Electrical Engineering University of Pretoria

Overview

The Electrical Engineering degree at the University of Pretoria 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.

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.

Career Opportunities

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 fall within the scope of electrical engineering.

Electrical engineering graduates have access to a wide range of job opportunities, which include working for electricity utility companies, mining houses, municipalities, consulting engineers, transportation (rail and sea) companies and research organisations, locally and abroad. The advances in electrical energy generation and distribution create tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs in South Africa and in the rest of the world. Research and development opportunities are available locally at institutions such as Denel, Eskom, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Transnet.