How to choose an Engineering Degree?

Do you enjoy problem-solving? Have an aptitude for maths and physics? Enjoy understanding how things work?

Chances are, an Engineering degree might be for you! Engineering is an incredible way to make the world a better place, from addressing the climate crisis to making the world a safer place.

However, there are a range of different engineering degrees that all have slightly different specialities and focuses. Whilst it can be confusing to differentiate them, this post aims to point out some of the main differences to get you started on the right track.

General Engineering

Firstly, many universities will offer ‘general’ engineering courses, such as Cambridge or Warwick Universities. These degree will generally try to cover the basics for most engineering disciplines in the first and second year, and then will allow you to specialise slightly more in the third year, as well as fourth if it’s a MEng course. General Engineering courses are often preferred by those who think they might like engineering but don’t have specific subjects they are interested in yet, as these courses allow you to try a range of different things before you specialise.

Mechanical Engineering

Perhaps the most popular specific engineering degree is Mechanical Engineering. Closest to what people usually think of as typical engineering problems, Mechanical Engineering can be thought of as the study of physical phenomena involving forces and movement. This sounds quite broad, and that’s because it is - Mechanical Engineers can go on to work on a range on different things, from building formula one cars to prosthetic limbs.

Aerospace/Aeronuatical Engineering

Very similar to one another, Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering degrees are more specialised than Mechanical Engineering degrees. Usually, these degrees tend to focus on the study of aircraft such as planes, helicopters and drones, and spacecraft such as rockets and satellites. A lot of the things you learn, particularly in the early years, will overlap a lot with Mechanical Engineering courses, and some universities might combine cohorts for these courses. However, as your degree progresses, the content gets more specific, and whilst you might be studying the same subjects (e.g. material analysis) the focus will be geared towards what is useful in specific Aerospace applications. If you already have an interest in aircraft, spacecraft or perhaps Formula One, you might want to consider studying this degree, as you will spend more time on these specific topics. However, keep in mind you will likely be able to work in the same roles if you studied Mechanical Engineering, but you won’t have the same broad education, so there’s definitely a trade-off involved.

Electrical Engineering

No, this degree does not lead towards you becoming an electrician. Electrical Engineering is the branch of engineering that studies circuitry, power generation and machine communications and control. This kind of engineering is essential for the function of much of our modern world, and so the areas of applications can be broad, from electronics for aircraft to medical devices. Like most engineering degrees, a high level of mathematics is studied to understand the fundamental principles behind things like power generation, usually in your first two years, for you to be able to move on to more powerful applications of the technology. If you’re interested in computers, electronics and what makes the modern technological world tick, this degree might be for you.

Design Engineering

Design Engineering is probably the most versatile engineering degree. Whilst learning all of the engineering fundamentals taught in Mechanical Engineering, you also touch on a variety of other specialities, gaining a basic understanding of lots of different areas. Additionally, an emphasis is put on creative approaches to solving problems, with many Design Engineering students also having some other creative or artistic skills. This approach particularly lends itself towards innovation and entrepreneurship, with design engineers also often equipped with strong leadership and communication skills. Want a degree that will empower you to be at the forefront of innovation in a range of different industries? Have a look at Design Engineering.

Civil Engineering

Many of the buildings and infrastructure that we take for granted would not be possible without Civil Engineering. This is the study of the naturally and physically built environment, covering buildings, roads, dams, bridges and much more. Civil Engineering is directly focused on bettering the environment we live in, and to do this you study a range of subjects, from the structure of buildings to water and soil health. If you are keen on seeing the physical impact of your engineering work, and are someone who is inspired by creating things in harmony with the natural world, explore the world of Civil Engineering.

Conclusion

Whilst we’ve tried to cover the most popular engineering degrees, there are many others out there, such as Materials Engineering, Bioengineering, Information Engineering, etc. Hopefully you come away with some of the thought processes behind choosing different degrees, and you can apply this to the engineering degree you are most interested in.

Leaning towards a specific engineering course after reading this? We have a whole cohort of Imperial College students/alumni who have done these different degrees, and offer personalised guidance to help get you there too.

STEM Tutors team