Study Engineering in the United Kingdom
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Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Engineering in The UK
If you are wondering whether engineering is the right field for you, know that there is a wide variety of choices for you in this industry - considering the wide reach that this field has. During the last few years, engineers have become an essential part of the world's daily life, helping us solve problems of different kinds and in turn making our lives much easier.
To study engineering in the UK means you will have a particular advantage since you get to study in some of the most prestigious universities. But most importantly, you will gain invaluable experience that will definitely come in handy in the ever-expanding field that Engineering has become.
Reasons to Study Engineering in the United Kingdom
Quality of teaching
The United Kingdom is home to three of the top universities in the world for engineering, so choosing to study in such prestigious universities will definitely allow you to receive a top-notch education.
A variety of disciplines
As Engineering is quite a broad field, higher education institutions in the United Kingdom have made sure to provide students with opportunities to specialize in every area of this wide spectrum. There are more than 40 universities in the United Kingdom that offer Engineering courses to students of all nationalities which gives you many options to choose from.
Interesting Work
A great thing about having a variety of disciplines to choose from is that you get to choose whichever field you think is the right fit for you. If you are someone who has a passion for constructing, designing, or manufacturing a machine, studying Engineering will most likely offer you one of these job positions.
Job Opportunities
In the United Kingdom, Engineering graduates are in great demand and they are some of the highest-paid. The type of engineering you decide to specialize in determines the job settings you will work in. Considering that the United Kingdom is one of the most innovative countries in the world, and home to the best universities for engineering, you will definitely do yourself a favor by earning a qualification that opens many career doors for you. There is no doubt that once you graduate, you will come out fully qualified in your chosen field.
Change the World
Some of the most important changes in the history of mankind have been done by engineers. Engineers shape our society not just by helping to develop physical infrastructures like roads, bridges, energy, and water supplies, but by also finding solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems through technological advancements and innovations. Having an impact on the world and helping to facilitate people’s everyday life by studying in a country known for its academic excellence is definitely another reason to choose the United Kingdom as your study abroad destination.
Requirements
The list of requirements may vary across the United Kingdom. Universities may have the freedom to choose what criteria their prospective students should meet. However, there are some general requirements that are common to each university, and they list as follows:
Academic Qualifications
The academic qualifications that you must have depend on the level of study you wish to pursue. If you are applying for undergraduate studies in Engineering, you must have a high school diploma. If you are applying for graduate studies, then having a Bachelor’s degree in one of the Engineering fields is a must.
Language Requirements
For international students that come from non-English speaking countries and who wish to study Engineering in the United Kingdom, having a good grasp of the English language is essential. Considering that English is the language of instruction in British higher education institutions submitting proof of language proficiency is one of the main requirements.
Language tests that are accepted by UK universities are:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- PTE Academic
- Cambridge English Advanced
Proof of Financial Funds
Another requirement for international students that wish to study in the United Kingdom is submitting proof that they have enough funds to cover the expenses of their studies. Therefore, once you decide to study in the UK, make sure you meet the set criteria.
Visa
If you wish to study in the United Kingdom you may need a visa, depending on your nationality. If you come from one of the EU/EEA countries you will not need a visa, but, students who come from third-world countries must obtain a visa in order to study in the UK.
You will need to obtain a Tier(General) Student Visa if you plan to study for more than six months or if you are studying full-time. If you plan on staying in the country for less than six months, you should apply for a Student Visitor Visa. All Visa applications can be done through the British Embassy or the Consulate with jurisdiction over your home country.
Application Process
The United Kingdom has a centralized application portal and most of the universities in the country accept applications only through this portal. Therefore, to apply for a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering you should submit the application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). In order to apply, you need to register with UCAS first, and this can be done through their official website.
If you are planning to apply for a Master’s Degree you can apply directly to the university of your choice. You can also apply for some engineering postgraduate courses through UCAS. You just have to check whether the university you want to apply to accepts applications from UCAS. If this is the case, you can send your application online directly to the university.
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Engineering in the United Kingdom?
The duration of your degree depends on the level of study you are going to pursue. For a Bachelor’s, your Engineering degree will take at least 3 years to complete. On the other hand, if you are planning to do your Master’s in Engineering you can expect to dedicate at least 4 years of your life (5 if you are planning to conduct a one year-work experience).
There are two titles that you can get by studying Engineering. If you earn a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, you will become an Incorporated Engineer. Those students who wish to earn a higher title and pursue their graduate studies in Engineering, become Chartered Engineers.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Engineering in the United Kingdom?
The amount of money you will spend on paying tuition fees depends on a number of factors. These factors include the country of your origin, the city you choose to study in, the level of studies, and most importantly the university you plan to attend. International students that come from non-EU/EEA countries usually pay higher fees. If you decide to study in a bigger city, you might have to pay higher fees than you would usually pay in a smaller one.
As tuition fees also vary depending on the level of study you pursue, you can expect to pay more for an undergraduate degree rather than a postgraduate degree. In comparison to postgraduate degrees, undergraduate degrees are longer in duration, hence more expensive. Lastly, depending on the university you choose to study in, you can expect to pay between $26,123 to $38,497 (£19,000 to £28,000) for tuition only.
Engineering Jobs in the United Kingdom
The field of engineering has been growing rapidly over the years, allowing engineering students to find jobs in different settings. These include research laboratories, construction sites, factories, office buildings, industrial plants, etc.
Some of the Engineering job titles include:
- Aerospace Engineer
- Materials Engineer
- Research and Development Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Biological Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Software/Hardware Engineer
How much do Engineers make per year?
Apart from choosing a field that interests you, it is normal to look into the salary that a certain field might secure you after graduation. With each passing year, engineering jobs are paying more and more, with a median annual salary of $91,000.
Below you will find the average salary of some of the engineering fields in the UK:
| Field | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer | $93,600 |
| Civil Engineering | $94,400 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $97,000 |
| Electrical Engineering | $108,000 |
| Chemical Engineering | $117,000 |
| Industrial Engineering | $41,142 |
| Aerospace Engineering | $50,421 |
| Automotive Engineering | $51,731 |
