Pathways into engineering
Pathways into engineering
How to become an engineer in the UK: choose a discipline, pick a route (degree, apprenticeship or T Level), take the right subjects, and get the experience and funding that open doors.
01 Choose a discipline
Choose an engineering discipline
The main branches of engineering: what engineers in each one do, what they earn and how to get in.
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Civil engineering
As part of our new series of resources on Engineering Career paths, we are doing a deep dive into Civil Engineering and…
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Mechanical engineering
Being an engineer is not just one profession but covers those working in many different engineering fields. Over the coming weeks we…
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Electrical engineering
Have you ever used a mobile phone, cooked your food in a microwave, or flicked the lights on a dark winter morning?…
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Electronic engineering
Once considered a subset of electrical engineering, electronic and electronic systems engineering has now emerged as an essential field in its own…
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Automation engineering
As technology continues to evolve, the field of engineering has seen significant growth, especially in the area of automation engineering. Automation engineering…
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02 Choose a route
Routes into engineering
Degrees, apprenticeships, T Levels and vocational qualifications: how each route into engineering works and who it suits.
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Degree apprenticeship
The introduction of degree-level apprenticeships means it’s now possible to gain an equivalent qualification while learning on the job. Both pathways have…
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Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship can be a valuable and rewarding route into an engineering career if you’re interested in earning while you learn. The…
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Vocational qualifications
It’s not helped by the fact that the UK government is making a number of ongoing reforms to vocational qualifications, with a…
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Placements and years in industry
If you find yourself studying towards an engineering degree, it’s possible you will be required to undertake work placement or a year…
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03 Choose your subjects
Subjects for engineering
The A levels, IB and Scottish qualifications that lead into engineering, and why each one helps.
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Maths
In many ways, maths is THE foundation of engineering. In fact you might say that, if there were a universal language that…
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Physics
If you dream of becoming a civil, mechanical or aerospace engineer, Physics A-Level is required for most courses; chemical engineering usually needs…
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Chemistry
The clue is in the name. Chemistry is a worthwhile A-Level to consider if you’re thinking of studying a degree and/or pursuing…
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Biology
Thinking of a future in engineering? You may be considering A-levels in physics, maths, or computing. But don’t overlook another important subject…
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Computer science
For students interested in pursuing software, computer systems or informatics engineering at university, choosing Computer Science at A-Level can set you up…
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Geography
Geography allows you to study the physical world and how humans interact with it. While it’s technically a science, it also encompasses…
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International Baccalaureate
If you’re currently studying for your International Baccalaureate Diploma and you think you might be interested in an engineering career, then we’ve…
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Scottish Baccalaureate
The Scottish Baccalaureate in Science is a comprehensive qualification, designed to provide aspiring engineers with a rigorous and rewarding educational experience during…
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04 Get experience and funding
Engineering work experience and funding
Work experience, competitions, clubs, scholarships and applications: how to stand out and pay for your studies.
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Work experience
Starting in September 2026, schools will change how they handle work experience. The Department for Education updated its careers guidance on 23…
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Competitions
The Longitude Explorer Prize Longitude Explorer is a youth focused challenge for secondary school pupils (and constituted youth groups) aged 11-16, which…
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Clubs and extracurriculars
Whilst there is a lot of demand for engineers and STEM graduates in the UK job market, that doesn’t change the fact…
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Scholarships and funding
Engineering scholarships remain one of the best-kept secrets in UK education. While headlines focus on student debt, a quiet network of professional…
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CVs and applications
Engineering roles require a set of strong technical and transferable skills, and showcasing these on your CV is the first important step…
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Next step
Find work experience, summer schools and scholarships
Opportunities for Years 10 to 13, sorted by closing date and checked every week.