UK's Best Engineering Universities - Ranked
Do you like to solve problems with creative solutions? Have you ever taken something apart just to understand how it all goes back together again?
Engineering may be a great choice for you when obtaining your university degree!
Not only that, but getting an engineering degree sets you up to be highly employable in a field with unlimited job opportunities. Who doesn’t love that?
The UK is a great place to study engineering, thanks to a plethora of universities with sterling reputations and rich histories. But there are so many top universities for engineering in the UK that it might feel overwhelming when it comes to selecting the right one for you.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best engineering universities in the UK, which will hopefully help you to make a more informed decision.
1. University of Cambridge
We all know that the University of Cambridge has an incredibly distinguished international reputation in general, and its tendency for excellence continues when it comes to engineering.
Cambridge University’s Department of Engineering, the largest department in the entire university, makes it to number one in our list of the best engineering universities in the UK as it brings together various different fields of engineering.
When you study engineering at Cambridge, you can expect prestigious research departments, cutting edge facilities, and some world-class teachers.
In spite of the antiquity of Cambridge University, the teaching style is nothing short of innovative.
You’ll get the best out of your degree thanks to the modern teaching style of the learned professors here, whether you’re looking to study undergraduate or postgraduate programmes.
2. University of Oxford
Staying up there with the big guns, we’re moving on to the University of Oxford, another of the top universities for engineering in the UK.
The Department of Engineering Science at Oxford is right there at the forefront of engineering research, making it easy to see why Oxford is ranked in the top three engineering universities worldwide.
If you’re looking for the best aeronautical engineering universities in the UK, then look no further than Oxford. There are a range of engineering disciplines to study, amongst them Aerospace.
The reputable research-oriented engineering department worldwide aims to teach students to use cutting-edge technology to generate new scientific achievements.
The research facilities at Oxford are second to none, and there’s an emphasis on interdisciplinary work between science faculties. You get to brush shoulders with some of the leading minds as the renowned professors hand on their expertise to you, as well forming strong links with real-life industry leaders.
3. Imperial College London
Next up on our list of the best engineering universities in the UK is Imperial College London.
The Faculty of Engineering at Imperial College London is regularly amongst the top-ranking players in the league table rankings and is undeniably one of the best engineering colleges in the world.
ICL is among the global leaders in education and engineering research and cultivates the next generation of talent and leading research in the field.
Studying engineering at Imperial College London means engaging in multidisciplinary collaborations under the leadership of reputable scholars and researchers from around the world.
There are lots of disciplines to study in the Faculty of Engineering. Aeronautics, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computing, Design Engineering, Earth Science and Engineering, Materials and Mechanical Engineering are all on the menu.
The university puts particular emphasis on leading the way with research to tackle some global challenges such as manufacturing and security systems. And if you’re hoping to study Biomedical Engineering in the UK, the Imperial College should be your first port of call.
4. University of Manchester
Next up on our rundown of engineering university ranking in the UK is the University of Manchester.
Manchester University’s Department of Engineering is among the top ranking engineering colleges in the world.
Students at Manchester Uni are taught by a variety of faculty members, many of whom are leading scholars and researchers in their field, so you know you’re learning from the best.
At Manchester you can enjoy access to state-of-the-art training labs for hands-on training, and make the most of links to more than 70 research centres.
There are a multitude of engineering courses available, both undergraduate and postgraduate.
Amongst the engineering departments running at the Faculty of Science and Engineering are: the School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Computer Science, School of Materials.
5. University of Surrey
Looking for a modern engineering university that will prepare you for the real working world with all the necessary skills for the profession? Surrey is the one for you.
The School of Engineering of the University of Surrey has been a pioneer in leading research activity for years now, and is committed to teaching the next generation of engineers how to tackle the biggest engineering challenges of the 21st century.
Studying here, you’ll be taught by leading academics and researchers in a variety of study disciplines of your choice.
6. University of Warwick
The School of Engineering at Warwick University offers some fantastic innovative and interdisciplinary engineering courses.
Whether you’re interested in automotive, civil, electronic, manufacturing, mechanical, or systems engineering, there’s bound to be something that attracts you to this Russell Group university.
Warwick is a great place to get a solid background in engineering, before going on to specialise in your chosen field.
What’s more, the engineering curriculum perfectly blends theory and practice. At Warwick, you get the opportunity to carry out hands-on experiments, which give you a sense of what it feels like to work on some of the real-life challenges you’ll face as an engineer.
Warwick’s School of Engineering has an impressive track record for student satisfaction, and was ranked 5th for General Engineering in the Guardian University League Table for 2020.
7. University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is famous for being a wonderful place to study at university, and the School of Engineering has a well-earned global reputation, with a broad range of courses combining theory and practice.
Edinburgh ranked first place for Engineering in the 2018 Research Excellence Framework (REF) review, and if you take a look at the multitude of specialist departments on offer, you can understand why.
The School consists of several engineering departments with different focuses, including Chemical Engineering, General Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electronics and Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
Studying at what is undoubtedly one of the top universities for engineering in the UK, Edinburgh will allow you to conduct research activities to give you the best preparation and formation for your professional pathway.
8. University of Bristol
The most impressive thing about the Faculty of Engineering at Bristol University is the variety of departments in operation.
One of the most prominent Aerospace Engineering universities in the UK, Bristol also has departments in: Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Engineering Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering. Among its research activities, we can mention Digital Health, Smart Cities, Composite Materials, Quantum Photonics, Security and Nuclear Engineering.
Not to mention the doctoral training centres in Quantum Engineering, Neuroscience, IDC- Systems, IDC-Composite Manufacture and so on.
Whatever your personal interest may be, you’re almost guaranteed to find a course that suits you here.
When you choose to study at Bristol Uni, not only will you benefit from the range of choice on offer, but also from the depth of academic expertise and the chance to engage in real-life projects.
9. University of Swansea
Another of the most outstanding Aerospace Engineering universities in the UK, the University of Swansea’s College of Engineering is recognised as a serious engineering contender.
Its ample selection of study programmes, modern facilities and world-class academic staff make Swansea a smart choice for anyone serious about an engineering career.
Some of the departments that make up Swansea’s College of Engineering are: Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Engineering, Sport and Exercise Science, Leadership & Management and Nanotechnology.
10. University of Leeds
There are five schools that make up the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Leeds: the School of Chemical and Process Engineering, the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, the School of Civil Engineering, the School of Mechanical Engineering, and the School of Computing.
That fact alone means that Leeds Uni boasts one of the largest engineering groupings in the UK, and also means that the university has a supply of a staggering 700 world-class professors.
Up there with the best universities for software engineering in the UK, it’s also considered to be one of the best mechanical engineering universities in the UK.
Whatever discipline you prefer, you’ll have a positive student experience as Leeds is very student-focused when it comes to strategy and policy.
What’s more, Leeds University has ties to a number of leading engineering employers, having established a number of cooperation contracts to facilitate a smooth transition to the working world for talented students.
Now that you’ve had a look at our whistle-stop tour of some of the best engineering universities in the UK, hopefully you’ll have more of an idea of where to start. The next step, once you know which city you want to study in, is to find some amazing student accommodation to call your home from home, get student finances sorted, and then you’re set for the adventure of your life! Enjoy!