- guardian.co.uk, Thursday 1 May 2008 01.09 BST
Photograph: AFP
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 electronic and electrical engineering students this could mean working on some of the more cutting edge areas of engineering, such as computer architecture, communications technology, e-commerce and perhaps even nanotechnology. Electrical generation and supply will also be a key feature of your degree. Expect a heavier emphasis on computing than in other engineering degrees.
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 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 works.
What job can I get?
You'll have a good range of skills for work in a number of areas. Obvious choices will be in electronics companies, telecommunications firms or satellite businesses.
Work in the construction industry is another option, perhaps in consultancy, or for a security firm, which often need new ways of protecting property and systems.
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).
