About this course

Learn how we generate, transmit then process the signals that power today's communications. This course looks at modern and future wireless technology, from wifi to sat-nav, and it's a great chance to apply your mathematical theory to real-world problems. You’ll gain the knowledge and practical skills to meet a growing need for professionals in this industry.

Wireless communications support the technologies we rely on, and this course explores the systems and standards that make it possible.

You’ll study information theory, looking at the capacity of channels and the fundamental limits of wireless networks. Practical work includes applying software-defined radio equipment to real radio systems in the lab.

You’ll also look at specialised topics such as signal and image processing or radio communications engineering.

Many modules include guest speakers from industry, and our academics have close links with industry through research collaborations and their own enterprises.

As part of this course you can:

use our research facilities, including a high-voltage laboratory and our £110m interdisciplinary clean room
develop your enterprise skills with help from our startup supporter, Future Worlds
build your own unique electronic systems
study engineering management and law to develop your career skills

This MEng Electronic Engineering and Wireless Communications 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.

Download

ODT

Download 2024-25 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 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)

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)

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 2, 3 and 4 you’ll specialise in wireless communications, and can follow your interests by choosing modules from a wide range of options. You can also take modules from other subject areas.

You’ll work in high-spec electronics and computer labs, equipped with the latest technology, hardware and software.

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

You'll continue to study electrical materials, circuitry and programming.

Compulsory modules will explore:

electromagnetism
communications
digital systems

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

photonics
computer engineering
devices

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

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

Year 3 overview

You’ll complete a unique piece of individual research on a topic that interests you. Past projects include building a transmitter and receiver that conform to a specified standard, and a simulator to test their performance.

You'll build your knowledge of modern digital communications systems. Topics include wireless and optical communications or signal and image processing.

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. It is the only compulsory element in year 4. Past projects include:

developing an automated greenhouse for an urban farming business
designing and building a network-testing system for the Ministry of Defence to ensure data security

You'll select optional modules covering topics, such as:

radio communications engineering
machine learning
software project management

You can also 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 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Advanced Programming

To embed an understanding of Object Oriented development and grow specific skills in using C++ in a variety of situations.

Digital Systems and Microprocessors

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 SystemVerilog, a state-of-the-art hardware description language.

Electrical Materials and Fields

Electronic Systems

Programming

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

Solid State Devices

To introduce the electronic properties of semiconductors and semiconductor devices

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:

34%

Scheduled learning & teaching

66%

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:

80%

Written exam

20%

Coursework

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.

Your specialist expertise will be in great demand among telecommunications companies. You’ll also have career options outside electronics. You'll develop transferable skills to suit a wide range of other sectors. Skills include:

intellectual and problem-solving
team-work
project management
communication

Our graduates have succeeded in sectors such as finance and law.

This degree is also a great foundation for further study at PhD level.

The majority of our graduates go straight into roles in high-tech companies. Our electronics and computer science graduates have secured roles at organisations including:

Broadcom
Cobham Technologies
Ericsson
Huawei
Qualcomm

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

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 £29,400.

The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.

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 Hub 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: H641
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 Wireless Communications (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

b

MEng

Biomedical Engineering

BEng

Biomedical Engineering

e

BEng

Electronic Engineering with Photonics

m

BEng

Mechatronic Engineering

MEng

Electronic Engineering with Wireless Communications (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 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

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

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Year 4 overview

Modules

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

Advanced Programming

Digital Systems and Microprocessors

Electrical Materials and Fields

Electronic Systems

Programming