Study Engineering in the UK

A degree in Engineering is highly sought after for the way it develops essential problem-solving skills and a robust quantitative background. The broad field offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities for you to be creative, solve problems and explore how things work. Branches of engineering include Aerospace, Agriculture, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer Hardware, Electronics, Environmental, Industrial, Materials, Mechanical, Mining and Geological, Nuclear and Petroleum.

Studying engineering abroad means you have access to world-class teaching, opportunity for internships and a unique international experience. As engineering graduates of every discipline are in high demand, there are plenty of options to study engineering abroad, especially in the UK. With a large engineering industry and ranking as one of the most innovative countries worldwide, it's not a surprise that engineering is a popular choice for international students in the UK.

The UK has a deep heritage in the Engineering field and is home to world-class engineering companies such as Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems. With three of the world’s top ten universities for engineering based in the UK, students can look forward to world-class facilities and sophisticated engineering departments for a diversity of specializations.

The focus on hands-on experience in the UK will also allow students to pursue work placements or internships that can help prepare them for the practical demands of the post-grad workplace.

1. Study Engineering either as a BSc or MEd

Engineering undergraduate degrees typically last four years, followed by an additional two years for a master's degree. Universities offer a variety of engineering specializations for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Some even provide combined programs that allow you to complete both degrees in around five years. Additionally, many degrees offer an honors program, which involves more intensive study and an individual engineering project.

2. Complete a Co-op or Internship

Universities offer internship or placement programs, also known as Co-ops, for engineering students. These programs allow students to gain hands-on experience and apply their skills. Internships can be completed during the term or break, lasting up to a year. Co-ops can be paid opportunities too, and are usually done in the penultimate or final year of study.

3. Study either General or Specific Engineering Niches

As there are many different engineering specializations, many students want to try a variety of disciplines before declaring their major. Some undergraduate engineering degrees in the UK offer a flexible course structure, where you can take foundational courses from many different engineering specializations to see what suits you. Once you decide on an engineering specialization, you can declare your major and take higher-level specialized courses after second year.

UK universities offer a variety of postgraduate engineering specializations. Environmental engineering degrees, for instance, can focus on areas such as environmental science, chemistry, geoscience, or renewable energy. You can choose between general or highly specialized niches. Postgraduate programs require assumed knowledge, and you'll dive right into specialized engineering courses. To determine the right path for you, seek guidance from advisors at Intake who can provide valuable insights on the engineering degrees you're interested in.

4. Have Access to the UK’s Large Engineering Industry

The engineering sector in the UK comprises 25% of the total working economy, with approx. 8 million people working in an engineering-related job. This means that internship opportunities during study, and roles after graduation are likely to be easily accessible. Currently, software engineering, renewable energy, biomedical devices and aerospace engineering are experiencing the most growth in the UK, making the UK a great place to study engineering.

As engineering is an interdisciplinary field, skills learnt during your degree are likely to be applicable across many roles within the sector. For instance, software engineers could apply their skills to web development, artificial intelligence and information systems roles. Likewise, many professors and tutors for courses in the UK are likely to have years of experience, and can provide valuable insights and advice about pursuing engineering as a profession.

Here are some key things to look out for in choosing your university:

• Academic Excellence

  – Research on reviews and teaching professors can give good insight into course curriculum in addition to course descriptions. A good experience can move beyond traditional education boundaries and provides excellent teaching support for the track you wish to pursue.

• Location

  – There are a large range of cosmopolitan cities, towns, and countryside villages in the regions of the UK, namely England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. The kind of lifestyle you want will be a factor in choosing where you want to be based in.

• Tuition fees and scholarships

  – International students outside the EU and EEA (European Economic Area) pay full tuition at UK universities. Check your scholarship eligibility and consider hiring an experienced adviser to guide you through the application process.

• Living Costs

  – London and other large cities tend to be more expensive, but also more convenient in terms of your day-to-day

• International Student Support

  – Find a university that offers well-planned support for international students, as they can advise on essentials such as accommodation, student welfare, and post-graduate employment opportunities.

Admission requirements for UK universities

While requirements may differ across universities, typical entry requirements include:

• Eligible qualifications like A Level and International Baccalaureate results

• IELTS certification

• Foundation pathways

There's plenty of options for both undergraduate and postgraduate engineering degrees in the UK, with each university offering a multitude of specialisations. Here’s our list of universities in the UK where you can study engineering, based on what disciplines they are most noted for.

Where to Study Software Engineering in the UK:

Lancaster University – Software Engineering (with Industrial Experience) (Hons)/MSci

Lancaster University – Software Engineering BSc (Hons)

University of Southampton – Software Engineering (Hons) BEng/MEng

University of Birmingham – Computer Science MSc/Software Engineering MEng (Hons)

Where to Study Environmental Engineering in the UK:

University of Bath – Chemical Engineering MSc/with Environmental Engineering MEng

University of Birmingham – BSc Environmental and Engineering Geoscience BSc (Hons)

University of Leeds – Environmental Engineering and Project Management MSc

University of Manchester – Chemical Engineering with Energy and the Environment MEng (Hons)

Where to Study Biomedical Engineering in the UK:

University of Dundee – Biomedical Engineering BEng (Hons)/MSc

King’s College London – Biomedical Engineering BEng/MEng (Hons)

University of Warwick – Biomedical Systems Engineering BEng/MEng/(Hons)/MSc

Cardiff University – Medical Engineering (Year in Industry) BEng/Meng (Hons)

Where to Study Aerospace Engineering in the UK:

University of Bath – Aerospace Engineering with professional placement BEng/MEng (Hons)

University of Bristol – Aerospace Engineering BEng/MEng/MSc

University of Southampton – Aeronautics and Astronautics/ Aerodynamics MEng (Hons)

University of Leeds – Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering BEng/MEng (Hons)/MSc

Internationally renowned universities: The UK stands as one of the top three study destinations of the world and is home to many leading universities such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of Edinburgh.

Quality of education: UK programs are internationally recognised, and known for the quality of teaching and research

Work and study: Master's programs in the UK include an internship component for students to gain invaluable insight and connections into the industry. Students are also allowed to work on a student visa, with more flexibility given to students from the EU. A two-year post-study work visa is also granted to graduates from

Scholarships: Numerous scholarship programs are available for international students from individual universities and students from Commonwealth countries.

Are you ready to take the first step in your study in the UK adventure? We can guide you through your options and the necessary application processes for universities and visas. Book an appointment and speak to our international education counselors for free.