Top Engineering Schools in the UK

There are 230 schools featured in the civil and structural engineering rankings this year, including 25 universities in the UK.   

The highest-ranked programme in the UK can once again be found at the University of Cambridge, ranked sixth worldwide, down one position this year.  

Six UK-based universities are ranked among the top 50 for civil and structural engineering. There are two new entrants included in the civil and structural engineering rankings this year from the UK, Swansea University and the City University of London both of which are ranked 201-230. 

See the full civil and structural engineering ranking here   

The UK is home to 38 of the 521 top electrical engineering programmes in the world this year, with the University of Cambridge once again taking top spot, having ranked fifth globally.   

Among the top 10 universities in the UK, nine are among the global top 100 for electrical engineering. Notably, the University of Nottingham made significant progress, advancing by seven places to secure a ranking of 97th this year, while the University of Southampton moved in the opposite direction, dropping seven places to be positioned 72nd in the UK. 

Four universities beyond the top 10; University of Strathclyde, University of Glasgow, University of Bristol and University of Warwick are included in the global 150 for electrical engineering in the UK. Of these four, University of Warwick scores excellently for the research citations per paper indicator, for which it’s ranked 50th in the world and seventh in the UK. 

See the full electrical engineering ranking here.  

There are 520 universities featured in the mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing engineering ranking this year, including 40 best mechanical engineering schools in the UK.   

The University of Cambridge takes the top spot in the UK, while being ranked fourth globally, achieving high scores across all ranking indicators. Imperial College London is ranked second in the UK and eighth globally, while the University of Oxford is ranked ninth worldwide and third in the UK. 

Six universities fall into the worldwide top 50 and the University of Bristol has demonstrated the most remarkable progress this year. It has advanced by an impressive 19 places, securing 48th position and earning a spot in the top 50 of the mechanical engineering school rankings.  

The University of Southampton has slipped just outside the top 50, currently holding 51st position in the UK for mechanical engineering. 

See the full mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing engineering rankings here.   

There are only three mineral and mining engineering university located in the UK in 2023, out of the 71 top mineral and mining engineering schools worldwide.   

Camborne School of Mines at the University of Exeter ranks 15th globally, down four positions this year. Although all three universities have earned impressive scores across each of the indicators, they each perform best for the research citations per paper indicator.  

See the full mineral and mining engineering rankings here.  

There are 162 universities offering courses in petroleum engineering this year, with 14 of these located in the UK. The best UK university for petroleum engineering is Imperial College London, ranked sixth place globally and earning its best indicator score for H-index citations (95.9 out of 100).  

Within the top 50, the University of Leeds makes the most significant move by climbing five places to 29th. 

See the full petroleum engineering rankings here. 

What are the best engineering schools in the UK? 

In the UK, several universities excel in engineering disciplines, as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. The University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and Imperial College London are consistently recognised as top engineering schools for various engineering fields, such as electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering.  

Also, universities like the University of Exeter and Imperial College London shine in mineral and mining engineering, and petroleum engineering respectively. 

Is the UK good for engineering? 

Yes, the UK is a favourable destination for engineering studies. Many UK universities rank higher in global engineering subject rankings, including institutions like the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and Imperial College London, which consistently excel in various engineering disciplines.  

The country's universities offer top-tier programmes and research opportunities, attracting students from around the world. Additionally, the UK's strong emphasis on quality education and a diverse international student community make it an excellent choice for engineering students seeking a well-rounded educational experience. 

Is it expensive to study engineering in UK? 

The cost of studying engineering in the UK can vary depending on factors such as the university, programme, and your nationality. Tuition fees for international students are generally higher than those for UK or EU students.  

However, there are various scholarships, grants, and financial aid options available to help offset these costs. Additionally, the UK offers a wide range of engineering programmes, and some universities may be more affordable than others.