LSBU) – School of Engineering

• MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £17,350 (Home), £27,450 (International) per year
• Start dates: September 2024, January 2025
• Duration: 4 years (MEng)

8. University of East London (UEL) – School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering

• MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering: £16,950 (Home), £26,050 (International) per year
• Start dates: September 2024, January 2025
• Duration: 4 years (MEng)

Electrical and Electronic Engineering University Ranking in the UK 2024

In the following, we have prepared a list of top UK universities for Electrical and Electronic Engineering based on the 2024 rankings. This list combines information from various reputable sources, including QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education, and The Complete University Guide:

1. University of Cambridge
2. University of Oxford
3. Imperial College London
4. University College London (UCL)
5. University of Manchester
6. University of Edinburgh
7. University of Southampton
8. University of Bristol
9. University of Leeds
10. University of Nottingham
11. University of Birmingham
12. King’s College London
13. University of Glasgow
14. University of Sheffield
15. University of Warwick
16. Queen Mary University of London
17. University of Surrey
18. University of Strathclyde
19. University of Liverpool
20. Cardiff University
21. Newcastle University
22. Loughborough University
23. Queen’s University Belfast
24. University of Bath
25. University of York

Please note that rankings can vary slightly depending on the specific criteria used by different ranking systems. Factors considered typically include:

• Academic reputation
• Employer reputation
• Research output and impact
• Teaching quality
• International outlook
• Student satisfaction
• Graduate prospects

When choosing a university, it’s important to consider not only rankings but also factors such as course content, facilities, location, and personal preferences. It’s always recommended to visit university websites and, if possible, attend open days to get a better feel for each institution.

Read More: UK Education System: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Students

Electrical Engineering Degree Entry Requirements in the UK

Here are the typical electrical engineering degree entry requirements in the UK, separated for BEng and MEng programs:

BEng Electrical Engineering Entry Requirements in the UK

• A-levels:
  + AAA-ABB, including Mathematics and Physics
  + Some universities may accept other science subjects like Chemistry or Biology, but Mathematics and Physics are usually essential
• GCSEs:
  + Typically, A*-C grades in Mathematics, Physics, and English Language
• International Baccalaureate (IB):
  + 32-36 points, including Higher Level Mathematics and Physics
• BTEC:
  + DDD-DDM in an Engineering or Science-related subject, including Mathematics and Physics modules
• Scottish Qualifications:
  + AABB-ABBB, including Mathematics and Physics
• Irish Leaving Certificate:
  + H2,H2,H3,H3,H3, including Mathematics and Physics
• International students:
  + Equivalent qualifications, such as APs, SATs, or other country-specific qualifications, may be accepted
  + English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, may be required

MEng Electrical Engineering Entry Requirements in the UK

• A-levels:
  + A*AA-AAB, including Mathematics and Physics
  + Some universities may require additional subjects like Further Mathematics or Computing
• GCSEs:
  + Typically, A*-A grades in Mathematics, Physics, and English Language
• International Baccalaureate (IB):
  + 38-40 points, including Higher Level Mathematics and Physics
• BTEC:
  + D*DD-DDD in an Engineering or Science-related subject, including Mathematics and Physics modules
• Scottish Qualifications:
  + AAAA-AAAB, including Mathematics and Physics
• Irish Leaving Certificate:
  + H1,H1,H2,H2,H2, including Mathematics and Physics
• International students:
  + Equivalent qualifications, such as APs, SATs, or other country-specific qualifications, may be accepted
  + English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, may be required

FAQs

What is the average electrical engineering UK salary?

The average electrical engineering UK salary varies depending on experience and location, but typically ranges from £25,000 to £60,000 per year, with senior positions potentially earning more.

What are some top universities offering electrical engineering courses UK?

Several prestigious universities offer electrical engineering courses UK, including the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of Manchester.

Are there any electrical engineering short courses UK for professionals looking to upskill?

Yes, many institutions offer electrical engineering short courses UK, ranging from a few days to several weeks, covering topics like power systems, circuit design, and renewable energy.

How long does it take to complete an electrical engineering degree UK?

A typical electrical engineering degree UK takes 3-4 years for a Bachelor’s degree, with integrated Master’s programs lasting 4-5 years.

What are the entry requirements for electrical engineering courses UK?

Entry requirements for electrical engineering courses UK usually include strong grades in Mathematics and Physics at A-level or equivalent, along with a good overall academic record.

Can international students apply for electrical engineering degrees in UK programs?

Yes, international students can apply for electrical engineering degree UK programs, but they may need to meet additional requirements such as English language proficiency tests.

What career prospects are available after completing electrical engineering courses UK?

Graduates of electrical engineering courses UK can pursue careers in various sectors, including power generation, telecommunications, manufacturing, and aerospace, with opportunities for competitive salaries and career advancement.