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Why Engineering & Technology Degrees Chosen more by British Students (2023)

Engineering and Technology Degrees Chosen by British Students
Written by

Mujtoba Hasan Chowdhury

Published on

December 20, 2023

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In 2023, British students demonstrated a strong shift toward engineering and technology as the industries driving the UK’s economic future. With innovation at the centre of post-pandemic recovery, degrees in computing, mechanical design, and renewable technologies became the cornerstones of modern education.

Engineering wasn’t just about machines anymore — it became the art of solving global challenges through creativity, mathematics, and purpose. From building green energy systems to designing AI-driven solutions, UK universities stood at the cutting edge of training tomorrow’s problem-solvers.

1. Why Engineering & Technology Rose in Popularity

British students increasingly recognised that the UK’s tech and engineering sectors are among the fastest-growing and most employable.
Three key reasons stood out:

  • High Graduate Demand: The UK engineering industry required over 173,000 new professionals annually to fill national skill gaps.
  • Strong Salaries: Average graduate salaries started at £30,000–£35,000, higher than many other disciplines.
  • Innovation Appeal: The blend of creativity, coding, and design attracted students seeking dynamic careers.

In 2023, engineering wasn’t just a field — it was the language of the modern world.

2. Top UK Universities for Engineering & Technology

University of Hertfordshire

Known for its hands-on approach, Hertfordshire offered exceptional courses in Aerospace, Automotive, and Robotics Engineering.

  • Industry-standard labs with 3D design studios.
  • Placement links with companies like Airbus and Jaguar Land Rover.
  • One-year top-up options for students with HND or BTEC backgrounds.

Brunel University London

  • Ranked among the top UK universities for mechanical and civil engineering.
  • Known for integrated placement years with multinational employers.
  • Emphasis on sustainability and smart technology projects.

University of Bedfordshire

  • Offered Computer Science, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering with flexible weekday and weekend study schedules.
  • Modern labs and employability training embedded in each module.

University of West London (UWL)

  • Recognised for Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and AI degrees.
  • Collaborations with tech giants such as Cisco and Microsoft.
  • Focused on developing coding and networking certifications alongside academic study.

“Innovation begins where curiosity meets courage — and that’s where engineers are made.”

Mak Education

3. Most Popular Specialisations in 2023

The trend among British students showed a clear preference for innovation-driven disciplines.

Top choices included:

  1. Software & AI Engineering – Powering the UK’s digital transformation.
  2. Renewable Energy Engineering – Meeting sustainability goals for 2030.
  3. Biomedical Engineering – Bridging health and technology for a smarter NHS.
  4. Civil & Structural Engineering – Building the UK’s future infrastructure.
  5. Data & Systems Engineering – Enabling automation and machine learning across industries.

Students gravitated toward areas blending science, social impact, and long-term employability.

4. Funding & Financial Support

Engineering degrees qualified for full Student Finance England funding, while several universities introduced scholarships for home students in STEM.

  • Brunel Engineering Scholarship: £2,000 for high-achieving applicants.
  • Hertfordshire STEM Bursary: £1,000 annual award for UK-domiciled students.
  • Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET): £1,500 grants for students in accredited engineering courses.

These supports ensured access for all students, regardless of financial background.

5. Career Opportunities After Graduation

The UK government’s 2023 Engineering Growth Report revealed that engineering contributed over £640 billion annually to the economy.

Graduates entered careers in:

  • Automotive & Aerospace Design
  • Renewable Energy Systems
  • AI & Machine Learning Development
  • Smart Infrastructure & Construction

Many also pursued postgraduate research or became chartered engineers through professional bodies like IET and IMechE.

Engineering and technology degrees defined 2023 as the age of innovators. For British students, these courses offered not only stability but a future at the forefront of change — where creativity met logic, and learning met invention.

Book a Free Consultation with MAK Education to explore the UK’s leading engineering and technology degree options for your future.