The UK has great strengths in its engineering, technology and design sectors, being world leaders in areas such as aerospace, motor sports and energy. Demand for jobs has been created by new technologies, particularly nanotechnology, and graduates can find employment across a whole range of manufacturing and service industries from food and fashion to construction and transport. Engineering is also central to finding innovative and intelligent solutions to decarbonising infrastructure and moving to clean technologies.
There are opportunities in research, design and development, commissioning, project management, technical sales and marketing, technical journalism and patent work. UK trained engineers are in demand for projects abroad and as employees of international firms; and with the right experience and qualifications you can also work as a self-employed consultant.
Predicted growth areas for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths:
- energy/environment
- nuclear engineering
- petroleum engineering and decommissioning/energy transition
- nanotechnology and biotechnology
- aerospace, space technology and exploration
- civil engineering
- robotics
- biomedical engineering
- construction
- chemicals
- agri-tech
- creative industries
- automotive industry (low carbon vehicle development in particular).
Women in Engineering
Campaigns such as WISE (Women into Science, Engineering and Construction) have emerged to tackle the low rates of women in STEM subjects and a growing skills shortage. Several large companies and professional organisations also have mentoring schemes for women. The Women's Engineering Society is a professional network of women engineers, scientists and technologists offering inspiration and support to women entering the profession.
Understanding the engineering jobs market
For sector news, analysis and information visit The Engineering Council and Enginuity websites. For information about typical jobs within the sector – including day-to-day activities, the qualifications you need and what you might expect to earn – visit the Prospects careers website. If you live in Ireland look at the relevant information on the GradIreland website.
How the OU can help
We offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in engineering, and related courses in areas like design, technology, environmental management and systems thinking.
Our professionally recognised engineering courses
We are very proud that our engineering qualifications have been accredited and recognised by the professional engineering institutions, enabling you to apply for registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer – depending on your level of study.
OU engineering courses will also help you to develop as an ethically responsible professional, equipped with high level employability skills such as:
- solving problems with creative and innovative strategies while utilising analytical skills
- being logical and pragmatic, interested in the process necessary for a concept to become a product
- having the ability to design and develop economically viable products
- being conscious of global social, cultural and environmental issues in relation to engineering and technology
- attention to detail, numeracy and high levels of computer literacy
- being effective communicators, capable of team working and able to take on responsibility.
Getting started
If you’re not quite ready for degree-level study, our Science, technology and maths Access module (Y033) could be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s designed to build your confidence and study skills while introducing subject knowledge in the disciplines of science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and ICT. By the end of the module, you’ll be well prepared to begin your first full OU course.
More about Access courses
Work experience
Many engineering roles require significant experience in addition to a relevant qualification. Open University courses put you at a distinct advantage in this regard. We’ll encourage you to apply your learning immediately to your own role and build on your experience as a context for developing real-world knowledge and skills. However, if you’d benefit from additional settings to contextualise your learning, you could consider volunteering. The Institution of Engineering and Technology’s website is a good place to start. You can also explore our voluntary work pages or the following national websites:
The OU has an active and growing LinkedIn presence with over 100,000 students and alumni that you can access to explore work experience opportunities once you are registered. In addition to this our OpportunityHub hosts a wide range of job vacancies and work experience opportunities for OU students. You can also look at the work experience section of our Help Centre.
FACT: 94% of OU Engineering and Technology graduates are in employment six months after they graduate.