How to get into engineering
To pursue a career in engineering, selecting the right GCSEs, T-levels or A-levels is crucial as they lay the foundation for further education and career opportunities. It's a competitive area but a large one with over 7000+ engineering degrees offered in the UK. Here's what you need to know.
What is engineering?
Engineering is a vast and varied field. Engineering is the application of scientific, mathematical, and technical knowledge to design, create, and maintain structures, machines, devices, systems, and processes.
It involves solving practical problems and improving existing solutions through innovation and resources. Engineers use their expertise to develop new technologies, improve existing products, and ensure the safety and functionality of various systems.
The field encompasses a wide range of specialities, including:
Mechanical engineering focuses on the design, construction and operation of machinery.
Electrical engineering deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
Civil engineering Involves the design and construction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings.
Chemical engineering combines chemistry, physics, and biology to develop processes for producing chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other products.
Software engineering is concerned with developing, maintaining, and improving software systems.
Biomedical engineering applies engineering principles to the medical field to develop technologies such as medical devices and diagnostic equipment.
Aeronautical engineering focuses on designing and developing aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and equipment.
What GCSEs, T-Levels and A-Levels do I need?
GCSEs
Maths: Essential for all engineering disciplines.
Physics: Critical for understanding the principles of engineering.
Chemistry: Important for chemical and materials engineering.
Combined Science: Some schools offer combined science as 2 GCSEs rather than separate sciences.
Computer Science: Important in fields like software and electrical engineering.
Design and Technology: Useful for practical skills and understanding design principles.
A-Levels
Maths: A must-have for any engineering course. Further mathematics is also highly recommended if it is available.
Physics: Fundamental for understanding engineering concepts.
Chemistry: Necessary for chemical, biomedical, and materials engineering.
Computer Science: Valuable for software, electrical, and computer engineering.
Design and Technology" Helpful for mechanical, civil, and design engineering.
Biology: Beneficial for biomedical engineering.
Engineering: Some schools offer GCSE and A-levels in engineering, providing a direct introduction to the field. However, maths and physics are still the main subjects needed in this field.
T-Levels
T-levels take two years to complete and are equivalent to three A levels, making them an entry route to a university degree, a degree apprenticeship, or a job.
T Levels are career-focused qualifications designed by employers. They consist of 80% classroom learning and 20% workplace experience, including a 45-day industry placement, helping prepare you for the world of work.
T-levels that will help with engineering degrees and apprenticeships include Design & Development for Engineering and Manufacturing. Building Services Engineering for Onsite Construction Digital Production, Design & Development and Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Engineering Apprenticeships
Engineering apprenticeships exist at different levels and tend to take between 1 and 5 years to complete, depending on the level.
Advanced Apprenticeship - equivalent to Level 3/A level/ T Level (see above).
Higher Apprenticeship is the vocational equivalent to a Foundation University degree equivalent to Levels 4-7/Foundation Degree and above.
Degree Apprenticeships are equivalent to Levels 6-7 / Bachelor's or a Master's Degree.
Engineering Degrees
A general engineering degree is a good option if you want to build a broad knowledge base and find out more about the different engineering disciplines (such as chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical) and how they interconnect before deciding which area(s) to specialise in.
For engineering, the main Undergraduate degrees are Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) and Bachelor of Science (BSc), which are offered in all of the above areas alongside specialities such as Marine Engineering and Digital Engineering Design.
A Master of Engineering (MEng) is more in-depth than a BEng, usually lasting for an extra year and involving a significant research project. It can lead directly to professional registration with the Engineering Council
Further resources
First Tutors can help if you are looking for a tutor in Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Engineering at any level