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There is a wide range of engineering degree courses that you can study at university. A degree will teach you the fundamentals of engineering giving you a good foundation for your professional career as an engineer.

When it comes to selecting an engineering course, there’s certainly no shortage of choice – so where do you start?

Well, all of your exam results will provide you with a number of points (the UCAS tariff), which can help determine which university courses are available to you.

Please click here to be dircted to the UCAS website for advice and information on applying for university and college courses.

The number of points required to get on to degree courses vary between universities, so you’ll have to check out the prospectus of places you’re interested in for more information.To help you decide it will probably be beneficial if you see the courses as belonging to three categories:

Broad engineering degrees, like mechanical engineering.

Specialised engineering degrees, like biomedical engineering.

Joint engineering degrees, like chemical engineering and management.

Many universities offer BSc, BEng or MEng degrees, which are typically three or four years long, in a wide range of engineering subjects. Most are a mix of compulsory and optional subjects, which allow you to direct your learning towards the things that interest you.

MEng degrees take a year longer to complete than BSc or a BEng and normally contain greater depth and breadth of study, with increased emphasis on group work and management. MSc programmes are also available for BSc or BEng graduates who wish to specialise to post graduate level either immediately on graduation or later in their career.

Some universities also offer work placements or sandwich courses, which are a great way to develop practical skills, as you will spend periods of time between your studies out in the work environment. Many also offer opportunities for study in other countries, which provides an interesting cultural experience and the chance to develop language skills in non-English countries.

If you want to become a Chartered Engineer (CEng) you’ll need to undertake a four year MEng degree or a three year BEng (Hons) course and follow it with a year’s post graduate study.

For recognition as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) you’ll need to do a three year BSc, BEng or Btech degree – but you can still become chartered with some extra training.

The following links will provide further advice and information if you are considering studying at university.

Science & Engineering Courses & Colleges in the UK provides you with useful information & guidance about engineering degrees

The Engineering Leadership Advanced Award Scheme for Undergraduates is a programme to provide support and motivation to some of the most exceptional engineering undergraduates in UK universities.

The objective of these Awards is to allow ambitious, inspiring engineering undergraduates, those who want to become leadership role models for the next generation of engineers, to undertake an accelerated personal development programme