Studying Engineering
in the United Kingdom
Dr Anthony J H Simons
Senior Lecturer in Computer Science
About Me
• Dr Anthony J H Simons
• Senior Lecturer in
Computer Science
• Faculty of Engineering
• The University of
Sheffield
What is Engineering?
Introducing the Faculty
Engineering is Everywhere
What is Engineering?
• The art of applying scientific knowledge to
solve practical problems
Engineering Disciplines
• Mechanical
• Software Engineering
• Civil & Structural
• Aerospace
• Chemical & Biological
• Bioengineering
• Materials
• Electronic & Electrical
• Automatic Control &
Systems
What do Engineers Do?
Group Design Projects
• Vintage bus restored, driven
across Eastern Europe
• Human powered submarines
raced in Florida
• Steam powered racing car
set world speed record
• Solar powered car raced in
Australia
Virtual Reality
• Build models in 3D
• Test new algorithms
• Visualise data
• 3D computer games
Group Design Projects
• Naval simulation of the
Battle of Trafalgar
• Autonomous micro
UAVs – aerial drones
• Solar/electric hybrid
clean propulsion
• Software systems for
external clients
Competition Success!
• Appathon 2011
(1st / 650)
• IBM Mainframe
Challenge 2010
(2nd / 1200)
• 2005 Microsoft
Imagine Cup
(2nd / 1350)
Genesys Solutions
• The only UK software company
run entirely by students
• Attracts big name clients who
pay serious money
• Masters students responsible
for managing all aspects
Choosing a University
Reputation
• Ranked by University
• Oxford and Cambridge
• Russell Group (Top 20)
• Other Old Universities
• New Universities
• Ranked by Engineering Faculty
• Imperial, Oxford and Sheffield (UK Top 3)
What to Look For
• Facilities
• Industry links
• Research
• specialism in your
chosen discipline?
• Staff/student ratio
• League tables
• teaching, research quality
• employment statistics
• Times Higher
Education
• University of Sheffield
voted "University of
the Year, 2011"
• Sunday Times
• "Sheffield has the best
students' union"
What Next?
Preparation for studying Engineering
Choosing an Engineering Discipline
Getting on my 1st Choice Course
• A Levels / International Baccalaureate
• Mathematics (computing) and Physics (other
engineering), sometimes other sciences
• Other subjects? Show off well-rounded skills in
writing, language and argument, teamwork
• Get good (predicted) grades, typically AAB
• Make a strong personal statement
• Show enthusiasm for your chosen subject
Computer Science
• Build software systems
for real customers
• Recognise human speech
and written language
• Simulate complex systems:
cells, insects, economics
• Manipulate 3D graphics
in virtual worlds
• Identify patterns and build
artificial intelligence
Chemical & Biological
Engineering
• Change raw chemicals into • Combat the effects of
useful products
• acid rain
• Develop alternative product
lifecycle technologies
• lead pollution
• greenhouse effect
Civil & Structural Engineering
• Bridges
• Dams
• Towers
• Roads
• Tunnels
• Water supply
Electrical & Electronic
Engineering
•
•
•
•
Power generation
Renewable energy
Machines & actuators
Surveillance electronics
Automatic Control &
Systems Engineering
Brings together

Computing

Electronics

Mechanics

Aeronautics

Biomechanics
Ensures that all components in a system
interact together in an effective way
Control engineering studies how
to manage these systems
Engineering Materials
• Materials are the key to
all modern technology
• Lightweight alloys for aircraft
• Semiconductors for PCs
• Superconductors for whole
body scanners
• Implants for human body
repairs
Mechanical Engineering
Design, produce and market
• Scientific instruments
• Sports equipment
• Power stations
• Heart valves
• Space craft
• Car plant
Bioengineering
• An interdisciplinary blend of
mechanical and materials
engineering
• Solves problems in biology
and medicine
• Use materials that mimic the
original natural behaviour
• 40,000 hip replacements per
year
Aerospace Engineering
An interdisciplinary blend of
• Mechanical Engineering
• Engineering Materials
• Computer Science
• Electronic & Electrical
Engineering
• Automatic Control &
Systems Engineering
Careers in Engineering
What happens when I finish my degree?
Will I get a good job?
Electronic & Electrical Careers, 2009
Type of business
Employer
Type of work
Defence software systems developer
Thales
Graduate engineer
Government department
GCHQ
Technologist
Primayer
Test engineer
Electronic equipment manufacturer
Aerospace and power systems
engineering
Electronic engineers
Defence and aerospace systems
Engineering consultancy
Makes wind turbines
Rolls-Royce
Graduate engineer
U-Tel
Electronic engineer
BAE Systems
Electronic engineer
Atkins
Siemens Wind
Power
Project engineer
R+D engineer
Mechanical Engineering Careers, 2009
Type of business
Vehicle manufacturer
Engineering consultancy
Engineers solutions for the power
industry
Engineering consultancy
Manufacturing oil products,
chemicals and lubricants
Employer
Jaguar Landrover
Atkins
Siemens Energy
Ove Arup
Shell UK Oil
Products
Type of work
Development and design
engineer
Graduate mechanical engineer
Field service engineer
Graduate mechanical engineer
Rotating equipment engineer
Computer Science Careers, 2011
• Good career prospects
• 6 months after graduation
• 90% in work or study
• 95% in graduate jobs
• Good starting salary
• £23.5K median (all grad.)
• £26K median (IT grad.)
• Some over £40K
source: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/
Graduate Employers
A Success Story
• Nicola Cooper
• undergraduate, 2001
• 4-year Masters in Computing
• MComp Graduate
• Genesys team leader
• class 2/i hons, 2005
• IBM Systems Analyst
• starting salary £27K
Nicola
Cooper
• IBM Project
Manager
• manages the
Shell portfolio
in
2012
• Young IT
Professional
of the Year
• IBM “face of
recruitment”
To
Discover
And
Understand.