- 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.
A degree in general engineering is for those who want to see what it's all about before choosing to specialise. You will get a basic introduction to each specific engineering discipline, developing your science, maths and computing skills to see how they can solve practical problems - the core ingredient for any degree in this field. Some four-year courses that lead to a masters qualification will offer two years of general study followed by two in a particular specialism, which is ideal for those torn, say, between civil and electrical engineering.
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?
Because you've kept your options open you'll have a wider choice when it comes to finding work. Jobs can be found in particularly engineering firms, local and central government, financial companies and in other work that involves problem solving. The ethical and environmental aspects of engineering degrees could make you an attractive prospect for a not for profit organisation or charity.
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).
