Why Electrical Engineering?

Take a minute to imagine life without electricity. A lot of things that we take for granted would change out of all recognition. The basics of light, heat and transport would be provided by other sources of power, but would they be as user-friendly?

Imagine what life could be like in fifty years time if we were able to capitalise on the full potential of electricity in all of its guises. Control over the environment, instantaneous communications, more friendly computers able to provide information on and solutions for our everyday problems. If you can imagine life without electricity, electronic devices and computers, you will quickly appreciate the importance of electricity to virtually everybody.

The electrical engineering industry of the United Kingdom, which includes all aspects of electrical power systems, electrical drives, electronics, computer systems, communications, etc. has always taken an international viewpoint. In part, this can be traced to the colonial era, but in the main, it is an acceptance that the United Kingdom is in itself a small market and that there is greater satisfaction and reward to be had through servicing the wider global market.

Historically, UK engineering can demonstrate its application in almost every part of the world. As new geographical areas of engineering expertise have developed, these have often been in collaboration with British engineers, as the UK provides one of the largest concentrations of consulting engineers operating anywhere and everywhere. One of the roles of the engineering community is to provide the facilities to educate those choosing the profession. These young engineers can then provide the systems that society wants, be it to make life easier, more productive, more satisfying or simply more enjoyable.

Worldwide Recognition

In the United Kingdom, these facilities have been developed over several centuries, and have lead to both a wide spectrum of professional bodies and a powerful education system designed to satisfy the ever-changing and ever-demanding needs of the engineering community. The excellence of UK universities and their technical prowess are recognised worldwide, providing the full spectrum of education required for those needing to run and maintain the systems of today, and for those who must undertake the research and development to provide the understanding and systems for tomorrow.

The need to develop people able to work beyond the limits of current knowledge and to cultivate a medium and long-term perspective has led to well-established research education programmes leading to Masters and Doctorate degrees. The premise for UK universities is that the most effective method of research learning is achieved by working in the field, and that the best educators are experts practising their subject. The academic staff in electrical engineering departments of UK universities are invariably engineers, and most are heavily engaged in state-of-the-art research.

Students are given access to this work at a variety of points in the educational process. Taught degrees will invariably include a project, many of which consist of elements of the supervisor's research work. Research degrees, either at Masters or Doctorate level, will be based on exploring a new area of study, allowing students the opportunity to learn the disciplines of the research world as well as making a personal contribution to the field. For their Doctorate, the student is expected to make a unique contribution.

Electrical engineering in all its guises is both essential for the future and rewarding for those involved. Opportunities abound for those interested in getting involved, and the spectrum of activities ensures that personal satisfaction is guaranteed.

Author: Dr Miles A. Redfurn, Universty of Bath

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