MEng Electronic & Digital Systems
ApplyKey facts
- UCAS Code: H690
- Start date: Sep 2020
- Accreditation: accredited by The Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET)
Ranked: 6th in the UK for Electrical & Electronic Engineering (Complete University Guide 2020)
Scholarships: industry-supported scholarships programme
Study abroad: Year 4, in Europe, Americas, Singapore, China, Australia, New Zealand
Study with us
- technical projects linked to digital electronics companies
- learn how to design the digital systems that enable wireless, mobile and satellite communications, the internet, and audio, video and modern embedded computing systems
- access to IET Power Academy & Scholarship programme with paid work placements
- gain international experience by studying abroad
Why this course?
Electronic systems are important to nearly every aspect of our lives. Spectacular advances in technology, design and development allow increasing capabilities to be put into ever-smaller electronic devices.
Just think about your mobile – a smart phone that can now make calls, take and send pictures, give you ultra-fast wireless internet access wherever you are and download, play and store 1000s of albums. It may even have specialist security features like fingerprint identity sensors and voice-activated operating systems. But your smartphone is much more than that. For example:
- it can be used in sports development to monitor specific fitness parameters and help athletes improve their performance levels
- it can be used in healthcare to help with diagnosis using software to allow doctors to gather, monitor and assess clinical data while patients are at home
These are just a couple of examples that showcase the impact and relevance of electronic systems. New approaches within optical computing and nanotechnology provide the potential for even greater advances.
Accreditation
The Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) - this programme is CEng accredited and fulfils the educational requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
What you’ll study
Year 1
You learn about the design and analysis of analogue and digital circuits, the principles of software engineering, physical electronics and processing systems. You also study maths for computing and engineering and complete group-based laboratory projects such as how to design wireless communications to gain practical training in core engineering applications and project management skills.
Year 2
The study of analogue and digital electronics continues, enhanced by an introduction to basic concepts in signal processing. Further study includes the design and analysis of electrical and microcontroller-based instrumentation systems, coupled with further classes in advanced maths. All classes are supported by practical and team-working activities.
Year 3
You’ll begin to develop specialist engineering skills through advanced classes in on digital electronics systems, computing software and networks.
Year 4
You can choose to either spend fourth year at a partner institution abroad or remain at Strathclyde. The home curriculum focuses on developing advanced technical skills on the design of real-world analogue and digital systems, signals and sensors, and an understanding of new approaches such as optical computing and nanotechnology. You’ll also undertake an individual, industry-focused research project to help you gain the project management skills needed by professional engineers.
At the overseas partner, you’ll study an approved curriculum that is equivalent to the home one, and all the subjects/credits you pass count towards your degree at Strathclyde. You’ll not be required to take extra classes on returning.
The choice of which partner is yours – we offer opportunities in Europe through Erasmus or further afield through our international exchanges to USA, Canada, China, Singapore, Australia & New Zealand. To give you some ideas, take a look at our latest international exchanges list.
Year 5
In Year 5 you'll have the opportunity to develop your team-working skills through a multidisciplinary group project. This project will have a strong industrial influence and provide you with the opportunity to utilise both your hardware and software skills by developing a fully functioning system, which you're required to demonstrate at an internal business tradeshow/exhibition at the end of the year.
In addition to the project, you'll select modules from a range of advanced electrical, electronic and software application areas.
Top-ranked department
The Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering at Strathclyde is acknowledged as one of the premier providers of education in electronic & electrical engineering in the UK. Renowned for its teaching and research quality, student satisfaction ratings and excellent graduate employment rates, it provides the specialist theoretical and practical training in electronics, communications design and operation, hardware engineering systems, image/video processing and robotics.
Facilities
Students have exclusive access to our extensive computing network, and purpose-built teaching spaces including high voltage facilities, and student design & project labs equipped with the latest technologies.
During my degree, I had work experience with Linn Products which allowed me to apply my engineering skills to my love of music. I created digital signal progressing modules for the company’s digital music streaming products. I was also part of a group that designed, built and tested a satellite de-orbiting technology. Working on this, I experienced the time-frame of a real project - from initial project proposal, planning and manufacture to testing and deployment.
Thomas Parry, Electronics engineer, Clyde Space
Compulsory classes
Engineering Industry & Profession
To provide an overview of industry and give you some understanding of the industry environment that you would enter as well as the types of roles you would/could undertake. To explain role and responsibility of the engineering profession and individual engineer.
The class is delivered to first-year undergraduate students in the specific context of electronic and electrical engineering together with relationship to mechanical engineering and computer systems.
Electronic & Electrical Techniques & Design 1
2. To underpin theoretical concepts introduced elsewhere in Year 1 modules
3. To introduce you to individual and group project work
4. To expose you to problems requiring system integration and design
5. To encourage innovation in the context of project work
6. To facilitate the development of a range of transferable skills
Engineering Design For Software Development 1
This class will teach elementary computer programming for the absolute beginner. We begin with an introduction of how a computer process instructions then move on to the basic of programming.
Foundation level programming constructs are addressed early in the class and include decision making (conditional flow control) and iteration (loops). The class focuses largely on procedural programming in the first semester and leaves details of functionalisation and object-oriented programming to the second semester.
Throughout the class, the emphasis is strongly on problem solving such that the skills developed can be cross transferred to other languages.
The teaching language used will be Python - a language that permits the programmer to concentrate on the problem solving aspects of programming rather than being distracted by the syntax of the language.
Electronic & Electrical Principles 1
Engineering Mathematics 1E
Engineering Mathematics 2E
Physical Sciences
By the end of the class you'll be able to:
- calculate the linear or rotational motion of objects under simple forces or torques
- be able to apply a basic understanding of atomic and solid state physics to explain conduction in semiconductors and semiconductor devices
- to be able to calculate the motion of charges in simple electric and magnetic fields
- to be able to calculate the electric and magnetic fields around static charge or current configurations using the laws of Coulomb, Gauss and Ampere
- to be able to calculate properties of electromagnetic devices such as motors and dynamos
Compulsory classes
Engineering Design & Manufacture
An overview of manufacturing and the manufacturing industry will provide a general appreciation of the range of processes employed in manufacturing together with an understanding of how components can be manufactured economically and reliably.
Physical Electronics
Early experiments – e/m, photo-electric effect
Structure of the atom
Wave-particle duality
Schrodinger equation and application in simple systems
Basic Semiconductor Physics
Crystal structure Electron mobility Band theory
Doping of semiconductors
Physics of p-n junctions
Basic Device Physics
Diode operation
LED and laser diodes
.
Electromagnetism
Electronic & Electrical Principles 2
Digital Electronic Systems
Electronic & Electrical Techniques & Design 2
Engineering Design For Software Development 2
To give:
- an understanding of programming concepts and object orientation
- familiarity with the syntax and facilities available in C++
- an ability to write working programs for use in engineering applications
Engineering Mathematics 3E
- to develop the means of solving certain differential equations
- to consider applications of Taylor and Maclaurin series
- to generalise earlier ideas in calculus to deal with functions of several variables
- to discuss in more detail matrices, determinants and functions of a complex variable
- to introduce vector calculus and eigenvalues/eigenvectors
Compulsory classes
Signals & Communications Systems
Electronic & Electrical Principles 3
This class promotes detailed understanding of the electrical and electromagnetic principles and their deployment in a range of engineering applications. These are associated with electromagnetic waves propagation in bounded and unbounded media. They are also in:
- electric power generation (both conventional and renewable)
- power distribution and energy utilisation
- electric transportation systems
- the propagation of electromagnetic waves in free space
- in insulating and conducting lossless and lossy media
- optical fibre
You'll gain an appreciation of the fundamental principles, engineering solutions, and social and economic implications of such applications.
Instrumentation & Microcontrollers
INSTRUMENTATION
To develop techniques for system modelling based on block diagrams and transfer functions and to use such techniques in the context of analysis and design. To introduce you to instrumentation and measurement as an interdisciplinary engineering activity. To explain the basic principles of feedback and control systems.To enable understanding of the dependence of measurement and control on a wide variety of scientific and engineering disciplines; to provide appreciation of the universal application of measurement and control within the same range of disciplines.
To demonstrate engineering design as applied to instrumentation systems and control engineering; in particular, to explain the important contribution of electrical, mechanical and software engineering to this process.
MICROCONTROLLERS
To allow you to gain practical design, implementation and test experience of the techniques required to create combined hardware/software systems with an emphasis on measurement.
Engineering Analysis
The aim of this class is to further develop your skills and abilities in advanced mathematical concepts in the field of engineering. This will be achieved through contextualised problem solving using applicable mathematical and statistical techniques and tools on problems of moderate complexity.
Engineering Innovation & Management
This class aims to provide you with an understanding of the importance of innovation in today’s business environment. The class aims to also develop understanding and skills in the area of innovation management. It aims to develop practical skills for you to integrate a number of themes including:
- product development
- IP
- product finances
- project management
- market analysis with a view to successfully exploiting new ideas
Engineering Project
To conduct, under supervision, a group based project within a EEE-related domain from a selection of projects tailored to match the EEE curriculum.
In this class you'll develop project management skills, including team work, time management, presentation skills and technical report writing. Moreover, the class will enhance your technical skills and knowledge in a EEE-related subject.
Elective classes
Analogue & Digital System Design
Renewable Energy Technologies
Individual Design Project
Analogue And Digital System Design (if not taken in Year 3)
Elective classes
Analogue Systems
Digital Signal Processing Principles
Information Transmission & Security
Communications Networks
Control Principles
- to introduce you to the basic concepts, mathematical tools and design methods of classical control theory
- to enable you to use analysis and design tools used in control engineering and appreciate the industrial applications of control systems
- to enable you to analyse and design closed loop control system specifically using industrial three-term (PID) controllers
- to introduce you to advanced control methods and to provide a basic understanding of a time-domain approach to control analysis and design of industrial processes
- to appreciate the application of control theory in industrial applications
Photonic Systems
Robotics: Systems and Control (10 credits)
This module aims to provide an introduction and overview to the various core aspects of robotics which include design, control, sensing and localisation. It provides a solid base of understanding through theory and examples. Intuition is encouraged through numerous hands-on examples.
The module covers: Robotic systems including background, classification of robots based on design construction, control systems; Performance characteristics of typical robots; forward kinematics of robots including Denavit-Hartenberg (D_H) algorithm and inverse kinematics; Robotic control including principles of system modelling, Matlab implementation, time and frequency domain analysis and control system analysis; Bayesian robot localisation including linearization and Kalman Filtering; Robotic computer vision in particular when applied to mapping and localisation.
At the end of this module students will be able to:
- describe types of robotic systems, their dynamic and mechanical architecture and associated sensor technology
- describe appropriate path-planning techniques taking into account ways to perform collision avoidance and speed up optimal path evaluation
- understand standard camera models and common approaches to image registration
- use computer-based tools to evaluate designs, measure, record and report experimental and numerical data relevant to robotic and other computer control systems
- formulate models from given relevant information and design control systems to drive these models to specified positions and within required accuracy, speed and other performance-related parameters
Assessment and feedback is in the form of a final exam (60%) and coursework which will be a mixture of multiple choice quizzes and laboratory work (40%).
Compulsory classes
Group Project
This project will have a strong industrial influence and provide you with an opportunity to utilise both your hardware and software skills by developing a functioning system. You are required to demonstrate at an internal business tradeshow/exhibition at the end of the year.
Project topics include:
- Digital circuit design to produce logic systems for the management of aircraft controls
- Microprocessor systems for applications in robotics, transport networks, radar or sonar
- Bioinformatics and pattern recognition from images, speech or DNA
- Sensing and control systems from simple manufacturing applications to the stabilising of Formula 1 cars
- Digital signal design for mobile, wireless communications, video surveillance or 3DTV
Elective classes
Advanced Digital Signal Processing
Advanced Microcontroller Applications
DSP & FPGA-Based Embedded System Design
Image & Video Processing
Control Techniques
This class aims:
- to introduce you to the concepts and tools of modelling, simulation for control of dynamical systems
- to introduce you to the concepts of computer control engineering and enable you to learn the skills required to understand and analyse digital control systems for real time engineering applications
- to enable you to appreciate the design of estimation and its use in control design
- to introduce you to the methods of system parameter identification and its application in control engineering
- to present you with the concepts of fault monitoring, detection, isolation in dynamical systems
- to introduce you to the monitoring and evaluation of closed-loop system performance
- to appreciate the industrial applications of control engineering methods
Learning & teaching
To engage and challenge you, we use a blend of teaching methods. These include lectures, small group problem-solving tutorials, practical laboratories as well as industrial visits and seminars by professional engineers
You’ll not only develop technical engineering expertise but also communication, project management, leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
In later years, you’ll have opportunities to work with academic staff on active research projects.
The course typically consists of around 10 lectures, five tutorial/problem-solving classes and three practical classes per week. To enhance your understanding of the technical and theoretical topics covered in these, you're expected to undertake a further 20 hours of self-study, using the web-based virtual learning environment (MyPlace), computing and library facilities.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a variety of techniques.
In Years 1 to 3, you'll complete at least six modules per year, with each module made up of a combination of written assignments, individual and group reports, oral presentations, practical lab work, and where appropriate, an end-of-term exam.
In Year 4, you'll complete at least four modules and an individual project. Assessment of this project consists of four elements, interim report, poster & oral presentations, conduct and final report.
Entry requirements
Required subjects are shown in brackets.
| Highers | Standard entry requirements: AAAAB (Maths A, Physics or Engineering Science) Minimum entry requirements*: AAAB (Maths and Physics or Engineering Science) |
|---|---|
| A Levels | Year 1 entry: AAB-BBB (Maths, Physics) Year 2 entry: A*AA-AAB (Maths A, Physics, Computing) |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 (Maths HL6, Physics HL6) |
| International students | Find out entry requirements for your country by visiting our country pages. |
Additional information
- deferred entry is not accepted
- applicant interviews are conducted in January and February
Widening access
We want to increase opportunities for people from every background. Strathclyde selects our students based on merit, potential and the ability to benefit from the education we offer. We look for more than just your grades. We consider the circumstances of your education and will make lower offers to certain applicants as a result.
Degree preparation course for international students
We offer international students (non-EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at Strathclyde the option of completing an Undergraduate Foundation year programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre.
Upon successful completion, you will be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' section
Fees & funding
2020/21
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
| Scotland/EU | TBC Fees for students domiciled in Scotland and the EU are subject to confirmation in early 2020 by the Scottish Funding Council. (2019/20: £1,820) |
|---|---|
| Rest of UK | TBC Assuming no change in RUK fees policy over the period, the total amount payable by undergraduate students will be capped. For students commencing study in 2020/21, this is capped at £27,750 (with the exception of the MPharm and integrated Masters programmes), MPharm students pay £9,250 for each of the four years. Students studying on integrated Masters degree programmes pay an additional £9,250 for the Masters year with the exception of those undertaking a full-year industrial placement where a separate placement fee will apply. (2019/20: £9,250) |
| International | £20,900 |
| Scholarships | The Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering (EEE) can help you with funding and getting relevant work experience while you study, through its industry-supported scholarship programme. More than 200 students currently benefit from this. They receive annual bursaries, paid summer placements and company mentoring from key UK and global employers including Rolls-Royce, ScottishPower, Wood Group, Jaguar Land Rover and Xilinx. Details of all the scholarships on offer each year are highlighted at a scholarship seminar in week three of Semester 1. In addition, each October we host a scholarships fair, providing the opportunity for you to meet potential sponsors face-to-face. You can learn more about the funding and work experience prospects, build useful contacts for the future and develop industry-specific knowledge through visiting the companies’ exhibitions and presentations. |
| Additional costs | Course materials & costs
Placements & field trips
Study abroad
Other costs
|
| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my studies?
Students from Scotland and the EU
If you're a Scottish or EU student, you may be able to apply to the Student Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. Scottish students may also be eligible for a bursary and loan to help cover living costs while at University.
For more information on funding your studies have a look at our University Funding page.
Students from England, Wales & Northern Ireland
We have a generous package of bursaries on offer for students from England, Northern Ireland and Wales:
You don’t need to make a separate application for these. When your place is confirmed at Strathclyde, we’ll assess your eligibility. Have a look at our scholarship search for any more funding opportunities.
International Students (Non-UK Scholarships, EEA)
We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.
Faculty of Engineering International Scholarships
If you're applying for an undergraduate programme, you'll be eligible to apply for a scholarship award equivalent to a 15% reduction of your tuition fees for each year of study. Your first year’s scholarship will be £3,150.
Scholarships are available for applicants to all self-funded, new international (non-EU) fee paying students holding an offer of study for an undergraduate programme in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.
Please note you must have an offer of study for a full-time course at Strathclyde before applying. You must start your full-time undergraduate programme at Strathclyde in the coming academic year (2020-21).
Find out more about the international scholarshipCareers
Studying electronic & digital systems opens many doors. With two million new employees needed in the UK engineering sector by 2020, you’ll have great career opportunities.
The globalisation of the electronic and digital sectors will allow you to work abroad. Many of our graduates have chosen to do this, taking up a diverse range of technical and managerial roles in:
- video surveillance systems
- multimedia
- aerospace
- consumer electronics entertainment
- biomedicine
- communications
Many of our graduates had secured well-paid jobs by the time they graduated. They're employed by top electronics companies, including international household brands such as Samsung, Nokia and BT and Vodaphone, as well as those producing chip & system solutions such as Xilinx, Siemens, Texas Instruments, Freescale, Philips and Agilent. The vibrant Scottish electronics market, with organisations such as Wolfson Microelectronics, Linn Products and Selex ES, also provided major career opportunities.
How much will I earn?
The starting salary for newly qualified electronic and electrical engineers is up to £29,000.
This rises with experience. Highly experienced engineers can earn up to £65,000.*
*Information is intended only as a guide.
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based in the very heart of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. National Geographic named Glasgow as one of its 'Best of the World' destinations, while Rough Guide readers have voted Glasgow the world’s friendliest city! And Time Out named Glasgow in the top ten best cities in the world - we couldn't agree more!
We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Find out what some of our students think about studying in Glasgow!
Find out all about life in GlasgowApply
Electronic & Digital Systems
Qualification: MEng
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering
Academic Selector
Telephone: +44 (0)141 574 5484
Email: eng-admissions@strath.ac.uk
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