Electrical and Railway Engineering MEng

Start date
September
Duration
4 years
UCAS code
52H1
Course Type
Undergraduate, Single Honours
Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2023/24:
£9,250 (UK)
£27,180 (International)
Further fee information

Our stimulating Electrical and Railway Engineering MEng degree programme enables you to gain strong theoretical and practical skills in electronic and electrical engineering and to collaborate with academics who are global experts in their field.

Why study Electrical and Railway Engineering at Birmingham?

  • Accredited degrees, we have been an academic partner of the IET for over a quarter of a century providing employers with assurances that you have the qualities they seek.
  • Study in our new state-of-the-art School of Engineering building which includes a 50-seat electronics and electrical focused projects space and a basement that houses a full-size set of railway points, the University’s pantograph test rig and a test track for the scaled hydrogen-powered train.
  • Significant project work  which is highly valued by employers, is a thread that runs through your degree. This is underpinned by your coursework. Our projects and assessments developed with, and informed by, industry and research leaders.
  • Our degrees will  equip you to meet the technological challenges of the 21st century – autonomous vehicles, the internet of things, embedded computation, renewable energy, distributed generation, secure and high rate communications, electric vehicles, remote sensing, big data analytics, human-machine interactions, mechatronics, robotics.
  • Our courses are designed to meet the request from industry for graduates who are  well versed in subject fundamentals yet skilled in working across traditional boundaries.
  • You have the opportunity to choose specialities in your final year. See modules below.
  • The department fosters a lively student community with a strong discipline identity and close working relationships with highly supportive staff.
  • Graduates have gone on to work for highly respected organisations such as IBM, the National Grid and National Rail.

A degree that’s flexible to you

The programmes within the School of Engineering have been designed to give you choice. This allows you to find out more about the field of engineering that you want to further your studies in. These choices are shown below:

Choice 1: Complete year 1 and then decide which branch of engineering to follow. This also includes Mechanical (Automotive), Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering and Railway routes.

Choice 2: Complete year 2 and decide whether to continue onto the BEng or MEng* pathway. *Must achieve minimum grade for MEng pathway.

Choice 3: Complete year 2 and decide whether to take an industrial option, international study (MEng only) or continue with studying at Birmingham.  *Please contact Admissions for specific information about options.

The thing I really like about this course is that it’s an excellent platform for a railway career, but it’s still a strong Electrical Engineering degree from a prestigious university, so you aren’t tied to the railway industry. I chose Electrical and Railway Engineering because I’d always had an interest in the railway system, and this was a great opportunity to explore it in detail.

Marcus Milton, MEng Electrical and Railway Engineering

Why study this course?

Modules

Year 1

Our first year has been designed to provide a contemporary and flexible educational model that builds upon essential engineering fundamentals to develop your broader understanding of behaviour, policy, entrepreneurship, and global perspectives and kindles the passion necessary to address the societal challenge agenda. The first year is shared across the disciplines of Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering.

  • Electrical Engineering 1 - 20 credits
    In this module, the fundamentals of electronic and electrical engineering are covered. It will begin with analogue circuits describing the fundamentals of circuit analysis and the design of analogue devices. The fundamentals of digital systems will then be covered using Boolean algebra and related techniques to analyse digital circuits up to an introduction to flip flops. Finally electrical power and machinery systems will be introduced.
  • Engineering Materials - 10 credits
    The aim of the module is to introduce the range of materials and their key properties used in engineering in order to allow them to select the appropriate materials for a given application. The module also introduces fundamental science that determines the electrical or mechanical properties of materials, such as atomic / molecular structures. In addition students will also be introduced to software which will allow them to model the properties and behaviour of engineering materials and analyse the results of experiments.
  • Engineering Mathematics 1 - 20 credits
    The module aims to enhance student knowledge and understanding of the mathematics used in engineering and to develop the skills of its use.
  • Fluid Mechanics and Energy Transfer - 20 credits
    In this module, the fundamentals of fluid mechanics and energy conservation, and introduce associated engineering applications.
  • Integrated Design Project 1A - 10 credits
    The aim of the module is to introduce students to the design process and the skills employed therein, within an engineering context.
  • Integrated Design Project 1B - 10 credits
    The aim of the module is for students to continue the design process and the skills employed therein, within an engineering context.
  • Introduction to Computing for Engineers - 10 credits
    The aim of this module is to introduce engineers to computers and computer programming using an important modern programming language which has applications from small embedded systems to supercomputers.
  • Mechanics 1 - 20 credits
    In this module, the mathematics and scientific principles related to mechanics in the context and application in engineering. The module covers: general principles, the mechanical properties of material and the basic principles of analysis, all underpinned with essential mathematics. Where relevant, historical examples are embedded into the module in order to provide context for the taught material.

Year 2

You’ll extend your technical understanding and learn how to apply your knowledge and creativity to solving electrical and railway engineering problems. You’ll focus on designing real control systems and embedded systems. You will come to understand power transmission, railway infrastructure and traction systems.  All modules compulsory.

Year 3

During your third year you will solve real-world problems through a challenging individual design project in the railway sector. You will study railway operations and management and train control. All modules compulsory.

Core modules

Optional modules

Select 20 credits of options; examples of optional modules listed below:

Year 4

The highlight of the fourth year is a challenging individual research project. You will, in addition, study a range of advanced railway engineering topics, with significant input from practising railway engineers.

Core modules

Optional modules

Choose 20 credits. Example optional modules may include:

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. Unless indicated otherwise, the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2023. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to core modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Fees

Annual tuition fees 2023/24

  • £9,250 - UK
  • £27,180 - International

Visit our  tuition fees page for more information. A £40:00 charge is also made towards the cost of an optional teamwork course at the University’s Raymond Priestley Centre in the Lake District

Scholarships

At Birmingham we ensure that fears about finance do not constrain prospective students from considering university and that excellence is rewarded.

 

Tuition fees for placement years (where applicable)

There is a reduced tuition fee for the academic year spent in industry or whilst studying abroad (where available). Fee information and further clarification is available on the University fees and funding page.

Additional Course Costs

How To Apply

Apply through the UCAS website using code 52H1

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

View advice on how to apply for undergraduate courses.

Standard offer

International Requirements



Number of A levels required:
3
Typical offer:
AAA
Required subjects and grades:
A level Mathematics.

If you have an alternative qualification to A-level mathematics the Admissions Tutor may wish to assess your mathematical ability during the application process. This will be via a Mathematics Aptitude test.

General Studies not normally accepted as one of the three A levels, but a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of an offer marginally.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

6,6,6 at Higher Level to include Mathematics with a minimum of 32 points overall. 

BTEC

  • BTEC Extended Diploma will be considered for MEng programmes providing there is sufficient Mathematics content and applicant satisfactorily completes our Mathematics aptitude test.
    Grades: MEng D*D*D* + Distinction in Maths & Further Maths, and the applicant must successfully complete our mathematics aptitude test at required level.
  • BTEC Diploma considered in combination with A Level.
    Grades: MEng D*D* plus A-level Maths grade A, and the applicant must successfully complete our mathematics aptitude test at required level.
  • BTEC Subsidiary Diploma considered in combination with 2 A Levels.
    Grades: MEng D*plus A,A including Mathematics, and the applicant must successfully complete our mathematics aptitude test at required level.

Other qualifications are considered – learn more about entry requirements.

Foundation Year

Are you a UK student and would like to study for one of our degrees but lack the entry qualifications we require? If you are not studying A Level Mathematics you can consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses.

Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, our Contextual Offer Scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the contextual offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer.

International Students

We accept a range of international qualifications, please contact the admissions tutor for more information.

 

Standard English language requirements apply, learn more about international entry requirements.

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

You will benefit greatly from ongoing and substantial investment in new teaching spaces. Labs are kitted out with brand new, hi-tech equipment – supplied by multinational companies like National Instruments – and extensive key software through our partnership agreement with Microsoft.

Resources and facilities

Your learning is based around dedicated teaching and research facilities, with Electronics Laboratories for teaching and project work. We strive to be as flexible as possible, giving you the opportunity to specialise within your undergraduate study throughout your time at Birmingham.

We continue to review our facilities and have exciting new projects to enhance your time spent at the University of Birmingham:

New building and facilities for the School Of Engineering

Work successfully completed on the £46.5M new School of Engineering building in February 2021. The state-of-the-art building is a 12,000 sqm facility, spans five floors and features a double-height atrium.

School of Engineering main atrium

Collaborative Teaching Laboratory

The Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) is a hub for science and engineering teaching, with multi-functional labs suitable for subject-specific and cross-disciplinary teaching and team working.

How you will learn

We are a small department within a large engineering school – so you get the best of both worlds. You will be taught from a combination of large-scale lecture tuition, small-group teaching (six students or fewer), and lab and other practical classes. We make extensive use of online learning tools, too, so you can study even when you’re not on campus.

Laboratory-based work is an integral part of your course, this is vital not only to develop your experimental practical skills, but also to reinforce concepts introduced in lectures. Practical sessions typically last two to three hours, although more advanced experiments and activities may span over several sessions.

All of our undergraduate programmes feature a significant level of project working in each year of study, with individual and group projects designed to prepare our graduates for teamworking, problem solving and project management.

How you will be assessed

Modules are assessed using a combination of exams, tests and coursework, the mix of which will be dependent upon the modules you select.

Feedback is an essential part of learning and we use a wide range of methods, such as written feedback on your assessments, class feedback sessions and discussions with your tutor. You'll receive feedback on each assessment, highlighting the positives of your work as well as any areas that need more attention. 

Your personal tutor

At the start of your degree, you'll be assigned a personal tutor who will remain with you throughout your studies to help you in three important areas: supporting your academic progress, developing transferable skills and dealing with any welfare issues.
We also have our own Welfare Tutor/Wellbeing Officer who is able to provide practical and emotional support for you if you are experiencing personal problems that interfere with your academic work.

Seminars and tutorials

Small-group tutorials/personal tutorials run alongside our lectures, addressing any individual problems you may have and allowing you to consolidate lecture material, as well as testing your understanding through problem-solving exercises.

Self study is an essential part of the programme and requires self motivation and enthusiasm for your subject. It also allows you to pursue your own lines of enquiry and become an independent thinker.

Lecturers and world leading researchers

You will be taught by staff who are experts in their research fields: staff with extensive industrial connections, research staff and staff with teaching qualifications. They will provide you with tools to gain the creative, problem-solving and technical skills needed to undertake your final-year individual project.

As well as specialised labs with state-of-the-art facilities such as simulators, you may also get to work with internationally leading research groups. There are also opportunities to work in industry which will provide real-world experience.

Contact Hours

Throughout your degree, depending on module choice, you can expect around 20 hours of contact time per week on average. This consists of approximately 14 hours of lectures and 6 hours of tutorials/labs.

During your first year it is important that you have a smooth transition into University. You will be able to talk to your tutors about this and discuss if there are particular areas where you need support.

Assessment Methods

Year one

Year two

Year three

Year four

Year five

Placement year

The railway sector is extremely buoyant, with a wide range of significant projects underway or planned. This degree programme will give you an insight into the railway industry and knowledge of the technical disciplines that are involved, ensuring that you will be very employable within the industry. You will also gain a solid grounding in Electrical Engineering and will be able to find employment in organisations across the Electrical Engineering industry.

Industrial Year

A year working in industry provides you with the opportunity to build skills and confidence in the workplace. Our Industrial Liaison Officer provides advice and support for students looking to complete an Industrial Year. Students within the department secure placements for a wide range of employers with students regularly taking an industrial year at IBM, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, GE and Caterpillar.

Electronic and Electrical Engineering graduate Shifath, talks about why he chose to study at the University of Birmingham and how the degree programme prepared him for life post-graduation.

Shifath Nafis, BEng Electronic and Electrical Engineering graduate

Graduates who have studied our courses:


Example employers

  • Arup
  • Defence Science And Technology
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • IBM
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • National Grid
  • Network Rail
  • Wessex Water


Example careers

  • Analyst
  • Design engineer
  • Electrical power engineer
  • Client engagement
  • Lead software engineer
  • Automotive reader manager
  • Electrical engineer
  • Project control engineer

When looking at graduates it is highly important that they are engaged and connected with the working environment and are, for example, aware of the tools that are applied as part of their chosen profession.

The University of Birmingham prepares its students with practical hands-on sessions bridging the gulf between academia and industry very well, which in turn is very helpful to the individual candidate.

Johnny Ojeil, Director, Arup.

Careers Network

We provide a wealth of opportunities to develop your career. From your first day at Birmingham to after you graduate, the Careers Network  is here to help you identify and achieve your individual career aspirations through its wide range of services.

Our dedicated careers team brings you information, advice and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Careers advisers offer one-to-one advice appointments where you can discuss your career plans and explore your options. In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning  Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.

Visit the Careers Network website for more details

Internships

Our multi-award-winning work experience team has dedicated internship officers to help find the right work experience for you. Make the most of these opportunities and apply for our Work Experience Bursary Scheme, the Birmingham Undergraduate Internship Programme or one of our successful mentoring schemes. 

The video below talks to students, staff and employers about their internship experience:

Professional Accreditation

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Services and facilities