Why Engineering?

Engineers are involved in the design and manufacture of nearly everything, from cars to computers, from web pages to widgets, from microchips to motorways. Many recent medical advances have been made as a result of work done by engineers: from brain scanners to the drug dispensers used by asthma sufferers. Engineers these days are also concerned with many important environmental and social issues: what is the best way to improve transportation and housing? How do you make recycling work efficiently?

Studying Engineering keeps your options open. The training that engineers receive is scientifically rigorous. The distinctions between mathematicians, physicists, computer scientists and engineers are blurring all the time. Nearly all 'scientists' have to apply their science at some stage and that is engineering.

As well as gaining a broad scientific and engineering background and in-depth knowledge of the subject in which you specialise, the training provides you with:

• the ability to apply problem-solving strategies
• a creative approach
• team-working skills
• excellent mathematical and computing skills
• the ability to analyse data
• written and oral communication and presentation skills
• research skills

These are all important transferable skills much in demand by employers. According to recent Careers Service statistics, the average starting salary of graduating engineers is among the highest of any Cambridge degree subject, and employment prospects are excellent, with 99% finding a job within six months of the end of the course.

Why the University of Cambridge?

The University consistently tops the league tables and lists for quality of teaching and research. The study of Engineering has a long history in Cambridge and the University is committed to its future growth and development.

Around 10% of all Cambridge students, about 1200 undergraduates and 800 postgraduates, study Engineering. The Department achieved the highest rating in all the national Research Assessment Exercises and in the Teaching Quality Assessment undertaken by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, its teaching was considered of the highest standard.

Admissions Prospectus

You can find the full official course details in the University Prospectus for Engineering. In addition, the Department of Engineering has a website dedicated to information for applicants where you can find detailed programme information, course content and other useful information, including how to apply.