Studying engineering degree guide

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In technical terms, engineering is the application of scientific and practical knowledge to build, create and maintain structures and machines. An engineering degree will help give you the skills and knowledge to become an engineer in the specialist area that you decide to pursue. Read on to find out if an engineering degree is a good option for you.

Find engineering courses.

What do you need to apply for an engineering degree?

Average entry requirements for engineering are:

UCAS points: 160 – 120
A-levels: A*A*A* – BBB
Scottish Highers: AAAAA – AAAB
BTEC Nationals: D*D*D*– DDM
International Baccalaureate: 36

Most engineering courses will also ask for an A-level (or equivalent) in maths and another science like chemistry or physics.

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What are your study options for engineering?

Degrees in engineering include:

BEng Engineering (3 years)
MEng Engineering (4 years)
MEng Mechanical Engineering (4 years)
MEng Electronic Engineering (4 years)
MEng General Engineering (4 years)

Learn about the different types of undergraduate courses. 

What topics will you study on an engineering degree?

Common modules for engineering include:

Maths
Engineering science
Mechanics
Electronics
Design
Structural mechanics
Measurement and data
Statistics
Thermodynamics
Industrial design
Mechanical engineering
Aerospace engineering

What skills will you learn studying an engineering degree?

Studying an engineering degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:

Industry materials and machinery usage
Technical terminology
Advanced maths
Construction knowledge
Design knowledge

More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:

Problem-solving
Decision making
Critical thinking
Innovation
Project management
Team working
Communication
Research
Attention-to-detail

What professional accreditations can you get with an engineering degree?

Some engineering degrees are accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council. This can help with registration to become a Chartered Engineer. Other accrediting bodies, depending on your engineering specialisation, include the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE).

What jobs can you get with an engineering degree?

Engineering graduates will have loads of opportunities to work in all sorts of industries. Here are some examples of jobs that engineering graduates can apply to:

Automotive engineer
Broadcast engineer
Hydrogeologist
Telecommunications engineer
Civil engineer
Chemical engineer
Materials engineer
Technical sales engineer
Petroleum engineer

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Which unis rank well for engineering?

Check the latest ranking of unis offering general engineering courses by the Complete University Guide.

How long does an engineering course last?

Some engineering degrees last three years (BEng). However, most will include a master’s year (MEng), making the course last four years. Some courses will also include a sandwich year (placement in industry).