Study engineering

What is engineering?

Engineering is based around problem-solving. It focuses on the design, building, testing and use of machines, structures and engines.

Using a combination of science and mathematics, engineering helps to find solutions for challenges and problems to advance human life.

There are four common fields of engineering: electrical, civil, chemical and mechanical.

Fields of engineering

Within the four common types of engineering, there are a variety of specialisms. These focus on specific aspects of engineering. Some of these specialist fields include:

• Aerospace - focusing on design and construction of aircraft
• Agricultural - covering all aspects of agriculture, such as farming machinery and biofuels
• Automotive – incorporating elements from other engineering fields, it concentrates on designing, developing and manufacturing vehicles
• Biomedical - aiming to improve the standard of care for healthcare patients
• Computer - combining electronic engineering and computer science to develop computer systems
• Environmental - seeking to improve the quality of air, water and soil
• Architectural - designing buildings to improve our standard of living
• Mining - focusing on extracting and processing minerals
• Robotics - concentrating on the operation of robots and automated systems
• Marine - looking at the design and construction of boats, ships and underwater craft
• Nuclear - dealing with the application of nuclear energy

Why study engineering?

Engineering is a fascinating subject, and there are many reasons to study it at university:

Employability

Engineering is a growing and advancing industry, which constantly requires skilled workers. Graduates who hold engineering degrees are highly employable, and sought-after by companies in many different industries. Some areas, such as electronics and nuclear, are more in demand than others. 

With new problems and challenges facing human life, the need for different engineering specialisms can change at any point. With an engineering degree you will gain a number of transferable skills, desired by a variety of employers and industries, which will enable you to work in areas not directly linked with engineering.

Improve the world

With the skills and knowledge you obtain through studying engineering at university, you can help to solve everyday problems and challenges. You will contribute to society through the construction of new buildings and structures, or through new pieces of technology.

International opportunities

Engineers are in demand globally. Many international companies look for talented engineers, giving you the chance to explore the world. Whether it is working for a top mining or energy company, developing a city’s infrastructure or working on space exploration technology, the opportunities are endless.

Degree preparation at the International Study Centre

We offer a number of courses leading to degrees in engineering at the University of Sussex. The University of Sussex International Study provides you with the academic and English language skills to pursue an Engineering degree at the University.

Which course should I study for engineering?

Science and Engineering

Boost your scientific and engineering knowledge with an exciting pathway programme at the University of Sussex International Study Centre. Succeed in science at Sussex.

Engineering

Delve into the world of engineering with our pathway programme at the International Study Centre. You will study a range of modules that will give you the academic and study skills you need to succeed in your degree.

Science and Engineering

Want to study STEM at a an innovative, research-led university? Discover the Pre-Masters pathway programme at the Sussex International Study Centre to unlock your scientific potential.

Degree options at the University of Sussex

There are a variety of degrees you can study at the University of Sussex once you have completed the relevant pathway at the International Study Centre.

Undergraduate degrees

Degree progression from the International Foundation Year:

• Automotive Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Automotive Engineering MEng
• Automotive Engineering (with an industrial placement year) BEng (Hons)
• Automotive Engineering (with an industrial placement year) MEng
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering (with an industrial placement year) BEng (Hons)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering (with an industrial placement year) MEng
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Robotics BEng (Hons)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Robotics MEng
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Robotics (with an industrial placement year) BEng (Hons)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Robotics (with an industrial placement year) MEng
• Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Mechanical Engineering MEng
• Mechanical Engineering (with an industrial placement year) BEng (Hons)
• Mechanical Engineering (with an industrial placement year) MEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Robotics BEng (Hons)
• Mechanical Engineering with Robotics MEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Robotics (with an industrial placement year) BEng (Hons)
• Mechanical Engineering with Robotics (with an industrial placement year) MEng
• Astrophysics MPhys
• Physics BSc (Hons)
• Physics MPhys
• Physics (with an industrial placement year) BSc (Hons)
• Physics with Astrophysics BSc (Hons)
• Physics with Astrophysics MPhys
• Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons)
• Theoretical Physics MPhys
• Mathematics BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics MMath
• Mathematics with Economics BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics with Economics MMath
• Mathematics with Finance BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics with Finance MMath

Degree progression from the International Year One:

• Mechanical Engineering with Robotics (with an industrial placement year) MEng (Hons) 
• Mechanical Engineering with Robotics (with an industrial placement year) BEng (Hons)
• Automotive Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Automotive Engineering MEng (Hons)
• Automotive Engineering with an industrial placement year MEng (Hons)
• Automotive Engineering with an industrial placement year BEng (Hons)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng (Hons)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering with an industrial placement year BEng (Hons)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering with an industrial placement year MEng (Hons)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Robotics BEng (Hons)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Robotics MEng (Hons)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Robotics (with an industrial placement year) MEng (Hons)
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Robotics (with an industrial placement year) BEng (Hons)
• Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
• Mechanical Engineering MEng (Hons)
• Mechanical Engineering with an industrial placement year MEng (Hons)
• Mechanical Engineering with an industrial placement year BEng (Hons)
• Mechanical Engineering with Robotics BEng (Hons)
• Mechanical Engineering with Robotics MEng (Hons

Postgraduate degrees

Progression from the Pre-Masters Programme:

• MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering
• MSc Engineering Business Management

Why study engineering at the University of Sussex?

Studying engineering at the University of Sussex means you will be part of the world-class School of Engineering and Informatics. You will have access to cutting-edge facilities, including a student hub with high-spec computers and project workspaces, and the Future Technologies Lab, with leading robotics and technology equipment. You will join a Department that is globally recognised for the quality of its research, with 90% of its research categorised as world-leading or internationally excellent in the most recent UK Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

Throughout your studies, you will develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in your chosen area. You could specialise in unique areas offered by the university to expand your options. For example, you could study Mechanical and Electrical Engineering with Robotics.

Real-world projects

With careers help and support from the University, you will be sought-after by employers. During your engineering degree, you will take part in the Global Design Challenge - a unique module of your degree that will see you tackle real-world design problems. You will also have the opportunity to get involved in the design and production of a single seat racing car – which will go on to race other university teams from across the UK at the famous at Silverstone Circuit.

Graduates from The Department of Engineering and Design have gone on to work for prestigious global companies such as Dyson and Jaguar.

Industry recognition 

The University of Sussex is fully credited with both IMechE (Institute of Mechanical Engineers) and IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology), and as proud members of the Women's Engineering Society we are committed to advancing equality in the engineering industry.

Engineering graduate job prospects

Depending on the engineering degree you choose to study, you will be able to pursue a range of engineering roles. The skills and academic knowledge gained from an engineering degree make you desirable for both engineering and non-engineering roles. With a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Sussex, your career is on the right path.

Some of the industries you could work in as an engineer include:

• Automotive
• Defence and security
• Agriculture
• Energy
• Manufacturing
• Sustainability and environmental

“From an academic point of view, Sussex is a really good place for Mechanical Engineering. They have really good teachers, they have all the facilities you need, such as labs and instruments. Whenever you want to work, we have 24-hour access to the libraries.’’

Talal from Pakistan
Studied International Foundation Year in Engineering and Mathematics
Graduated with Mechanical Engineering BSc