Degree finder

Introduction

Engineers are constantly seeking solutions that are faster, smaller, cleaner, safer, stronger, more efficient, more environmentally friendly, more economical, more sustainable and more marketable.

The products of engineers are all around us, making up much of what we take for granted - telecommunications, transport, energy generation and transmission, the built environment and infrastructure, water supply, plastics, fuels and much more.

Engineering at Edinburgh has a long and distinguished history and enjoys a vibrant and successful present. Our graduates have a unique blend of technical skills, ingenuity and entrepreneurship, and they will make the future of engineering equally exciting.

Disciplines

Students studying engineering follow a degree programme in one of four disciplines:

• Chemical Engineering
• Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Electronics & Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Our degree programmes cross these traditional engineering boundaries through cross-disciplinary design projects and teaching, in recognition of the multidisciplinary nature of modern engineering projects.

Options

Applicants who are unsure of which discipline they are most interested in can apply to the General Engineering H100 entry code. This does not lead to a General Engineering degree; however, it does allow students to defer their choice of discipline to the start of the second semester of teaching. Students entering through this route will make this decision in conjunction with their Director of Studies.

Suitable qualified students may opt to apply for direct entry to second year, in which case flexibility of course options is reduced, but the length of study is the same as a comparable degree in the rest of the UK.

Accreditation

All of our MEng degree programmes are accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

All of our BEng degrees are accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng). They also partially satisfy the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). A programme of accredited Further Learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng. For further information and details of Further Learning programmes for CEng, see the following:

• Institution of Chemical Engineering

• Joint Board of Moderators, Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institute of Structural Engineers

• Institution of Engineering and Technology

• Chartered Institute for IT

• Institution of Mechanical Engineers

What you'll study

Year 1

Your time will usually be divided between engineering, mathematics and outside subjects. The engineering component is split in two: the first component gives you a taste of several branches of engineering, while the second is your first in-depth study of your preferred subject.

For most of our degrees, you can choose an outside subject from the sciences or the arts. For example, you may choose from modern languages, physics or economics. With a suitable choice of outside subjects, you may also keep alternative degree paths open. Chemical engineering students must take chemistry in the first year.

Chemical engineering students must take chemistry in the first year.

Year 2

You will study your chosen branch of engineering, supported by classes in mathematics. You will begin to apply your scientific and mathematical skills to real problem solving.

Year 3

After studying more specialised areas in your second year, you will now be able to focus almost entirely on your chosen field of engineering. At the end of your third year, you will have the option of completing a BEng (Hons) or studying for a further two years for an MEng (Hons).

Year 4

You will concentrate on specialist study and innovative coursework that will prepare you for your professional career. Increasingly, you will spend time on individual- or group-design projects. These projects include working with students from other disciplines in our unique Royal Academy of Engineering group design projects. MEng students will produce a substantial project that may involve working overseas or in industry.

Year 5

As Year 4 (for MEng)

Additional costs

Students are required to purchase protective clothing with total costs of between £5 and £45 depending on the discipline.

Learning and assessment

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practicals, projects and group work. In your final years you will dedicate more time to private study and will receive individual supervision with projects.

You will be assessed through course work and examinations, and you will complete a group project or a major individual project in your final years.

Work placements/internships

Students registered for MEng degrees in Chemical Engineering, Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering can apply for an industrial placement. These are taken during the honours years (3,4 or 5) and are at least six months in length. These are assessed and count towards your final degree.

Careers

Engineering graduates have a number of excellent career options available to them. Studying Engineering at the University of Edinburgh prepares you for a career as a professional engineer in the UK or abroad and all courses meet the requirements of the UK professional engineering bodies.

Typically many of our graduates move on to work in internationally leading engineering companies in technical, consultancy and managerial roles, including company directorships. Alternatively, the skills and experience you gain through your degree will also equip you for a career outside engineering and many of our graduates have gone on to work in other areas, including the Civil Service, education, the armed forces and the financial sector. Engineers enjoy some of the highest starting salaries of any graduates.

Our facilities

Teaching takes place in the George Square area during the first year, with all practical work and teaching for all other years at the University’s King’s Building’s campus.

You will have access to the University’s libraries and engineering and computing laboratories. Study materials are available online.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study abroad through the ERASMUS programme, which offers student placements throughout Europe. There are also opportunities to study at some of the most prestigious universities in Asia, Australasia and North America.