Ranking fifth in the world for innovation, the UK has pioneered ground-breaking engineering marvels for hundreds of years. Three of the world’s top ten universities for engineering are located in the UK, and engineering graduates from the country are equipped with the skillset needed to tackle the most complex engineering challenges.
A career in engineering is exciting as it involves finding solutions to both the world’s newest and oldest challenges. Additionally, UK engineering graduates are in high demand globally thanks to the UK's rigorous academic standards and a culture of innovation. This blog will explore the benefits of studying engineering in the UK, list out the top 10 engineering colleges in the UK, and provide you with information about entry requirements and scholarships. Let’s get started.
Why should you study at an engineering college in the UK?
Engineering is the application of mathematical and scientific principles to solve real world problems, impacting our lives in many ways, including how we travel, cook, and communicate. Many cities and businesses around the world are built on the foundations of complex engineering innovations, and engineers are responsible for making sure these parts work efficiently by optimising the products and infrastructure we depend on.
Studying at a top engineering college in the UK helps you develop the critical skills necessary to engage with the world using an innovative perspective. Additionally, here are some benefits of studying engineering in the UK:
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Benefit from the UK’s opportunities for engineering students – The UK is world-renowned for its engineering research and technical skills, with the UK government spending about £3.5 billion annually on engineering research and development. Engineering students can benefit from this investment as they can explore opportunities and gain practical experience in the industry.
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Specialise according to your interests – UK universities mix theory and practice to provide you with an in-depth, well-rounded education. Most importantly, they allow you to tailor your course with specialist modules so you can prepare for a career you’re passionate about.
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Grow your professional network – Engineering colleges in the UK are able to give you valuable insights into the engineering industry through networking events and internships. These opportunities can give you a real-world understanding of the challenges in the industry, preparing you for a successful career after graduation.
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Gain practical experience through state-of-the-art facilities – UK universities often provide modern facilities for engineering students, so you can enhance your practical skills. You’ll be exposed to simulations and laboratories that will train you for real-world challenges.
The UK has contributed to engineering marvels throughout history, including the world’s first underwater tunnel and the first steam engine – some of the many reasons why many international students come to the UK each year to pursue an engineering course. If you’re considering the UK as well, it’s best to first understand which study level – undergraduate or postgraduate – you can apply for. Let’s explore the different study levels in the UK in the next section.
Study levels
Engineering colleges in the UK provide a variety of higher education qualifications, including bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programmes. At any study level, you will be exposed to modern infrastructure, experienced faculty, rigorous academic standards, and valuable work experience opportunities. Here’s an overview of the types of engineering degrees in the UK:
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Undergraduate or bachelor’s degree – A bachelor’s degree involves studying one, or sometimes two, subjects in detail at the undergraduate level; after you have completed high school. Engineering students can obtain a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) at this level.
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Master’s degree – A master’s degree is studied at the postgraduate level, following your undergraduate studies. In the UK, you can either study a taught master’s programme or a research master’s programme for either one or two years. Postgraduate engineering students can generally obtain an MSc in engineering at this level.
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PhD – A PhD or doctorate is the top postgraduate qualification you can earn. It’s a predominantly research-focused degree where you’ll complete an independent thesis based on an original research proposal.
Depending on your previous education qualifications, you can decide which study level you’re most suitable for. In addition to that, you must also think about the various engineering specialisations in the UK – these will allow you to tailor your degree according to your specific interests.
Specialisations
Engineering consists of multiple disciplines and UK universities provide many specialisations to accommodate this variety. Each engineering specialisation focuses on the construction or conception of a particular type of technology in a field such as biology, medicine, environmental science, nuclear, automotive, or robotics. Here are some of the most common engineering specialisations in the UK:
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Aeronautical engineering – Equips you with aviation, aerodynamics, propulsion, astronautics, and aeroelasticity knowledge
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Mechanical engineering – Equips you with mechanical systems, stress analysis, thermodynamics, mechatronics, manufacturing, and robotics automation knowledge
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Chemical engineering – Equips you with knowledge of chemical and biological processes
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Electrical engineering – Equips you with knowledge of electrical and electronics systems, microelectronics, and large-scale electricity production
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Civil engineering – Equips you with knowledge of critical infrastructure, geotechnics, hydraulics, and mechanics
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Computer engineering – Equips you with knowledge of the design and prototypes of all kinds of software and hardware
Since engineering is such an extensive field, it can sometimes be difficult to narrow down the specialisation that best suits your interests. All engineering specialisations are about finding a solution to a challenge, so ask yourself which engineering-related problem excites you the most. Identifying what you’re passionate about will help you understand what field of engineering is right for you.
Top 10 engineering colleges in the UK
Engineering colleges in the UK teach you to tackle issues that are complex and involve alternative ways of thinking about problems across multiple disciplines, like energy, transport, and outer space. Most UK universities boast purpose-built facilities for experiments and practical work and provide regular mentor support to engineering students.
In this way, the UK is home to some of the world’s top-ranking engineering colleges, providing students with a valuable learning experience. Let’s look at the top 10 engineering colleges in the UK now, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025 for engineering and technology.
| University Ranking | Suggested Courses for Bachelor’s Students | Average Annual Tuition Fee | Suggested Courses for Master’s Students | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | Bachelors in Engineering Science | INR 1.53 crore | MSc by Research in Engineering Science | INR 56 lakhs |
| University of Cambridge | BA (Hons) Computer Science | INR 42 lakhs | Construction Engineering Masters | INR 15 lakhs |
| Imperial College London | BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering | INR 44 lakhs | MSc Advanced Aeronautical Engineering | INR 44 lakhs |
| University of Manchester | BEng Chemical Engineering | INR 39 lakhs | MPhil Environmental Engineering | INR 64 lakhs |
| UCL | BEng Biomedical Engineering | INR 34 lakhs | Biochemical Engineering MSc | INR 34 lakhs |
| University of Edinburgh | BEng Civil Engineering | INR 21 lakhs | Advanced Chemical Engineering MSc | INR 40 lakhs |
| University of Leeds | BEng Architectural Engineering | INR 34 lakhs | Advanced Chemical Engineering MSc | INR 35 lakhs |
| University of Southampton | BEng Acoustical Engineering | INR 27 lakhs | Acoustical and Vibration Engineering MSc | INR 34 lakhs |
| University of Nottingham | Aerospace Engineering BEng | INR 33 lakhs | Advanced Chemical Engineering MSc | INR 31 lakhs |
| University of Sheffield | Aerospace Engineering BEng | INR 31 lakhs | Advanced Aerospace Technologies MSc | INR 33 lakhs |
Now that we’ve explored the top 10 engineering courses in the UK, let’s look at the entry requirements of engineering colleges in the UK. An understanding of entry requirements of the engineering courses you’re applying for can increase your chances of securing admission at a top university.
Eligibility criteria to study engineering in the UK
Engineering colleges in the UK set their own entry requirements for each course to ensure you have the right skills and knowledge to successfully complete it. Before applying for your preferred course, you must carefully go through the university’s eligibility criteria to ensure you have all the necessary qualifications, including work experience and English language test scores.
We’ve compiled the general qualifications you need to gain admission into either a bachelor’s or a master’s in engineering in the UK below:
| Criteria | Bachelor of Engineering | Master in Engineering |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Educational Qualifications | A*AB in mathematics, physics, and one other subject for Advanced Levels or its international equivalent | Upper second class UK honours degree or its international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering subject |
| Work Experience | N/A | Work experience isn’t required for a master’s programme but relevant industry experience will support your application |
| English Language Test Scores | 6.5 overall score for IELTS, with no component below 6.0 | 7.0 overall score for IELTS, with no component below 6.5 |
After you’ve shortlisted the engineering colleges in the UK you wish to apply for and read through the entry requirements of your courses, it can be helpful to:
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Compile a table of entry requirements for your top five course choices to quickly refer to while filling in your applications
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Speak with your advisors and professors about meeting the educational requirements
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Consider applying to multiple universities which have varying entry requirements so you have safe choices
Another important aspect of your application process to the UK is ensuring you meet the deadlines. UK universities have three main intakes you can apply for, depending on your circumstances and goals. Let’s explore these now.
Key dates to remember
The UK academic calendar is divided into three intake periods: the September (fall) intake, the January (winter) intake, and the May (spring) intake. From these, the September intake is known as the ‘primary’ intake at UK universities while the January intake is considered the ‘secondary’ one.
When you’re choosing the ideal UK study pathway for your goals, you’ll find yourself browsing through courses, acceptance rates, costs, job opportunities, and even the weather! All of these elements will play differently based on the intake through which you’ll start your programme.
Here are the key months to keep in mind when selecting your intake:
| Intake | Duration | Application Period |
|---|---|---|
| September Intake | September to December | December to July |
| January Intake | January to April | September to November |
| May Intake | May to August | October to November |
It’s best to start your applications to engineering colleges in the UK at least a year before your application deadline as this gives you enough time to finetune your personal statement, sit for your IELTS exam, and request references from your professors or employers. Submitting your applications early also means receiving a decision from your UK university early on, giving you ample time to secure your UK Student visa.
UK Student visa
The UK Student visa gives you the right to study and live in the UK for the duration of your degree programme. To start the process of applying to your Student visa, you’ll need to fill in your Student visa application form online which can be found through the GOV.UK site.
Afterwards, you have to submit the support documents required for your visa application and provide your biometric information at a visa application centre. You will incur a cost when obtaining your UK Student visa, and we’ve covered this, along with the other primary costs associated with your studies in the UK below.
Funds required to study engineering in the UK
The expenses associated with your engineering degree in the UK are usually classified under three main categories: your pre-arrival expenses, tuition fees, and your living expenses. Your living expenses will vary depending on your location in the UK and your lifestyle while your tuition fees depend on the university you select for your programme. Your pre-arrival costs generally include the visa application fee and healthcare surcharge you have to pay before coming into the UK.
Pre-arrival expenses to the UK
Before arriving in the UK, you’ll need to apply for a UK Student visa which gives you the right to study and live in the UK for the duration of your course. This application requires you to make the following payments:
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£490 for your online visa application fee
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£1,552 healthcare surcharge for a two-year visa (the exact amount depends on the length of your visa)
Tuition fees of an engineering college in the UK
Engineering colleges in the UK have a range of tuition fees, so depending on the funds available, you can select the best-fit one for you. Typically, tuition fees will be between INR 21 lakhs and INR 1.53 crore per year for an undergraduate engineering course. For postgraduate courses, tuition fees will range from INR 15 lakhs to INR 65 lakhs per year.
Cost of living in the UK
Your living expenses in the UK will mainly account for accommodation, food, and travel costs. The average cost of living in the UK per year is around £15,000 (INR 16 lakhs) in London and approximately £12,000 (INR 13 lakhs) in the rest of the country, though this will vary depending on the location. Here’s an overview of the cost of living in the UK:
| Cost | London | Outside of London |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Rent | INR 80,000 to INR 90,000 | INR 58,000 to INR 69,000 |
| Monthly Public Transport Costs | INR 10,000 | INR 5,000 |
| Monthly Grocery Costs | INR 16,000 | INR 10,000 |
You can get funding support to manage some of these expenses with a scholarship. Let’s look at some scholarships in the UK that you can apply for as an engineering student.
Scholarships to study engineering in the UK
Financing the costs of your engineering degree may be one of your biggest considerations as you plan to study in the UK. The UK has a range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students to help cover a portion of or the total study costs.
The following table shows engineering-specific scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of studying in the UK.
| Scholarship | Level of Study | Value |
|---|---|---|
| University of Nottingham – Engineering Excellence Scholarship | Undergraduate | £4,000 for one year of your undergraduate degree |
| University of Strathclyde – Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship | Undergraduate | 10% reduction of your tuition fees for each year of your studies |
| Heriot-Watt University – Royal Academy of Engineering Leaders Scholarship | Undergraduate | £5,000 |
| University of Sussex – John Kinghorn Scholarship in Engineering | Postgraduate | £10,000 tuition fee reduction |
| Edinburgh Napier University – Sean MacKenzie Data Engineering Scholarship | Postgraduate | £1,000 |
| University of Warwick – School of Engineering Taught Masters Scholarship | Postgraduate | £5,000 tax-free stipend |
Additionally, engineering is classified under the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) umbrella of subjects. STEM students are known for their usage of scientific methods to test theories and for placing an emphasis on innovation and problem-solving.
The UK welcomes STEM students, and has a number of prestigious scholarships specifically for STEM students that engineering students can also apply for:
| Scholarship | Level of Study | Value |
|---|---|---|
| University of Central Lancashire – Women in STEM bursary | Undergraduate, Postgraduate | £2,000 per year of study |
| Abertay University – Baillie Gifford Scholarship: STEM Scholarship for Women | Undergraduate | £1,500 |
| City, University of London – Global STEM Leadership Masters Scholarship | Postgraduate | 75% or 50% of tuition fees |
To be eligible for an engineering scholarship in the UK, you have to demonstrate outstanding work experience, have an impressive academic record, and often show proof of volunteering and/or community service activities. Once you obtain a scholarship, it can help you focus on your studies without worrying too much about the expenses involved and increase your employability by introducing you to valuable scholarship alumni networks.
Next, let’s have a look at the many lucrative career opportunities in the UK for engineering graduates, so you can plan your studies according to your interests and career aspirations.
Career prospects for engineering graduates in the UK
There’s a high demand for engineering graduates in the engineering, manufacturing, and technology sectors in the UK as these sectors are critical for the UK’s economy. Graduates in engineering jobs also tend to earn more in the UK, compared to their peers in non-engineering occupations.
When deciding on your career after your engineering degree, a good starting point is to reflect on your areas of expertise, explore your personal interests, and think about your transferable skills that can add value to any role in the industry. Let’s now have a look at some job roles you can apply for in the engineering industry, along with prospective UK employers and average salaries for each.
| Job Role | Prospective Employers | Average Salary per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Technologist Engineering | Health and Social Care Trust | £35,000 |
| Medical Engineering Technician | NHS Foundation Trust | £43,000 |
| Graduate Engineering Geologist | Igne Group Ltd | £28,000 |
An engineering degree in the UK will help you develop both theoretical and practical engineering knowledge. The UK is home to many high-ranking universities which offer rigorous academic standards for engineering students, but sifting through the choices and finetuning your applications can sometimes be a difficult task.
We can help you with profile assessments and goal setting, test prep for IELTS, your college shortlists, your applications and interviews, your financial plan, and your visa application. Contact our experts at SI-UK today and get started on your journey to a top university in the UK.
FAQs
Which college is best for engineering in the UK?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2025 for engineering and technology, the University of Oxford is the best to study engineering in the UK. The University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of Manchester rank second, third, and fourth respectively for engineering in the UK.
What are the fees of engineering colleges in the UK?
Engineering colleges in the UK have a range of tuition fees, so depending on the funds available, you can select the best-fit one for you. Typically, tuition fees will be between INR 21 lakhs and INR 1.53 crore per year for an undergraduate engineering course. For postgraduate courses, tuition fees will range from INR 15 lakhs to INR 65 lakhs per year.
Is an engineering degree a four-year one in the UK?
Yes, undergraduate engineering degrees are typically four years and will give you a BEng qualification.
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