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EduSCOT
Engineering & Technology

How to Become a Electrical / Electronic Engineer in Scotland

Design power systems, electronics and control systems for energy, manufacturing and communications.

Maths + Physics essential

IET professional registration

Strathclyde top-ranked in Scotland

Scotland's renewables sector is growing fast

Highers You Need

Typical entry: AABB–AAAB at Higher. You also need English (C) at National 5.

Required Highers

  • Maths— grade A required at Strathclyde and Edinburgh; Applications of Maths NOT accepted
  • Physics or Engineering Science

Route to Qualification

Degree: BEng / MEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering (4 years at university).

1

BEng (4 years) or MEng (5 years)

4–5 years

2

Graduate Apprenticeship in Engineering (Heriot-Watt, Strathclyde)

4–5 years

Employer-funded

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

Scottish-domiciled students can apply through UCAS and have tuition fees funded by SAAS.

  • University of Strathclyde (ranked No. 1 in Scotland for EEE)
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Glasgow
  • Heriot-Watt University
  • University of Aberdeen

Professional Registration

To practise as a Electrical Engineer in Scotland, you must register with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Registration is required by law and must be maintained through continuing professional development.

Salary in Scotland

Starting salary

£28,000–£35,000

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

£43,000–£60,000

5–10 years experience

Graduate electrical engineer starting salary. Scottish average electrical engineer salary approximately £43,558 (Indeed 2025). Chartered Engineers earn significantly more.

EduSCOT note

Scotland's ambition to become a net exporter of renewable energy makes electrical engineering one of the fastest-growing STEM disciplines. Strathclyde is ranked No. 1 in Scotland for EEE (Times 2025).

Subject choice guide

Planning your S3 or S5 Highers with Electrical / Electronic Engineer in mind? Read the detailed guide.

Subject choices for Electrical Engineer

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Electrical Engineer in Scotland?▾
To become a Electrical Engineer in Scotland, you typically need Higher Maths, Physics or Engineering Science. The typical grade offer is AABB–AAAB. You also need English (C) at National 5 level.
Which Scottish universities offer BEng / MEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering?▾
The following Scottish universities offer routes into Electrical Engineer careers: University of Strathclyde (ranked No. 1 in Scotland for EEE), University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, Heriot-Watt University, University of Aberdeen. Scottish-domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.
How long does it take to become a Electrical Engineer in Scotland?▾
The main degree route takes 4 years. Alternative routes include: Graduate Apprenticeship in Engineering (Heriot-Watt, Strathclyde) (4–5 years). After completing the degree, registration with Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is required before you can practise.
What is the salary for a Electrical Engineer in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Electrical Engineer in Scotland is typically £28,000–£35,000. Mid-career salary is typically £43,000–£60,000. Graduate electrical engineer starting salary. Scottish average electrical engineer salary approximately £43,558 (Indeed 2025). Chartered Engineers earn significantly more.
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Electrical Engineer in Scotland?▾
Yes — Graduate Apprenticeship in Engineering (Heriot-Watt, Strathclyde) (4–5 years). Graduate Apprenticeships are funded through Skills Development Scotland and employers — tuition fees are covered.
Does SAAS cover tuition fees for Electrical / Electronic Engineer degrees in Scotland?▾
Scottish-domiciled students studying BEng / MEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering at a Scottish university are eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) tuition fee funding. For 4-year undergraduate degrees, SAAS covers tuition in full. Professional or postgraduate stages (such as a Diploma in Legal Practice or pre-registration year) may not be covered — check the SAAS website for your specific course.