BEng Engineering and Management

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BEng Engineering and Management at the University of Exeter combines engineering knowledge with business and leadership skills, preparing students to become engineers who can manage projects, lead teams, and make effective decisions in professional environments. The programme is ideal for students who want to develop both technical expertise and management capabilities, with opportunities to gain valuable workplace experience through an optional Year in Industry placement.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
The first year introduces students to the essential principles of engineering while developing the mathematical, scientific, and problem-solving skills needed for future study. Through modules such as Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Fundamentals of Materials, Fundamentals of Electronics, and Fundamentals of Engineering, students build a strong technical foundation while gaining experience in teamwork, engineering design, and practical problem-solving.

Year 2:
The second year explores how engineering solutions are developed and managed within professional organisations by combining technical learning with business and leadership concepts. Students study modules including Leadership and Management: Fundamentals of Practice, Manufacturing Systems, Entrepreneurship 2, Modelling of Engineering Systems, Solid Mechanics, Introduction in Economics and Company Finance, and the Entrepreneurship and Management Challenge Project, helping them develop skills in project planning, innovation, financial awareness, and engineering decision-making.

Year in Industry:
Students can choose to complete a Year in Industry, gaining hands-on experience by working within an engineering or technology organisation before their final year. This placement helps students apply their academic knowledge in real workplace settings, develop professional skills, understand industry practices, and build valuable connections with employers.

Final Year:
The final year focuses on advanced engineering management and applying knowledge to complex industry challenges. Students complete the Individual Project and study modules such as Operations Management, Decision Making Systems and Decision Theory, Industrial Awareness and Problem Solving, Management and Leadership, Quality Control and Improvement, and Introduction to Design for Sustainability, preparing them to manage engineering operations, improve systems, and contribute to strategic decision-making.

Focus Areas

Engineering management, engineering design, manufacturing systems, leadership, project management, entrepreneurship, operations management, decision-making, sustainability, innovation, engineering systems, materials, mechanics, electronics, business strategy, and professional industry experience.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to combine engineering expertise with management knowledge, allowing them to solve technical challenges, manage projects, lead teams, and make informed decisions in engineering organisations. The programme also strengthens communication, teamwork, leadership, innovation, and analytical skills, while the Year in Industry provides practical experience that enhances employability.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BEng Engineering and Management is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and meets the educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status while partially supporting progression towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. This professional recognition demonstrates that the programme meets industry standards and prepares students for successful engineering careers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter is recognised for delivering engineering education that combines technical expertise with business and leadership skills. General Engineering at Exeter is ranked 9th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2027, and the programme benefits from teaching collaboration with Exeter’s triple-accredited Business School, giving students a strong foundation for careers in engineering management, technology, and industry leadership.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BEng Engineering and Management at the University of Exeter is designed around practical learning, allowing students to apply engineering knowledge while developing the leadership and management skills needed in modern industries. Students gain hands-on experience through engineering projects, laboratory activities, design challenges, and industry-focused tasks that reflect real workplace situations. The programme provides access to specialist engineering facilities, workshops, digital tools, and collaborative learning spaces where students can develop, test, and improve engineering solutions. Students can also choose the Year in Industry option, gaining valuable professional experience by working within an engineering or technology organisation before completing their degree.

Students benefit from a combination of practical projects, engineering facilities, industry experience, and professional development opportunities:

Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project: Students work in teams on engineering challenges that require technical knowledge, creativity, collaboration, and project management skills. This helps them understand how engineers develop solutions while working effectively within a team environment.
Entrepreneurship and Management Challenge Project: Students complete projects that combine engineering with management principles, developing skills in leadership, innovation, decision-making, and delivering solutions within an organisational setting.
Year in Industry Placement: Students can undertake a Year in Industry, spending a year working with an engineering or technology organisation. This placement allows students to apply their academic knowledge in a professional environment, gain industry experience, develop workplace skills, and build connections with potential employers.
Engineering Laboratories: Students gain practical experience through specialist engineering laboratories where they conduct experiments, test concepts, and develop technical skills using professional equipment and facilities.
Engineering Workshops: Students use modern workshop facilities to support engineering design, prototype development, testing, and practical activities, helping them understand how engineering ideas are transformed into real solutions.
Digital Engineering Tools and Computing Facilities: Students use specialist digital tools and computing resources for engineering modelling, simulation, analysis, and design work. These technologies help students develop skills that are widely used in modern engineering industries.
Engineering Design and Build Activities: Students take part in practical design challenges where they create solutions while considering factors such as sustainability, manufacturing processes, efficiency, and real-world application.
Management and Leadership Development: Through modules such as Leadership and Management: Fundamentals of Practice, Operations Management, and Management and Leadership, students develop practical skills in managing teams, improving processes, and making strategic decisions.
Research-Informed Learning: Students learn from academics involved in engineering research and gain exposure to emerging technologies, innovative engineering practices, and industry-relevant developments.
Industry and Professional Engagement: Students benefit from industry connections, employer engagement activities, placement opportunities, and projects based on real engineering management challenges, helping them develop professional confidence and career awareness.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BEng Engineering and Management at the University of Exeter prepares graduates with a valuable combination of engineering expertise, leadership skills, and business understanding, allowing them to pursue careers across engineering, technology, manufacturing, consultancy, and management sectors. The programme develops professionals who can solve technical challenges while managing projects, teams, and business decisions, leading to roles such as Engineering Project Manager, Mechanical Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Project Engineer, Management Consultant, and Technology Specialist.

The programme supports students in building successful careers through professional guidance, industry experience, and recognised engineering standards:

Career Zone Support: The University of Exeter’s Career Zone provides dedicated career support through one-to-one advice, CV and interview guidance, employer events, careers fairs, networking opportunities, placement support, and access to graduate vacancies. These services help students prepare effectively for employment and identify career opportunities that match their skills and interests.
Year in Industry Support: Students who choose the Year in Industry option receive guidance to prepare for placement opportunities, including employability support, application advice, and professional development activities. The placement allows students to gain practical workplace experience, improve their technical and management skills, and develop valuable industry connections.
Graduate Employment Opportunities: Engineering graduates from Exeter progress into a wide range of professional roles in engineering, technology, consultancy, manufacturing, and business sectors. The combination of engineering knowledge and management skills gives graduates a strong advantage in industries looking for professionals who can bridge technical and organisational responsibilities.
Career and Salary Potential: Engineering graduates benefit from strong demand in the job market, with opportunities for competitive salaries across sectors such as engineering, technology, project management, and consultancy. According to Discover Uni, Exeter engineering graduates earn a median salary of around £33,000 15 months after graduation.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from industry engagement through employer interactions, professional engineering activities, placement opportunities, and industry-focused projects. The programme is also supported by Exeter’s triple-accredited Business School, allowing students to develop strong management and leadership capabilities alongside their engineering knowledge.
Professional Accreditation Value: The programme is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), meeting the educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status and partially supporting progression towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. This professional recognition enhances graduates’ long-term career prospects and demonstrates that their degree meets industry standards.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave Exeter with technical expertise, leadership ability, project management experience, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for careers in engineering organisations, consultancy firms, technology companies, and management positions.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BEng Engineering and Management, students can continue their studies through the MEng Engineering and Management, gaining deeper knowledge in advanced engineering and leadership while progressing towards the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer status. Graduates can also pursue postgraduate degrees in areas such as engineering management, renewable energy, sustainable engineering, advanced manufacturing, project management, business management, or research programmes such as an MPhil or PhD.