To deal with the shortage of engineering students and to encourage more people to study it, James Dyson, the inventor behind vacuum cleaner superstars Dyson, opened an Engineering Institute in 2017. Here’s everything you need to know…
What’s the Deal?
James Dyson, the founder of the company Dyson, opened the Dyson Institute of Technology for aspiring engineers in Wiltshire in September 2017. Initially, they took 25 students per year.
At the Institute, you study a bespoke Bachelor of Engineering degree as well as working three days a week (paid!) at Dyson’s Research and Development Campus. The course fees are even be covered by Dyson, so you don’t have any student debt when you graduate either.
The actual contents of the degree have been developed by both Dyson engineers and WMG, University of Warwick, who aren't only be accrediting the qualification, but also provide the academic learning within the degree.
Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, Chairman and founder of WMG, University of Warwick said, "It is vital that in order for UK companies to be competitive they must have the right people with the right skills. I am delighted we are working with the Dyson Institute on this degree and welcome the move by James Dyson to develop a pool of talent which have the skills that are required to work in industry today."
The Institute applied for permission to grant their own degrees, and this power was awarded in 2021. In 2018, they increased their student intake to 43 and they had 150 undergraduate students by 2020.
How Will Students Learn?
This isn't be the run-of-the-mill degree where you turn up to lectures, study in the library and have an exam a few times a year.
Over four years you’ll learn all the traditional academic stuff, as well as having practical, hands-on experience too. This will include helping to develop Dyson products and working alongside their engineering team. There’s even the possibility of spending time in Dyson’s technology centres in Malaysia and Singapore.
The academic side will be taught on the Dyson Technology Campus using their tailor made facilities through lectures, seminars and online tutorials.
What Will Students Learn?
In the first two years, you’ll be taught the fundamentals of engineering. While in the third and fourth year students you’d learn about specific electronics and mechanical engineering and have the chance to personalise your studies with an individual academic project.
What Else Can Students Expect?
As well as having lectures and working a full-time job, you’ll also have access to the non-academic facilities that the Dyson campus offers. This includes a multi sports facility as well as cafes and restaurants that are run by a former head chef of a Marco Pierre White Michelin star restaurant. So your lunch will certainly taste good!
Why Are Dyson Doing This?
As well as increading their own engineering team, Dyson want to tackle the UK’s engineering shortage, which is a growing concern for both Dyson and the engineering industry generally. This degree teaches both practical and theory in order to bridge the current gap between industry and academia, as well as having high quality engineering graduates ready for work.
James Dyson said, "The UK’s skills shortage is holding Dyson back as we look to increase the amount of technology we develop and export from the UK. We are taking matters into our own hands. The new degree course offers academic theory, a real-world job and salary, and access to experts in their field.
"I know there are many people out there who are as obsessive about engineering as I am - questioning every aspect of a product, how it works, and how it can be better. Therefore, why not get stuck into an engineering job straight from school?"
Who’s James Dyson?
If you think you don’t know who James Dyson is, you do, trust us. He created the world’s first ever bag-less vacuum cleaner and he’s also the brains behind the Dyson company. Dyson have designed and created machines like hoovers, hair dryers and lighting, and pride themselves on invention and improvement of household items.
Unsurprisingly, James Dyson is pretty passionate about engineering. In fact, as well as opening the Institute, he also invested a massive £15m over five years to tackle the issue of a lack of skilled engineers. The Dyson company planned to invest a further £100m in the first four years since the opening of the Institute in external research projects and technology start-ups across the world, including Israel, Singapore and the US.
His company also have research partnerships with 40 universities across the globe and currently fund PhD professors and students in top engineering institutions including Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge.
And if that wasn’t enough, The James Dyson Foundation supports educational work in the areas of design, technology and engineering both in the UK and internationally too.
Can I Apply Yet?
Usually, applications are open in November for around 3 weeks, so keep checking the website for updates on the next application cycle. There's a four-stage application process including the initial application, online assessments, a telephone interview and a final stage assessment, which typically takes place in person.
In order to be considered, you need a GCSE grade C/4 in maths and English, as well as A-levels. If you have A-level physics, you'll need at least a B. If you're not studying physics at A-level you can attend and pass a summer school to prove your abilities. The cost of the summer school will be reimbursed to you.
The typical offer will be for AAB at A-level, including an A in maths, A in a STEM subject and B in any subject. Other qualifications are also considered providing relevant subjects are studied.
You must also have the right to work and study full-time in the UK.
Feeling ready to apply? Then go for it!
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