In Hong Kong, traditionally, careers in medicine, law, and accounting have been seen as the most prestigious and stable. Engineering, however, has not been included in this revered list. Nonetheless, as the status and professional qualifications of engineers have gained increasing recognition in recent years, with rising incomes to match, many now see engineering as one of the most stable careers. The UK is globally renowned for its engineering education, producing first-class engineering talents, making it a popular choice for many students from Hong Kong studying civil or mechanical engineering. Cyclopes will explore the advantages of studying engineering in the UK, the options available, and the future career prospects.
Source:Freepik
What are the Advantages of Studying Engineering in the UK?
The UK boasts a long and celebrated history in engineering education, known worldwide for its quality. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, three of the top ten universities globally for engineering and technology are based in the UK: the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
According to a 2018 report by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board in the UK, 67.6% of engineering graduates secure a full-time job within six months of graduation, and 13.3% obtain part-time roles. With an expected retirement of over 90,000 engineers by 2026, which accounts for 19.56% of the workforce, the demand for engineers is set to keep rising.
UK universities offer flexible engineering degree programs, whether in civil or mechanical engineering, with many providing full-time, part-time, and sandwich courses (which include a year in industry). This structure allows students to gain valuable work experience during their studies, enhancing their employment prospects post-graduation.
A Variety of Engineering Disciplines Offered by UK Universities
UK universities offer a vast range of engineering disciplines covering many fields:
- General Engineering: Involves the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of machinery and structures, ranging from nanotechnology to hydroelectric power.
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering: Focuses on electric power and electronics, applicable from urban planning to product design.
- Mechanical Engineering: Based on physics, mathematics, and material science to design, analyze, and maintain mechanical systems.
- Chemical Engineering: Studies the chemical and physical processes in the chemical industry, transforming raw materials into useful substances.
- Civil Engineering: Designs and constructs infrastructure projects such as transport, water, and energy systems.
- Computer Engineering: Integrates hardware and software technologies to solve various engineering issues.
Source: Freepik
Can I Work as an Engineer in Hong Kong with a UK Engineering Degree?
UK engineering degrees are categorized into BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) and MEng (Master of Engineering). The BEng is a three-year program, whereas the MEng is a four-year program offering deeper knowledge and skills, ideal for those aiming to become Chartered Engineers. After completing an MEng, graduates can participate in the 'Scheme A' graduate training program by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), accumulating four years of work experience and passing professional examinations to qualify as engineers in Hong Kong.
Job Prospects
The demand for engineers is significant, especially in the mechanical and electronics sectors, where engineers play key roles in business and industry. Graduates with a UK engineering degree are competitive in the global market, typically finding relevant jobs swiftly.
Source: Freepik
Entry Requirements for Engineering Programs
UK universities offer both BEng and MEng programs. Typically, a BEng is a standard three-year engineering degree. Graduates of BEng are well-trained and experienced enough to apply to become Incorporated Engineers. To become a Chartered Engineer, however, an MEng is necessary. MEng programs are usually four years long, with some universities allowing students to switch between BEng and MEng in the early stages of the course. The MEng degree is also better suited for students seeking deeper knowledge and skills in specialized areas.
Common entry requirements for engineering programs in the UK include:
- DSE Requirement: 555, with some schools requiring a grade of 5 in M2 and Physics
- A-Level Requirement: AAB, including Mathematics and Physics
- IELTS Requirement: Overall score of 7.0, with no less than 6.5 in any component
Exploring Overseas Education Prospects
Choosing to study engineering in the UK not only provides access to top-tier education but also valuable internship experiences, laying a solid foundation for future career development. Whether you're interested in mechanical or civil engineering, having a UK degree makes engineers highly competitive in the global market, making it a worthwhile career path to consider. If you have any questions about studying abroad, feel free to contact the Cyclopes educational consultancy team for tailored advice.