Studying engineering at university can lead to exciting career prospects and top salaries across a wide range of industries.
There are roles available in almost every industry and it can lead to opportunities to work on world-changing technological developments that make a difference to individuals and society as a whole.
It could be the perfect fit if you are curious about how things work and like solving real-world problems.
Course Content
Studying engineering at university is the ultimate field for challenge and creativity. Often the more complex a problem, the more creativity is needed to search for the best solution.
As a result engineering is a far-reaching field that consists of a number of different specialties. Many of these have their own educational requirements so it is important to check on your chosen university website to see what is required.
Below we look at some of the many different types of engineering specialisms, but remember the most important thing is to study what you are passionate about.
Electrical Engineering
- What will you learn? How to develop, design and test electrical systems
- What are the career routes? Anything from wiring buildings to developing electric systems in aeroplanes
- Is it for you? If you like dissembling and putting electrical systems back together this could be for you and if you want to help power the next phase of technological developments
Mechanical Engineering
- What will you learn? How to produce and design machines and engines
- What are the career routes? Anything from aerospace to automotive industry to air conditioning or robotics
- Is it for you? If you like fiddling with mechanical devices, are interested in working with other specialists to develop and improve technology and come up with new and innovative designs
Aerospace Engineering
- What will you learn? All aspects of flight plus air and spacecraft as part of this course
- What are the career routes? Vast within the growing aerospace industry, both military, commercial and space exploration
- Is it for you? If you’re intrigued and mesmerised by the history, methodology and mechanics of flight and space travel
Computer Engineering
- What will you learn? How to design software and hardware that helps in development of computers
- What are the career routes? In high demand on a global scale for careers related to computers
- Is it for you? If you want to learn more about how computers operate at physical level and want to work with computer scientists to develop new products
Civil Engineering
- What will you learn? How to design, construct and maintain the physically built environment
- What are the career routes? Takes place on all levels: in the public sector and in the private sector from individual homeowners through to international companies
- Is it for you? You’re interested in designing and building things or city planning, you’d like to develop your design skills
Chemical Engineering
- What will you learn? How to maintain and design chemical procedures across different industries
- What are the career routes? You can work for anyone from agricultural firms to pharmaceuticals
- Is it for you? You’re fascinated by the chemical processes behind everyday items and you have an analytical mindset
Careers
As an engineer you will rank amongst the highest paid professions in the world, even as a new graduate. In fact, it is the most common undergraduate degree among Fortune 500 CEOs. You will have the opportunity to work in multinational companies across the world.
By studying engineering at university your will learn skills that you can use anywhere within the professional world including logical thinking, critical analysis, problem solving and decision making. You will learn to view each problem as a challenge and an opportunity to learn and grow.
It is a highly sought after and respected degree choice with employers.
Top Five UK Universities
Entry Requirements
Engineering is a very competitive degree but there are a range of options for potential students.
At the top universities, most offers will be A*AA or A*A*A with Mathematics and Physics essential and Further Mathematics preferred. Oxford requires applicants to complete the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) and Cambridge has a pre-interview written assessment.
Other universities will look for BBB and entry is possible via a Foundation Programme.
Fees for UK and EU students are approximately £9,250 per year, rising to £31,455 for international students.
