Electronics engineer : Entry requirements

A good honours degree is necessary. The following subjects may increase your chances:

• electrical/electronic engineering;
• communications engineering;
• aeronautical/mechanical engineering;
• physics and applied physics;
• computer/computer-aided engineering;
• production/manufacturing engineering;
• mathematics and computer science/software engineering.

To work towards chartered engineer (CEng) status, you will need either:

• an accredited MEng degree;
• an accredited Bachelor degree with honours, plus further learning to Masters level;
• or an accredited Bachelor degree with honours, started before 1 September 1999.

Pre-entry experience is not essential, but is a strong asset. A relevant placement or industry-based project is highly recommended. You might be able to count some of the experience gained during a sandwich placement towards qualifying for CEng status.

To work towards incorporated engineer (IEng) status, you will need either:

• an accredited Bachelor degree;
• an accredited Higher National qualification, plus further learning to Bachelor degree level.

A full list of accredited courses is available from the Engineering Council UK (ECUK) .

Candidates who have qualifications which are not accredited should contact the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)  for advice about individual assessment.

Some employers may consider applicants with certain diplomas for engineering technician posts. Technician training can lead to experience of electronics development and design work at a lower level. You will need either: a relevant National Certificate/Diploma; an approved Advanced Modern Apprenticeship; a relevant NVQ Level 3; or a work-based learning route, approved by a licensed professional engineering organisation.

Vacation work, placements and sandwich courses all provide crucial evidence of skills development and commercial awareness, which are increasingly important in this sector. Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• a high level of technical knowledge and IT skills;
• strong analysis and practical problem-solving abilities;
• oral, written and diagrammatic communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear concepts;
• creativity, innovation and attention to detail;
• strategic thinking and commercial awareness;
• organisational, project management and leadership skills;
• the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Some work in sensitive, security-related industries is not open to applicants who have a criminal record, and you will need to pass security clearance for work with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) .

For full information and guidance on training routes, register with the IET.

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