Learn how to shape the future with a degree in Engineering

27 Mar 2018

“At its heart, engineering is about using science to find creative, practical solutions. It is a noble profession.” – Queen Elizabeth II

Engineers are responsible for building and sustaining the world. From building bridges that allow us to cross unpassable waters, to engineering the vehicles that take us over them and even researching the best biofuels to help them function – engineering is to thank for how far society has come.

Look out the window in any major city and you’ll see skies lined with skyscrapers, streamlined public transport systems and brand-new technologies that analyse the activity. Once upon a time, these buildings were not only the highest points in the city but also the height of engineering expertise, as well.

But, as cities continue to sprawl both upwards and outwards and the global population increases beyond seven billion people, engineers have a new challenge on their hands. They must now think about not only how to drive society forward from where we are, but how to do this in a sustainable way.

The main issue facing aspiring engineers is how to create a world that accommodates everyone and that will continue to do so for years to come. Time is running out to create a sustainable future, meaning that forward thinking engineers are needed now more than ever.

No one knows what the future holds, but it’s qualified engineers who will take us there. This is a career that will always be needed, so while what you engineer may change, the fact you will be engineering will always remain.

As new industries emerge and others disappear, a degree in engineering will ensure that you are part of a field that’s both the benchmark and driver of these changes. You will be responsible for creating the new offices and technology that propels society rather than being left behind by the progression.

Throughout your degree you’ll combine scientific knowledge with creative problem solving, making you one of society’s greatest tools in creating a better world.

If you’re interested in studying engineering at university, check out these five top schools…

TANDON SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, NEW YORK UNIVERSITY (NYU)

Established in 1854, the NYU Tandon School of Engineering is rooted in tradition but dedicated to looking to the future, with the aim of solving tomorrow’s problems today.

Located in Downtown Brooklyn, NYU Tandon is a major point in the Brooklyn Innovation Coastline and is playing a large role in making the region one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the world. We focus on creating technology that will have a positive impact on the planet, and that mission suffuses everything here—from our course offerings to our student competitions to our labs and prototyping spaces.

From the moment they arrive on campus, students have the opportunity to use cutting-edge equipment to bring their world-changing ideas to life in our Makerspace; compete in tech challenges like the InnoVention Competition, and take part in student organizations like Patent Pending.

So whether you are looking for an undergraduate, graduate or online degree (and whatever your interests, from Biomedical Engineering to Civil and Urban Engineering to Cybersecurity and beyond), the NYU Tandon School of Engineering offers a program that will help you shape your future and improve the world.

THAYER SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, DARTMOUTH COLLEGE

If you’re interested in the wide field of engineering rather than a small subsect, Thayer School of Engineering could be your ideal fit. Rather than being divided into different lines of engineering, students are free to work side-by-side regardless of whether they are an aspiring civil, electrical or interdisciplinary engineer.

The school has a unique approach to studying engineering, and allows undergraduates to take modules across the liberal arts their first four years of study, so you leave with the creative and social skills needed to make an impact in the field. You then complete the professionally-accredited Bachelors of Engineering in fifth year, to ultimately graduate with two degrees.

There are also plenty of postgraduate courses to help you deepen your expertise. Students can study research practices and advanced mathematics with the Master of Science (MS), broadening their skills with Engineering with Medicine or Engineering with Business. Biomedical engineers can choose the Master of Engineering (MEng) to deepen their knowledge on the subject.

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, BROWN UNIVERSITY

As one of the prestigious Ivy League colleges, Brown University’s School of Engineering is one of the best institutions to obtain your engineering qualification, while also having a strong commitment to diversity among its student body. Next year’s intake will be 50 percent women and the school has individual student groups for black, hispanic and female student engineers to provide a cohesive, integrated culture.

Undergraduate students can choose to specialise in Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Engineering Physics, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering. These courses prepare students for their careers in Engineering and give them in-depth knowledge in their specialised field.

The breadth of available topics also benefits graduate students, who can take advantage of the interdisciplinary nature of the department through the Masters and PhD programs.

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES, KING’S COLLEGE LONDON (KCL)

Ranked in the top 25 universities according to QS Global World Rankings, a degree from KCL will put you ahead of other engineering graduates in the market.

Situated in London, students benefit from residing in the heart of England’s scientific community. Students have proximity to the best libraries, science societies and engineering firms in the country and more opportunities than anywhere else in England.

Undergraduate students have the choice of a range of programs including Biomedical Engineering, Electronic and Information Engineering, and Computer Science with Robotics.

Postgraduate students can study Computer Systems Engineering with Management MSc, Mobile & Personal Communications MSc, Electronic Engineering with Management MSc, Robotics MSc, Engineering with Management MSc, Telecommunications & Internet Technology MSc, Intelligent Systems MSc.

The school also has links with top companies including Orange, Vodafone, Nokia, NEC, Huawei, Spirent and Texas Instrument, giving students good connections upon graduation.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE

Located in Scotland’s capital, Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde combines academic excellence with cultural richness.

The school has strong employment prospects, with 90 percent of graduates being in employment within six months of graduation, making it the ideal university to kickstart your engineering career.

“Due to the department’s close connections to companies it also offers many lectures from world known naval architects and marine engineers, showing students what work will be like after studying but also giving extra information and examples which complement the lectures,” says Joshua Boland, Bachelor of Engineering Naval Architecture and Small Craft Engineering student.

The university also boasts a five-star rating from QS University Rankings, so whether you’re looking to study a undergraduate or postgraduate or research degree, you can be sure you’re getting a world-class education.

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

As a member of the renowned Russell Group, the University of Manchester is respected as one of the world’s leading higher education institutions.

Divided into the School of Chemic Engineering and Analytical Science, the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, here, you can be sure your academic and professional needs will be met whatever line of engineering you aspire to.

“As an undergraduate this University and the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering gave me the education and opportunities I needed to allow me to achieve my potential and establish the skills required for a wide range of careers,” said Adrian Harwood, a Aerospace Engineering PhD student.

The faculty has an extensive offering of engineering courses in every field and level, allowing every aspiring engineer to achieve their goal.

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