Engineering
Engineering affects almost every part of our lives, and a qualification in this field can be your passport to a huge variety of rewarding careers. Qualified engineers are in great demand all over the world, and are among the best-paid professionals. You’ll need to be imaginative and to enjoy solving problems, but as a graduate engineer your broad-ranging skills and knowledge will be highly valued.
You can get a head start to your engineering career by studying with the OU. Our courses cover computing and information technologies, design, environment, materials and structures. And after a degree in engineering, you could – like many of our 2,500-plus students – work towards a masters (and chartered status). See the MEng on our postgraduate pages.
As a graduate engineer the job options are all yours. Advances in technology mean there are always opportunities in areas as diverse as cosmetics, communications, energy, health care, manufacturing, music and transport. Or you may choose to work in a particular engineering discipline such as aerospace, chemical, civil or mechanical engineering. You can even use your skills to develop a career in other areas such as design and development, marketing, project management, research or technical sales.
Where to start in Engineering
If you're fairly confident about studying, then start with Level 1 courses. You'll learn how to study at university level, get a thorough grounding in your chosen area of study and, in addition, you'll become a confident distance learner.
- Engineering the future (T173)
- Networked living: exploring information and communication technologies (T175)
Worried about your ability? Or the time it will take? Not sure if you’re up to it? Then start with one of our Openings courses: short courses with lots of support and no exams, giving you a gradual introduction to your subject and the world of studying. Introducing environment (Y161) is a good introduction to studying engineering. If you feel uncertain about your mathematics, we recommend starting with Starting with maths (Y162), which is particularly appropriate if you think your maths background is weak (if, say, you left school at 16 without a formal qualification in mathematics).
Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.
Degrees
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Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
In this very flexible degree, you’ll combine the study of general engineering with technology, maths or science courses, enabling you to apply for the best jobs in the industry. -
Technology
Technology pervades everything we do, from browsing the web or watching a DVD, to catching a plane or producing food. -
Open degree
The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.
Foundation Degrees
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Materials Fabrication and Engineering
Count your TWI (Welding Institute) Diploma at Technologist level towards a foundation degree and gain technical and professional skills that are in demand from employers.
Diplomas
Certificates
Courses in Engineering
See the list of all our individual courses in Engineering.
Postgraduate options
If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Engineering and Technology.
Spotlight on Engineering
Looking for the MEng?
If you’re looking for a career in engineering you might be looking for an MEng (M03), with a view to getting Chartered Engineer status. If this is the case, look at our postgraduate page for Engineering and Technology.
A flexible degree for engineering
The BEng (B24) is a very flexible degree and combines study of general engineering with maths or science courses. You may be eligible to apply for registration as an Incorporated Engineer, or you might want to work towards Chartered Engineering status by completing further academic study.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
