A career in engineering is exciting and valuable, finding solutions to some of the newest and oldest challenges we face in the 21st century. UK engineering graduates continue to be in high demand thanks to the best engineering colleges in the UK, which provide a world-famous culture of innovation.
The UK was globally ranked fifth for innovation by OECDiN’s Worldwide Innovation Survey and has pioneered ground-breaking engineering marvels for hundreds of years. As one of the world's leading scientific nations, UK engineering graduates are always ready to tackle the most complex engineering challenges. Issues that are complex and involve alternative ways of thinking across multiple disciplines, like energy, transport and space, are our strong points.
Popular engineering courses in the UK include Aeronautical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
Want to grow your engineering career by studying at the best engineering universities in the UK? Begin your application and talk to SI-UK India today with a free consultation.
Top 10 Universities for General Engineering in the UK
Below is the list of the top ten UK universities that offer general engineering programmes, according to the Guardian University Guide 2024.
1. University of Cambridge
One of the world’s premium universities, the University of Cambridge offers a broad-based four-year Engineering programme, providing students with a strong foundation in principles and practices of engineering. The degree equips you with all the analytical, design and computing skills that nurture modern engineering ideas.
Cambridge’s Engineering course is divided into two parts — Part I (Years 1 & 2) furnishes comprehensive education in the fundamental principles of engineering, and Part II (Years 2 & 3) helps students go deep into their chosen areas of engineering.
- Suggested course: MEng Engineering
- Entry requirements: A Level: A*A*A, IB: 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
- International fees: £39,162
2. University of Oxford
Oxford’s four-year MEng in Engineering Science is a state-of-the-art degree programme that encompasses many subjects, from energy systems to mathematical applications and from microelectronics to offshore oil platforms. Students will get the knowledge, skills, and experience to solve real problems.
The first two years follow the fundamentals of engineering technology, while the last two years will give you the option to choose one of the six branches of engineering: biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Information and Mechanical. Oxford believes in the importance of industrial experience and, thus, encourages students to spend a year with a sponsoring company.
- Suggested course: MEng in Engineering Science
- Entry requirements: A*A*A to include Mathematics and Physics. The A*s must be in Mathematics, Physics or Further Mathematics
- International fees: £48,620
3. Imperial College London
Engineering education at Imperial has always been popular; however, in recent times, thousands of students worldwide have shown interest in its Design Engineering programme, which aims to amalgamate design thinking with engineering principles and practice. Delivered by the Dyson School of Design Engineering, the course helps you explore an engineer’s point of view on manufacturing techniques, product development, and technical design.
In addition to being introduced to the fundamentals of scientific computing, you will understand engineering mathematics, finite element analysis, thermofluids, and the robotics theory. This degree is a great opportunity for you to learn the idea of sustainability in design engineering while exploring entrepreneurial thinking styles to develop radical innovation.
- Suggested course: MEng Design Engineering
- Entry requirements: A*AA: A* in Mathematics; A, A in two further subjects
- International fees: £40,940
4. Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University offers the Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons), emphasizing hands-on learning and practical skills. Through innovative teaching methods and industry projects, students refine their problem-solving abilities and gain confidence. With expert support and diverse optional modules, students can tailor their education to their interests.
Recent projects include reverse engineering, Mars lander design, and bridge building. Graduates emerge with versatile skills applicable to various industries like medical, automotive, and aerospace, prepared for diverse career paths. The programme promotes analytical thinking and innovative solutions using cutting-edge technology.
- Suggested course: Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Entry requirements: 20 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including A-level equivalent Maths grade C.
- International fee: £17,500
5. Durham University
Globally recognised industry professionals design the high-quality BEng General Engineering degree at Durham to offer you the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the engineering world. The three-year course prepares you for a range of careers in modern engineering, with the ability to cope with transforming technologies. The compulsory modules for the first two years include Solid Mechanics, Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists, Thermodynamics, and Engineering Design.
In the third year, you can choose one of the three specialised streams: Civil, Electrical, Electronic or Mechanical Engineering. An optional placement year in industry (between 2nd and 3rd year) will help you gain invaluable professional experience through the Industrial Partnership Committee (IPC), comprising various British and multinational companies.
- Suggested course: BEng General Engineering
- Entry requirements: A level offer – A*AA including Mathematics and one subject with a practical endorsement (Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Physics).
6. University of Exeter
The school with 92% of its Engineering research internationally excellent (REF 2021), the University of Exeter is popular for its BEng in Engineering and Management. The degree course amalgamates engineering and management principles and is ideal for students who take a keen interest in project coordination and aim to strengthen their leadership qualities.
The three-year programme is taught in partnership with Exeter’s triple-accredited Business School. It includes several modules, such as Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Materials and Electronics, Economics and Company Finance, and Manufacturing Systems. You can also take a placement year, which will be spent in the industry, where you will learn important elements of professionalism and working life.
- Suggested course: BEng Engineering and Management
- Entry requirements: A-Level: AAB - ABB, GCE AL Maths grade B and another science* subject at grade B. Candidates may offer GCE AL Maths, Pure Maths or Further Maths
- International fees: £29,700
7. University College London
The Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng programme at University College London is part of the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP), promoting a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles alongside interdisciplinary engagement. Students develop technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and collaboration abilities crucial for careers in technology and beyond.
With access to cutting-edge resources and research-led teaching, students benefit from a dynamic learning environment. The degree integrates with other engineering disciplines, offering diverse personal and professional growth opportunities. Graduates are equipped for technological innovation, engineering, finance, or consultancy roles.
- Suggested course: Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 39 points. There were 19 points in three higher-level subjects, including grade 7 in Mathematics.
- International fees: £37,500
8. University of Sheffield
The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sheffield is among the most popular in Central England. The faculty offers programmes in several subjects, including Materials Science, Computer Science, Mechanical, and civil engineering. Software Engineering is probably the most sought-after course. The three-year programme focuses on training students in complex software systems.
Along with the state-of-the-art software design and programming technologies, you will hone transferable skills in project management, teamwork and relationship management. Some important course modules include Jawa Programming, machine and intelligence, algorithms and data structures, and computing device networking. Graduates will also be equipped with knowledge and experience in web and internet technology.
- Suggested course: Computer Science (Software Engineering) BEng
- Entry requirements: AAA, including Maths; AAB, including A in Maths and B in Computer Science
- International fees: £29,110
9. University of Bristol
BEng Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at the University of Bristol is a joint honours degree programme that aims to give you the fundamental knowledge and tools to satisfy the strong industrial demand for skilled engineers uniquely. The course follows elements of the mechanical and electrical disciplines while getting acquainted with various other topics, including design and integration of electro-mechanical systems, energy conversion and actuation systems, embedded systems and control, energy management, and power electronics and electric drives.
The three-year degree equips you with the knowledge and skills to innovate technologies in renewable energy microgrids, robotics, electric vehicles, etc.
- Suggested course: BEng Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
- Entry requirements: AAA including Mathematics and any one of Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics or Computer Science
- International fees: £29,300
10. Loughborough University
Having recently celebrated 100 years of women engineers at Loughborough University, the university campus is among the most inclusive and highly diverse in the UK. The Bioengineering degree at Loughborough gives you a thorough grounding in various subjects, including engineering systems and mathematical methods in bioengineering. In addition to exploring the fundamentals of human anatomy, physiology, and biological functions, students will master the art of implementing engineering principles in design and innovation.
Located near Birmingham, an industrial and economic centre, the university has collaborated with several market giants, offering students multiple opportunities to gain real-time and technical experience. The course opens the door to overseas placement opportunities and options to spend between 3 and 12 months at an international university.
- Suggested course: BEng (Hons) Bioengineering
- Entry requirements: A minimum of grade 4/C in GCSE English Language and, for most courses, GCSE grade 4/C in Mathematics.
- International fees: £28,600
Study Engineering in the UK
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I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
