While engineering can admittedly be complex, at its heart the discipline has a simple mission. It’s all about solving problems by translating ideas into action and real-world solutions. The field is dynamic, varied and ever-evolving, encompassing a multitude of spheres. From solving environmental issues such as water purification to improving accessibility for disabled people through assistive technology. Engineering gives you the chance to leave an imprint on the world and is a degree that will offer the prospect of an engaging and rewarding career. If you are still not convinced, we have a few other reasons why you may want to consider studying engineering:
- It’s intellectually stimulating.
- It’s innovative and creative.
- There are many specialisations.
- It provides career security.
- It opens doors to multiple sectors and industries.
- Healthcare and medicine
- Aeronautics
- Renewable energy
- Information technology
- Robotics and artificial intelligence
- Built environment
- Manufacturing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Business
- Management and consultancy
- Academia
What is important if you’re considering a future in engineering is to partner with the right institution. You’ll need a university that intimately understands the field, has connections with industry, and offers innovative teaching and the right kind of student support.
This description is apt for Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in the UK, ranked as a top 350 university in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 (THE). The university also has the distinction of a top 50 rating in the UK for engineering by THE.
What engineering specialisations can I study?
First and foremost, if you choose to study engineering in the UK at ARU you are already putting yourself in a select group of students. The UK is rated fourth in the world for innovation by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and has been responsible for some of the most recognisable global inventions, from the world wide web to steam locomotion.
You’ll encounter leading practitioners, researchers, and teachers in the field, helping to fuel your intellectual curiosity and find a specialisation that suits your interests. ARU offers the largest range of undergraduate and postgraduate engineering qualifications in the east of England. Your options include:
- Civil engineering - BSc (Hons) and BEng (Hons)
- Gain the knowledge, skills and insights required to design, develop, and manage large-scale construction and built environment projects.
- Construction and civil engineering management (MSc)
- Develop and enhance your management skills to lead teams and projects.
- Manufacturing engineering - BEng (Hons) with a degree apprenticeship
- Combine the theoretical with the practical to develop and design solutions for the integrated systems of the future.
- Electronic and electrical engineering - MEng (Hons) and MSc
- Acquire the skills to create technology-driven solutions across multiple industries and fields, from healthcare to green energy.
- Engineering management - MSc
- Learn how to master the art of engineering project management, from finances to resourcing.
- Mechanical engineering - BEng (Hons), MEng (Hons) and MSc
- Discover the intricacies of designing complex machinery to increase efficiency, convenience, and quality of life.
- Mechatronic engineering - BEng (Hons)
- Explore the intersection of mechanical, electronic, and electrical engineering, emerging well-versed in product design and manufacturing.
- Mechatronics and robotics engineering - MEng (Hons)
- Automation, mechanics, electronics, and computing combine to produce innovative systems and products.
If you are interested in pursuing engineering research at a postgraduate level, you can undertake a PhD qualification in Electronics or Engineering and the Built Environment. There is also the Professional Doctorate in Science Engineering.
What can I expect to learn?
Several factors will determine the exact nature of your academic engineering journey and what you’ll be learning. The most obvious being the specialisation you select and the level at which you study. However, you can gain an understanding of how a university like ARU approaches teaching and learning from how the curriculum is structured. Let’s look at the BEng in Mechanical Engineering as an example:
- The degree will take three years to complete full-time and four years with a work placement year.
- You’re assessed using numerous methods, including exams, assignments, reports, essays, and projects.
- You’ll get involved in project-based learning with other engineering students, creating a collaborative environment.
- You’ll get hands-on experience using computer modelling software; prototyping machines; milling and lathe machines; and electronic testing and measurement devices.
- In your first year of study, you’ll cover:
- The key knowledge and skills needed for mechanical engineering.
- Master your applied engineering mathematics skills with geometry and algebra.
- Learn how to produce and present technical reports.
- Discover and explore engineering materials at an atomic scale.
- You’ll work on a mechatronics project using industry-standard equipment and techniques.
- In your second year of study, you learn:
- How to build on the essential skills from year one. You cover more advanced mathematics such as calculus, complex numbers, differentiation, and integration techniques.
- Work on a project to enhance and improve an existing mechanical product. You will participate in a module designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, and flexibility.
- Your final year brings:
- An understanding of the intricacies of mechanical engineering, including the influence of vibration.
- Gain an advanced understanding of mechatronics systems, including sensing, data acquisition and actuation.
- Work on a turnkey engineering project requiring industry-level scope, including FEA and CFD tests.
As you can tell, while it is a lot of work and requires significant dedication, the comprehensive nature of what you learn is the ideal foundation for entering a professional engineering environment post-graduation. In addition, many of ARU’s qualifications are accredited by professional bodies.
What will the learning experience be like at ARU?
Studying in the UK and ARU is an enriching experience. You’ll meet fellow international students from countries all over the world with the potential to share knowledge and experiences. ARU has students from over 135 countries studying at one of its three campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, and Peterborough.
If you’re an engineering student at ARU, you will also be studying in an environment with access to world-class facilities, software, equipment, and research. These include but are not limited to:
- Electronics and microelectronics laboratories
- Industry-standard software from LabVIEW to Matlab
- Programmable ARM microcontrollers
- Geotechnics, hydraulics, concrete testing laboratories
- Prototyping, lathe, and milling machines
- 3D printing facilities
- Mechanical engineering workshop
- Measurement and testing equipment
- Future Cities Research Network (FCRN)
You will want to feel supported and part of a community while studying in the UK. ARU offers dedicated support to international students via the International Office. You’ll also have access to health and wellbeing services; the Employability and Careers Service; Anglia Ruskin Students’ Union; Study Skills Plus; and critically a personal development tutor from day one.
What’s next?
It’s time to be bold and start exploring your options. You could be an engineer in the making. There are a few simple next steps you can take. Firstly, if you are a prospective postgraduate student, you can attend an ARU virtual open day, alternatively, you can visit the campus in person. Secondly, you can chat with an ARU student ambassador about your options. If you prefer sending a written enquiry, you can do that too. All that’s left after this is to submit your application and start your study journey in the UK.
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