If you’re thinking about securing an engineering degree, it makes sense to choose the right place to study. There are huge differences in the quality of education between different establishments. So if you want your application to stand out from the competition, why not consider studying at one of these leading universities.
While university rankings aren’t a guarantee of success, they offer a good indication of what you can expect from a university. University ranking scores use factors like student-to-educator ratio, employment prospects and research papers published by the establishment. If the school employs a lot of people responsible for cutting-edge research, you can typically expect a higher quality of education.
If you’re ready to explore the top engineering universities the UK has to offer, read on. We'll also include information about the typical grades you would need to achieve in order to receive an offer.
And you can view the rating for 2022 on topuniversities.com.
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A world-renowned institution, Imperial College London is an excellent choice for anyone looking to study engineering. The university has an excellent reputation and offers a wide range of engineering programmes, including biochemical engineering and civil and environmental engineering.
You’ll need to achieve A*A*A at A-level (or the equivalent) in order to apply for most undergraduate courses. Alongside the academic requirements, it's also common for candidates to carry out an admissions test and attend an interview. While it is certainly competitive, once you have been accepted on the course, you'll have the support of world-renowned lecturers to help you achieve your goals.
The University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. The university has a long-standing reputation for excellence and offers a range of engineering programmes, including chemical engineering and manufacturing engineering.
To apply to the University of Cambridge, you will need to achieve A*A*A at A-level (or the equivalent). In addition to this, candidates also need to complete the Engineering Admissions Assessment (ENGAA) exam and also submit writing samples with their application.
Another world-renowned university, the University of Oxford is a first-class choice for anyone looking to study engineering. The university offers a range of engineering programmes, including electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.
To apply to the University of Oxford, you will need to achieve A*A*A at A-level (or the equivalent). Candidates will enjoy close links with other departments in the university, including computing, materials science and medicine. This engineering department has been running since 1908, so you can be assured of a rich heritage and a high-quality education.
Heading North for the first time, the University of Manchester is ranked #68 in the world for engineering, so you can be confident you'll be in good company. This consistently well-ranked university offers a wide variety of engineering programmes, from electrical engineering to mechanical engineering.
Entry requirements for undergraduate courses vary depending on the programme you're applying for, but you can expect to achieve AAA at A-level (or the equivalent). The city-centre campus means that you'll get to enjoy a lively cultural scene and plenty of nightlight alongside your studies.
The University of Nottingham is a brilliant choice for anyone looking to study engineering. The university offers a wide range of engineering programmes, from civil engineering to manufacturing engineering.
To apply to the University of Nottingham, you will need to achieve ABB at A-level (or the equivalent). The University of Nottingham has an excellent reputation and close links with industry, so you can be sure of high-quality education.
If you're looking to study engineering in London, University College London (UCL) is a great choice. This world-renowned institution offers a wide range of engineering programmes, including electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.
To apply to UCL, you will need to achieve A*A*A at A-level (or the equivalent ). For some courses, you may also need to complete an aptitude test and attend an interview. UCL is located in the heart of London, so you'll have plenty to keep you busy in your spare time.
Located in West London, Brunel University London is a great choice for anyone looking to study engineering. This modern university offers a wide range of engineering programmes, from civil engineering to mechanical engineering
To apply to Brunel University London, you will need to achieve ABB at A-level (or the equivalent). The university has strong links with industry and an excellent reputation, so you can be sure of high-quality education. Once you've completed your undergraduate degree, there are options to continue your studies with funded postgraduate opportunities.
The University of Southampton is a world-renowned institution, ranked in the top 100 universities globally. The university has an excellent reputation for engineering and offers programmes in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and more. The green and leafy campus offer the perfect place to get your head down and study, while the vibrant nightlife will ensure you always have a way to blow off some steam.
To study at the University of Southampton, you will need to achieve ABB at A-level (or the equivalent). The university is known for its research facilities, so if you're looking to continue your studies with a PhD then this could be the perfect place for you.
The University of Strathclyde is located in Glasgow, Scotland and is one of the top engineering universities in the UK. The university offers a wide range of engineering programmes, from civil engineering to mechanical engineering
To study at the University of Strathclyde, you will need to achieve ABB at A-level (or the equivalent). The university has strong industry links, so you’ll never be short on placement opportunities. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved with extracurricular activities, such as Formula Student which is a great way to gain experience in the engineering industry.
If you want to study engineering in the UK, the University of Sheffield should be high on your list. Located in one of England's most vibrant and friendly cities, Sheffield is a great place to live and study.
The university has an excellent reputation for its engineering courses, which cover a wide range of specialities. In the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject, Sheffield is placed 14th in the world for mechanical engineering and 16th for civil engineering. The University of Sheffield is just one of many world-leading engineering universities in the UK.
Another top university for engineering in the UK is the University of Liverpool. This Russell Group university is located in the city of Liverpool, which is well known for its music and culture.
The University of Liverpool has a strong reputation for engineering, particularly in the field of biomedical engineering. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020, the university is placed 247 in the world for this subject. The university also offers courses in other areas of engineering, such as chemical, civil and electrical engineering.
Leeds School of Engineering is one of the largest in the UK. With over 7,000 students, it offers undergraduate courses in civil, mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering, as well as a range of postgraduate programmes.
The University has an excellent reputation for employability, with 94% of its graduates in employment or further study within six months of graduating. It is also home to some world-leading facilities, such as the Institute for Transport Studies.
With a strong focus on research and teaching in the field of engineering, Cranfield University is one of the top universities in the UK for engineering students.
The university has a long tradition of working with industry and the latest facilities and equipment to give students a real-world education. Cranfield is also home to the world’s first accredited Space Systems Engineering degree program.
If you want to study engineering in the UK, Newcastle University should definitely be on your list. Located in the North East of England, Newcastle is a Russell Group university with an excellent reputation for teaching and research. The School of Engineering at Newcastle was founded back in 1871, making it one of the oldest engineering schools in the country.
There are almost 4,000 students enrolled in the School of Engineering, studying a wide range of engineering disciplines including mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, and chemical and process engineering.
The University has strong industry links, and many of its programmes are accredited by professional bodies such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
The University of Edinburgh is one of the leading engineering schools in the UK. It has an excellent reputation for teaching and research, and its graduates are highly sought after by employers. The university offers a wide range of engineering programs, from electrical and electronic engineering to mechanical engineering.
Studying in this historic town will mean that you always have something to keep you entertained outside of your studies. And the stunning city-centre campus means that you'll always be close to the action.
The University of Birmingham is another top choice for students looking to study engineering in the UK. The university has a world-class reputation for teaching and research, and its graduates are highly sought after by employers. The university offers a wide range of engineering programs, from electrical and electronic engineering to mechanical engineering.
Birmingham is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do, and the university's central location means that you'll be close to all the action.
Operating since 1883, Cardiff University is located in the capital city of Wales. The School of Engineering has been ranked 4th in the UK for employability and 9th for research intensity.
The university offers a range of undergraduate programmes including Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. There are also joint honours programmes available which combine engineering with other subjects such as business, mathematics or physics.
Cardiff University has strong links with industry and there are many opportunities for students to gain work experience through placements and internships. The university is also home to a number of research centres including the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.
King’s College London is a world-renowned institution with a long history of academic excellence. It was founded in 1829 by King George IV and the Duke of Wellington and has since become one of the most prestigious universities in the UK.
The college specialises in engineering, with a strong focus on research. It has produced many notable alumni, including several Nobel laureates.
The University of Bristol is a red brick research university located in Bristol, United Kingdom. It received its royal charter in 1909, although like the University of the West of England and the University of Bath, it can trace its roots back to the Merchant Venturers' Technical College, founded as a school in 1595 by the Society of Merchant Venturers.
The university has an excellent reputation for teaching and research, and its alumni include several Nobel laureates, successful entrepreneurs and astronauts. In 2019, Bristol was ranked 31st in the world (and 4th in Europe) for engineering technology by THE World University Rankings.
Warwick was founded in 1965 as Britain's first plate glass university. Today, Warwick is a world-leading university, ranked 7th in the UK for employability and 9th in Europe.
The School of Engineering at Warwick is one of the most highly respected in the country, with an excellent reputation for teaching and research. The school offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in engineering and related subjects.
Undergraduate courses include Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Manufacturing Systems Engineering.
Postgraduate courses include: MScs in Advanced Mechanical Engineering, Sustainable Automotive Technologies, Manufacturing Systems Management; an MBA with a focus on Automotive Industry Management; and PhDs in a variety of engineering and related disciplines.
The University of Warwick is located in the heart of England, close to the city of Coventry. The university campus is just a short train journey from London, making it easy for students to explore all that the UK has to offer.
