About Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers solve problems related to electrical equipment and systems using their knowledge of physics, mathematics and other natural sciences. Electrical Engineers ensure that electrical and electronic systems and systems are tested, properly installed, secure, and functional. Electrical engineers find vast employment opportunities in vital industries like defence, computer chips, energy and electronics manufacturing. An Electrical Engineering degree provides you with a solid foundation in contemporary domains of Electrical Engineering like digital systems, communication theory, electric power systems and linear circuits.

　　You can choose to specialise in a number of branches in electrical engineering: electrical circuit design, microelectronics, control systems, communications, analogue and digital electronics, power systems and digital signal processing.

　　

Is Electrical Engineering right for me?

Electrical engineers are excellent problem-solvers. They can identify and formulate problems in their mind and methodically resolve them. Additionally, electrical engineers must have strong communication skills which are of paramount importance in today’s global marketplace. If you have the above-mentioned traits, then you’re well suited to Electrical Engineering.

　　The exact technical skills that you’ll require to master will vary depending on which sub-domain of Electrical Engineering you choose to follow. Electrical engineers mostly work in offices (9-5) but may need to visit sites to observe problems before formulating a solution.

　　

Electrical Engineering study options and costs

　　The minimum requirement to work as an Electrical Engineer is a bachelor’s degree. Electrical Engineering is a popular degree programme available in almost every country. The UK, US, Germany, France and Australia are particularly renowned for their Electrical Engineering programmes. A bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering is 3-4 years long depending upon what country you’ve applied to. The average annual cost of a bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering is around £29,000 per year for international students in the UK. Whereas in the US it costs on average $41,681 per year.

　　Many professionals choose to pursue a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering because of the better career opportunities it provides. A master’s in Electrical Engineering is 1.5-2 years in duration and can cost anywhere between $40,000-80,000 per year in the US.

　　

Future outlook

Career prospects for electrical engineers are favourable as consumer goods become more sophisticated and systems become more complex. Fields like semiconductors, communication and solar arrays are particularly top fields to reach for in today’s market.

　　The job market for electrical engineers is projected to grow by 8.6%. There is a massive demand for electrical engineers worldwide. The US alone will have 22,700 job openings for electrical engineers every year!

　　

Career pathways for Electrical Engineering graduates

　　

Electrical Engineer

　　Electrical engineers develop new products that utilise electric power more efficiently. They determine the design, construction and installation requirements of electrical equipment. This electrical equipment can find commercial, industrial, medical, research and military application. Electrical engineers also develop maintenance protocols for electrical equipment. They might be called to inspect electrical systems and ensure they meet safety standards.

　　

Power Engineers

　　Power engineers work in industrial complexes or large buildings that require a system of support utilities. This could be anything from boilers and electrical generators to turbines and air condition. A power engineer is responsible for the maintenance and operation of these systems.

　　

Computer Hardware Engineer

　　Electrical engineers pursuing this career path design efficient computer hardware. They are the principal lead in the digital electronics systems design in computer hardware manufacturing.

　　

Telecommunication Engineer

　　As an electrical engineer you will work with radio waves and design wireless networks to facilitate communications. You will be responsible for the inspection and maintenance of the electrical equipment required for broadcasting.

　　

Mechatronics Engineers

　　Mechatronics engineers design smart machines. As an electrical engineer you’ll be focusing on the electrical and computer control system side of the machine. You’ll also analyse customer needs and then suggest designs that meet those needs while keeping costs down.