Electrical Engineering BEng (Hons)



Gain specialist skills in power systems, renewable energy and in the lab at a top 2 UK modern university for Electrical Engineering
The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

Course overview

Electrical engineers design, build and maintain the systems that power modern life – from renewable-energy technologies and smart-grid infrastructure to industrial machines, drives and high-voltage networks.

This degree provides a strong grounding in electrical engineering fundamentals while allowing you to specialise in power systems, electrical supply and transmission, renewable-energy generation, and the operation and control of motors and generators.

Throughout the course you will apply theory to real engineering challenges, supported by staff with expertise in machines, power systems and sustainable-energy technologies. Optional industry visits and guest speakers from the sector help prepare you for a rewarding career in the rapidly evolving electrical energy landscape.

What's the difference between Electrical and Electronic Engineering?

Electrical Engineering focuses on large-scale power systems, energy networks and the operation of machines and drives, while Electronic Engineering is centred on smaller-scale digital and analogue systems such as embedded controllers, microprocessors, automation systems, sensors and intelligent electronic devices. If power grids or electrical machines spark your interest, this course is designed for you. If you are more interested in chip design, embedded technology, robotics and programmable electronic systems, check out our BEng Electronic Engineering.

electrical engineer

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

H645

Course details

As you progress through the course, the focus shifts from fundamental engineering skills toward the more complex challenges faced by today's electrical-power and renewable-energy industries. You will study how modern grids operate, how energy is generated and transmitted, and how machines and drives are controlled within large-scale systems. You will also be introduced to industry-standard tools used for analysing electrical networks and designing efficient, sustainable electrical systems.

You'll cover topics including: Electrical Supply, Transmissions and Networks, Power Systems, and Electronic Drives and Circuits.

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    How you’ll be taught

    You will develop analytical, design and problem-solving skills through a mixture of lectures, tutorials and hands-on laboratory sessions, allowing you to explore concepts from multiple angles. All teaching is delivered entirely face to face on campus, typically over two to three days per week, with access to specialist facilities like our dedicated Power Systems Laboratory.

    Lectures introduce the core ideas and technical methods used in electrical engineering, while tutorials give you the chance to work through examples, apply theory to real-world problems and get personalised support from lecturers. The lab sessions form a key part of the course and offer extensive hands-on experience with electrical machines, power-system software and equipment used for modelling generation, supply and network design.

    Lectures and tutorials combine theory with applied problem-solving, while lab sessions develop practical skills in machine operation, system modelling and electrical design. You'll gain hands-on experience with hands-on machine operation in the lab, software-based design for Electrical supply and power generation and transmission.
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    Assessments

    You will be assessed through a mix of design-based assignments, research-based coursework, class tests and final exams.

    Assignments are heavily practical and industry-focused, often based on realistic electrical engineering design challenges.
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    Work placement

     There are no compulsory placements or field trips, but you will benefit from 1-2 optional industry visits per year and guest lectures from practising engineers and industry partners. These opportunities allow you to understand workplace expectations and current trends in renewable-energy and electrical-power industries.
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    Facilities

    This course is taught in person at our Merchiston campus.

    You will learn using specialist equipment in our Power Systems Laboratory (Merchiston B60), which includes: industrial-standard electrical machines, power-system analysis and simulation tools and equipment for electrical supply, generation and transmission studies.

    The lab supports all practical modules and gives you experience with real technologies used in power-system engineering and electrical machine operation.

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Engineering Skills
  • Foundation Mathematics
  • Mechanical Principles
  • Electrical and Electronic Principles
  • Engineering Practice
  • Mathematical Methods 1

Year 2

  • Electronic Devices & Circuits
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mathematical Methods 2
  • Management for Engineers 1
  • Control Measurement and Instrumentation
  • Circuit Realisation

Year 3

  • Electrical Systems
  • Electronic Systems
  • Engineering Applications – Electrical and Electronic
  • Programmable Control Engineering
  • Management for Engineers 2
  • Integrated Engineering Design (Honours) or Individual Project (Degree)

Year 4

  • Engineering Electronics
  • Electrical Machines
  • Electronic Drives
  • Embedded Systems
  • Honours Project

ACCREDITED BY

Meet your Programme Leader and Teaching Team

Throughout your studies, you'll learn from experienced professionals and industry leaders who bring valuable expertise, insight and real-world perspectives to your learning experience.

Programme Leader: Jubaer Ahmed.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Electrical Engineering?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2, Year 3 or Year 4 is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information.

Applicants applying directly to year 4 must meet the required Engineering Council Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP) learning outcomes. This may require additional information to be provided by the applicant as part of the application process.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

 
 

Minimum Year 1

Scottish Higher

  • Standard Entry Requirement: BBBC including Maths (Higher Applications of Maths not accepted)

  • Minimum Entry Requirement: BCCC including Maths (Higher Applications of Maths not accepted)

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies

A level

  • CCC including Maths

 

Irish Leaving Certificate

  • H2, H3, H3, H3 at Higher Level including Maths

 

BTEC National Extended Diploma (Level 3)

  • MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject
    BTEC must include Maths or A level Maths must have also been achieved at grade C.

 

BTEC National Diploma (Level 3) plus A Level

  • MM (Merit, Merit) in a related subject plus A Level Grade C
    BTEC must include Maths or A level Maths must have also been achieved at grade C.
     

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Award of Diploma with 27 points overall with three Higher Level subjects at grades 6, 5, 4
    Standard Level Maths at grade 5 is also required.

T level

  • Pass
    T Level must be completed in a subject that includes Maths components. Alternatively, A Level Maths would be required. Please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk to check if you meet the subject specific requirements.

Minimum Year 2 

HNC

  • Pass HNC in Engineering Systems, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering with grade B in the Graded Unit.
    Must include passes in the modules Engineering Maths 1, 2 and 3.

Minimum Year 3

HND

  • Pass HND in Engineering Systems, Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics with grade B in all SCQF Level 8 Graded Units.
    Must include passes in the modules Engineering Maths 1, 2, 3 and 4. 
 

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

If you do not currently meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer a number of pre-sessional English language courses which could help you achieve the required level.

 
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • MSc Nursing courses
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2026/27 2027/28
Scotland £1,820 £tba
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,790 tba
Overseas and EU £21,120 tba

Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study.

Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.

If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.

Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers & employability

What can you do with a BEng Electrical Engineering degree?

Electrical engineering graduates are in high demand across the energy and technology sectors. This degree prepares you for roles such as:

  • Offshore/Onshore Renewable Energy Engineer
  • Electrical Design Engineer
  • Building Services Electrical Engineer
  • Power Plant Engineer
  • Transmission Network Engineer
  • Machine Control Engineer
  • Electrical Manufacturing & Systems Engineer

Graduates work in renewable energy companies, utility providers, power-station operations, design consultancies, manufacturing firms and more. Many progress toward professional-engineering status through the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

What does an Electrical Engineer do?

Electrical engineers design, develop, and oversee the manufacturing of electrical systems, devices, and components across various industries. They create efficient and reliable designs for circuits, power distribution systems, control systems, and communication networks, using principles of mathematics, physics, and engineering.

In addition to designing electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and medical equipment, they conduct tests and troubleshoot issues to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. Often leading or contributing to engineering projects, they manage budgets, schedules, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

By continuously engaging in research and professional development, electrical engineers stay updated on advancements in their field to innovate and solve complex technical challenges. Their work spans industries such as telecommunications, transportation, energy, healthcare, and manufacturing, contributing to the advancement of technology and improving quality of life worldwide.

Merchiston campus