Universities in the UK can be broadly categorised based on research intensity, curriculum focus, and historical roots. Within this diverse education landscape, the field of Engineering holds a prominent position as a professional discipline, branching out into various sub-fields:
- Civil Engineering focuses on designing, constructing, and maintaining the built environment in a sustainable way, from bridges and roads to skyscrapers and dams. It has a sub-field of Structural Engineering which focuses on building construction.
- Architectural Engineering focuses on the technological aspects and multi-disciplinary approach to planning, design, construction, and operation of buildings.
- Mechanical Engineering deals with the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. It spans from engines and machinery to heating and cooling systems, playing a crucial role in industries ranging from real estate, and automotive to aerospace.
- Electrical Engineering is concerned with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism, from designing power systems to developing next-generation electronics.
- Chemical Engineering combines the principles of chemistry, biology, and physics to design and produce chemicals, materials, and energy. They are essential in industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and materials.
- Computer Engineering sits at the intersection of computer science and electronics, focusing on developing and improving computers, networks and systems.
- Environmental Engineering uses the principles of engineering, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They are committed to improving waste disposal, public health, and controlling water and air pollution.
- Industrial and Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on designing and managing complex systems over their life cycles.
- Materials Engineering is concerned with the discovery and design of new materials. They play a pivotal role in advancements across sectors by improving or inventing materials that are stronger, more durable, or better suited for specific applications.
- Bioengineering (or Biomedical Engineering) combines principles of biology and medicine with engineering to design tools, devices, and software used in healthcare. From designing prosthetics to developing cutting-edge medical equipment, they are at the forefront of health tech.
- Agricultural Engineering merges technology with farming, and encompasses soil science, machinery design, and water management. Careers include machinery design and soil conservation.
- Aerospace Engineering focuses on the design, analysis and manufacturing of aircraft and spacecraft.
- Petroleum Engineering focuses on exploration, extraction, and production of oil and gas. It covers reservoir engineering, drilling, and petroleum economics. Careers span drilling to reservoir management.
- Nuclear Engineering involves nuclear energy development and radiation applications. Explores reactor physics, nuclear safety, and radiation detection. Careers range from power plants to medical radiation.
Some universities have augmented their Engineering faculties by introducing modern combined courses.
Top Engineering Schools in the UK
The UK is home to several globally recognised engineering schools. According to *the 2023 Guardian University Guide Ranking, the UK’s top engineering schools continue to make their mark.
Here are the *Top 10 Engineering Schools in the UK, the undergraduate Engineering courses they offer.
Ranking in the UK
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University & Location
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Engineering courses
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Open Days 2023
Cick the links to register for open day visits
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1
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University of Cambridge
Eastern England
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Aerospace & Aerothermal Engineering
Bioengineering
Civil Engineering
Structural & Environmental Engineering
Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Electrical & Information Sciences
Energy, Sustainability & the Environment
Information & Computer Engineering
Instrumentation & Control
Mechanical Engineering
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(On-campus)
15 Sep 2023
Virtual Tour
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2
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University of Bristol
Western England
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Aerospace Engineering
Civil Engineering
Engineering Design Engineering
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Mathematics & Computer Science
Cellular & Molecular Medicine
(Some courses also offer 1-year work placement)
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(In the Clifton & Langford campuses)
9 Sep 2023
Autumn campus tours to be available soon
Virtual Tour
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3
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University of Oxford
Southern England
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Engineering Science
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Information Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
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(On-campus)
15 Sep 2023
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4
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Imperial College London
London
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Aeronautics Engineering
Bioengineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Computing
Design Engineering
Earth Science & Engineering
Electric & Electronic Engineering
Materials Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
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(On-campus)
16 Sep 2023
Self-Guided Tour
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5
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University of Sheffield
North Midlands
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Automatic Control & Systems Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Chemical & Biological Engineering
Computer Science
Electronic & Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Materials Science & Engineering
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(On-campus)
9 Sep 2023
21 Oct 2023
18 Nov 2023
Virtual Experience
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6
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King’s College London
London
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Biomedical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
General Engineering
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(On-campus)
29 Aug 2023
Virtual Open Days:
29, 30, 31 Aug
13, 14, 26, 27, 28 Sep 2023
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7
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University of Exeter
South West England
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Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Engineering & Entrepreneurship
Engineering and Management
Mechanical Engineering
Renewable Energy Engineering
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(On-campus)
7 Oct 2023 at Exeter Campuses (Devon)
14 Oct 2023 at Penryn Campus (Cornwall)
Online:
25 Oct 2023
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8
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Durham University
North East England
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General Engineering
Aeronautical Engineering
Bioengineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Renewable Energy
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(On-campus)
15 & 16 Sep 2023
Self-Guided Tour
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9
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University of Leeds
Northern England
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Chemical & Process Engineering
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Computing
Electronic & Electrical Engineering
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Physics & Astronomy
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(On-campus)
9 Sep, 14 Oct 2023
2023 Open Days Talks
Virtual Campus Tour
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10
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Loughborough University
East Midlands
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Aeronautical Engineering
Architectural Engineering
Automotive Engineering
Bioengineering
Biomaterials Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Commercial Management & Quantity Surveying
Computer & Electronic Engineering
Construction Engineering Management
Electronic & Electrical Engineering
Energy Engineering
Engineering Management
Engineering Physics
Materials Science & Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Product Design Engineering
Robotics, Mechatronics & Control Engineering
Sports Technology
Urban Planning
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(On-campus)
22 & 23 Sep 2023
Self-Guided Tour
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Is Engineering Right for You? Prepping for your A-Level Course Selection
Choosing to study engineering is not just about passion but also about leveraging your inherent strengths and tapping into your analytical abilities, creativity and problem-solving skills.
As students gear up for the new academic year, making informed A-Level course selections is paramount. For budding engineers, Physics and Mathematics are almost universally required. Depending on the specific field of engineering, other relevant subjects could include Further Mathematics, Chemistry, or Design and Technology. These courses lay the groundwork for the rigorous academic demands of an engineering degree.
The Bearing Academy Aptitude Test (Strong Assessment) for Undergraduate Candidates
Uncertain about your engineering aspirations? Consider Bearing Academy's Aptitude Test (Strong Assessment). This unique service gauges your interests and strengths, offering insights into whether engineering might be your calling and, if so, which specific sub-field aligns best with your abilities. Remember, the journey to university admission and course selection need not be daunting; with the right guidance, it can be enlightening and fulfilling.
Contact us at info@bearing-academy.com today for more information.
*Source: The 2023 Guardian University Guide Ranking
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