In the UK, there are various types of electrical engineering degrees available, ranging from bachelor’s to master’s and PhD. Electrical engineers design, develop, and test electrical systems and equipment. This includes everything from power generation and distribution systems to electronic devices and control systems. They also work on improving existing systems and developing new technologies to meet the needs of society.
Electrical engineering is a crucial component of many industries, including telecommunications, energy, healthcare, and manufacturing, and therefore provides numerous job opportunities for graduates. Whether you’re comparing electrical engineering colleges by course content or by ranking, it’s a dynamic field that offers many exciting career opportunities, and the broad range of skills and knowledge students gain gives them a significant impact on society.
Learn more below about the top electrical engineering university (EEE) ranking in the UK, according to the Guardian University Guide 2026, and begin your application to study in the UK by arranging a free consultation with StudyIn.
Electrical Engineering University Ranking UK: Top 10
Below is the list of the ten best universities in the UK to study electrical engineering, according to the Guardian University Guide 2026.
1. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is a world-renowned research university in Scotland’s capital, founded in 1583, with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. The Department of Electrical Engineering is known for its pioneering research and high-quality teaching. Its BEng Electronics and Electrical Engineering is undergoing ongoing curriculum renewal, involving industrial partners, accreditation bodies, and students, to prepare graduates for a dynamic engineering career. Year 4 offers further specialisation in thematic areas, including bioelectronics.
- Suggested course: BEng Electronics and Electrical Engineering
- Entry requirements: SQA Highers: AAAA-AAAB (achievement by the end of S5 preferred); A Levels: AAA-ABB
- International fees: £34,800
2. University of Exeter
The University of Exeter’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering course spans everything from radio to space flight. In the first year, students build core engineering knowledge alongside subjects specific to electrical and electronic engineering, exploring communication and networking technologies, analogue and digital electronics design, and microcontroller engineering. Students gain hands-on experience through real-world projects with industry partners and can pursue summer placements or a Year in Industry.
- Suggested course: BEng / MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Entry requirements: A-levels typically A*AA-AAA including Mathematics and Physics, with grade B or above required in Mathematics and another science subject as a baseline; IB typically 38-40 points with Higher Level Maths and Physics
The University of Southampton is a research-focused institution located in southern England. Its Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering is renowned for its world-class research and teaching in telecommunications, nanotechnology, and renewable energy. The department has close partnerships with industry and offers students access to modern facilities and opportunities for hands-on learning.
Students will receive education in a highly advanced electronics lab and have access to the Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory, which conducts pioneering research in electrical power. Additionally, the university partners with the Institution of Engineering and Technology Power Academy, allowing students to apply for a scholarship that includes paid summer work placements, industry mentors, and financial support.
- Suggested course: Electrical Engineering (BEng)
- Entry requirements: AAA including mathematics and either physics, electronics or further mathematics, or A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and physics, electronics or further mathematics, and English language requirements through tests like IELTS with an overall score of 6.5
- International fees: £27,400 per year
University College London (UCL) offers a dynamic and flexible approach to studying electronic and electrical engineering, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a quality education. In the first two years of degree programmes, you’ll delve into fundamental concepts crucial to the field. Throughout the studies, students will engage in hands-on project work, including a substantial final-year project that allows for original research and practical application of their skills. UCL’s Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP) ensures a well-rounded education combining specialist and interdisciplinary activities.
- Suggested course: BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Entry requirements: A*AA – A* Mathematics required, IB points: 39, and English language requirement
- International fees: £37,500 per year
5. Robert Gordon University
Robert Gordon University (RGU) offers an industry-focused Electronic and Electrical Engineering programme with strong graduate outcomes, particularly linked to Scotland’s thriving offshore and renewable energy industries. In later stages of the course, students develop specialist skills through elective modules covering optical and radio communications, data networks, software engineering, electrical power, machines, energy systems, renewables, and offshore engineering.
- Suggested course: Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Entry requirements: A-levels to include Maths and either Design and Technology, Engineering or Physics; GCSE English at grade 5/C or above required if not held at A-level
6. University of Derby
At the University of Derby, all engineering students take the same core modules in the first year, gaining an essential foundation across all aspects of engineering before deciding which area suits them best. Students can prepare for careers as diverse as avionics, medical electronics, automotive electrical and electronic systems, electrical power generation, the rail industry, or music and entertainment, with the option of an industry placement year.
- Suggested course: Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Entry requirements: Check Derby’s current UCAS listing for exact grade requirements, as the university does not publish typical accepted grades for this course and assesses applications individually
Imperial College London is a leading public research university in London, founded in 1907 and known for its excellence in science, engineering, medicine, and business. The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering offers a BEng where students acquire a practical engineering toolkit through experiential lab work, hardware and software training, and a culminating showcase project.
The first year of Imperial’s Electrical Engineering and Electronic and Information Engineering programmes are shared, allowing students to explore both before choosing their stream. In the second year, students complete a core programme tailored to their selected route, and in the final year, choose advanced technical modules and apply their skills to a final-year project.
- Suggested course: BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Entry requirements: A* in Mathematics, A*/A in Physics (A* required if applying with three A-levels; at least an A required if applying with four), A in a third and fourth subject, IB scores, and English language requirements
- International fees: £40,940 per year
8. University of Leeds
The University of Leeds’ electrical engineering course holds accreditation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology. With a century-long legacy in groundbreaking research, the engineering school at Leeds has been pivotal in innovating new technologies and spearheading industry-driven advances. Students can also enhance the university experience by joining ShockSoc, a student society dedicated to electrical engineering, including its Robot Fighting League (RFL).
- Suggested course: Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng
- Entry requirements: A-level: AAA including Mathematics; IB 18 points at Higher Level
- International fees: £27,500
9. University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng, based in London, offers a broad grounding in the discipline with support for students to develop independent, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills as they progress through the course. Greenwich also makes contextual offers with a reduced UCAS tariff for eligible applicants.
- Suggested course: Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Entry requirements: A-level: 120 UCAS points, including Mathematics (or AS/Core Mathematics at grade B); International Baccalaureate: 24 points overall including Higher Level Mathematics
10. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng is accredited by the IET. The university welcomes a wide variety of qualifications and applications from students of all backgrounds, alongside contextual offer eligibility for applicants who meet specific criteria.
- Suggested course: BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Entry requirements: BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD plus A in Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent), or equivalent Access to HE / Applied General qualifications with strong Maths content
- International fees: £31,300 (first year)
Study Electrical Engineering in the UK
Begin your application to study at a leading electrical engineering institution in the UK by arranging a free consultation today.
FAQs
What is the electrical engineering university ranking in the UK?
According to the Guardian University Guide 2026, the electrical and electronic engineering university ranking in the UK places the University of Edinburgh first, followed by Exeter, Southampton, UCL, and Robert Gordon University, rounding out a top 10 that also includes Derby, Imperial College London, Leeds, Greenwich, and Bristol.
What are the admission requirements for electrical engineering?
For admission into an electrical engineering university, the requirements typically include A-levels in Mathematics and Physics. Other desired subjects might include Further Mathematics, Design Technology, or Computer Science. Specific grade requirements can vary among universities. Additionally, some electrical engineering courses might require prospective students to sit for an entrance exam or attend an interview.
What is the highest salary for an electrical engineer?
Electrical engineer salaries in the UK typically range from £28,000 for graduates to £85,000 at senior or chartered level, with electronics and hardware specialists able to earn towards the top of this range depending on sector and experience.
Is it worth studying electrical engineering?
Studying electrical engineering provides a solid foundation in a field that’s integral to many modern technologies and industries. Graduates from electrical engineering courses have a broad range of electrical engineering careers available to them, from renewable energy to telecommunications.
How many years are there in an electrical engineering degree?
Typically, an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering lasts for 3 to 4 years. However, if a student opts for a sandwich course that includes an industrial placement, or pursues an integrated master’s degree, it might extend to 5 years. Postgraduate studies, such as a Master’s or PhD, can add additional years.
What are the career opportunities for an electrical engineer?
There are many electrical engineering careers available for an electrical engineer. This includes roles in power generation, telecommunications, electronics design, aerospace, and automotive industries, to name a few. Additionally, there are opportunities in research and development, consulting, and even teaching at the best electrical engineering universities.
