- guardian.co.uk, Thursday 1 May 2008 01.09 BST
Photograph: Frank Baron
What will I learn?
Engineering degrees cover all things related to developing, providing and maintaining infrastructure, products and services that society needs - from researching how to manufacture a product to building bridges and roads.
Students will find themselves studying all, or part, of the life cycle of a product, from conception and design to creation. Science and maths will be the core ingredients, but you will be required to be innovative and know how to use your creative flair within a legal and ethical framework, and in budget.
For chemical engineering students this means looking at how the practical elements of chemistry can be used to manufacture goods - and when you look at it, chemical engineering has played a part in the production of most things you use on a daily basis, from the toothpaste you used on your teeth this morning to the cleaning product you'll use to clean the sink this weekend.
What skills will it give me?
Lots. Not only will you have acquired the specific skills to your related engineering discipline, but you'll have learned the practical steps of taking your ideas from the drawing board to the real world. You will know how to solve problems and overcome obstacles, particularly when it comes to considering the social and ethical difficulties your work could create. You will know how to work within a budget, be numerate and have good computing skills.
You'll also have an understanding of the legal implications of engineering (health and safety) and how to manage risk, particularly in terms of the environment.
Engineering will involve plenty of teamwork, so will acquire the ability to argue your ideas, analyse those of others and be able to work towards a common goal.
You should be able to identify customer needs and ensure that your work is fit for purpose.
Chances are you'll get to work on real-life problems, and will probably do a spot of work experience, so you'll have a good idea of how the industry operates.
What job can I get?
Chemical engineers are among some of the highest earners in engineering. Because of the nature of your degree, you will have the tools to walk into a firm and pretty much get on with the job straight away.
You shouldn't have too many problems getting a job either. Graduates often find work in large engineering firms or food and pharmaceutical companies.
What will look good on the CV?
· A knowledge and understanding of scientific and mathematic principles
· The ability to define and develop an economically viable product
· An understanding of the commercial and economic context of engineering processes.
· For the full range of skills you can develop through a degree in engineering click here (pdf).
