MEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

MEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship at the University of Exeter is designed for students who want to combine engineering knowledge with entrepreneurial skills to develop innovative products, services and solutions. The programme blends technical engineering concepts with business, leadership and innovation training, helping students learn how to transform ideas into practical solutions and successfully bring them into real-world markets.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year introduces students to the fundamentals of engineering while developing essential analytical, design and teamwork skills. Students study 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, gaining a broad understanding of engineering principles while working on collaborative challenges.

Year 2
In the second year, students begin combining engineering knowledge with entrepreneurship, innovation and business development skills. Modules such as Leadership and Management: Fundamentals of Practice, Making Innovation and Entrepreneurship Happen, Entrepreneurship 2, Modelling of Engineering Systems, Solid Mechanics, Introduction to Economics and Company Finance, and the Entrepreneurship and Management Challenge Project help students understand how engineering ideas can be developed into commercially successful solutions.

Year 3
The third year focuses on advanced engineering innovation, sustainable design and entrepreneurial decision-making. Students study modules including Rethinking Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Operations Management, Decision Making Systems and Decision Theory, Management and Leadership, Quality Control and Improvement, Introduction to Design for Sustainability, and the Entrepreneurship and Management Design and Build Projects, allowing them to apply their knowledge to practical product and business development challenges.

Final Year
The final year allows students to apply their engineering and entrepreneurial skills through advanced projects and innovation activities. Students complete modules such as Entrepreneurship 3 (E3) and undertake either a Business Start-up Project or an MEng Individual Investigative Project, giving them the opportunity to develop a business idea, explore innovative engineering solutions or complete advanced research-based work.

Year in Industry (Optional)
Students can choose the MEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship with Year in Industry option, which includes a professional placement year. This gives students the opportunity to apply engineering and entrepreneurial skills in a workplace setting, gain industry experience, develop professional networks and understand how innovation works in real business environments.

Focus Areas

Engineering Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Product Development, Engineering Design, Business Strategy, Leadership and Management, Operations Management, Sustainable Engineering, Engineering Systems, Prototyping, Start-up Development, Innovation Management, Commercialisation of Engineering Solutions

Learning Outcomes

Develop engineering knowledge across multiple disciplines, combine technical expertise with entrepreneurial thinking, create innovative engineering solutions, manage engineering projects, understand business development processes, apply leadership and management skills, develop prototypes and products, evaluate market opportunities, solve complex engineering challenges, communicate ideas effectively with industry and stakeholders

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship programme develops the technical knowledge, creativity and business skills required for careers in engineering innovation, product development and technology-driven industries. By combining engineering education with entrepreneurship and leadership training, the programme prepares students to work in professional environments where engineers contribute to innovation, project management and commercial development.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The programme offers a unique combination of engineering and entrepreneurship, helping students develop both technical expertise and the commercial awareness needed to create innovative solutions.
Students benefit from Exeter’s innovation-focused learning approach, where they are encouraged to develop ideas through practical experimentation, prototyping and real-world problem-solving.
The course includes design and build projects, entrepreneurship modules and opportunities to develop solutions that reflect industry challenges, helping students build skills valued by employers and start-up organisations.
Graduates are prepared for careers in engineering consultancy, innovation management, product development, technology companies, start-ups and engineering leadership roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

MEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship at the University of Exeter offers students a practical learning experience that combines engineering knowledge with innovation, product development and entrepreneurial skills. Students follow a “think-try-do” approach, where they develop ideas, create prototypes, test solutions and explore how engineering concepts can be transformed into real products, services or businesses. Through hands-on projects, specialist facilities, digital tools and industry-focused activities, students build the technical, creative and commercial skills needed to succeed in modern engineering environments.

Students develop practical engineering and entrepreneurial skills through projects, specialist facilities, digital tools and industry-focused activities:

Engineering design and build projects: Students take part in practical design and build projects where they identify engineering challenges, develop solutions, create prototypes and explore the commercial possibilities of their ideas. These projects help students strengthen technical design, teamwork, project management and innovation skills.
Entrepreneurship and innovation projects: The programme includes practical entrepreneurship activities that help students learn how to develop ideas, evaluate opportunities and create business strategies. Students have opportunities to present their concepts and explore how engineering innovations can be developed into successful ventures.
Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project: In the first year, students work in teams on engineering challenges through the Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project. This helps them develop collaboration, communication, problem-solving and practical engineering skills while working with students from different engineering backgrounds.
Engineering laboratories and specialist facilities: Students have access to facilities including the Engineering Laboratory, Electronics Laboratory, Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab), Materials Laboratories, Structures Laboratory, and Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics facilities. These spaces allow students to test ideas, conduct experiments and apply engineering concepts in practical settings.
Fabrication and prototyping facilities: Through the Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab), students can develop physical prototypes using modern equipment and manufacturing technologies. These facilities support product development, experimentation and the creation of innovative engineering solutions.
Digital engineering tools and software: Students use specialist engineering tools and digital technologies for modelling, simulation, design and analysis. These tools help students understand how engineers use computational methods to develop and improve real-world solutions.
Industry-linked projects and mentoring: Students work on commercially relevant engineering challenges and gain insight into professional engineering practice. Support from academic staff and industry connections helps students understand how ideas move from initial concepts to practical applications.
Business and entrepreneurship support: Students receive guidance in areas such as innovation, business development and commercialisation. The programme helps students understand how to combine engineering expertise with entrepreneurial thinking to create impactful solutions.
Research-led learning environment: Students benefit from Exeter’s research strengths and engage with emerging engineering areas such as sustainable technologies, advanced materials, energy systems and engineering innovation.
Year in Industry opportunity: Students can choose the Year in Industry option to gain professional experience within an engineering or business organisation. This allows them to apply their engineering and entrepreneurial knowledge in a workplace environment, develop professional skills and build industry connections.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship programme at the University of Exeter develop a powerful combination of engineering knowledge, innovation skills and entrepreneurial understanding, preparing them for careers across technical, business and technology-driven sectors. The programme helps students learn how to create engineering solutions, develop commercial ideas and apply their skills in professional environments or entrepreneurial ventures. Typical career pathways include engineering project manager, project engineer, aerospace engineer and electronics engineer.

Students benefit from career support, industry engagement and opportunities that help them successfully transition into professional roles:

Career support through Exeter’s Career Zone: Students receive support with career planning, CV preparation, interview techniques, employability skills and access to career resources that help them identify suitable graduate opportunities. The university also provides workshops, events and guidance to help students prepare for the workplace.
Entrepreneurship and start-up support: The programme encourages students to develop their own engineering ideas and explore how innovations can become successful ventures. Students have opportunities to present their concepts and receive support in developing business ideas through Exeter’s entrepreneurial environment.
Industry experience opportunities: Students can choose the Year in Industry option, which provides professional placement experience in a business or engineering organisation. This allows students to apply engineering and entrepreneurial skills in real workplace settings, gain industry knowledge and build valuable professional connections.
Strong graduate outcomes: The University of Exeter reports that 96% of Engineering graduates were in or due to start employment or further study 15 months after graduation according to HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23 data. The programme’s combination of engineering expertise and entrepreneurial skills supports graduates in accessing opportunities across engineering, technology and innovation sectors.
University–industry partnerships: Exeter Engineering works with businesses and organisations through collaborations in areas such as renewable energy, advanced materials, manufacturing, environmental engineering, dynamics and control. These connections help students understand current industry challenges and develop skills that match employer expectations.
Professional and long-term career value: The programme develops valuable skills in engineering design, innovation, leadership, project management, problem-solving and commercial thinking. This combination prepares graduates for long-term careers in engineering companies, technology businesses, consultancy firms and entrepreneurial ventures.
Graduate career opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles such as aerospace engineer, civil engineer, electronics engineer, mechanical engineer, engineering project manager, project engineer, software developer, programmer, technology specialist and innovation consultant.
Professional networking opportunities: Students can engage with entrepreneurs, industry professionals and engineering experts through talks, workshops, career events and practical activities. These experiences help students expand their professional networks and gain insight into different career pathways.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MEng Engineering and Entrepreneurship degree, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes such as MSc or PhD degrees in areas including Engineering, Renewable Energy, Advanced Materials, Robotics, Sustainable Engineering, Engineering Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Further study can help graduates develop specialist expertise, move into research and development roles, pursue academic careers or progress into leadership positions within engineering and technology industries.