Electrical engineer : Entry requirements

Most people enter the profession with a degree in electrical or electronic engineering. Entry may also be possible with other engineering degrees, particularly mechanical engineering. Other relevant subject areas include:

• computing and software engineering;
• mechanical and production engineering;
• electromechanical engineering;
• power and energy engineering;
• building services engineering;
• communications engineering;
• aeronautical engineering;
• physics and applied physics.

Relevant HNDs and foundation degrees include electrical and electronic engineering. Entry may also be possible with the following subjects:

• general engineering;
• computing and IT;
• mechanical and production engineering;
• building services engineering;
• mechatronic engineering;
• applied physics.

Some employers do prefer graduates. A number of university courses allow diplomates and those with foundation degrees to enter directly into the final year of a degree programme.

Diplomates with work or placement experience are slightly more advantaged than those without.

Entry without a degree, HND or foundation degree is sometimes possible. Some organisations recruit at A-level (or Higher) standard for apprenticeships and select the best candidates for sponsorship on full or part-time degrees.

You do not need a postgraduate qualification to gain employment. A potential employer will be more impressed by your enthusiasm to gain professional status and by relevant industrial experience. However, a Masters degree or equivalent qualification is required for chartered engineer (CEng) status. Those with a BEng, foundation degree or HND can apply for incorporated engineer (IEng) status. For more details, see the Engineering Council .

Any relevant work experience through a sandwich or vacation placement or industrial year out is valuable.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• commercial awareness;
• oral and written communication skills;
• an enthusiasm for your subject and up-to-date sector knowledge;
• planning and organisational skills, such as time and resource allocation;
• the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

A second language could be useful when applying to international companies.

Student membership of one of the engineering institutions, such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) , provides up-to-date sector information, including new developments in the industry, regular newsletters and access to networks and contacts. The Power Academy  is run by the IET and has brought together leading universities and power sector organisations to provide support for those on an accredited electrical, electronic or power engineering course. The IET also offers its own scholarships for engineering undergraduates and will consider applications in any year of study.

Some work, e.g. in defence-related and nuclear power industries, has security implications and the Ministry of Defence (MoD)  may debar applicants who have a criminal record, are not UK citizens or do not pass security clearance.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.