Be the brains that design, manufacture and maintain the systems, devices and infrastructure that people use every day.
With qualifications in engineering and technology – which can be studied together but are more commonly offered separately – you can go on to choose from a wide range of specialisms that you may be interested in, like mechatronics, computer science, or automobile engineering. You could work in many of the sectors that need graduates with engineering and technology skills, like sustainable energy, medical technology, robotics and automation, aeronautics, and more. As a STEM graduate you’ll likely earn an above average starting salary, with over 100,000 jobs available for engineering professionals in the last year.
The impact you could make
- Use the latest technology to improve the design of hydrogen-powered cars and get them out to a wider market
- Deploy artificial intelligence to analyse a space flight simulation and avoid costly mistakes
- Learn about quantum computing and use it to pin down fraudsters cleverly hiding their illegal financial transactions
What you could study
- Algorithms and programming
- Energy systems
- Mathematical principles
- Digital systems
- Electronic engineering
- Engineering materials and design
- Engineering science
- Computer-aided design and manufacturing
- Product design and development
- Augmented reality prototyping
Chat to a current engineering and technology student
Chat to a current engineering and technology student using UniBuddy.
Some conversation starters for you:
- Ask which modules they really enjoyed.
- Find out how easy it was for them to make friends on their course.
- Do they have any tips on your personal statement?
- Did they do anything to prep for uni before they went?
- Are there books, podcasts or YouTube channels they would recommend?
Example module
"I currently really enjoy the programming and 3D modelling, as well as the hands-on aspect of the course, such as the labs and the workshops. They give me first-hand experience and help me learn in a more productive way."
Second year mechanical engineering student at University of Nottingham
Example project
"I enjoy general report writing, with my favourite being in engineering design. I created a new design for garden loppers aimed at elderly people, and people with less range of movement."
Second year mechanical engineering student at University of Huddersfield
Maths
Physics
Computing
Design
Hard skills you'll develop
- Project engineering
- Project management
- Procurement
- New product development
Soft skills you'll develop
- Communication
- Management
- Planning
- Teaching
Available jobs
124,090 vacancies in the past year
4.79% growth over the next eight years
Average salary
£42,271
Up to £63,830
What is a… broadcast engineer?
You may be able to take a good guess at what a broadcast engineer does… they work at TV and radio stations, and other venues, making sure broadcasts go out on time and in good audiovisual quality. They get to work in studios and out on location, setting up or installing technical equipment and software, which will enable a programme to be transmitted. They may also live edit programmes, and deal with technical issues as they're happening. You may need an additional qualification or extra training to qualify for the specific role requirements.
Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study engineering and technology at university or as an apprenticeship.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from engineering and technology applicants.
A levels
A*AB
Scottish Highers
AAAAB
Vocational
BTEC DDD
Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative
Other
Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative to A Levels/Highers.
Listen to our brand new podcast all about degree apprenticeships in engineering. Find out about funding, what day-to-day life is like, making friends, and more from our expert panel.
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Find out more
Read our guide to engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships.
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Royal Academy of Engineering
Follow the Royal Academy of Engineering on YouTube to see videos about the sector, job roles, and discussions on key issues like climate change and advancing technologies.
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The Institution for Engineering and Technology (IET)
Check The Institution for Engineering and Technology (IET) student page, with case studies on existing engineering and technology students, videos on solving problems engineering students might face, and lots of other resources.
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Green Jobs
Use the Green Jobs website to search for green engineering and technology jobs, and to help you work out what subjects and skills you might need for jobs in clean energy and sustainability.
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Engineer girl
Watch these Engineer girl videos with female engineers working in different fields to get you inspired!
The expert view
David Lakin, Head of Education, Safeguarding & Education Policy at the Institution of Engineering and Technology
Engineers develop products and services for everyone, and their work touches every aspect of our lives. They play a central role in advancing the world around us and finding solutions to global challenges, such as tackling climate change and restoring our planet. As an engineer, you can bring ideas and innovations to life, turn dreams into reality, and change our world for the better. Jobs today cover everything from designing our future cities and innovative transport systems, to coming up with new healthcare technologies and exploring space. With technology advancing at a rapid rate, engineering is ever changing and developing – providing limitless opportunities for all those interested in becoming an engineer.
- Show your enthusiasm for the subject, with examples, such as any relevant work experience or voluntary work you’ve done. Mention if you’re a member of any related societies and clubs too, and how they’ve inspired you to explore these subjects further.
- Have you got any interesting hobbies that are relevant to these subjects? Do you like making things, and figuring out how machines and electrical products work? What will make you stand out from other engineering and technology applicants?
- Where do you see yourself working afterwards? If you’re interested in medical technology, healthcare, or renewable energy, talk about what you hope to do and relate it back to the course. You could also mention work experience or content you’ve read that’s inspired you to work in a particular field.
- What hobbies and attributes can you talk about that illustrate your curiosity, creativity and initiative? Maybe you like to fix things at home and have come up with clever solutions for that window that always lets a draft in, or the bathroom door that won’t shut properly? Or maybe you’ve tweaked some smart tech around the house to make it work better for you.
- Think of ways to demonstrate other qualities that engineering and technology students might need, like technical skills, teamwork and leadership, or the ability to problem-solve. You’ll find you’ll have done work at school or during extracurricular activities that show you have what it takes.