Electronics and Renewable Energy Systems MEng

As global demand for energy grows, governments and companies are increasingly seeking to reduce the world’s dependence on fossil fuels. This course allows you to study electronic engineering alongside specialist topics in the field of renewable energy systems to meet these challenges head-on.

You’ll gain a foundation in the mathematical and scientific principles that underpin electronic engineering and core topics like circuit theory and communications systems. Then you’ll build your knowledge of areas such as power systems, smart grid systems, power electronics for renewable systems control and energy conversion.

You’ll gain extensive hands-on learning in power electronics, electric drives, and solar/wind power test benches in our renewable energy study centre. Practical laboratory classes and project work in each year of the course will also allow you to apply your knowledge to real life work situations, developing your knowledge and skills for a variety of exciting careers.

We're Top 5 in the UK for Electrical and Electronic Engineering according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, Guardian University league table and the Complete University Guide 2020.

The first three years of this programme are identical to the Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng. You may choose to take the three-year Bachelor (BEng) degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering if you do not wish to complete the four-year integrated Masters (MEng, BEng).

Specialist facilities

You’ll have access to world-class facilities, including the ARM Embedded Systems Laboratory and the Keysight Technologies Wireless Communications Laboratory, which features professional-standard equipment including arbitrary function generators and 100MHz 4-channel oscilloscopes.

For your final-year project, you could also have access to facilities such as our bionanoelectronics research laboratory, terahertz imaging laboratory, or ABB robotic arm laboratory.

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Accreditation

The MEng is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students. For this course, these are the quality standards set by the IET.

All of our core electronic and electrical degree courses have a common first two years. This lays the foundations of your studies and gives you a thorough understanding of key topics, but it also means you can easily change between these courses until the end of Year 2. You’ll learn about the physical principles that affect the function of electronic components and electrical systems, as well as circuit theory, analysis and design. You’ll also study communications systems and networks, power electronics and modules designed to improve your mathematical skills for engineering.

This foundation will prepare you for specialised modules in Year 3, focusing on topics such as smart grid systems, electric drives and embedded systems. You’ll also choose to study digital communications or integrated circuit design, and learn more about the professional and industrial context of renewable energy systems and the engineering sector.

In Year 4, you’ll study the ways renewable energy sources can be used to generate power, and select from optional modules on topics such as control systems design, or power electronics. You’ll also complete a dissertation to build your awareness of a particular aspect of the industry, and apply your knowledge to a substantial research project.

Projects

Every year of the course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem-solving, communication and teamwork.

Find out more about our Projects

Engineering ethics

You’ll study engineering ethics as part of your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of your study. Visit our engineering ethics webpage to find out more.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Electronics and Renewable Energy Systems MEng in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. On this course you broaden your learning through core and/or optional modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

You’ll benefit from our integrated style of learning and teaching. Laboratory classes, project work, and industrial visits allow you to gain first-hand experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real life work situations. Together they will equip you with in-depth knowledge and key practical skills that will put you in a good position to compete in science and technology-related careers. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

Our personal tutorial system will provide academic and pastoral support. You will have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds. He or she will be an academic member of staff: you will have weekly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first year, in your tutor group (of typically 5 students), as well as one-to-one meetings twice per semester.

In addition, our excellent student support team is based close to where you’ll work and study to help with anything from academic advice to timetabling and project submission enquiries.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Most modules are assessed by more than one component. These components can include written examinations held at the end of each year, in-class and online tests, example sheets, assignments, and coursework in the form of reports, projects, presentations and posters.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA including Mathematics.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

Extended Project Qualification - We recognise the value, effort and enthusiasm applicants make in the Extended Project, and where an applicant offers an A in the EPQ we may make an offer of AAB at A-Level (any required subjects such as Mathematics must still be at grade A).

GCSE: English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction (including an appropriate number of Mathematics modules) and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above.

• BTEC

  D*DD with Distinctions in all Mathematics units plus a diagnostic Maths test. Mathematics units must usually include Further Maths and/or other appropriate Maths units. Some may be optional on your BTEC but are required by the Faculty. Please contact us for further information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, D3, D3 including Mathematics.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall, with 18 points at higher level to include 5 points in Mathematics.

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2, including Mathematics.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AA at Advanced Higher level, including Mathematics and AABBB at Higher Level.

• Other Qualifications

  Engineering Diploma: A (plus A level Mathematics at grade A or above).

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Applicant days

Suitable applicants will be invited to an applicant day, for which we strongly encourage attendance as this gives you the opportunity to meet our students, academic and admissions staff, and find out more about your course. You’ll take part in a practical electronics activity, see a taster lecture, have a question and answer session with current students, and see the School’s laboratories. The school foyer will have student projects on display so you can get an idea of what you can work towards in the future.

During the day you’ll get a chance to ask questions of an academic member of staff to check it’s the right course for you and your career plans, and find out more about studying at the University of Leeds.

After you apply we will send you a link to book your place on the applicant day. Please let us know as soon as possible if you cannot attend, so your place can be allocated to another applicant.

Please note, if the entry requirements for your qualification include a diagnostic mathematics test, attendance at an applicant day is required.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £23,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships

The School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering awards a range of scholarships.

Careers in this area are as diverse as renewable energy systems, power generation, electrical machines (such as the switched reluctance motor pioneered here in Leeds), industrial control systems (e.g. for automotive assembly), power electronics and electric drive systems (e.g. for hybrid petrolelectric vehicles).

The course is particularly suited to careers in power electronics and renewable energy systems. The employment prospects for graduates are excellent, as all countries around the world seek to make systems more energy efficient and to re-engineer a “smart grid” that integrates renewable energy sources. You could also pursue a career in the automotive industry, as electric vehicles are the subject of intense research and development activity.

Because this course maintains a strong element of traditional electronic engineering, you could pursue a career in a wide variety of industry sectors such as communications.

Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our students are working.

Careers support

You’ll have access to our dedicated Employability team, located centrally in our Employability Suite, who will provide you with specialist face-to-face support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and year-in-industry placements, as well as graduate positions.

You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, ongoing support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers. The team also works closely with the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Find out more about careers support and employability.

Study abroad

You can apply to spend your third year studying at a university overseas. We’ll advise you on finding a university of your choice, which will need to offer similar modules to the ones you would study in Leeds, and the Programme Leader will approve appropriate matches.

Find out more about Study abroad.

Work placements

With the help and support of our faculty Employability Team, you can choose to undertake a placement at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your degree by 12 months and on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your unique expertise to future employers.

Find out more about work placements.