The UK was 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.
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 are in high demand globally thanks to the UK's top engineering universities and British world-famous culture of innovation.
Popular engineering courses in the UK include Aeronautical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
Do you want to grow your engineering career by studying at the best universities for engineering in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2024)? Begin your UCAS application and talk to SI-UK today with a free consultation.
Ten Best Universities for Engineering in the UK
1. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge offers a MEng Engineering degree spanning four years. In the first year, you study various subjects and participate in projects and coursework. The second year focuses on core subjects and a design project. In the third year, you choose from over 40 topics for specialisation, and you complete an extension activity and projects. The fourth year deepens specialisation with a choice of eight papers and a major individual project, often connected to ongoing research. Successful completion leads to both BA and MEng degrees. Assessment is based on coursework and exams.
- Course to consider: MEng Engineering
- Entry requirements: A Level: A*A*A. IB: 40-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level.
- International fee: £39,162
2. University of Oxford
Founded in 1908, the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford has maintained its reputation as a leader in engineering research. Oxford consistently ranks among the top three engineering universities globally. Oxford engineers are renowned for their dedication to finding real-world solutions through concise research methods, ultimately leading to practical applications that benefit future generations. Engineering science is a comprehensive programme that exemplifies Oxford's commitment to excellence in engineering education.
- Course in focus: MEng Engineering Science
- Entry requirements: A*A*A to include Mathematics and Physics. The A*s must be in Mathematics, Physics or Further Mathematics. IB 40 points.
- International fee: £48,620
3. Imperial College London
The Faculty of Engineering at Imperial College London strives to provide international leadership in education and engineering research. Imperial College London’s engineering department regularly excels across prominent league table rankings, and it is currently ranked 8th among the best engineering colleges in the world.
All ten academic departments at Imperial College London are located on the South Kensington campus, providing an array of talent for creating a stimulating and vibrant research culture that promotes multidisciplinary collaborations and attracts leading scholars and researchers worldwide.
- Course in focus: MEng Mechanical Engineering
- Entry requirements: A*A*A or A*AAA, to include: A* in Mathematics A/A* in Physics (A* is required if applying with three A-levels. At least an A is required if applying with four A-levels) A in a third and/or fourth subject
- International fee: £40,940
4. Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University offers a Sport Engineering MEng (Hons) course on real-world learning. It explores the growing field of sports engineering, which addresses problems related to sports, health, and exercise. Students engage in industry projects and a Grand Challenge, gaining hands-on experience. The course includes individual research projects at the Master's level, preparing students to think and work like professional engineers. The university's strong industry connections in the sports and well-being sector enhance the learning experience. This course is well-regarded, with recognition from professional bodies and a project-based learning approach.
- Course in focus: Sport Engineering MEng (Hons)
- Entry requirements: 128 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including A-level equivalent Maths grade C.
- International fee: £17,500
5. Durham University
Durham University, a member of the prestigious Russell Group, is a renowned centre for engineering research and teaching. It emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration and global partnerships. Its engineering degree programmes are accredited by professional engineering institutions, meeting the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer status. The MEng fully satisfies these requirements, while the BEng can be complemented with further learning. Accredited MSc programmes also meet the requirements for Chartered Engineer status. The university is well-ranked in various guides and boasts a high graduate employment rate.
- Course in focus: MSc Electrical Engineering
- Entry requirements: A second-class honours degree (typically equivalent to UK 2:1 Honours) or better in a subject with a significant electrical engineering component.
- International fee: £30,250
SI-UK can help you apply to the top universities to study Engineering in the UK. Book a free consultation, either online or at our London office.
6. University of Exeter
The University of Exeter offers an MSc in Mining Engineering for engineers, geologists, or recent graduates. Taught by the Camborne School of Mines, it covers excavation, geomechanics, economics, and more. Core modules include a project and dissertation. Optional modules cover safety, project management, resource estimation, and mine design. This programme enhances skills and knowledge in the mining industry, making it suitable for those already working or seeking specialisation in mining and related fields.
- Course in focus: MSc Mining Engineering
- Entry requirements: A 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
- International fee: £27,500
7. University College London
The University College London offers a Mechanical Engineering BEng programme with core subjects in math, computing, and mechanical engineering. You'll also choose minor modules. In your third year, a major individual project is required. The programme uses the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP), which focuses on practical challenges and professional skills, and offers the option to choose a minor. You can spend an extra year working in the industry, gaining real-world experience. Access to research facilities and internationally recognised expertise is provided, preparing you for careers in various engineering fields or other sectors like commerce and management.
- Course in focus: Mechanical Engineering BEng
- Entry requirements: UCL engineering requires an A*AA, with Mathematics and Physics required. A* must be in one of the required subjects.
- International fee: £37,500
8. University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield's Department of Engineering is committed to providing its students with opportunities that will help them gain skills, knowledge, and valuable experience.
It is currently among the top universities for engineering studies in the world. Students are taught and trained by a diverse range of faculty members who are either scholars or leaders in their fields with specialised areas of expertise. Students will have access to state-of-the-art labs for hands-on training.
- Course in focus: General Engineering MEng/BEng
- Entry requirements: A Levels + additional qualifications AAA, including Maths and Physics + A in a relevant EPQ; AAA, including Maths and Physics + A in AS or B in A Level. International Baccalaureate 38, with 6 in Higher Level Maths and Physics
- International fee: £29,110
9. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol offers an MEng Engineering Design programme inspired by the Royal Academy of Engineering. It focuses on training engineers to lead important modern projects. After a common first year, you can specialise in mechanical, aerospace, or civil engineering and learn problem-solving and design skills. In the following years, you can choose technical modules from various fields to gain expertise. A significant part of the programme involves a group project with industrial partners, covering topics like robotics and renewable energy.
- Course in focus: MEng Engineering Design
- Entry requirements: A*AA, including A*A in any order in Mathematics and a science-related subject.
- International fee: £29,300
10. Loughborough University
The Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical, and Manufacturing Engineering courses focus on practical skills and industry knowledge right from the beginning. While there are core subjects, you can specialise during your third year for BEng and third and fourth years for MEng. Some of the mandatory modules include mathematics, engineering principles, and professional skills. In the second year, you'll work on industry-based projects. By the third year, you'll tackle advanced individual projects, and in the fourth year, you'll study engineering design methods to prepare for a successful career.
- Course in focus: Mechanical Engineering MEng
- Entry requirements: A*AA including Maths and Physics with A* in Maths or Physics. IB - 38 (7,6,6 HL), including Maths and Physics at HL.
- International fee: £28,600
Study Engineering in the UK
Book a free consultation with SI-UK London to begin your engineering application and study at one of the best universities for engineering in the UK.
FAQ
What qualifications do you need to be an engineer in the UK?
To be an engineer in the UK, you typically need qualifications such as A-levels in math and science subjects or a bachelor of engineering. After that, you can pursue chartered engineer status, which usually requires a recognised engineering degree and relevant work experience.
Which UK universities offer 100% scholarships to studying engineering?
Scholarships for engineering programmes in the UK vary by university and are typically not 100% full scholarships. Some universities may offer partial scholarships or financial aid based on merit or need. These universities include Durham University, the University of Cambridge, Loughborough University, etc.
What is the success rate of international students in the UK?
International students have a high success rate in the UK, over 80%, thanks to the UK offering huge job opportunities.
Can I study in the UK with low marks?
You can study in the UK with lower marks, which may limit your university and programme choices. Some institutions and courses may have lower entry requirements, and pathways and foundation programmes can help students improve their qualifications to meet the entry criteria for their desired courses.
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