Subject area: Engineering

Introducing Engineering

If you enjoy mathematics and science, like to solve problems and work as a team, then engineering could be for you.

Engineers are at the forefront of innovation. We contribute to:

• the transition to a zero-carbon future
• next generation materials, processes and biofuels
• devices for medical diagnosis and treatment
• data-driven innovation
• robotics and AI systems
• making infrastructure and the environment safer and healthier

It is an exciting, hands-on subject that inspires you to challenge the way things are done, to think creatively and develop solutions that could genuinely make a difference to the world.

Study with us and your experience will be a stimulating one. We foster an environment of interdisciplinarity and innovation. We encourage curiosity, teamwork, and will equip you with the knowledge and skills you will need to excel in the workplaces of tomorrow.

Engineers reimagine the future to build a better world.

Join us to be part of it.

Our disciplines

Modern engineering is a multidisciplinary field. Your programme will include material from one or more of our four disciplines:

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers drive sustainable innovation at scale. They help make the world a better place by using scientific principles to design and operate clean, safe and sustainable processes that transform materials and help tackle tomorrow’s grand challenges.

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Civil engineers shape our built environment. They enable taller skyscrapers, net zero buildings and more efficient transport networks in the busiest cities, or bring fresh water and reliable infrastructure to the remotest parts of the planet.

Electronics and Electrical Engineering

Electronics and electrical engineers pioneer change in the modern technologies that underpin our world. They create more powerful, efficient and universal products, systems and materials, from the nano to the macro scale, addressing the future needs of societies locally and across the globe.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers turn ideas into realities, by creating systems and machines, generating movement and power. They lead technological advancements across diverse industries, instigating more efficient, safe and affordable designs and pushing the boundaries of modern manufacturing and automation.

General Engineering (H100)

Keep your options open by applying for H100 Engineering. This first year programme covers all four teaching areas to give you an insight into engineering as a whole and help you find your area of interest to focus on for the remainder of your degree.

Second-year entry

Suitably qualified applicants can opt for direct entry into Year 2. Your studies will be more focused by taking this route and allows you to complete a BEng degree in three years - comparable to the rest of the UK.

Please note that you cannot apply for direct entry into Year 2 for:

• General Engineering (H100)
• Electronics and Computer Science
• Structural Engineering with Architecture

Accreditation

All our MEng programmes are accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

All of our BEng programmes are accredited as partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). You need an accredited programme to complete the CEng educational base.

*All our Mechanical programmes are currently going through the process of reaccreditation with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for 2025 entry and beyond.

Chat to our students

Chat to a current Engineering student via our text chat platform Unibuddy. Pick their brains about life in Edinburgh and their experiences of studying engineering.

Chat to students using Unibuddy

Take a virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the School of Engineering and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.

Virtual visit