Engineers belong to one of the greatest professions in the world; they are responsible for almost everything we use, consume and take part in every day. Engineers often find themselves in key positions in industry and commerce, from leisure activities to medical treatment and mobile communications to modern transport systems.
Within the wide boundaries of the engineering profession, there are thousands of challenging activities in areas such as research, development, design, manufacture and operation of products and services, and the UK has some of the best and highest-ranked engineering schools in the world.
However, this trend goes broader than businesses classified as "engineering". Choosing the right engineering course and university can be difficult. Understanding which university is best for you when considering your academic background, future career goals, and where you wish to specialise is crucial.
Demand for good engineers is high. In the finance, mechanical, IT and electronics sectors in particular, there are world shortages of chartered and incorporated engineers, and unemployment amongst professional engineers is lower than for almost any other profession.
In the UK alone, the engineering-led industry contributes about 40% of its gross domestic product and is a key part of the national economy. From motor racing to household electricians, the engineer's role is crucial. For anyone looking for a rewarding future with a wide variety of employment prospects, there has never been a more exciting time to embark on a career in engineering.
Chemical Engineering is the engineering branch that deals with applying physical science (e.g., chemistry and physics) and life sciences (e.g., biology, microbiology and biochemistry) with mathematics and economics to convert raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms. Chemical engineers ensure the processes are operated safely, sustainably and economically when converting raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms.
Civil Engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with designing, constructing, and maintaining the physical and naturally built environment, including works like bridges, roads, canals, dams and buildings. It is traditionally broken into several sub-disciplines: environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, municipal or urban engineering, water resources engineering, materials engineering, coastal engineering, surveying, and construction engineering.
Electrical Engineering is a field of engineering that generally deals with studying and applying electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. It covers a range of subtopics, including power, electronics, control systems, signal processing and telecommunications. Usually, electrical engineering deals with the problems associated with large-scale electrical systems such as power transmission and motor control, whereas electronic engineering deals with the study of small-scale electronic systems, including computers and integrated circuits.
Mechanical Engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for the analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. This branch of engineering involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the design, production, and operation of machines and tools.
Computer Engineering deals with the design of computers and computer systems. This may involve the design of new hardware, the design of PDAs, USBs or the use of computers to control an industrial plant. Computer engineers may also work on a system's software. However, the design of complex software systems is often the software engineering domain, which is usually considered a separate discipline.
Mechatronics Engineering is an engineering discipline which deals with the convergence of electrical and mechanical systems. Such combined systems are known as electromechanical systems and have widespread adoption. Examples include automated manufacturing systems, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and various subsystems of aircraft and automobiles.
Undergraduate engineering degrees typically last three to four years, depending on the course and university. Many universities offer a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree that usually takes three years, while others offer a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree that takes four years to complete.
The BEng degree is focused primarily on the technical and practical aspects of engineering, while the MEng degree typically includes more advanced coursework and research opportunities. MEng degrees are usually required for those who wish to pursue a career as a chartered engineer.
The average cost of international tuition fees for engineering degrees in the UK varies depending on the university, the specific engineering degree, and the level of study. International students can expect to pay between £20,000 to £35,000 per year for undergraduate engineering degrees and up to £45,000 per year for postgraduate engineering degrees.
For example, the University of Oxford MEng in Engineering Science course is over £44,000 per year, but the University of Sheffield’s General Engineering programme is only £26,000 per year. Below are the UK's best general engineering degrees and their international fees.
University | Course | International Fees |
---|---|---|
University of Cambridge |
£37,293 |
|
University of Bristol |
£29,000 |
|
University of Oxford |
£44,240 |
|
Imperial College London |
£37,900 |
|
University of Sheffield |
£26,950 |
There are many types of engineering scholarships available in the UK. Popular scholarships for international engineering students in the UK include:
Engineering graduates in the UK can pursue a wide range of different engineering career paths. Common engineering jobs for new UK university graduates include:
The average starting salary for a general engineer in the UK varies depending on factors such as the sector, location, and specific role. However, according to the Engineering UK 2021 report, the average starting salary for an engineering graduate was £26,000 per year.
For an experienced general engineer in the UK, the median annual salary for engineers and technologists in the UK was £47,500.
Two types of engineering courses are offered at UK universities: B.Eng (Bachelor of Engineering) and M.Eng (Master in Engineering). A B.Eng is a standard 3-year degree in engineering. Those who complete a B.Eng have the appropriate training and experience to apply to become an Incorporated Engineer. However, for those wishing to become a Chartered Engineer, it is mandatory to follow degree studies with advanced study equivalent to the final year of an M.Eng programme.
Some UK universities allow students to switch between the B.Eng and M.Eng during the early years of the course. An M.Eng degree is the university-level qualification taken by students wishing to become Chartered Engineers. M.Eng courses take a minimum of 4 years, 5 years for those wishing to conduct one year's work experience.
To study undergraduate engineering, you will typically need A-levels or equivalent qualifications in maths and physics or chemistry, as well as good grades in other relevant subjects. International students may need to meet equivalent qualifications, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the European Baccalaureate (EB).
To study postgraduate engineering, you typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field with at least a second-class honours degree or equivalent. Some courses may also require relevant work experiences or specific subject knowledge, such as advanced maths or computer programming.
Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.
To learn more about the best engineering universities in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking engineering universities for each discipline in the Guardian University Guide 2024 below:
If you want to study engineering in the UK, arrange your free consultation with SI-UK today.
For overseas students, tuition for engineering degrees in the UK can range from approximately £16,000 to £45,000 per year, depending on the university and the course. Generally, accommodation costs range from approximately £100 to £300 per week, while living expenses such as food, transportation, and personal expenses can vary widely depending on the student's lifestyle and location.
A bachelor's degree in engineering usually takes three to four years to complete, whilst a master's degree in engineering typically takes one to two years to complete.
The highest-paid engineers in the UK are typically those in specialised fields such as petroleum engineering, chemical engineering and aerospace engineering.
The most common route to becoming an engineer in the UK is to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or civil engineering. Some engineering careers may require a master's degree in engineering or a related field, especially for research, development, or specialised roles. A master's degree can also provide a competitive advantage and raise salaries.
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