BEng Engineering

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BEng Engineering at the University of Exeter is an excellent choice for students who are interested in understanding how engineering can be used to solve real-world problems but want the flexibility to explore different areas before specialising. The course combines engineering theory with practical learning, design projects, and hands-on experiences, allowing students to build a strong foundation across disciplines such as civil, electronic, mechanical, and sustainable engineering.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
The first year introduces students to the fundamental principles of engineering and helps them develop the mathematical, scientific, and technical skills needed for further 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 learn how engineering concepts are applied while developing teamwork, problem-solving, and design skills through practical challenges.

Year 2:
In the second year, students begin to shape their engineering pathway by developing deeper knowledge in their chosen area of interest, such as civil, electronic, mechanical engineering, engineering and entrepreneurship, or engineering and management. Students continue building technical expertise through specialist modules, design activities, and practical projects that encourage innovation and the application of engineering solutions to real-world situations.

Final Year:
The final year allows students to focus further on their selected engineering specialism while developing advanced technical and professional abilities. Students complete challenging engineering projects and explore advanced concepts related to their chosen pathway, gaining experience in research, design, analysis, and the development of solutions for industry-related problems.

Focus Areas

Multidisciplinary engineering, engineering design, engineering mathematics, scientific computing, mechanics, materials, electronics, sustainable engineering, engineering innovation, project management, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, entrepreneurship, and real-world engineering applications.

Learning Outcomes

Students graduate with a strong understanding of core engineering principles and the ability to analyse complex problems, design effective solutions, and apply engineering knowledge in practical environments. The course also develops important transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, creativity, project management, and the confidence to work across different engineering disciplines.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BEng Engineering programme provides students with the academic foundation and practical skills needed for progression within the engineering profession. Through industry-focused projects, specialist facilities, and professional skills development, students are prepared for further professional development and can progress towards relevant engineering accreditation pathways depending on their chosen specialism.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter has a strong reputation for engineering education, supported by research-led teaching, industry connections, and practical learning opportunities. General Engineering at Exeter is ranked highly in UK university league tables, including a strong position in the Complete University Guide, reflecting the university’s commitment to graduate employability, innovation, and industry-relevant education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BEng Engineering at the University of Exeter is built around practical learning, giving students the chance to apply engineering concepts through hands-on projects, laboratory work, and design challenges from the very beginning of the course. As students progress, they gain experience using specialist engineering equipment, industry-standard software, and advanced research facilities while working on real engineering problems. This practical approach helps students develop technical confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers.

Students have access to a wide range of facilities, technologies, and learning experiences throughout the programme:

Multidisciplinary Group Projects: Students take part in the Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, where they work in teams to solve engineering problems, develop innovative designs, and build project management and communication skills.
Specialist Engineering Laboratories and Workshops: The programme provides access to modern laboratories and workshops where students carry out practical experiments, test engineering ideas, and develop hands-on technical skills across different engineering disciplines.
Engineering Software and Digital Tools: Students use industry-standard software including MATLAB, ANSYS, COMSOL, SolidWorks, Multisim, Ultiboard, MPLAB IDE, FPGA development tools, and Arduino platforms for modelling, simulation, programming, circuit design, and product development.
Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab): Students can turn their ideas into working prototypes using advanced fabrication facilities equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, 3D scanners, and digital manufacturing technologies.
Makerspace: The university's Makerspace provides a collaborative environment where students can build prototypes, experiment with new ideas, and work on creative engineering projects beyond the classroom.
General Engineering Laboratories: Students complete practical experiments using professional engineering equipment that supports learning in mechanics, materials, electronics, and other core engineering subjects.
Specialist Research Facilities: Depending on their chosen engineering pathway, students can access facilities such as the Electronics Laboratory, Structures Laboratory, Materials Laboratories, Electrical Power Systems Laboratory, and the Dynamic Marine Component Test Facility, giving them experience with advanced engineering technologies and research equipment.
Industry-Focused Project Work: Throughout the degree, students complete practical projects inspired by real engineering challenges, helping them apply technical knowledge while developing teamwork, leadership, and design skills.
Research-Led Learning: Students are taught by academics involved in internationally recognised engineering research and benefit from learning that reflects the latest developments in areas such as sustainable engineering, advanced materials, robotics, and energy technologies.
Industry Experience Opportunities: Students are encouraged to gain professional experience through summer placements and can also progress to engineering programmes that include a Year in Industry, providing valuable workplace experience before graduation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BEng Engineering at the University of Exeter prepares graduates for a wide range of engineering careers by combining technical knowledge with practical experience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The broad nature of the programme gives students the flexibility to work across different engineering sectors, with career opportunities including Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Project Engineer, and Engineering Project Manager.

Students benefit from Exeter's strong commitment to employability, professional development, and industry engagement throughout their studies:

Career Zone Support: The University of Exeter's Career Zone offers personalised careers advice, CV and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, careers fairs, employer presentations, networking events, and support in finding placements and graduate roles.
Employer Engagement: Students have opportunities to meet engineering employers through industry talks, recruitment events, professional networking sessions, and mock interviews, helping them build confidence and understand employer expectations.
Industry Experience Opportunities: Students are encouraged to gain practical experience through summer placements, and many choose to continue onto engineering pathways that include a Year in Industry, giving them valuable workplace experience before graduation.
Strong Graduate Outcomes: According to the university's latest Graduate Outcomes data, 96% of Engineering graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, reflecting the strong demand for Exeter engineering graduates.
Excellent Career Prospects: Engineering graduates benefit from strong employment opportunities across industries such as renewable energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, technology, and consultancy, with engineering continuing to be one of the highest-paying graduate professions.
University–Industry Collaboration: Exeter works closely with industry across areas including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, civil and structural engineering, materials engineering, water and environmental engineering, engineering management, and emerging technologies. These partnerships help ensure students develop skills that match current industry needs.
Professional Development: The programme provides a strong academic foundation for a professional engineering career. Students who continue into accredited specialist engineering pathways can work towards professional engineering registration through the relevant engineering institutions.
Transferable Skills: Graduates leave the programme with practical engineering experience alongside valuable transferable skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, project management, analytical thinking, and innovation, making them attractive to employers across a wide range of sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BEng Engineering, students can continue their studies with an MEng Engineering or specialise through postgraduate programmes in areas such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, renewable energy, robotics, advanced manufacturing, engineering management, or sustainable engineering. Graduates interested in research can also progress to a PhD, developing advanced expertise while strengthening their pathway towards becoming professionally qualified engineers.