Have you always loved tinkering, building, and figuring out how things work? Do you find yourself sketching new inventions or losing track of time solving complex maths problems?
If so, studying engineering at university could let you turn your passion into a career.
But before your engineering dreams can become reality, there are some entry requirements you need to meet and qualifications you need to achieve. This blog post will give you the clue on getting into an engineering degree course in the UK.
Let’s dive in!
Maths and Science A Levels
To get into most engineering courses in the UK, universities want to see certain A level subjects on your application.
The two subjects that open the most doors are Maths and Physics. They provide crucial foundations for the complex calculations and scientific principles you’ll cover in an engineering degree.
Some universities may also want to see Chemistry, especially for certain types of engineering like chemical, biomedical or materials engineering.
Doing well in Chemistry A level demonstrates you can handle the lab work and technical analysis involved in engineering.
Beyond the core science subjects, here are some other A level options universities may consider:
- Further Maths – taking this alongside Maths really strengthens your application and prepares you for the level of maths needed for engineering. Some highly mathematical degrees like engineering maths may require it.
- Biology – useful for biomedical engineering courses and demonstrating your scientific aptitude
- Computer Science – gives a head start with the programming and tech skills needed for many engineering disciplines
- Electronics or Design & Technology – shows you have technical and practical abilities relevant to engineering
The key is choosing subjects that develop the skills and knowledge engineering degrees will build upon. Admissions tutors want to see evidence you have an aptitude for technical, mathematical subjects.
Top grades in your chosen A levels will also boost your chances – think A’s or B’s. This shows you have the capacity to cope with the demands of an engineering degree.
But don’t panic if you don’t have traditional A levels – read on to learn about alternative qualifications.
GCSEs
Alongside your post-16 qualifications, universities want to see certain GCSEs, usually including:
- Maths – Minimum grade B/6 required at Higher Tier for most universities
- English Language
- Science – Sometimes specified as Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Combined Science
These subjects may seem basic compared to your advanced studies, but they provide core skills needed for degree-level work.
Having Maths and English Language GCSE shows you have fundamental competencies in numeracy, analysis, reading and writing. Crucial when handling complex engineering concepts and assignments!
Science GCSEs demonstrate baseline scientific knowledge to build upon. Universities are likely to make any offer of a place conditional on you achieving specific GCSE grades.
So even if you’re acing your A levels, don’t neglect revising for GCSEs. They’re still an important piece of the engineering degree puzzle.
UCAS Points
University engineering courses state their entry requirements as total UCAS tariff points you need from your qualifications.
Here are the typical requirements:
- 112 points from 3 A levels (e.g. ABB)
- 104-160 points from a mix of 2 A levels (e.g. AB) and 1 BTEC (e.g. DDD*)
- 32-48 points from an Access to Higher Education Diploma
It’s up to you to tally up your total points from AS levels, A levels, BTECs, and any other qualifications you’re taking. Consult UCAS’ tariff tables to check how many points each grade is worth.
The more prestigious universities tend to ask for over 100 points from just 2 A levels. For Oxford or Cambridge you’d need around 140 points from 3 or 4 A levels.
Crunching the numbers is a balancing act – choose qualifications that maximise your points while demonstrating aptitude for engineering.
Winning Personal Statement and Reference
Alongside your grades, your UCAS personal statement and teacher reference help admissions tutors gauge whether you’re a good fit for their engineering course.
Use your personal statement to:
- Explain what sparked your passion for engineering – was it fixing gadgets as a child or work experience with a local firm? Share your story.
- Highlight any hobbies, achievements or skills that demonstrate analytical or technical abilities – e.g. programming experience, entering national science competitions.
- Talk about the specific engineering degree and university you’re applying to and why it appeals – show you’ve done your research!
- Discuss your future goals – e.g. gaining chartered engineer status or starting your own tech company. Show you’re driven and ambitious.
Ask a teacher who knows you well, like your Maths or Physics teacher, to write your academic reference. They can vouch for talents like:
- Strong mathematical ability even when tackling challenging concepts
- Methodical approach to science experiments and investigations
- Passion for learning about technology and engineering
- Potential to thrive on a demanding engineering degree
A detailed reference backing up your personal statement can make your application stand out from the crowd.
Interviews and Admissions Tests
For some competitive engineering degrees, you may need to attend an admissions test or interview. This gives universities another way to assess your technical skills beyond exam results alone.
Here are some common tests engineering applicants face:
- STEP – Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing offers STEP Maths and Physics exams. These test problem-solving skills under time pressure. Required by Cambridge and some other top universities.
- Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) – Assesses your ability to solve problems, spot patterns and interpret data. Marks aren’t included in offers but a high score could strengthen your application.
Admissions interviews involve detailed questions probing your scientific knowledge, analytical abilities, passion for the subject, and problem-solving process.
Be ready to talk confidently about any relevant reading you’ve done, engineers who inspire you, and any hands-on engineering or tech projects you’ve worked on.
Prepare thoroughly and these tests or interviews could help convince top universities you’ve got what it takes to tackle their engineering degree.
Alternative Routes to Engineering Degrees
If circumstances meant you couldn’t take A levels, there are still several routes into engineering degrees:
- BTECs – These vocational qualifications are widely accepted, especially if combined with an A level in Maths. Relevant BTEC subjects include Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science or Design & Technology.
- Online A Levels – Distance learning A levels have become more popular in recent years. Many universities accept A levels from approved online providers, as long as you take the supervised final exams. This option allows more flexibility if you’re juggling other commitments.
- International Baccalaureate – The IB Diploma carries a lot of weight for UK university applications. You’ll usually need Maths and at least one science subject at Higher Level. Overall scores of 30+ strengthen your application.
- Access to Higher Education – These Diplomas prepare you for degree study if you don’t meet the traditional entry route. Complete an Access course specialising in Engineering, Science or Maths to build relevant skills.
The key is choosing qualification options that demonstrate mathematical, scientific and technical abilities needed for engineering. Admissions tutors will assess the rigour of the curriculum and your achievements within it.
If you smash your BTEC assignments or get top marks in your online A level Maths final exam, your potential to succeed on an engineering degree will shine through.
Take Action!
If studying engineering at university has always been your dream, you clearly have the dedication and determination needed to achieve it.
Believe in yourself and your abilities.
Follow your curiosity, apply yourself fully, and your efforts will be rewarded with the opportunity to turn your engineering passion into a career.
Also Read: Innovative Engineering Packaging Solutions for Modern Businesses
