Electrical engineering is one of the three internationally accepted and closely related subdisciplines in the traditional field of electrical engineering (electrical engineering, electronic engineering and computer engineering). This programme covers the vast and continuously expanding field of the ‘electrical energy world’. Practically all technological systems in the world rely on electrical power as a source of energy. An electrical engineer is someone with a talent for introducing alternative and renewable sources of electrical energy into everyday life.
Enormous challenges exist for utilising and storing electrical energy derived from such sources as the sun (solar energy), wind, biomass and water (hydro-energy), and even nuclear energy. In South Africa, pumped storage systems are extensively used, and new systems are under construction. The next steps in the chain from generating to utilising electrical energy are the transmission and distribution systems. The most cost-effective way of saving electrical energy is to spend a great deal of research and development time and money on sustainable energy-efficient equipment, from electrical machines to geysers and lighting.
There is a shortage of qualified electrical engineers all over the world. An electrical engineer has a thorough understanding of the basic sciences and a good education in the theoretical and practical aspects (including design, installation and maintenance methodology) of electrical engineering. Due to the current worldwide power crisis, there is an urgent need for environmentally friendly ways to generate power and energy.
Our programme in electrical engineering was developed over many years to provide exactly what the industry expects from such an engineer. There are fascinating opportunities worldwide for electrical (high-current) engineers who are capable of taking the lead in respect of sustainable and environmentally friendly electrical energy generation, transmission and utilisation. Most car manufacturers have already introduced electric cars (including series and parallel hybrid vehicles), and there are many new entrants to the market.
Electrical engineering is prevalent in almost all application fields and technologies where electrical energy is consumed. Every known piece of equipment requires a source of energy—powered by mains, batteries or photovoltaic (PV) cells—and needs the skill of an electrical engineer. The transport and manufacturing industries are excellent examples of industries in which electrical engineers use their superior skills to design, develop and maintain electrical machines (motors and generators) with control systems for optimal performance. Most ships and trains are electrically powered.
Other applications of electrical engineering include power reticulation in cities, townships, shopping malls and factories. The lighting of indoor and outdoor areas forms the basis of our daily activities and includes lighting at sports stadiums, street lighting, safety and security lighting, task and ambient lighting, as well as lighting for offices, entertainment and many other specialist applications. Regardless of whether it is medicine, the military, entertainment, sports, education or any other field of technology, electrical engineers will be there to provide the energy and control required. An electrical engineer needs to be innovative and has to keep abreast of new developments in the field of technology. Many electrical engineers move into management positions very quickly and use analytical, synthesis, managerial and leadership skills to reach the highest levels of corporate management.
The aim of electrical engineering is to change the world by discovering ways to generate, transmit, distribute and utilise electrical energy in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. Typical subsystems that may form part of larger electrical systems are electrical machines of all sizes and shapes, power electronics, control systems, power system components, power quality and network stability, lamps and lighting, power supplies, photovoltaic (PV) cells, solar geysers, space systems, robotics and energy management systems.
For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.
Electrical engineers are active in the generation, storage, transmission, distribution and utilisation of electrical energy. There is a bright future in renewable energy. Electrical engineers design, supervise the construction, oversee the optimal operation and assure perfect and timely maintenance of all electrical installations for municipalities, residential areas, commercial buildings, factories, mines and industries. Rail transport, water pumping, electrical grids, telecommunications, energy management and smart lighting all fiall within the scope of electrical engineering.
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Applications for this plan have closed.
Important information for all prospective students for 2022
Transferring students
A transferring student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme at the University of Pretoria (UP) –
A transferring student will be considered for admission based on
Note: Students who have been dismissed at the previous institution due to poor academic performance, will not be considered for admission to UP.
Returning students
A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme –
A returning student will be considered for admission based on
Note: Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP. The Admissions Committee may consider such students if they were not dismissed more than twice. Only ONE transfer between UP faculties will be allowed, and a maximum of two (2) transfers within a faculty.
Important faculty-specific information on undergraduate programmes for 2022
Note: Our programmes are accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), and our degrees meet the requirements for Professional Engineers in SA.
University of Pretoria website: click here
Minimum requirements | |||
Achievement level | |||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | Physical Sciences | APS |
NSC/IEB | NSC/IEB | NSC/IEB | |
5 | 6 | 6 | 35 |
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ENGAGE Programme minimum requirements | |||
Achievement level | |||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | Physical Sciences | APS |
NSC/IEB | NSC/IEB | NSC/IEB | |
5 | 5 | 5 | 30 |
4 years, full-time.
The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at the University of Pretoria is a leading source of graduates in the engineering, built environment and information technology professions. We achieve this by a focus on research to drive innovative and enquiry-led teaching for educating and positioning our students to be leaders in their professions. The Faculty has extensive and cutting-edge teaching, learning and laboratory facilities integrated with the excellent suite of facilities and services offered by the University. We facilitate access to our qualifications through our extended programmes but expect our students to excel and develop as future professionals through our programme offering. We invite you to consider enrolling in one of our programmes if you share our vision of excellence and want to position yourself as a leader in the professions that we support.
The Faculty is organised in four schools: the School of Engineering, the School for the Built Environment, the School of Information Technology and the Graduate School of Technology Management. The School of Engineering is the largest of its kind in the country in terms of student numbers, graduates and research contributions and offers programmes in all the major engineering disciplines with many specialisations also offered at undergraduate and graduate level.
The University of Pretoria aims to be internationally competitive while also locally relevant. Advisory boards at both faculty and departmental level promote alignment and excellence in our teaching and research activities. Where applicable and available our programmes are accredited by statutory and professional bodies at both national and international level.
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