How To Become An Engineer?

  If you want to become an engineer, studying maths and physics at A-level is often essential, while budding chemical engineers should pursu...

 

If you want to become an engineer, studying maths and physics at A-level is often essential, while budding chemical engineers should pursue chemistry. Further maths and design technology are also useful choices.

The grades you'll need to get into university will vary depending on the institution and course, but the best universities seek top marks. For example, the University of Cambridge requires three A* grades to study engineering at undergraduate level, while the University of Oxford asks students to achieve three A* grades in physics, maths or further maths to study its four-year MEng in Engineering Science. While all engineering courses require you to put in the work at A-level to gain a place, not all programmes demand A* grades. For entry onto the Engineering BEng at the University of Birmingham you'll need AAB, while the Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng at the University of Nottingham requires AAA-ABB.

While postgraduate study isn't essential for entry into many engineering careers, Masters degrees and PhD study can deepen your knowledge and help you to build sector specific skills and forge industry connections. They are also highly sought-after in areas such as product design and research and development.

Some larger companies run bursary schemes to encourage students - and potential future employees - to study a Masters degree.

However, if you're aiming to become a Chartered Engineer (CEng) you'll need a Masters of Engineering (MEng) degree or Engineering Doctorate (EngD), accredited by a professional engineering institution.

• Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) - From introductory to advanced levels, the CIBSE provides membership and range of training courses to aspiring building service engineers.
• Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) - Offers a range of courses in areas such as personal development and leadership, process safety and sustainability. Training from IChemE is peer reviewed to ensure best practice is reflected.
• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) - A registered professional body with the Engineering Council UK, membership provides access to several professional development courses.
• Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) - Offers IET Advantage, a membership option that helps recent graduates to become CEng or IEng registered.
• Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) - The UK's only professional body representing those working in the field of engineering and technological product design.
• Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) - The only professional body that covers all aspects of food technology in the UK.
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) - Offers membership as well as access to a range of training courses in management and technical subjects.
• Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) - Providing professional accreditation and training courses for structural engineers, IStructE offers both student and graduate membership.