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Introduction to Engineering
Dr John Morton, Chief Executive of the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) said so himself in the Plant and Works Engineering magazine when he stated that there was a growing need for competent engineers to help the UK compete on a global scale. In order to fill the skills gaps existing in engineering sectors such as electronics, the engineering community must come together to communicate to the wider world what a socially and financially rewarding profession engineering really is.
In its most basic element, engineering refers to the application of scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes, and systems. If one has the required aptitude and skill set, the engineering industry provides the much-needed impetus to make big money.
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Engineering is a vast area of study with specializations in a variety of segments. The four main engineering divisions are civil, mechanical, electrical and electronic. Besides these, different graduate schools offer a diverse range of specializations including aerospace, automotive, marine, power systems, biomaterials and tissue, information, geotechnical, chemical and environmental.
In order to be eligible for a masters degree in engineering, most top grad schools require potential candidates to have completed their undergraduate studies in either the science (physics, physical science, biological science) or a specific engineering stream with a first class grade. Depending upon the graduate school, they may consider a second class grade too, but if one wishes to gain admission to a top-ranked institute, it is best to have higher grades or even an honours qualification.
Work experience, while not a prerequisite, plays an important role in the admissions procedure. Most grad schools would obviously prefer to take in candidates with sufficient work experience over ones with no experience whatsoever, but it all depends on their ability and the specialization they have applied for.
There are certain engineering courses that require a particular qualification to be eligible for them. For example, the MSc in Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering requires prospective students to have an appropriate medical qualification and the MSc in Maritime Engineering Science is only for students who have graduated in engineering, mathematics, physical sciences or a related subject.
Hence, if one wishes to apply for a specialized engineering segment, it is best to make enquiries and gather information related to the entry requirements for that particular course. The procedure and eligibility requirements are different, however, when it comes to applying for PhD programs. PhDs involve a lot of research and are generally completed over a period of three years.
WHAT SKILLS WILL I ACQUIRE?
There are a number of specializations that one can opt for while applying for an engineering degree. There are graduate schools in the UK that offer graduate degrees in engineering. Most programs aim at providing a sound understanding of the fundamental principles, methods, analysis, synthesis and engineering applications relevant to the particular discipline that one applies to. For example, the MSc in Mechanical Engineering involves study in analysis and design of power machinery systems, engineering structures, vibration, control and the use of computers in advanced engineering analysis. Thus, it is suitable for students who wish to become Chartered Professional Engineers and to pursue careers in higher levels of management, manufacturing and power engineering.
With the demand of skilled professionals escalating by the year, it is highly beneficial to go for a master’s degree in engineering. Most grad schools provide a combination of research and taught studies, where certain modules are taught and others are based on researching a particular subject. Engineering students are also provided with laboratories having the latest equipment and machinery so that they can become conversant with the newest technology and are able to work on it effectively when they begin to work.
The subject requires a great deal of research and almost all disciplines have research as their core modules. Moreover, a master’s degree gives students the confidence toget jobs in the ‘real’ world.
