I'm 16 and currently studying maths, further maths, physics, and politics in my first year at 6th form. I have been interested in electronics since a young age and I have recently completed designing and building a signal system for a miniature railway, controlled by multiple microcontrollers with over 600 lines of combined programming/coding*. I have also built many more projects in my spare time and I am generally interested in everything to do with electricity; however, my interests lay more in the small scale electronics rather than power systems and I would like to form my career more on the electronics.

I have been looking at universities and have settled with either an MEng in Electronic Engineering or an MEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. After looking at a few university websites, I have noticed that the EEE degree has pretty much the same modules as the Electronics degree, but with more choice over modules.

My question is: Which degree should I do? Would an EEE degree be better because it technically covers a broader range? Or would an electronic engineering degree be better because it specialises more in electronics?

Thank you



*here is a photo of the prototype signal control board fully assembled before installation:

 

EEE is better.

 

i have no idea which is better... UK does things a bit differently than US... and chances are that you probably need to look at course descriptions in each field and decide which fits your personality and interests better. Or talk to a school adviser - they can help a lot too.

Let me offer some other advise... totally unsolicited.

You're 16 - don't stress over these things too much. You're obviously very talented and won't have any trouble is school. Just keep up the good work and the work will find you with little effort after you complete your coursework. Don't forget to have fun with friends and go out and do stupid stuff too. Social skills are also important when you get into the workforce.

Good luck! You're on the right track...

 

Thanks for the response.

I am only 16; however, I want to possibly apply to Cambridge university which would require me to complete my application by October this year. Also, university open days, etc, are already taking place for people of my age group and my college is already pushing people to think about higher education.

Don't worry - I won't let it stress me out! I am just curious as to the differences in this broad field of engineering and science...

Best Regards,
Tom

 

You start college at 16-17 in the UK?

 

In the UK:
Age 5 to 11 > Primary school
Age 11 to 16 > Secondary school (5 years of education)
Age 16 to 18 > College/Sixth Form (usually 2 years of education)
Age 18+ > higher education/ university

I am one of the younger students in my year group as if I was born less than a month later then I would be in the class below and would still be in secondary school.

 

You start college at 16-17 in the UK?

I finished high school at 17 years, 7 months. I was in the next school before I was 18. In the U.S. that is usually called college or university.

 

Electronics degrees today's are heavily specialized. From electrical engineers to software engineers. Back when dinosaurs still roamed the earth EEE used to do everything from designing the board to programming the thing. What area interests you the most? Analog circuit designers will always be looked for.

I finished high school at 17 years, 7 months. I was in the next school before I was 18. In the U.S. that is usually called college or university.

Same here.

 

I also graduated highschool at 17... and I was way too young to decide what field I ultimately wanted in. In the end... about 7 years later... EE found me. Who knows what 7 years will bring for you! Like I said - you're 16... go out and be stupid with your friends... that's way more important at you age in life.