Good Engineering Universities in the UK

For two generations we’ve supplied the engineering industry, so you might be dealing with us in the future once you’ve got your engineering degree or other qualification under your belt.
But which UK universities are the best for engineering courses? The UK is home to some of the world’s best, and this steer from us at Ryder Services might help you make up your mind on the best one for you!

University of Strathclyde

Strathclyde University is an engineering powerhouse. Excelling in electrical and mechanical engineering has electrified its reputation, and with a focus on applied research, you will doubtless benefit from strong industry affinity.

To sum up:

Home to the UK's largest engineering faculty
Renewable energy, space systems, and digital manufacturing excellence

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh University offers what you might call an A-to-Z engineering programme, particularly in electrical, civil, and chemical engineering. Sustainability and a smart technology focus are two further feathers in its cap.

To sum up:

Cutting-edge research in energy and AI
Partnerships with tech firms and energy companies

University of Manchester

Why can’t you trust an atom? They literally make up everything! From splitting the atom to the first stored-program computer, Manchester University is an engineering Top dog with quite a pedigree. Engineering courses are many and varied - from electrical and mechanical to aerospace and civil engineering.

To sum up:

Strong links with industry goliaths like Rolls-Royce and Siemens
The university's graphene research centre is leading the way in materials science

University of Sheffield

Looking for a more hands-on approach? Sheffield University just might be the place you throw your mortarboard skyward! Practical, industry-focused engineering courses are its stock-in-trade, plus it has a sturdy reputation for materials science and mechanical engineering. A wealth of opportunities for real-world experience here.
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To sum up:

Excellent employability rates and first-class research facilities
Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, working with the likes of Boeing and McLaren

University of Bristol

Is aerospace engineering more your area of interest? Bristol University's reputation soars around this very discipline, plus it’s home to world-renowned robotics, AI, and civil engineering research. It reputedly has close ties with industry leaders so practical experience is part of the circuitry here.
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To sum up:

Leading research in AI and robotics.
Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and the UK Space Agency links

University of Southampton

Marine and aeronautical pioneers are synonymous with Southampton University. This could be the place you call home for a few years if you’re looking for a university highly respected in the fields of electronic and mechanical engineering.

To sum up:•

World-class wind tunnels and ship design
Sustainable transport innovations

University of Leeds

You might say that engineering at Leeds University is a bit of a catch-all, given its broad spectrum of engineering disciplines. We’re talking everything from civil and structural to biomedical and electrical engineering. Placement opportunities mean hands-on experience.

To sum up:

Strong focus on employability and placements
Works with Jaguar, Land Rover and BP

University of Birmingham

Nothing middling about engineering courses at Birmingham University. Innovation is a word attached to engineering courses here, with accents on sustainable energy, rail transport and automotive tech.

To sum up:

Proven links with the rail and automotive sectors
At the cutting edge of hydrogen fuel cell technology

Imperial College London

The engineering and technology focus at Imperial College London is sharp. Its Faculty of Engineering has a global reputation, specialising in aeronautics, bioengineering, and computing.

To sum up:

Great industry ties = great employment prospects
Home to one of the world’s leading robotics research labs

Honorary mention: Oxbridge

We had to mention Oxbridge, obvs.

University of Cambridge

Ranked as one of the best engineering universities in the world, Cambridge University, as you’d expect excels in research, teaching, and industry partnerships. After a foundation in general engineering, you can go on to specialise in the likes of mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering.

To sum up:

World-class research, and industry connections aplenty
Alumni: Sir James Dyson (inventor and entrepreneur) and Professor Dame Ann Dowling (former President of the Royal Academy of Engineering)

University of Oxford

Oxford’s engineering science course fuses theoretical knowledge with hands-on application. Students benefit from cutting-edge research facilities and collaborations with leading companies.

To sum up:

Strong accent problem-solving and interdisciplinary research.
It played a pivotal role in engineering developments from jet engines to AI-driven robotics.

Sources:

• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• Imperial College London
• University of Manchester
• University of Sheffield
• University of Bristol
• University of Southampton
• University of Leeds
• University of Strathclyde
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Birmingham