A career in engineering provides for imaginative experimentation, creative thinking, and exciting design and development. Whether it’s software design, road design or civil works, airplanes, and many others, with engineering, you can never go wrong.
There are a variety of options available to you, each with different qualifications. This article will however cover the general engineering qualifications. Read on for more.
A-Levels
If you want a career in electrical engineering, you should study maths and physics at A-level, while aspiring chemical engineers should study chemistry. Additional maths and design technology are also viable options.
The grades required for university admission vary by institution and degree, although elite universities seek top levels. For example, the University of Cambridge requires three A* marks in physics, maths, or further maths to study engineering as an undergraduate, whereas the University of Oxford requires three A* grades in physics, maths, or further maths to study its four-year MEng in Engineering Science.
While all engineering courses require you to work hard at A-level to get accepted, not all of them require A* grades. AAB is required for admission to the University of Birmingham’s Engineering BEng program, while AAA-ABB is required for admission to the University of Nottingham’s Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng program.
Engineering Degrees
Working in this field normally requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a technology-related topic, while some engineers have degrees in math, physics, or computer science. Before working in the area, students of non-engineering subjects may be needed to complete a conversion course or obtain a professional certificate.
A qualification in any technical discipline may also be suitable for some professions. Some employers, however, especially those in mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering require a specified degree.
Top 5 Engineering Specialisms and the Top Universities in Each Area
The University League Tables 2022 from the Complete University Guide recognizes five important engineering specializations and the top colleges in each area:
• Manufacturing and Production Engineering
The University of Manchester, University of Sheffield, University of Glasgow, University of Bath, and the University of Cambridge.
• General Engineering
University of Sheffield, Durham University, University of Bristol, University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge.
• Electronic and Electrical Engineering
University of Strathclyde, Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge.
• Civil Engineering
University of Bath, Heriot-Watt University, University of Bristol, University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge.
• Chemical Engineering
The University of Strathclyde, University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge.
The majority of undergraduates pursue one of the specializations listed above. For some, though, taking a general engineering degree is preferable after which students can specialize in their third year. This is because some employers actively seek personnel with a broader understanding.
Now you have some insight into some of the academic qualifications needed in an engineering career. The ball is in your court!
