21Oct
PostgraduateCourse summary
Our MSc in the vital field of electrical engineering provides you with a solid foundation of knowledge and experience that you can apply to the global challenges of creating sustainable and resilient energy management systems. Through a combination of theoretical and practical education and using cutting-edge tools and technologies, you will develop valuable engineering insight and apply a range of innovative solutions to help meet challenges in areas such as electricity generation from renewable and conventional sources, energy transmission and distribution and future vehicle technologies. As well as undertaking taught modules through lectures and seminars, you will develop valuable collaborative working skills by joining with other students to carry out advanced design work, to the appropriate design standards and using complex engineering analysis tools. You will also have the opportunity to showcase your own capacities for innovation and application by undertaking a major research and development project which will ultimately demonstrate how to address some of the key challenges in electrical engineering. The MSc in Electrical Engineering gives you a focused engineering perspective on the wide range of issues that exist in the industry and equips you with the ability to help meet these challenges, either by working in industry or by using knowledge and experience in a research function.
Modules
Core modules: Research and Development Project offers a stimulating challenge designed to develop your electronic engineering knowledge. With the support of a supervisor, you will identify and apply the specific methods needed to investigate your chosen area of study. You will then create a report of your findings which will include your background data, analysis and your recommendations. Group Design Project sees your participation in a complex engineering system design task which will develop your knowledge of system design, introduce the concept of interdisciplinary design teams and will enable you to apply the knowledge gained in lectures to a complex engineering problem. Photonics 4 provides an overview of electromagnetic waves propagation and the underlying Maxwell equations. It will enhance your knowledge and understanding of advanced semiconductor photonic devices including the photon-matter interaction. Radio and Digital Communications 4 offers an overview and description of pulse analogue modulation schemes. It also explains the principles of digital communication systems and the technical aspects of cellular networks. You will also become familiar with analytical methods of radio propagation. Advanced Electronics 4 sets out the characteristics of electronic devices at nanometre scale and their principles of operation, and explains the technical and economic constraints for the miniaturisation and design of electronic devices and solutions. You will also become familiar with application-based device design and analysis and acquire the technical knowledge of VLSI/MEMs system in order to understand their functionality and applications. Advanced Electronics Measurement 4 explains the methods for measuring, characterising and assessing communication systems and semiconducting devices and sets out the working principles of various metrology and characterisation procedures for semiconductor devices and communication systems. You will be introduced to measurement techniques for radio channel characterisation, and wideband propagation models in various frequency bands and become familiar with solid-state device reliability tests and applications. Communications Networks 4 sets out the challenges that designing communications networks can present. You will develop an understanding of key networking technologies used in modern communication networks and the principles of communications networks design. Examples of optional modules: Internet of Everything 4; Optimisation 4; Environmental Engineering 4.
Assessment method
This course with its mix of taught modules, a group design project and an individual research and development project provides you with an exciting and challenging learning experience covering electronic engineering in depth. Core modules involve 38 hours of lectures on the topics that are at the heart of electronic engineering. A key module is the group design project, which offers the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills and develop technical expertise in the application of system design ideas, with content including energy systems and sustainability. The make-up of this module will also enhance your presentation skills, your ability to project manage and to work in a team with colleagues. It will also help boost your research skills. You will complete an individual research and development project with the support of a supervisor who will hold regular meetings to check on your progress and to discuss any planning issues. This will include 12 hours of quality contact time with your supervisor and more than 500 hours of research work and preparation, during which you will be supported by the Department's technicians and other research workers. As well as the core modules, you will also select one of three optional modules that fits with your interests. Course assessment is thorough and includes a combination of project work, written exams, a competency portfolio and presentations. A mid-term assessment is carried out to ensure your research and development project is on track and following the completion of the project, you will be required to submit a report on your work, in the style and format of a research paper. You will also have an oral examination centering on the technical aspects of your project. Finally, you will be required to create and deliver a presentation of your project in poster form to staff and colleagues.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
A good second class honours degree (typically equivalent to UK 2:1 Honours) or better in a subject which includes a significant electronic or electrical engineering content.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £13500 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £13500 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £13500 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £13500 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £13500 | Year 1 |
| EU | £30250 | Year 1 |
| International | £30250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £30250 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full-time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE