Your questions answered – Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Before studying for a masters in electrical and electronic engineering you probably have a few questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about our programmes.

Do any of the programmes offer placement opportunities? If so, will the University find a placement for me, and what happens if I can’t find a placement?

Our Euromaster programme offers this opportunity for students who perform well, and are successful in finding a placement.

We can provide referrals but, as with any job, you have to write a good CV and perform well in an interview. The employability and careers service at Surrey are on hand to support with CV writing, interview preparation and finding work placements. Students on the Euromaster programme who are unable to find a placement will commence their dissertation earlier and likewise complete their second year of studies earlier.

How is the course delivered?

Our course is delivered through lectures, laboratories and tutorial sessions. You will also have access to a wealth of resources through our online learning platform, SurreyLearn.

How much of my time will be spent in lectures and seminars?

For each module, there are typically three hours of lectures per week and a further seven hours of independent study. You will do four modules in one semester as a full-time student.

How much time should I be spending working independently/studying?

If you are studying full time with four modules per semester, you’ll be working 40-50 hours a week.

What is the structure for the part-time version of the course?

Part-time students can take from two to five years to complete the course depending on how many modules you choose to do in one year (between two and six).

What modules will I study?

We offer a wide range of modules, enabling you to tailor your masters to your interests. Topics covered include advanced electronics, radio, mobile and satellite communications, nanotechnology, space, robotics, artificial intelligence, signal processing and internet of things. An updated list of modules can be found on our website.

Do I have to do a dissertation and can I decide my dissertation topic?

All master programmes require a dissertation to be carried out. Supervisors will advertise dissertation projects and you will apply to projects you are interested in. The process is very much like doing a job application: you need to convince the supervisor you can do the project they are offering, and then do it well, so that they can write you a glowing reference after graduation.

How much is the dissertation worth, and how long do I have to write it?

For students on the standard MSc, the dissertation is worth one third of their final mark, and typically three months are spent working on it. Euromaster students will do an extended project lasting more than six months.

What facilities will I have access to as part of my course?

We have a wealth of computer labs, a library, common room and also practical laboratories for relevant modules.

What employment opportunities does an electrical and electronic engineering masters from Surrey open up?

Graduates on our master programmes work as lead engineers in a wide variety of industries related to the taught content. These include the space, mobile communications, satellite communications, gaming, energy sectors and, automation and artificial intelligence.

What kinds of roles do your graduates go on to do? What kinds of companies do they go on to work for?

Our graduates take on engineering roles in a wide variety of companies including Airbus, Nokia, Vodafone and Cisco to name just a few. Some also become key engineers in small to medium enterprises which offer great opportunities. The careers and employability team at Surrey can aid you with searching and applying for a job, even after graduation.

And here are some frequently asked questions about life at Surrey.

We hope you find this information useful. If you have any other questions, please get in touch with us by emailing campaigns@surrey.ac.uk.

Author: Laura Cooper.