About this course

Enhance your knowledge of mobile and secure systems engineering, and develop the next generation of cyber security, sustainable energy production or smart medical equipment. Explore how mobile devices interact with wireless networks, and learn how to keep data secure and accurate. This electronic engineering course will let you design and build your own electronic systems. It will prepare you for a career in this dynamic and exciting industry.

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). It provides a route to professional registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Our Electronic Engineering with Mobile and Secure Systems course links theory with new research and industry applications. You’ll gain the programming and mathematical skills for engineering, and learn about the components and systems that make electronic devices work.

You’ll specialise in cyber security and in the hardware and software design for mobile electronic systems. In years 3 and 4, you'll choose from a broad range of topics from across Electronics and Computer Science.

You’ll look at a range of systems and devices such as:

payment systems
Wi-Fi networks
infrastructure hardware
data breaches

Our research facilities include:

high-voltage laboratory
£110m clean room
electronics lab with industry-standard equipment

As part of this secure systems and mobile engineering course you can:

analyse the features of hand-held devices using scenarios such as group gaming exercises
develop your enterprise skills with help from our startup supporter, Future Worlds
build your own unique electronic systems
take modules in quantum technology, robotics or nanomaterials

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

ODT

Download 2023-24 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science (minimum grade A)

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science, plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: AAA including mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 38 points overall with 19 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation), and 6 at Higher Level in either Physics or Computer Science.

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.
or
D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.
or
D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

A-levels

A*AA including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science (minimum grade A)

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAA including mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science, plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 38 points overall with 19 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation), and 6 at Higher Level in either Physics or Computer Science.

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subjects at Higher Level can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.
or
D* in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.
or
D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-levels in mathematics and either physics, further mathematics, electronics or computer science

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

The year 1 and 2 modules are similar across all our Electronic Engineering courses and provide a grounding in essential engineering topics.

In years 3 and 4 you’ll specialise in mobile and secure systems, and can follow your interests by choosing modules from a wide range of options. You can also take modules from other subject areas.

Year 1 overview

In the first year you’ll study digital systems, and electrical materials and fields. There are core modules in:

mathematics
physics
electronics
programming

We'll develop your practical skills with extensive laboratory classes. In your first semester you’ll get to build processing boards.

Year 2 overview

Compulsory modules will explore:

electromagnetism
communications
controls

You'll choose from optional modules, covering topics such as:

semiconductors
optoelectronic devices
computer engineering

At the end of the year, you'll complete a 3-week team challenge, judged by an industry panel. Previous projects include the development of a portable video game system and a home AI system.

You’ll also design a microchip for manufacture, and test the finished product.

Year 3 overview

This year, you’ll complete a unique piece of individual research. You can choose a topic from mobile and secure systems that interests you. For example, one student developed a mobile app to increase cyber literacy and minimise companies’ exposure to cyber security risks.

You’ll specialise in secure systems and devices such as:

payment systems
chip-and-pin machines
Wi-Fi networks

You’ll select from a wide range of optional modules, including topics such as:

cyber security
real-time computing
embedded systems
wireless communications

You can also choose to:

study a language
take modules from other disciplines such as psychology or anthropology
take a range of innovative interdisciplinary modules

Year 4 overview

The main group design project is a great opportunity to experience working for an industry or academic customer. A past project on network engineering and security was set by the Ministry of Defence. They asked students to design and build a device to detect which of its networks were being used for different levels of secure material.

You’ll also choose from optional modules covering topics, such as:

cryptography
future wireless tech
deep learning

You can apply to spend the second semester studying abroad at a partner institution.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2024 to 2025

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Circuits

To explain the mathematical techniques needed to analyse linear and simple non-linear electrical and electronic circuits.

Digital Systems

To introduce digital system design, the principles of programmable logic devices, the implementation of combinational and sequential circuits, and the principles of hardware design using industry standard hardware design tools.

ELEC Part One Laboratory Programme

This module is the lab programme for all first-year students enrolled on an ELEC degree programme. It aims to give students the opportunity to apply the theory that they learn in their other modules, and to provide them with transferrable, subject-based a...

Electronic Systems and Devices

To introduce the physical and electronic properties of materials that underpin semiconductors and semiconductor devices that underpin modern electronic technology. To develop and understanding of electronic devices in circuits, to provide a range of cir...

Engineering Mathematics

This course explores the use of mathematics as a toolbox for engineers need in order to calculate, model, visualise and design systems. The focus is on solving physical problems via equations, both analytically and numerically using computation, along wit...

Fields, Forces and Materials

This module introduces fundamental concepts in electric fields, electromagnetism and mechanics, as a foundation for more advanced topics in electromagnetic theory and mechanics. It also equips students with basic techniques of engineering electromagneti...

Introduction to Signals, Control and Communications

This module is focused on developing the basics of Signals, Control and Communications: • To introduce the underpinning elements of signal processing. • To develop an approach to the modelling of dynamic electromechanical and electronic systems • To i...

Mathematics

This course is designed to develop fundamental mathematical skills which engineers need in order to tackle a wide variety of engineering and design problems. There is a particular focus on developing an understanding of mathematics as a toolbox through pr...

Programming

To introduce the student to the concepts of programming using the C programming language, with an emphasis on programming for embedded systems.

You must study the following modules in year 2:

Applied Electromagnetism

This module introduces and develops the knowledge in fundamental electromagnetics for second year Electrical and Electronic Engineering students. The course presents the basic concepts of electromagnetic theory from a physical and application points of vi...

Communications

To develop knowledge of the analysis of communications systems. To introduce the basic analysis and design tools for communications engineering. To provide a comprehensive foundation for Level 6 and 7 communications courses.

Control and Systems Engineering

This module guides students through the development of knowledge and understanding of linear continuous-time systems. It then introduces the basic analysis and design tools for electronic system control and provides opportunities to develop practical desi...

Design

Conventional laboratory experiments are useful mainly to assist understanding or analysis. Because they are of necessity stereotyped, they are of limited usefulness when a circuit or system must be designed to meet a given specification. The majority of e...

Electronic and Computer Systems

This module focuses on how to create real electronic systems. It covers 'building block' circuits using bipolar transistors and looks at the use of op-amps and comparators. It also covers how to deliver timing in circuits. It covers the basic operation of...

Electronic and Photonic Devices

Semiconductor device technology has evolved beyond computation applications and is now increasingly being used in quantum electronics, lighting, lasers, high speed communications, photovoltaic energy harvesters, smart electronics for the Internet of Thing...

Programming and Simulation of Electronic Systems

This module introduces some advanced programming, simulation and design modelling frameworks and tools. Teaching activities are a combination of taught sessions, expanded self-study supported by the Professional Skills Hub and practical hands-on sessions ...

Signal Processing

To develop knowledge of the fundamentals of Signals and Systems. To introduce the concepts of signal transforms, system convolution and linear operations. To introduce the concepts of randomness in signals and systems. To provide a comprehensive found...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

33%

Scheduled learning & teaching

67%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
design and problem-solving exercises
individual and group projects
oral presentations
written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

48%

Written exam

33%

Coursework

19%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Xu Fang is the course leader.

Careers

This course is accredited as meeting the full academic requirement for registration as a chartered engineer.

With an integrated master's in Electronic Engineering from Southampton, you’ll have excellent career prospects.

You’ll be prepared for professional and managerial roles such as:

electronic engineer
design and development engineer
technology analyst
systems engineer
network security engineer

Most of our students go straight into jobs in high-tech companies. You’ll also have career options outside electronics and computer systems.

Our graduates have built successful careers in professions such as finance and law, and have started their own companies. This degree is also a great foundation for further study at PhD level.

Our Electronics and Computer Science graduates have secured roles at organisations including:

Apple
IBM
Intel
Ericsson
London Transport
Samsung
Sony

Our faculty's Careers Hub provides specialist career support and lets you connect with employers. It includes:

an Electronics and Computer Science careers fair, attended by major electronics companies
an online jobs and placements portal
paid summer internships

ECS Entrepreneurs is a student society that can help you develop your entrepreneurial passion into a business. It holds seminars and workshops on topics like coding and starting a company.

Our support for innovation and enterprise means we have a track record of success. For example, programme leader and wireless communications specialist Professor Rob Maunder founded AccelerComm Ltd to bring his 5G-ready processor to market.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £27,400.

Your fees will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: H691
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Electronic Engineering with Mobile and Secure Systems (MEng) is a course in the Electrical and electronic engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

a

MEng

Aerospace Electronic Engineering

BEng

Aerospace Electronic Engineering

e

BEng

Electronic Engineering with Wireless Communications

m

BEng

Mechatronic Engineering

MEng

Electronic Engineering with Mobile and Secure Systems (MEng)

About this course

Learn more about this subject area

Electrical and electronic engineering

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202425

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Irish certificate additional information

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Irish certificate additional information

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Year 4 overview

Modules

Year 1 modules

Circuits

Digital Systems

ELEC Part One Laboratory Programme

Electronic Systems and Devices

Engineering Mathematics

Fields, Forces and Materials