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- by Charlotte King
- In General, Courses, Study in UK
Posted May 21, 2025
Top 20 Engineering Universities in the UK
The United Kingdom is a great place to study a masters program in engineering. There are plenty of reasons to choose the UK for your postgraduate engineering course – whether you are a home or international student. These include:
Globally renowned universities – the UK is home to some of the world’s top engineering institutions – including the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford and Imperial College London.
Range of specialisations – universities in the UK offer a diverse selection of engineering disciplines.
Prestigious qualifications – engineering masters degrees in the UK are highly regarded and recognised throughout the world for their quality.
Professional accreditation – many UK engineering degrees are accredited by respected institutions like the Engineering Council, this ensures professional standards as well as high academic standards.
Employment opportunities – engineering courses often include placements and internships, enabling students to build a strong professional network.
International recognition – UK engineering masters qualifications are highly respected and recognised around the world.
Research opportunities – the UK is a hub for engineering research and innovation – this is often supported by both government and industry investment, and can be particularly beneficial to postgraduate students.
Top 20 UK universities for engineering
In this article, we will explore the top 20 engineering universities in the UK for the year 2025, highlighting their unique engineering study opportunities and specialisms. Ratings are based on the official QS World University Rankings 2025.
University of Oxford
Engineering teaching and research takes place at the University of Oxford in a unified Department of Engineering Science. The department has particularly strong links with computing, materials science and medicine. Opportunities in the Department of Engineering Science for postgraduate study and research include conventional engineering disciplines, such as chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical, as well as information engineering, applications of engineering to medicine and low-temperature engineering.
The research degrees offered by the Department of Engineering Science are MScR, DEng and DPhil – and courses include:
- MSc by Research in Engineering Science
- MSc in Nanotechnology and Health Care
- MSc Energy Systems
- DPhil in Engineering Science (full time or part time)
- DPhil in Engineering Biology (full time)
University of Cambridge
As well as being one of the largest departments in the University of Cambridge, the Department of Engineering is a truly integrated engineering department on a massive scale. The Department of Engineering offers both taught and research programs which encompass all the main sub-disciplines of engineering as well as interesting interdisciplinary approaches to the field.
Cambridge offers six full-time one-year taught programs, leading to the award of a masters degree (Master of Philosophy or Master of Research). These masters degrees can be preparation for a PhD or prepare students for careers as professional engineers. Some of the courses here offer professional accreditation. The Cambridge Engineering PhD can be studied both full time and part time. The University of Cambridge also offers a Master of Studies (MSt) in Construction Engineering for experienced.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a world-leading university for STEMB (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Business) subjects. The Faculty of Engineering gives students an outstanding engineering education that combines cutting-edge researchers and state-of-the-art facilities. The Faculty of Engineering is home to nearly 8,000 students, and around 1,700 of these are research students.
Engineering masters degrees available to study at Imperial include:
- MSc in Aerospace Engineering
- MSc in Bioengineering
- MSc in Chemical Engineering
- MSc in Civil Engineering
- MSc in Design Engineering
- MSc in Electric and Electronic Engineering
- MSc in Mechanical Engineering
The University of Manchester
The Faculty of Science and Engineering at The University of Manchester covers a broad spectrum of disciplines and capabilities. The Faculty of Science and Engineering has made a major contribution to the development of science and engineering worldwide, and it is the birthplace of chemical engineering.
The taught masters available to study at The University of Manchester include:
- MSc in Aerospace Engineering
- MSc in Chemical Engineering
- MSc in Civil Engineering
- MSc in Electrical, Electronics and Mechatronic Engineering
- MSc in Materials Science and Engineering
- MSc in Mechanical Engineering
UCL
UCL Engineering comprises 10 departments – UCL Biochemical Engineering; UCL Chemical Engineering, UCL Civil, Environmental and Geometric Engineering; UCL Computer Science; UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering; UCL Mechanical Engineering; UCL Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering; UCL Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEAPP); UCL Security and Crime Science; and UCL School of Management.
The engineering taught masters degrees available to study at UCL include:
- MSc Biochemical Engineering
- MSc Chemical Process Engineering
- MSc Civil Engineering
- MSc Earthquake Engineering with Disaster Management
- MSc Ecology and Urban Engineering
- MSc Engineering for International Development
- MSc Environmental Systems Engineering
The University of Edinburgh
The School of Engineering at The University of Edinburgh offers a great range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research engineering courses. The School of Engineering covers four disciplines – Chemical; Civil and Environmental; Electronics and Electrical; and Mechanical. It is the study choice for 2,500 students, and they are taught by 250 staff members.
The University of Edinburgh offers engineering masters degrees in many specialisms, including:
- MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering
- MSc Advanced Power Engineering
- MSc Biomedical Engineering
- MSc Electrical Power Engineering
- MSc Fire Engineering Science
- MSc International MSc in Fire Safety Engineering
Postgraduate students can also choose to study a Masters by Research, for example an MScR in BioEngineering, a Master of Philosophy or an PhD.
University of Leeds
The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Leeds is home to four different engineering schools, as well as other science and computing schools. These are the School of Chemical and Process Engineering; School of Civil Engineering; School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering; and School of Mechanical Engineering.
The University of Leeds offers an interesting selection of masters degrees in engineering including:
- MSc in Aerospace Engineering
- MSc in Automotive Engineering
- MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering
- MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering
- MSc in Embedded Systems Engineering
- MSc in Environmental Engineering and Project Management
- MSc in Geotechnical Engineering
- MSc in High-Performance Graphics and Games Engineering
- MSc in International Construction Management and Engineering
- MSc in Medical Engineering
- MSc in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering
- MSc in Railway Engineering with Project Management
- MSc in Structural Engineering
- MSc in Water, Sanitation and Health Engineering
University of Sheffield
The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sheffield is one of the biggest providers of engineering research in the UK, and 96% of its research is rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the REF 2021. Engineering at Sheffield consists of four academic schools – School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering; School of Computer Science; School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; and School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering. These four schools incorporate three interdisciplinary program areas covering all the engineering disciplines. The University of Sheffield has strong partnerships with large companies such as Siemens, Boeing, Rolls-Royce and Airbus, as well as with local enterprises.
The engineering masters degrees available to study at Sheffield include:
- MSc in Aerospace Engineering
- MSc in Advanced Control & Systems Engineering
- MSc in Biomedical Engineering
- MSc in Environmental & Energy Engineering
- MSc in Biological & Bioprocess Engineering
- MSc in Pharmaceutical Engineering
- MSc in Civil Engineering
- MSc in Artificial Intelligence for Engineering
- MSc in Electronic & Electrical Engineering
- MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering
- MSc in Materials Science & Engineering
King’s College London
The Department of Engineering at King’s College London is part of the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences. Engineering at King’s focuses on the synergies between conventional engineering and leading-edge technologies and students learn in state-of-the-art engineering laboratories and brand-new teaching spaces. As well as providing world-renowned undergraduate and postgraduate engineering programs, another great reason to be an engineering student at King’s College London is the King's College London Engineering Society (KCLES) – the oldest collegiate society of its kind in the world. KCLES hosts external speakers to present engineering talks as well as social events such as quiz nights.
King’s College London offers two engineering masters degrees and a PhD in Engineering. The two masters programs are:
- MSc in Electronic Engineering with Management
- MSc in Engineering with Management
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is highly ranked for engineering in the UK, placing in the top three for General Engineering in the Guardian University Guide 2025. As well as offering an excellent selection of undergraduate engineering courses, Bristol has several taught masters degrees in engineering for students to choose from, as well as a PhD in Engineering.
The masters degrees at Bristol include:
- MSc in Aerospace Engineering
- MSc in Advanced Microelectronic Systems Engineering
- MSc in Nuclear Science and Engineering
- MSc in Sustainable Engineering
- MSc in Structural Engineering
University of Nottingham
The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham has six departments. These are – Architecture and Built Environment; Chemical and Environmental Engineering; Civil Engineering; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering; and Foundation Engineering and Physical Sciences.
The University of Nottingham offers around 30 different masters degrees and PhD programs in engineering – these include:
- MSc in Advanced Building Performance Engineering
- MSc in Civil Engineering – Digital Construction
- MSc in Electrical Engineering for Sustainable and Renewable Energy
- MSc in Food Process Engineering
- MSc in Mechanical Engineering
- MSc in Manufacturing Engineering
- PhD in Chemical Engineering
- PhD in Civil Engineering
University of Birmingham
The School of Engineering at the University of Birmingham is ranked in the UK top 10 for GPA and 4* research in the REF 2021. The School of Engineering focuses on Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering, and provides students with a multi-disciplinary environment.
The University of Birmingham has a good selection of engineering masters degrees and PhDs including:
- MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering
- MSc in Civil Engineering
- MSc in Communications Engineering
- MSc in Electronic & Computing Engineering
- MSc in Geotechnical Engineering
- MSc in Railway Systems Engineering & Integration
University of Southampton
The School of Engineering at the University of Southampton is one of the largest engineering departments in the UK, offering students a world-class education and great research opportunities. Every year, Southampton’s School of Engineering recruits more than 1,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students to study one of its selection of bachelors, masters and PhD programs. The School of Engineering is part of Southampton’s Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and has achievements in engineering spanning the last three centuries – dating back to 1882!
The engineering masters degrees available to study at the University of Southampton include:
- MSc in Acoustical & Vibration Engineering
- MSc in Biomedical Engineering
- MSc in Electronic Engineering
- MSc in Maritime Engineering Science
- MSc in Optical Engineering
- MSc in Software Engineering
- MSc in Space Systems Engineering
Newcastle University
The School of Engineering at Newcastle University brings together Chemical, Mechanical, Marine, Electrical, Civil and Geospatial Engineering, delivering world-leading teaching that embraces collaborative research. There are plenty of MSc degree courses in engineering available to study at Newcastle, as well as MPhil and PhD engineering programs, such as an MPhil and PhD in Materials Engineering and a PhD in Electrical & Electronic Engineering.
The masters degree engineering programs at Newcastle University include:
- MSc in Computer Game Engineering
- MSc in Geotechnical & Geological Engineering
- MSc in Maritime Engineering
- MSc in Mechanical Engineering
- MSc in Smart Systems Engineering
- MSc in Sustainable Chemical Engineering
- MSc in Transport Engineering, Planning & Management
University of Glasgow
The James Watt School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow is number one in Scotland for Civil Engineering, Aeronautical & Aerospace Engineering, and Electronics & Electrical Engineering, according to the Complete University Guide rankings of 2025. The James Watt School has a range of interdisciplinary programs that give students the flexibility to explore engineering alongside other areas of interest. Students can choose from a wide range of bachelors and masters degrees in engineering. The School also has five research divisions for those interested in studying a PhD in Engineering – these are Autonomous Systems and Creativity; Biomedical Engineering; Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering; Infrastructure and Environment; and Systems Power and Energy.
The taught masters engineering degree programs at the University of Glasgow include:
- MSc Aerospace Engineering
- MSc Biomedical Engineering
- MSc Civil Engineering
- MSc Computer Systems Engineering
- MSc Medical Devices Engineering
- MSc Product Design Engineering
- MSc Structural Engineering
University of Warwick
The School of Engineering at the University of Warwick has an exciting range of engineering courses that are accredited by the key engineering institutions in the UK including the IET, IMechE, IStructE and ICE. Warwick is in the UK’s top 10 for General Engineering in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 and the Complete University Guide 2024. Warwick’s School of Engineering has a student population of around 1,500 students, of which around 300 are postgraduates. It provides an integrated approach to engineering teaching combining key areas. 93% of research at the School of Engineering was rated world-leading or internationally excellent by the REF 2021.
Warwick’s School of Engineering offers a range of specialised taught masters courses as well as postgraduate research opportunities including PhD, MPhil, MSc by Research and two Centres for Doctoral Training. The masters degree engineering programs at the University of Warwick include:
- MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering
- MSc in Biomedical Engineering
- MSc in Communications & Information Engineering
- MSc in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- MSc in Electrical Power Engineering
- MSc in Humanitarian Engineering
Queen Mary, University of London
The School of Engineering at Queen Mary, University of London has a great selection of accredited engineering courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Postgraduates can also choose to study a PhD in Engineering or Electronic Engineering.
The taught masters degrees available to study at School of Engineering at Queen Mary include:
- MSc in Advanced Aerospace Engineering
- MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering
- MSc in Advanced Electronic & Electrical Engineering
- MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering
- MSc in Biomedical Engineering
Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a postgraduate-only institution that specialises in engineering, science, design, technology and management. Cranfield University has the largest number of postgraduate masters students in the UK and offers a varied and interesting selection of full and part-time masters degrees in engineering. These include:
- MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering
- MSc in Advanced Motorsport Engineering
- MSc in Aerospace Computational Engineering
- MSc in Astronauts and Space Engineering
- MSc in Automotive Engineering
- MSc in Welding Engineering
Loughborough University
Loughborough University is one of the largest engineering universities in the UK and has been teaching engineering courses since 1909. Loughborough has outstanding industry links, with recent HESA figures demonstrating that it sends over 15% more students on engineering placements that any other UK university, to companies including Rolls-Royce, GlaxoSmithKline and JCB. In addition to offering a great range of masters engineering courses, students at Loughborough can also study a PhD in Quantum Systems Engineering and other engineering-related postgraduate research courses.
Taught masters engineering courses at Loughborough include:
- MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering
- MSc in Advanced Materials Science & Engineering
- MSc in Automotive Engineering
- MSc in Net Zero Building Serviced Engineering
- MSc in Polymer Science and Engineering
- MSc in Sports Engineering
- MSc in Systems Engineering
University of Liverpool
The School of Engineering at the University of Liverpool is built on a strong research environment and offers taught degree courses at both BEng and MEng levels in Aerospace, Civil and Mechanical Engineering. The School of Engineering is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Liverpool – a dynamic community of 12,000 students and a team of nearly 2,500 members. Liverpool also has a Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and this offers an MPhil and a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Electronics.
Liverpool’s School of Engineering offers a good selection of masters degrees including:
- MSc Advanced Aerospace Engineering
- MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering
- MSc Biomedical Engineering
- MSc Sustainable Civil & Structural Engineering
Top 10 Universities for Engineering by type
Different UK universities are known for excelling in different branches of engineering specialisms. Here are the top 10 universities in the UK by engineering type according to recent QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Chemical Engineering
|
University |
Location |
|
University of Cambridge |
Cambridge, England |
|
Imperial College London |
London, England |
|
University of Oxford |
Oxford, England |
|
UCL |
London, England |
|
University of Edinburgh |
Edinburgh, Scotland |
|
University of Manchester |
Manchester, England |
|
University of Sheffield |
Sheffield, England |
|
University of Bristol |
Bristol, England |
|
University of Leeds |
Leeds, England |
|
University of Nottingham |
Nottingham, England |
Civil and Structural Engineering
|
University |
Location |
|
University of Cambridge |
Cambridge, England |
|
University of Oxford |
Oxford, England |
|
Imperial College London |
London, England |
|
University of Manchester |
Manchester, England |
|
UCL |
London, England |
|
University of Edinburgh |
Edinburgh, Scotland |
|
University of Birmingham |
Birmingham, England |
|
University of Leeds |
Leeds, England |
|
University of Nottingham |
Nottingham, England |
|
Newcastle University |
Newcastle, England |
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
|
University |
Location |
|
University of Cambridge |
Cambridge, England |
|
University of Oxford |
Oxford, England |
|
Imperial College London |
London, England |
|
University of Manchester |
Manchester, England |
|
UCL |
London, England |
|
University of Edinburgh |
Edinburgh, Scotland |
|
University of Southampton |
Southampton, England |
|
King’s College London |
London, England |
|
University of Nottingham |
Nottingham, England |
|
University of Glasgow |
Glasgow, Scotland |
Petroleum Engineering
|
University |
Location |
|
Imperial College London |
London, England |
|
University of Manchester |
Manchester, England |
|
University of Surrey |
Surrey, England |
|
Heriot-Watt University |
Edinburgh, Scotland |
|
University of Leeds |
Leeds, England |
|
University of Liverpool |
Liverpool, England |
|
Brunel, University of London |
London, England |
|
Cranfield University |
Bedford, England |
|
Loughborough University |
Loughborough, England |
|
University of Aberdeen |
Aberdeen, Scotland |
Mineral & Mining Engineering
There are only six UK universities listed in the QS World University Mineral & Mining Engineering Rankings 2025 – these are:
|
University |
Location |
|
Imperial College London |
London, England |
|
University of Exeter |
Exeter, England |
|
University of Leeds |
Leeds, England |
|
University of Aberdeen |
Aberdeen, Scotland |
|
University of Birmingham |
Birmingham, England |
|
University of Nottingham |
Nottingham, England |
Best Aerospace Engineering masters degree universities
Here are the best universities in the UK for studying a masters degree in Aerospace Engineering, according to The Guardian’s Aerospace Engineering League Table 2024.
|
University |
Location |
|
Imperial College London |
London, England |
|
University of Bristol |
Bristol, England |
|
University of Bath |
Bath, England |
|
City St George’s, University of London |
London, England |
|
University of Southampton |
Southampton, England |
|
Loughborough University |
Loughborough, England |
|
University of Aberdeen |
Aberdeen, Scotland |
|
University of South Wales |
Pontypridd, Wales |
|
University of Brighton |
Brighton, England |
|
University of Nottingham |
Nottingham, England |
Explore postgraduate engineering courses
Discover a range of Postgraduate Engineering Courses at Postgrad. We list full-time, part-time and online course options from a variety of universities.
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