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Posted July 21, 2025

What is an MEng?

What is an MEng?

The abbreviation ‘MEng’ stands for Masters of Engineering and it refers to a professional postgraduate engineering qualification.

An MEng is an integrated masters of engineering – a four-year degree course that extends a bachelors degree qualification into a masters-level qualification. It is the highest award of undergraduate studies in engineering in the UK.

By choosing to study an MEng rather than just a three-year bachelors degree in engineering (BEng), students have the opportunity to study engineering at greater depth.

MEngs are ideal for students who know they want to go onto work in engineering in a professional capacity, particularly as they are often accredited by official bodies that oversee engineering professions. Studying an MEng is often necessary for students who wish to go on to get Chartered Engineer status.

Engineering accreditation

In the UK, the Engineering Council grants licences to various professional engineering institutions, and these institutions in turn assess and provide accreditation to engineering masters courses in the UK.

Here are some of the professional engineering courses that can accredit and approve engineering degree courses.

  • Institution of Mechanical Engineers – IMechE
  • Institution of Engineering and Technology – IET
  • Institution of Chemical Engineers – IChemE
  • Institution of Engineering Designers – IED
  • Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining – IOM3
  • Energy Institute – EI
  • Royal Aeronautical Society – RAeS

What’s the difference between an MEng and an MSc?

An MEng and a postgraduate MSc (Master of Science) in Engineering are both professional masters degree courses in engineering – this table outlines the differences and similarities of the two postgraduate qualifications in engineering.

 

MEng

MSc in Engineering

Course Length

4 years advanced undergraduate degree

1-year standalone postgraduate degree

Credits

120 credits per academic year

180 credits across one full year

Pass Mark

50% pass in all modules

50% pass mark in all modules

Grading System

1st / 2.1 / 2.2 / 3rd

Distinction / Merit / Pass


An MEng is a longer, more integrated course that encompasses the three years of bachelors degree study and often includes a substantial focus on practical application within the field of engineering.

Meanwhile, an MSc is a standalone year-long postgraduate qualification that often focuses on a more specialised area of engineering enabling students to gain a stronger theoretical understanding in a particular engineering specialisation. An MSc will also include a large independent research project as well as encourage students to undertake group project work.

An MEng is a great way to continue studying your current engineering specialism at a higher level, whereas an MSc is ideal if you want to focus on a more narrow or different area of engineering.

Should I study an MEng or a BEng?

An MEng requires an extra year of study than a BEng – but is it worth it?

The short answer is, if you know you want to pursue a career in engineering then it is worth studying for that extra year and gaining the higher qualification.

However, it is important to be realistic about your academic abilities. To be eligible to study on a BEng usually requires slightly lower grades than for an MEng – for example at Queen Mary, University of London the entry requirements for an MEng is AAA in your A-levels, whereas the QMUL BEng has an entry requirement of ABB/AAB.

On most BEng degrees there is the possibility to transfer on to the MEng during the first two years of the course, as long as you maintain a high-grade average, usually 60% or more. If you are studying an MEng and decide you want to reduce it to a BEng instead, this is also usually possible as long as the decision is made before the end of the second year.

Do employers prefer an MEng or MSc?

The engineering industry tends to regard the MEng and MSc as equal qualifications. Employers are unlikely to distinguish between the different types of engineering masters degrees – their only stipulation would be that the candidate has a relevant masters qualification. The accreditation status of your masters degree could be relevant, especially if you want to achieve Chartered Engineer status.

Can I study a PhD with an MEng?

Although an MSc tends to be more research/academic focused and an MEng more practical focused, it is possible, and indeed popular, for students to continue onto PhD studies with an MEng.

Interested in studying a Masters in Engineering? Use our course finder to find your perfect course.

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