Study Engineering in the UK

The UK ranks 2nd globally for science and research.

According to QS Top Universities, there are more than 20 engineering colleges in the UK having a worldwide ranking, making the country one of the top choices among international students to study abroad. Within the wide boundaries of the engineering profession, there are thousands of thought-provoking activities in areas such as research, development, design, manufacture and operation of products and services.

Engineers are one of the important professions in the world; responsible for almost everything we use, consume and take part in every day. From leisure activities to medical treatment, mobile communications to modern transport systems, engineers often find themselves in key positions in industry and commerce. Let us look at some of the facts that will give us an understanding of the engineering profession and its scope in the UK.

UK invests approximately 9.5 billion GBP a year in engineering research. As a result, an approx. amount of 280 billion GBP is added to the gross value of the country in return.

Presently, due to the sector-wide skills shortage of engineers in the UK, the annual demand for them is estimated to rise to approximately 124,000 engineers by the year 2024.

Types of Engineering degrees in the UK:

The rate of unemployment is said to be the lowest in the field of engineering, as reported by Stackers. When it comes to studying engineering in a foreign country, the United Kingdom is currently in first place. There is a wide range of specialised fields that can be studied in the United Kingdom, from civil engineering to robotics and nanotechnology. The United Kingdom is home to 37 universities that are ranked among the top 500 universities in the world for engineering. Let's investigate which of the top engineering universities in the United Kingdom you should try to get into for the next school year.

There is a huge demand for good engineers in the finance, mechanical, IT and electronics sectors in particular. The unemployment rate is lowest amongst professional engineers as compared to any other profession. In the UK alone, the engineering-led industry contributes about 40% of its GDP hence plays a key part in the national economy. Prospective international students who are looking for a rewarding future with an extensive array of employment prospects, there has never been a more exciting time to embark on a career in engineering.

Following are some of the specializations offered in engineering courses in the UK:

According to QS Top Universities, there are more than 20 engineering colleges in the UK having a worldwide ranking, making the country one of the top choices among international students to study abroad. Within the wide boundaries of the engineering profession, there are thousands of thought-provoking activities in areas such as research, development, design, manufacture and operation of products and services.

Engineers are one of the important professions in the world; responsible for almost everything we use, consume and take part in every day. From leisure activities to medical treatment, mobile communications to modern transport systems, engineers often find themselves in key positions in industry and commerce. Let us look at some of the facts that will give us an understanding of the engineering profession and its scope in the UK.

UK invests approximately 9.5 billion GBP a year in engineering research. As a result, an approx. amount of 280 billion GBP is added to the gross value of the country in return.

Presently, due to the sector-wide skills shortage of engineers in the UK, the annual demand for them is estimated to rise to approximately 124,000 engineers by the year 2024.

Types of Engineering degrees in the UK:

The rate of unemployment is said to be the lowest in the field of engineering, as reported by Stackers. When it comes to studying engineering in a foreign country, the United Kingdom is currently in first place. There is a wide range of specialised fields that can be studied in the United Kingdom, from civil engineering to robotics and nanotechnology. The United Kingdom is home to 37 universities that are ranked among the top 500 universities in the world for engineering. Let's investigate which of the top engineering universities in the United Kingdom you should try to get into for the next school year.

There is a huge demand for good engineers in the finance, mechanical, IT and electronics sectors in particular. The unemployment rate is lowest amongst professional engineers as compared to any other profession. In the UK alone, the engineering-led industry contributes about 40% of its GDP hence plays a key part in the national economy. Prospective international students who are looking for a rewarding future with an extensive array of employment prospects, there has never been a more exciting time to embark on a career in engineering.

Following are some of the specializations offered in engineering courses in the UK:

Below are the following degree types offered by UK universities in the field of Engineering:

Undergraduate Degrees - bachelor’s in engineering and bachelor’s in science

Graduate Degrees - Master of Engineering, MPhil, Master of Engineering Science, etc.

Doctorate Degrees - Doctor of Philosophy/ PhD, MRes and Professional Doctorate

 Top 10 Engineering Universities in the United Kingdom

• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• Imperial College London
• University of Warwick
• University of Manchester
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Bristol
• Swansea University
• University of Leeds
• University of Surrey

University of Cambridge

The Engineering Department at the University of Cambridge is widely considered to be the most prestigious institution of its kind in all of the United Kingdom. In order to ensure that you get the most out of your degree, the Department offers prospective students a contemporary and cutting-edge instructional approach, which is carried out by academics who are well-known on an international scale. At both the undergraduate and the postgraduate levels, you can choose from a wide variety of programmes to participate in. 

During your first two years as an undergraduate student at this university, you will take part in a broad survey course that will provide an introduction to fundamental concepts in engineering science. During the third year of your programme, you will zero in on a particular specialty. You will have the opportunity to continue your education for one more year following the completion of your third year, giving you the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree following the conclusion of your fourth academic year.

Oxford University

The Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford is widely regarded as being among the most prestigious engineering departments focused on research to be found anywhere in the world. Students will be taught how to understand and apply cutting-edge technology in order to produce new scientific breakthroughs as the program's ultimate goal. This is made possible by having cutting-edge research facilities, a distinguished faculty, robust interdisciplinary collaboration within science faculties, and close collaboration with actual businesses in the marketplace. The university offers a diverse range of programmes, some of which cover cutting-edge academic fields such as biomedical engineering, energy, and the environment.

Imperial College London

The Faculty of Engineering at Imperial College London is made up of several different engineering departments, each of which focuses on a different area of expertise. Depending on the areas that most pique your interest, you have the option of enrolling in a class in the Faculty's Aeronautics, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computing, Design Engineering, Earth Science and Engineering, Materials and Mechanical Engineering, or any of the other sections or departments listed here. Because the Faculty is an esteemed research institution, it places a greater emphasis on research activities that address some of the most pressing global engineering concerns. These concerns include, amongst others, biomedical, future manufacturing, and security systems.

University of Warwick

The School of Engineering at the University of Warwick provides a wide range of high-quality engineering programmes, ranging from engineering theories to engineering practises, such as automotive, mechanical, and systems engineering. Earning a degree in engineering from this university will provide you with a solid foundation in engineering, which will be beneficial to you in the field that you choose to work in in the future. The curriculum for engineering contains a wonderful combination of theory and practise, and it acknowledges theories, practise research, and research work as contributing factors to your educational advancement. During the entirety of your time spent in this location, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of hands-on experiments that are designed to simulate what it is like to work as an engineer in the real world.

University of Manchester

The School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Civil Engineering, the School of Computer Science, and the School of Materials are the Engineering Departments that make up the School of Science and Engineering at the University of Manchester.

More than 70 research centres and over 500 active researchers, many of whom have received recognition on a global scale for their work, contribute to the institution's reputation for excellence in research.

University of Edinburgh 

Many people consider Edinburgh to be among the best cities in the world in which to live and pursue higher education. There, you'll find one of the most prestigious educational institutions on the planet: the University of Edinburgh. The School of Engineering at this prestigious university enjoys a stellar reputation on a global scale. It offers a number of different study options that combine theoretical research with practical application. As part of your course of study, you will have the opportunity to conduct research in order to acquire a deeper comprehension of the challenges faced in engineering. Having this information in mind, the pursuit of a degree in engineering at this university will be a life-changing academic and professional experience.

Bristol University

Your education in engineering at the Faculty of Engineering at Bristol University will consist of both theoretical study and practical application of that knowledge. At this particular university, depending on the kind of coursework that piques your interest, you have a number of different options to choose from. The Faculty of Engineering is comprised of a variety of specialised fields, including Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Engineering Mathematics, and Mechanical Engineering. A few of the research fields that it focuses on include digital health, smart cities, composite materials, quantum photonics, and nuclear engineering, to name just a few. In addition, if you are enrolled in a doctoral programme, you will have access to a wide range of training centres, some of which include Quantum Engineering and Neuroscience, as well as IDC-Systems and IDC-Composite Manufacture, and others.

Swansea University

The College of Engineering at Swansea University is doing an excellent job of living up to its reputation as one of the most prestigious engineering schools in the United Kingdom. The mission of the college is to develop the intellectual capacity of its students so that they are better equipped to address complex engineering issues by providing a wide range of academic programmes, cutting-edge facilities, and academic staff of the highest calibre.

 The College of Engineering at the University of Swansea is comprised of the departments of Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Engineering, Sport and Exercise Science, Leadership & Management, and Nanotechnology. Other departments include Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

University of Leeds

With over 700 professors of international renown and five different engineering schools, the Leeds Faculty of Engineering is one of the most prestigious engineering groups in the United Kingdom. It has a long history of being considered one of the most prestigious engineering universities in the nation. The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Leeds is comprised of five schools: the School of Chemical and Process Engineering, the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, the School of Civil Engineering, and the School of Mechanical Engineering. In addition, there is a School of Computing. As a student at this university, you will be placed at the centre of each and every plan and policy that is developed. The university has entered into a number of different collaboration agreements in order to provide its exceptional students with a diverse range of employment opportunities.

University of Surrey

Due to the exceptional quality of its research, the School of Engineering at the University of Surrey has maintained its position at the forefront of British engineering universities for many years. At this particular university, you have access to a comprehensive selection of academic programmes that span multiple levels of study. You will get the most out of this experience if you have a convenient setting to conduct research and are mentored by several programmes filled with academic staff. Additionally, if you have a convenient setting to conduct research, you will get the most out of this experience. At the conclusion of the class, you will have the skills necessary to launch an engineering career and make a meaningful contribution to addressing the challenges of the 21st century.

Engineering Colleges in UK (Top Universities in UK)

Fees and accommodations

The cost of obtaining a BTech degree from a university in the UK can vary widely depending on the institution. The tuition costs for a Bachelor of Engineering degree in the United Kingdom range anywhere from £19,000 to £28,000 (INR 191918- 282827). The amount of money required to maintain one's standard of living on a monthly basis can range anywhere from £1100 to £1400 (1,11,454 to 1,41,851) depending on the location of one's choice and other considerations. You should make it a priority to save at least £11,000 to £15,000 ($11,14,548 to $15,19,838) each year to cover the cost of your living expenses. Depending on whether or not your university offers housing on campus. The cost of living in a hall of residence on campus ranges between $400 and $600 per month on average (depending on whether or not it includes utilities), while the cost of living in a private residence ranges between $320 and $530 (INR 32323 and 53535) per month. Check out our blog post on the cost of studying in the UK for more information on the costs of living there.

Qualifications Required to Obtain a B.Tech. in the U.K.

1. The standard requirement for completion of the International Baccalaureate is 35 points.
2. The standard requirements for A-levels are as follows: AAB, or an 80 percent average in XII across the four best subjects, excluding language and any other supplementary classes that will not be taken into consideration; these subjects should include mathematics and physics.
3. The typical requirements for the IELTS are a score of 7.0 overall, with no single component scoring lower than 6.5.

Scholarships Available for Bachelor of Technology Degrees in the UK

Numerous financial aid opportunities are made available to international students by the government and educational institutions of the United Kingdom. The following is a list of some of the most popular scholarships available to Indian students who are currently enrolled in BTech programmes in the UK:

1. Scholarship Awards under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan cover things like tuition fees, airfare, and other miscellaneous allowances. Fellowships cover a wider range of expenses.
2. The Inlaks Scholarships offer financial assistance in the form of scholarships worth up to one hundred thousand dollars (73,98,115 Indian Rupees), which can be used to cover the cost of tuition, living expenses, airline fares, and travel expenses.
3. The Coventry Academic Performance Scholarship is worth 1,500 British Pounds (approximately 15,151 Indian Rupees), and it covers tuition fees.

Visa

If you want to attend school in the United Kingdom, you are going to need a Tier 4 Student VISA. You should apply for this visa at least three months before the beginning of your program, and it will cost you 348 pounds (or 35,264 yen). 

Salary Prospects

In the United Kingdom, a career in scope engineering can be extremely rewarding. Engineers are estimated to have one of the highest median salaries of any profession in the United Kingdom, placing them in the top five of that list. Over the course of the previous five years, the United Kingdom has experienced an engineer labor shortage. As the engineering industry was impacted, many people decided to leave their jobs in order to avoid the recession. Even though businesses have begun to pick up again, there is still a shortage of engineers in the UK. 

There are many open positions in the engineering industry in the United Kingdom, particularly required in the fields of traditional engineering roles such as technical product manager, project engineer, and robotics engineer; senior positions such as managing director, production manager, or manufacturing engineering manager; and emerging ones in the fields of artificial intelligence and ethical hackers. The engineering industry is an essential component of the economy of the United Kingdom.

According to Engineering UK, students can make a median salary of £30,360 to £51,279 (for full-time engineering jobs). Large corporations including Airbus, Aston Martin, Babcock, BMW Group, Jaguar Land Rover, Kier Group, Mercedes, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, Siemens, Thales Group, Transport for London, Coca-Cola Enterprises UK, Nestle, Unilever, GSK, and others hire graduates (pharmaceuticals).

You can also choose courses in marketing, international business management, engineering project management, construction project management, and MBA as an option.

Internship/Employment

A certain quantity of work experience always helps and gives your application for a job more weight. To gain practical experience in your field, it is a good idea to look for either internships or integrated placements.

Additionally, UK universities permit their students to tailor their curricula to add specialized modules for a more in-depth grasp of particular subjects.

Engineering in the UK: Undergraduate degree

Top universities in the UK are known globally for their engineering courses. According to a survey conducted by ISB (International Student Barometer), 86% of undergraduate students are satisfied with the country's overall education system.

On average the monthly cost of living for an international student in the UK can broadly be divided into 5 categories: Tuition fee, accommodation, food, transport and miscellaneous. Explore all the Engineering programs offered by the best UK universities and pick the best fit for you.

Below are a few of the many engineering colleges in the UK offering an undergraduate degree:

Entry requirements for Undergraduate degree in Engineering in the UK for 2023

• Students must have a science background in their senior secondary classes.
• Applicants are required to achieve a minimum of 80-90% in grade 12 with at least 75% in Mathematics.
• A minimum English language score of 7.0 overall, with no lower than 6.5 in any one component
• Applicants might be required to take some additional tests depending upon the university.
• Documents required might include 2-3 letters of recommendation, a Statement of Purpose to study in the UK.

Engineering in the UK: Postgraduate degree

A postgraduate degree in Engineering from the top universities in the UK helps a student earn approximately 93% more than a bachelor's degree, so the students are always looking forward to studying further. The engineering colleges in the UK are widely known for their range of short-term master’s programs. The length of the program may vary from 9 months to 2 years.

Below are the few popular programs offered at the master’s level by top UK universities:

Entry requirements for Postgraduate degree in Engineering

• Students must have to fulfil the department-based requirements of a particular university.
• An undergraduate degree or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 55% or higher.
• All the international students will have to give an English language proficiency exam for studying in the UK (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc)
• Documents such as CV, letters of recommendation, Statement of Purpose for MS in the UK, etc, have to be submitted.

Engineering in the UK: Doctoral programs

A Doctorate is the highest-valued degree in any stream and can help you earn up to 25% more than a master’s degree. For Pursuing PhD in top engineering colleges in the UK, the following criteria should be fulfilled.

• A student must have completed a bachelor's and a master’s degree in the relative field with at least upper second-class honours.
• Relevant work experience is required to be present by the student.
• English Language scores such as TOEFL (90-110), IELTS (7.0) or any other equivalent.
• PhD aspirants are required to present a research proposal.

Application Process

Applications to the best engineering universities in the UK are submitted via the UCAS portal for undergraduate courses and on the university’s website for postgraduate courses. Here’s the step-wise application process:

1. Visit the UCAS portal/ university website
2. Check the course curriculum and the eligibility requirements
3. Click on the application form of the respective university
4. First, you need to create an account using your mobile number or email address
5. You will receive an email or SMS on your registered contact number with login details and verification
6. Use the login details provided and enter your personal details ( name, gender, date of birth)
7. Enter your academic qualification and upload the required documents
8. Select the course and pay the application fee
9. The application fee is different for every university and can be paid through a debit/credit card or internet banking
10. Submit your application form, you can also track your application form through your account
11. Students that have been selected will be required to attend a virtual interview by some universities

Scholarship and Funding to study Engineering in the UK in 2023

Studying in UK universities can be financially draining. However, the 20% international student population, studying in the country, is provided with some other financial support in the form of scholarships, student loans etc.

There are mainly three types of scholarships available to international students in the UK -

• Global scholarships
• Country-specific scholarships
• University-specific scholarships

Below are the few general and university-specific scholarships that an international student can avail to study engineering in the UK in 2023:

Where can you study engineering in the UK in 2023?

General Engineering

1. University of Bristol
2. University of Cambridge
3. Imperial College London
4. University of Oxford
5. University of Warwick
6. Loughborough University
7. Aston University
8. Durham University
9. University of Leeds
10. Nottingham Trent University

Chemical Engineering

1. University of Cambridge
2. Imperial College London
3. University of Nottingham
4. University of Birmingham
5. University of Bradford
6. London South Bank University
7. University of Edinburgh
8. University of Bath
9. University of Sheffield
10. Lancaster University

Civil Engineering

1. University of Southampton
2. University of Bristol
3. University of Leeds
4. Imperial College London
5. University of West London
6. University of Bath
7. University of Bradford
8. Abertay University
9. University of Liverpool
10. Loughborough University

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

1. University of Southampton
2. University of Nottingham
3. Aston University
4. Imperial College London
5. London South Bank University
6. University of Surrey
7. Queen's University Belfast
8. Northumbria University
9. University of Manchester
10. University of Leeds

Mechanical Engineering

1. University of Bristol
2. Imperial College London
3. University of Bath
4. University of Leeds
5. Loughborough University
6. University of Southampton
7. University of Strathclyde
8. University of Wales, Trinity Saint David
9. Heriot-Watt University
10. University of Sheffield

Materials/Mineral Engineering

1. University of Oxford
2. Loughborough University
3. University of Exeter
4. University of Manchester
5. University of Birmingham
6. University of Sheffield
7. Swansea University
8. Imperial College London
9. Sheffield Hallam University
10. Queen Mary, University of London

Tier4 UK Student VISA

To apply for a UK student visa, check the documents listed below for a seamless process.

• letter of acceptance from the university you have been accepted to (CAS)
• Proof of funds.
• A valid passport and recent photographs.
• Details of your university and accommodation.
• Report of your health checkup
• A valid passport. (keep a page blank for the visa)
• Original mark sheets/transcripts

After collecting all the documents, Follow the steps below to apply for a UK student’s Visa.

• Sign up and submit your visa application form online. It is advisable to check the online appointment calendar to book an appointment. After submission, you will get an email with an application number.
• After receiving the email, Pay the fees, and collect the receipt.
• Now appear for the visa interview as per the scheduled appointment and submit the necessary biometrics, photograph, application, and other documents.
• You will get your tier 4 student visa in 6 weeks time.

FAQs

Ques 1. Which Engineering university is best in the UK?

Ans. The University of Cambridge has the best engineering department in the UK with a highly professional team of professors and a recent curriculum. It offers students a modern and distinguished learning environment.

Other top engineering departments are;

• University of Oxford
• University of Manchester
• University of Southampton
• Imperial College London
• University of Edinburgh

Ques 2. How long is an engineering degree in the UK?

Ans. B-Eng is a 3-year program in the UK. However, Most universities offer four-year undergraduate or integrated master's degrees (MEng) in engineering. This enables students to acquire Chartered Engineer status more quickly from one of the engineering professional bodies and get into employment as soon as they finish their course.

Ques 3. How much does it cost to study engineering in the UK?

Ans. The amount of tuition fee is directly proportional to the university ranking. The higher the ranking, the higher will be the tuition fee. On average the tuition fee may range anywhere between GBP 11,880- GBP 23,760 (INR 12 lakhs to INR 24 lakhs per annum)* for most engineering courses in the UK.

Other than tuition fees, On average, students need between £800- £1200 for living expenses per month depending on ?the lifestyle and the location of the city they may be living in. Cities in Scotland and Wales would be cheaper compared to cities in England. The monthly expenditure can broadly be divided into 4 categories: Accommodation, Transport, Food and Miscellaneous.

Ques 4.  Which engineering course is best in the UK?

Ans. General engineering degrees are safe options if you're not sure what type of engineering you want to specialize in. However, on some courses you do need to make a decision and specialize eventually.

Alternatively, some engineering disciplines leave more doors open than others. Mechanical engineering, for example, can lead you into a very wide range of roles and industries. Electrical, electronic and civil engineering also have a wide array of options. More specialist degrees such as aerospace, automotive or bioengineering will lead you down a more defined path – but if one of these areas is what you're passionate about, don't let that stop you.

Ques 5. Which engineering is highest paid in the UK?

Ans. Aerospace engineering has the highest salary in the UK. Aerospace engineers are trained not just in one domain, they have a fair knowledge of systems engineering and design. The average salary earned by an aerospace engineer in the UK is between £50,988 to £72,941 per year depending on the years of experience.

 Ques 6. Which is better UK or USA for engineering?

Ans. Engineering jobs are much better in the US than in the UK but American degrees are not automatically recognized in Europe, so it will not be easy for you to work as an engineer in any European country if you do your Engineering from any UK university.

The UK is a popular destination for studying engineering due to its quality courses and job opportunities. According to Engineering UK’s 2016 Report, “the UK at all levels of education does not have the current capacity or the required rate of growth needed to meet the forecast demand for skilled engineers and technicians by 2023.”

Ques 7. Where does the UK university rank in engineering?

Ans. The recent QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 cover the best universities for 48 different subjects, including 502 top engineering and technology schools around the world – 37 of which can be found in the United Kingdom.

The ranking covers five different branches of engineering – chemical, civil and structural, electrical, mechanical, and mineral and mining.

The top 10 Engineering Universities in the UK are;

1. University of Cambridge
2. University of Oxford
3. Imperial College London
4. UCL
5. University of Manchester
6. University of Edinburgh
7. University of Southampton
8. University of Bristol
9. University of Sheffield
10. University of Nottingham

Ques 8. What is the equivalent degree to a BTech in the UK?

Ans. In the UK, a Bachelor of Technology degree is more commonly known as a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng). It is a standard engineering degree that takes students three years to complete, and it is recommended for students who already possess the necessary education and experience to submit an application to become an incorporated engineer (a person who is able to maintain and manage applications of both existing technology and developing technology) after they have graduated.

Ques 9. In the UK, what distinguishes a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree from a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree?

Ans. The degree of specialisation required is what differentiates a Bachelor of Engineering from a Master of Engineering. BEng stands for bachelor of engineering, while MEng stands for master of engineering and refers to degrees in engineering and technology.

Ques 10. Is a background in mathematics required to earn an engineering degree in the UK?

Ans. To earn a Bachelor of Technology degree in the UK, you will, without a doubt, need to demonstrate proficiency in both mathematics and physics.

Ques 11. What level of English proficiency is required to enroll in a Bachelor of Technology programme in the UK?

Ans. There are requirements pertaining to the English language such as a minimum TOEFL score of 100 and an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher for the overall band.

Ques 12. What are some of the most well-known universities in the UK for obtaining a Bachelor of Technology degree?

Ans. The following is a list of the most well-known universities in the UK for BTech programmes: The University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, the University of Leeds, and the University of Bath are all highly regarded educational institutions.

Zoom Abroad is a great platform that can help you find the best Engineering program for you in the UK. Register here and create your profile today to get matched with the best-fit engineering programs offered by the top UK universities. Book a 30 mins FREE consultation with an expert advisor today. Other than Engineering there are other STEM courses available in the UK. You can choose from, Medicine and, also explore Business Management and specializations within Management like Marketing, International Business, Pr & Journalism to figure out which one is the most suitable based on your profile and long term goals.