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.
Why Study Engineering in the UK?
Studying engineering in the UK means that you have access to some of the best facilities and teachers in the world. Along with receiving quality education, studying engineering degrees in the UK means you can also:
Study Engineering either as a BSc or MEd
Engineering undergraduate degrees are typically four years, and a masters’ degree is an additional two years. You can easily find a degree which suits you, with universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees for the same engineering specialisations. Some universities even offer a combined programme, where you can complete both in approximately five years. Likewise, many degrees offer an honours programme; a more intense level of study, where you complete an individual engineering project.
Complete a Co-op or Internship
Many universities have the option to complete an internship or placement programme, also known as a Co-op, whilst they study engineering. A great way to gain experience and use your skills first-hand, these internships can be done during the term or break, and can be up to a year long. Co-ops can be paid opportunities too, and are usually done in the penultimate or final year of study.
Study either General or Specific Engineering Niches
As there are many different engineering specialisations, 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 specialisations to see what suits you. Once you decide on an engineering specialisation, you can declare your major and take higher-level specialised courses after second year.
For postgraduate courses, universities across the UK can vary in their specialisations. For example, environmental engineering degrees can be simply based on environmental science, or have a focus on chemistry, geoscience or renewable energy; meaning you can study either a general or highly specialised engineering niche. Postgraduate degrees will have assumed knowledge, and you will start right away on specialised engineering courses. To help you decide what is right for you, try talking with an advisor at Intake about engineering degrees you’re interested in.
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.
Where to Study Engineering in the UK
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
Explore Your Options With Intake
If you want to discuss your options for studying engineering in the UK, reach out to an advisor at Intake today. We can offer personalised advice about studying abroad and help find the right course for you.