The UK is facing an engineering talent crisis. It needs more than 173,000 new engineers and technicians annually just to keep pace with demand, yet the graduate pipeline is running dry. Engineering now faces the largest skills deficit of any UK industry. The demand is there. The ambition is there. What’s missing are the engineers.
“We are hearing the same message from employers across the country: the UK simply does not have enough engineers with the skills needed for AI, automation and sustainable technologies,” says Professor Neil Audsley, Deputy Dean, School of Science & Technology. “Around three-quarters of engineering employers are struggling to fill key technical roles.”
That’s exactly the challenge City St George’s, University of London aims to solve. Home to the School of Science & Technology, it offers a first-class education with state-of-the-art research facilities in a thriving London location. Its MSc programmes are designed with one goal in mind: to get you industry-ready, fast. “An Engineering MSc is one of the quickest ways to close that gap because it gives people the hands‑on experience that industry says it cannot find right now,” Professor Audsley says. “It helps build real technical confidence, not just theoretical knowledge.”
The School of Science & Technology at City St George’s, University of London delivers world-leading research that shapes cutting-edge, industry-informed education. Source: City St George’s, University of London
Programmes designed around real employer needs
City St George’s Engineering MSc programmes are built around what the industry needs right now. “Our Engineering programmes offer students the opportunity to study and understand the advanced technical topics in addition to developing both their management and practical skills,” says Dr. Veselin Rakocevic, Associate Dean for the School of Science & Technology.
“For example, the Robotics, AI and Autonomous Systems MSc is delivered by members of the Autonomy of Systems Research Centre, which is managing multiple international research projects addressing major technical challenges for unmanned aerial vehicles and space technology.”
That research expertise is part of the curriculum. In this programme, you’ll build deep knowledge across machine learning, image processing, human-machine teaming, communication, and control, then put it to work in the lab through programming and industrial projects that sharpen both your software and hardware skills.
A similar talent urgency is reshaping the healthcare sector. More people need better care around the world and the Biomedical Engineering with Data Analytics MSc is designed to meet that demand. The MSc is ideal for those drawn to the application of technology in novel diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge spanning medical devices, biosensors, healthcare technology, and bio-data analytics, building a competitive skill set for a field that is only growing in demand.
The pressure to innovate isn’t limited to emerging disciplines. Mechanical engineering is undergoing its own transformation, and the Advanced Mechanical Engineering MSc prepares you to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global market. With a focus on advanced thermal power, systems, processes, and manufacturing, the programme grounds you in both fundamental theory and hands-on technical practice. A 12-month Professional Placement also gives you the opportunity to put that knowledge to work in your chosen industry before you graduate.
That same pressure for talent is playing out in the aerospace and defence sectors. Employers are competing hard for candidates who can work across disciplines and think about sustainability from the ground up. The Advanced Aerospace Engineering with Sustainable Technologies MSc prepares you for exactly that, with a strong focus on reducing environmental impact through multidisciplinary thinking. You can also specialise in automation and autonomy, including unmanned aerial vehicles, an area that has shifted from niche interest to industry priority over just the last few years.
The School of Science & Technology houses state-of-the-art research facilities. Source: City St George’s, University of London
Strong technical skills only go so far. EngineeringUK has consistently flagged a shortage of engineers who can lead complex projects and manage risk with confidence. The Project Management, Finance and Risk MSc addresses that gap. You’ll understand business drivers and learn how to solve project challenges. From there, you’ll be able to make sound decisions under pressure, backed by real capability in quantitative risk assessment and financial engineering of the kind that high-value projects demand.
That breadth of focus runs across the full engineering portfolio. Other MSc programmes include, Civil Engineering Structures, Financial Technology and Systems, and MSc Maritime Operations and Management.
“All Engineering MSc programmes are delivered by research-active staff, giving students the opportunity to have access to recent technical developments, and demonstrate their design and prototype development skills through MSc project work,” Dr. Rakocevic says.
Pair that with access to facilities such as a civil engineering lab, engineering workshops, an Industry 4.0 lab, and an AI lab, and you have an environment built to prepare you for work that matters.
Your gateway to industry
When you join the School of Science & Technology, you get dedicated support through the Corporate Relations & Employability Unit (CREU). The team works exclusively within the school to connect you with real industry opportunities. Depending on your MSc programme, these include a 12-month placement, a three to six-month internship, or a three-month client project. Each option lets you apply what you’re learning to real-world challenges and build skills that employers actually look for.
CREU further supports your learning by embedding industry input into the curriculum and bridging academia with the professional world. This means you’ll graduate with a stronger grasp of the demands and ethics of your field, along with a portfolio of skills and experiences to match.
Learn more about City St George’s, University of London’s School of Science & Technology.
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