Should I study engineering?
Engineering is an exciting and varied degree which can make for both a rewarding university experience and career. Part of the renowned STEM field (which stands for science, technology, engineering and maths) and split into various specialisms and subject areas, a degree in engineering is a great way to study exactly what you love whilst preparing for the career you want.
Why study engineering?
Engineering is a wide subject area with lots of different specialisms; so you know that whatever you choose to study, it will be based on your interests. Whether you’re passionate about solving day-to-day problems with electrical engineering, or advancing the future of mankind through aerospace engineering, you’re sure to graduate with the drive and skills to succeed.
High earning potential
Employers know this too, and engineering graduates can go on to have successful careers in whatever they put their mind to. With its specialist and focused course structure, engineering graduates are considered highly employable. No matter the specialism you choose, with a degree in engineering, graduates in a professional occupation have a median salary of £26,000 (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education 2015/2016). As you gain more practical experience and knowledge in your industry, both your salary and career prospects will increase.
Worldwide opportunities
Your degree will also give you opportunities all over the world. The UK is a great place to secure a job in engineering, with many top companies based here. In 2018, it was reported that engineers made up 19% of the UK workforce. By working here, you could work for top firms such as Airbus, BMW Group, Rolls Royce or Siemens. Internationals students with a UK degree will also be able to start their engineering career in the UK with the Graduate Immigration Route. But if you want to experience life in another country, the skills you learn on your degree will be just as sought after by employers worldwide.
"I’ve wanted to be an engineer since my childhood. As I grew up, I was interested in cars and other machines. If you talked about mechanical watches or top tech, I really wanted to know how they worked and what are the principles are. I feel motivated to learn more about engineering because I am interested in these things. The topics that I’m studying here are relevant to my future goals."
Altamash from India, studied International Year One in Engineering.
What makes a good engineer?
As well as being knowledgable in your subject, there are other skills you need which will help you in your career as an engineer. You will develop these skills whilst studying your chosen degree, as well as practicing them in your every day life.
Problem-solving
Engineers solve problems. To be a good engineer, you will need to work well under pressure and know how to look at a problem from different perspectives. Engineering is constantly evolving, so you will need to rely on logic to solve problems as they arise. You can develop this skill through seminars and labs at university, but also outside of the classroom through puzzles and debates.
Teamwork
As an engineer, you’ll be working in a team with other engineers and colleagues in different roles. Teamwork will be a vital part of your job, from problem-solving to presenting to networking. Employers look favourably on employees who work well with their colleagues. You’ll get teamwork experience by working on group projects as part of your engineering degree.
Communication
Depending on your job role, you will need to be able to successfully communicate with everyone from co-workers to clients to managers. Some of these people may not have the same level of engineering knowledge as you, and you will have to help them understand your projects. You will be able to practice your communication skills both inside and outside the classroom at university.
Innovation
Engineering is a subject at the forefront of innovation. To be successful as an engineer, you will need to keep up to do date with advances in your industry. This can include reading and learning in your free time, as well as taking risks whilst at work. It’s important to have a passion for what you study, so having an interest in the various aspects of engineering will help you to succeed in your studies.
Numeracy
As a part of the STEM subjects, numeracy is an important part of a career in engineering. Depending on your job role and engineering specialism, you could use numeracy to decipher a complex mathematical equation or work out how many materials you need for your work. You will be able to develop your mathematical and numerical skills both in specialist university modules and by practicing in every day life.
Study engineering abroad in the UK
The UK is a great place to study engineering and international students have plenty of opportunities to gain a degree here. One option is to take a pathway programme, which will prepare you for undergraduate study. A pathway programme will develop your subject knowledge and English language skills, whilst helping you to settle in to life in the UK.
Depending on your education level and degree aims, the University of Huddersfield International Study Centre offers engineering pathways through both the International Foundation Year and International Year One. You can then progress on to your engineering degree of choice and focus on your specialism.
As an international student, you’ll be able to work for up to 20 hours a week whilst you study – a great way to gain practical experience in a variety of fields. After graduation, you’ll also be able to work in the UK for up to two years on the Graduation Immigration Route, so you can start your career as an engineer in the UK.
Why study engineering at the University of Huddersfield?
You’ll get an excellent education if you choose to study at the University of Huddersfield. The University received 5 stars for teaching in QS World University Rankings 2018. You’ll learn under expert teachers, as Huddersfield is the only university in the UK where 100% of permanent teaching staff are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. The University has new buildings and modern facilities to ensure you’re constantly at the forefront of engineering innovation.
At Huddersfield, you’ll be able to choose from a range of different engineering degrees – from chemical engineering all the way to sound engineering. Outside of the classroom you’ll be able to put what you learn into practice and gain practical experience in your specialism, as almost every degree at Huddersfield gives you the opportunity for a placement year. Placement years are a great way to make your job application stand out as a graduate, as you’ll have a competitive edge over many other students your age.
Start your engineering pathway
A foundation programme at the International Study Centre can help you begin your engineering studies in a friendly and supportive environment of other international students. When you’re not in lectures or studying, you’ll be able to enjoy living in a peaceful university town – with close access to bustling cities such as Manchester and Leeds. Huddersfield is known for its affordable tuition and low cost of living, making it a great place to start your career in engineering.
Join us today for your chance to study engineering in the UK.