Engineering is a field that relies heavily on mathematics. It's often said that if you want to be an engineer, you need to be good at maths. But is this really the case? Can you do engineering without further maths? The answer is yes – but it depends on what type of engineering you want to study.
If you're interested in studying civil or structural engineering, for example, then you will need to have a background in maths. However, if you want to study electrical or software engineering, then you might not need strong maths skills. Read on to learn more about the link between maths and engineering.
Engineering is the application of science and mathematics to create solutions for practical problems. Engineers use their knowledge and skills to design, build, and operate systems, machines, and structures.
There are many different types of engineering, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, and more. The type of engineering you study will determine your career path, so it's important to choose the path that best suits your natural skills and abilities.
There are many different types of engineering degrees available in the UK, each with its unique set of requirements. This includes:
One question that students often ask is whether or not they need to take further maths in order to study engineering. The answer to this question depends on the type of engineering degree you want to study. For the majority of these courses, you will need to study further mathematics as one of your A-Levels (or equivalent) in order to progress onto the degree.
As mentioned above, the requirements for each type of engineering degree vary. In general, the following engineering degrees do not require further maths:
This is not to say that maths skills will not be useful in these degree programmes, but they typically aren't a requirement to be able to join the course. However, for the majority of other types of engineering degrees, you will need further maths as an A-Level (or equivalent). This includes:
If you're not sure what type of engineering degree you want to study, or if you need further maths for your chosen course, it's always best to check with the university or college that you're interested in attending. They will be able to advise you on the specific requirements for their programmes.
While most engineering degrees will require further maths, there are some that can be studied without this particular A-Level. If you're not sure whether or not you want to study further maths, or if you don't think it's the right subject for you, there are still options available. You could choose an engineering course that does not require higher maths, or you could join the profession through an apprenticeship.
As an apprentice, you would be working and training in your chosen profession while also studying towards a qualification. This could be a great option if you're not sure whether or not you want to commit to a full degree programme.
Apprenticeships are available in a variety of engineering disciplines, including:
This would be one route into engineering without further maths, which can be a relief to those who feel they chose the wrong subjects in college but don't want this to derail their career plans.