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Which Course / University?
There are many universities offering degrees in mechanical engineering and there is a wide variation in the types of courses and specialisms offered within these degrees, so it is a good idea to check the prospectuses carefully before applying. It is possible to do joint honours with a range of other subjects both sciences and arts including business and language courses. It is important that you ensure that your degree is an accredited course recognised by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. There are three-year courses, which are full time and usually lead to a BEng qualification. There are also four-year courses leading to a MEng qualification. In order to become chartered you need to have completed at least four years of academic study.
If you take a BEng degree it is possible to add a further year of specialised study known as a Matching Section. There are also sandwich courses available that include a year spent in industry gaining practical work experience. In order to become a chartered mechanical engineer you need to spend a period of time gaining approved work experience after graduating known as Initial Professional Development (IPD). This usually lasts for at least four years, after which you can apply to become chartered.
For a list of UK Universities running Mechanical Engineering courses, log on to the UCAS website: www.ucas.co.uk. A list of IMechE accredited courses can be found at: www.imeche.org.uk/profdev/degree_accreditation.htm
Earnings Potential
Graduates should expect to earn in the region of £18,000 +. This can rise to £40,000 and above with experience.
Finding a job in engineering
Many jobs are still obtained through the traditional method of advertising - in papers, on the Internet, in careers publications etc. Professional Engineering, the publication produced by Professional Engineering Publishing, offers on average 40 pages of engineering advertisements per fortnightly issue, the details are also found on their website: www.professionalcareers.net. The IMechE also produces 'Engineering Opportunities' an annual publication targeted at students and graduates, which lists companies offering employment and training programmes.
Career Benefits
The mechanical engineering professional can, and should, aim high in their career aspirations. The recent Engineering Council report identifies that engineers and scientists hold more than quarter of leading executive positions in FTSE 100 companies (as of 3 December 2001).
Here to help you
The IMechE is here to help you. At each university running IMechE accredited degrees there is an Academic Liaison Officer (ALO). They are there to help you with your questions, to give advice & provide knowledge. To find out whom the ALO is at your chosen university, email: education@imeche.org.uk. For further information about membership of the IMechE please contact the Membership department, tel: 0845 226 9191, email: membership@imeche.org.uk.