Forward-thinking Universities that fuse Engineering with Business

26 Apr 2018

As the legendary engineer, Herbert Hoover (1874-1964) once stated in one of his memoirs, “Engineering is a great profession. There is the fascination of watching a figment of the imagination emerge through the aid of science to a plan on paper. Then it moves to realisation in stone or metal or energy. Then it brings homes to men or women. Then it elevates the standard of living and adds to the comforts of life. This is the engineer’s high privilege.”

As Hoover highlighted in one of his most famous lines, engineering is an extremely powerful practice of both art and skill. This concept links back to ancient times, staying with us for hundreds of thousands of years. That’s why it’s incredible that in today’s age, the profession remains strong and in high demand.

To spark student engagement and keep interests flowing, the UK Government released their Year of Engineering 2018 campaign. With the help of galleries, museums, schools, brands and engineers, the initiative is celebrating the longstanding history of the trade and encouraging aspiring learners to get involved.

As the campaign explains, “From spaceships to ice skates, the bubbles in chocolate bars to life-saving cancer treatment, engineering touches every part of our lives. However, not enough young people think it’s a world for them. As a result, the industry is struggling to recruit future talent. What’s more, young people are missing out on the chance to make a positive difference to both their futures, that of the planet and everything that calls it home.”

Even though the engineering sector has a longstanding tradition of educating the changemakers of yesterday, today and tomorrow, there are growing concerns that there are plenty of jobs within the sector waiting to be filled up. That’s why many forward-thinking universities are preparing students with the latest theories and technologies, giving them a better chance at thriving in the modern workplace.

Alongside educating students in the art of engineering, the top schools also notice how the subject crosses over a multitude of sectors – for example, business. Often labelled as a combination for success, the practice of engineering with business teaches students how to become leaders of industrial research and development, as well as high-tech ventures and entrepreneurial initiatives. It’s crucial for you to choose an engineering syllabus that’s diverse, dynamic and delves into other fields of importance.

Here are 4 forward-thinking universities that fuse engineering with business…

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN – ENGLAND

The University of Lincoln’s School of Engineering is globally-known for its pioneering research efforts in energy, materials, power and intelligent systems. With a pro-active approach to engagement with business, the school has been listed as a global principal partner of Siemens.

The Lincoln School of Engineering is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, so students are granted exclusive access to equipment at its Engineering Hub. The School also allows you the option to take a year out to work alongside a dedicated team of innovators on an industry placement and the option for an additional foundation year. With strong industrial engagement, the School of Engineering is very proud to have achieved recognition for the Lord Stafford Award for Open Collaboration with Siemens, IET Team Award and the IMechE Charles Sharp Beecher Prize.

For both undergraduate and postgraduate students, there is a vast range of courses to spark your interests. With Automation Engineering BEng (Hons), Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)/ MEng (Hons), and Electrical Engineering BEng (Hons)/ MEng (Hons) for undergraduates and courses such as MSc Engineering Management and MPhil/PhD Engineering, there are plenty of postgraduate pathways to choose from.

At the University of Lincoln, every engineering course comes with the advantage of learning in the historic and picturesque city of Lincoln. In terms of teaching excellence, the university has achieved the TEF Gold status and for student satisfaction in international and postgraduate study, Lincoln is one of the top 10 national universities in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards (2017). Plus, equipped with the incredible Isaac Newton Building, this School of Engineering helps students become future leaders by being an integral part of revolutionary research.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE – SCOTLAND

In the historical city of Glasgow, there’s a cutting-edge Faculty of Engineering full of ambitious learners. The University of Strathclyde supplies students with more than 40 undergraduate courses and more than 50 postgraduate study routes. With such a diverse array of degrees, you can choose to master niche concepts and theories.

For example, the MEng Electronic & Electrical Engineering with Business Studies course encourages learners to discover progressive and smart solutions to 21^st-century issues. By blending your technical engineering expertise with management, business and leadership skills, you’ll get to grips with both of these important subjects.

As an alternative route to employment, there’s an engaging Engineering Academy for you to dedicate your skill towards. By merging your efforts with sponsoring companies, you’ll be supporting your professional development and building your connections with national and international businesses.

If you enjoy your time at the Strathclyde Faculty of Engineering and wish to continue your education after you’ve graduated, you can always sign up for a flexible CPD course. By working online, you’ll have the chance to deepen your knowledge of areas such as Design, Manufacture & Engineering Management and Civil and Environmental Engineering. By fusing technology with engineering, online learning is made possible at Strathclyde.

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE – SCOTLAND

Another thriving academic institution in Scotland is the School of Science and Engineering at the University of Dundee. Ranked one of the Top UK Universities 2018 in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey, the university welcomes students from across the world into this learning environment.

With a motto to design, develop and build, Dundee’s School of Science and Engineering believes that business is key to industry-focused degrees. Here, undergraduate courses introduce students to vital topics such as biomedical engineering, electronic engineering and mechanical engineering. Plus, with graduate-based apprenticeships, you have a great opportunity to further enhance your professional portfolio.

What makes this School of Science and Engineering stand out, however, is its dedication to solving real-life problems and producing forward-thinking research methods. With outstanding projects in Tissue Engineering and Laser-engineered Nanocomposites, Dundee has taken engineering research efforts to a whole new level.

Of course, there are classic postgraduate pathways to take if you wish to focus your study experience in a specific area – for instance, the innovative MSc Renewable Energy and Environmental Modelling scheme. All courses come with the chance to explore the school’s unique set of scientific laboratories and the opportunity to create your own engineering initiatives.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES, QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST- IRELAND

Located in the beautiful city of Belfast, Queen’s University has a prime Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences on offer. Split into different categories, this department covers an extensive range of engineering-based degrees.

As school leader, Professor Mark Price, explains, “The faculty brings together diverse topics, such as carbon dating and astrophysics, to create a dynamic multidisciplinary setting for students and academics to thrive. With research, the faculty’s drive is to solve the big challenges that society faces, whether it is understanding the human brain’s perception to aid Parkinson’s sufferers, or clean energy production, the faculty’s research is helping the world.”

A prime example of their leading research is when a researcher at Queen’s University Belfast discovered a way to convert dirty aluminium foil into a biofuel catalyst. This outstanding discovery demonstrates the way faculty urges learners to develop into entrepreneurs and how they may best utilize professional facilities.

For learners who wish to dive into electrical engineering, there are plenty of undergraduate and postgraduate courses to get you started. Or, if you’d rather study mechanical and aerospace, you can get those gears into action and create something magical. In the fascinating world of engineering and with the guidance of the team at Queen’s – anything is possible.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International