Engineering in the UK: Explore Admission, Types, Universities, Cost, Scholarships, and Placements

Highlights of Studying Engineering in the UK

Studying engineering in the UK offers extensive opportunities for students that move them a step closer to their dreams. Some of the most critical factors that push the students to pursue engineering in the UK are,

Wide range of courses from which the students can choose the specialization of their choice. These courses are also segregated based on the levels of education.
The institutes and universities that offer engineering courses in the UK are known for their world-class teaching with reputed faculty members.
The universities and institutes have tie-ups with top industries and prominent bands that aid the student in developing a career with firsthand practical learning experience with in-build industry experts.
The duration of engineering degrees is comparatively much shorter in the UK. This allows the students to step into their careers much earlier.  
The courses offered by the institutes and universities are accredited by the engineering professional bodies to ensure that the course syllabus meets the national standards.

Why Study Engineering in the UK?

There are numerous reasons that motivate students to study engineering in the UK. Some of the most common reasons are,

Exceptional teaching with inspiring infrastructure opens up a learning environment for the students.
UK engineering courses are shorter, allowing individuals to gain industry knowledge and experience as early as possible.
Of the top 10 engineering universities, three are located in the UK, which speaks about the academic excellence of the universities and institutes in the UK.
The universities and institutes in the UK offer tailored education at reasonable rates. It also provides hands-on interaction experience, allowing students to gain more in-depth knowledge.

Types of Engineering Specialization in the UK

Various types of engineering courses are available for students in the UK to pursue. Some of the most prominent engineering courses in the UK for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate programs are,

Civil Engineering

Aerospace Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Marine Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Oil, Gas and Petroleum Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electronics Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Robotics Engineering
Structural Engineering
General Engineering

List of Universities Offering Engineering Courses in the UK

Here’s an index of top universities in the UK that offer engineering courses in specialized domains. 

Course Name	University or Institute
General Engineering	University of Cambridge  Imperial College London  Durham University  University of Oxford  Nottingham Trent University  University of Exeter
Chemical Engineering	Imperial College London  University College London  Lancaster University  University of Cambridge  University of Aberdeen  Loughborough University
Civil Engineering	University of Leeds  University of Bristol  University of Southampton  Imperial College London  University of West London  University of Bath
Electrical/Electronic Engineering	University of Southampton  University of Exeter  Imperial College London  Loughborough University  Queen’s University Belfast  London South Bank University
Mechanical Engineering	Imperial College London  University of Leeds  University of Bath  Solent University  University of Bristol
Materials/Mineral Engineering	University of Manchester  University of Oxford  University of Birmingham  Loughborough University  Imperial College London  University of Exeter

Admission Process to Engineering Courses in the UK

To apply for engineering programs in the UK, students must follow specific steps to ensure admission. Some of the significant steps in the admission process are,

The first and foremost step is researching the universities offering engineering programs and the entry requirements.
The students are then requested to create an account on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) to apply to the chosen university. A student can apply for a maximum of 5 courses in a single application.
While applying, the candidates must submit personal statements, academic references, grades, and proof of English language proficiency.
On submitting the required documents, the candidates can complete the application by paying the stated fee.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria to apply for engineering courses in the UK for Indian students varies depending on the course level. 

Undergraduate Programs- The candidates must have secured a minimum of 60% with chemistry, physics, and mathematics as core subjects. Students with a score less than 60% will have the option to opt for foundation courses. 
Graduate and Post Graduate Programs- The universities and institutes in the UK offer graduate and postgraduate admission to students with a minimum of 55% in their bachelor’s degree. However, certain universities also offer admission to students with a score of 50%. Students with a score less than 50% will have the option to opt for pre-master courses.

Documents Required

Some of the essential documents that the students require to study in the UK are listed,

A copy of the academic certificates and transcripts
Proof of English language proficiency 
A well-drafted statement of purpose
Letter of recommendation from the previous institution
GRE scorecard, if applicable

Valid passport with a photocopy
An updated resume 
Passport photographs of the candidate

Proficiency Test To Acquire Admission

Students applying for engineering courses in the UK must take the proficiency tests to gain admission to the desired college or the course. Some of the standard entrance tests that a student must clear to gain admission are listed,

IELTS- Students must score a minimum of 6-6.5 band to gain admission. The IELTS score required for admission differs based on the university and the course.
PTE- PET has three parts: speaking, writing, listening, and reading. The students must have a minimum overall score of 60-70 with a minimum score of 60 in each section to gain admission.
TOEFL- Some of the most reputed and top-tier universities in the UK would require a score of 110 or higher. However, a score of 82-90 is sufficient to acquire admission to other universities.

Visa Process to Study in UK

Indian students aspiring to study engineering in the UK must opt for student visas. Obtaining a student visa to study in the UK involves specific essential steps. They are listed as follows,

Students applying for the student visa must submit proof of financial support to fund the course and care for their living. This is the first and foremost step in obtaining a student visa.
On submitting the evidence of financial proof, students must check out the UK student visa requirements, which include a valid passport, certificates of the language proficiency test, academic transcripts, confirmation of acceptance, and a letter of consent if the students are below 18 years of age.
The students must formally accept the offer letter and pay the deposit if required to get the visas approved.
After submitting the required documents, students can submit their student visa application and fees. Students are also requested to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (HIS) as a part of the visa application process.
Upon visa application submission, students will receive an entry vignette and a decision letter. Students must collect the biometric residence permit in the UK within ten days of arrival.

Cost of Studying Engineering in the UK

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees to study engineering in the UK might vary based on factors like the level of the courses, university or institute chosen, course of choice, and more. However, the approximate tuition fee to study engineering in the UK for Indian students is listed,

Cost of pursuing an undergraduate bachelor's degree in Engineering- GBP 10,000- GBP 20,000 per annum.
Cost of pursuing a postgraduate master’s degree in Engineering- GBP 10,000- GBP 20,000 per annum. 
Cost of pursuing a doctoral degree in Engineering- GBP 15,000- GBP 24,000 per annum.

Cost of Living

Living expenses also play a critical role in estimating the cost of study for Indian students. The approximate cost of living in the UK is listed,

Electric, gas, and water bills- £45 - £55
TV License- £12
Clothes and Shoes- £30
Books and stationery- £20
Travel and transport- £35
Food and housekeeping- £150- £210
Mobile phone- £20- £50
Leisure and sports- £15- £20
Entertainment- £60- £120

Scholarships To Study Engineering in The UK

Indian students applying for engineering in the UK can avail of various scholarships. Some of the most common scholarships that are available for Indian students aspiring to pursue engineering in the UK are listed,

Scholarship	Scholarship Worth
Institute of Mechanical Engineers Awards and Scholarships	£9,000 for MEng and for £6, 000 BEng
Whitworth Scholarship Award	£9,000
QUEST Undergraduate Scholarships	£8,000
Royal Academy of Engineering Scholarships	£5,000
Centennial Scholarships	£4,000
IET Power Academy Scholarships	£2,750
IET Engineering Horizons Bursary	£2,750
IET Diamond Jubilee Scholarships	£1,000 per annum
Arkwright Scholarships	£600
Ford Prize for Women in STEM Study	Tuition fee
The University of Manchester	£6,000
The University of Birmingham	£3,000
The University of Strathclyde	£1,000

Career/Job Opportunities After Completing Engineering in the UK

Studying Engineering in the UK opens up many career opportunities for international students. Some of the most sought-after areas of employment for engineering graduates in the UK are manufacturing, professional, scientific, technical, construction, information and communication, education, energy and utilities, surveying, design and manufacture, logistics, transport and supply chain, and research and development. Some other in-demand job designations that the students can opt for are,

Machinist
Mechanical engineer
Engineering consultant
Electrical engineer
Chemical engineer
Civil engineer
Biomedical engineer
Technical engineer
Management consultant
Aerospace engineer
Engineering lecturer
Software engineer

FAQ's on Studying Engineering in UK

1. Which engineering is the best in the UK for international students?

The UK's most popular and sought-after engineering courses are electronic engineering and mechanical engineering. These are the top choices of international students aspiring to study engineering in the UK. These disciplines will open up a wide range of job opportunities for the students to enhance their careers. 

2. Does engineering have high demand in the UK?

Yes, there is a demand for engineers in the UK, which eventually opens up expansive career opportunities for Indian students pursuing engineering in the UK. Due to this increasing demand, Indian students study engineering in the UK. 

3. What is the salary of engineers in the UK?

The salary of engineers in the UK differs based on the course and level of their study. However, the approximate salary of engineers in the UK is around 25,000 GBP for junior engineers, 45,700 GBP for mid-level engineers, and 76,4000 GBP for senior engineers. These approximate salary estimates might vary based on expertise, market trends, and the economy.

4. Is the UK an excellent place to study engineering for Indian students?

The UK is an excellent place to study engineering for Indian students as it teaches innovation with learning. It has world-class universities with global accreditation and state-of-the-art facilities. The UK is also an excellent place to build business-oriented relationships to enhance one's career. It also offers ample career opportunities and job prospects for international students. 

5. What are the exams required to study engineering in the UK? 

Students aspiring to study engineering in the UK must clear two significant exams: language proficiency tests and academic tests. The language proficiency tests include IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. A student must clear the academic exams to pursue engineering in the UK: the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). 