School of Engineering frequently asked questions

What are the best combinations of A level subjects for a degree in the School of Engineering (Civil, Elec or Mechanical) at Birmingham?

We are flexible in only requiring that you are studying A level Mathematics combined with two other subjects. A level Further Mathematics and Physics are not required but are advantageous.  We also appreciate the value of non-science subjects, such as English, History, Social Sciences and languages, which can provide extended writing skills and a breadth to your knowledge.  General Studies is not accepted.

Do I need A level Physics?

No.  We will assume that all students have no prior knowledge of physics.

What are the typical A level entry requirements?

Our standard A level entry requirements for students applying for entry in 2021/22 are:

• MEng programmes: AAA to include A level mathematics
• BEng programmes: AAB to include A level mathematics

We treat each application individually, ensuring that we make an offer that is tailored to you. The type of offer you receive from Birmingham is personal to you depending on a range of factors:

• The subjects you are taking at A-level (most important)
• Your past examination results (GCSEs and AS results)
• Your personal statement
• Your personal circumstances
• Your school/college reference

Do you accept other qualifications besides A-levels?

Yes, we welcome applications from students studying other courses, such as the International Baccalaureate, European Bacc, Scottish Highers etc. Please refer to the specific course details for our typical IB offer ranges; for all other qualifications, please contact a member of the Admissions Team.

Do you accept BTecs?

Yes, we accept BTecs.

BTEC Extended Diploma will be considered for BEng programmes providing there is sufficient Mathematics content and the applicant satisfactorily completes our Mathematics aptitude test.
Grades: BEng; D*D*D* plus Distinction in mathematics and further mathematics.

BTEC Diploma considered in combination with A level. 
Grades: BEng; D*D* plus B. If the A level taken is not in Mathematics, then the BTEC Diploma must include Maths and Further Maths units, and the applicant must satisfactorily complete our Mathematics aptitude test.

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma considered in combination with 2 A levels
Grades: BEng; D*plus A B. If A level Mathematics is not taken, then the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma must include Maths and Further Maths units, and the applicant must satisfactorily complete our Mathematics aptitude test.

Do you accept ACCESS courses?

Yes, we do accept applications from students taking suitable Access to ENGINEERING, although each application will be considered on an individual basis.  Please contact the Admissions Team for further advice.

Also see the entry requirements for our Engineering Foundation Year.

Do you accept UK International Foundation courses?

Yes, we do accept applications from students taking suitable International Foundation Courses. Please contact the Admissions Team for further advice.

Do you accept Extended Project Qualification?

Yes, if you achieve a grade A in your EPQ this can reduce your offer by 1 grade.  For example:

BEng:

• ABB to include A level mathematics + A in EPQ

MEng:

• AAB to include A level mathematics + A in EPQ

Will I be invited to an Offer-Holder Visit Day?

Yes, all applicants we make an offer to who are based in the UK will be invited to attend an Offer-Holder Visit day.

What happens on an Offer-Holder Visit Day?

Attending one of these days will not only provide us with an opportunity meet you, but will also provide you with a valuable opportunity to see the School, our beautiful campus and the halls of residence, as well as chat to members of staff, and perhaps more importantly, to some of our current students. The opportunity to experience what it would be like to be a student at the University of Birmingham we feel is invaluable.

We want these days to provide you with the information you need in order to make an informed decision as to whether or not to choose Birmingham when you make your firm and insurance decisions. Obviously you can contact us at any time, before or after attending an Offer-Holder Visit Day, for more information.

When do you make offers?

We make offers throughout the admissions cycle and generally very soon after we receive your application.  We do not hold interviews and will assess you based on the information provided on your UCAS form.

Is there any advantage to applying early?

No, we recognise that schools and colleges deal with UCAS applications in different ways; some encourage their students to submit their applications early, others do not. We therefore make offers throughout the cycle but may not consider all applicants who apply after the 15 January UCAS normal application deadline.

Should I do an MEng or a BEng degree?             

Many students worry about this question when making their UCAS application. A major benefit of our degree structure is its flexibility: students enrolled on BEng programmes can transfer on to the MEng programme and vice versa. The first two years of both degree types are the same; thus the decision can be delayed until the end of Year 2. It is for this reason that we make an offer guarantee with our MEng offers. This states that should you accept an MEng offer as your firm choice, but when your results are released you only meet the conditions of the BEng offer, then we will guarantee you a place on our BEng degree programme. During your studies, if you make suitable progress (typically this means achieving 55% or higher), you will have the option to transfer to the MEng by the end of Year 2.

Should I be considering the Foundation Year programme?

Our Engineering Foundation Year (HFJ0) is specially designed for students who are motivated to study our School of Engineering programmes at degree level but have been away from education for some time and/or whose qualifications do not allow their direct entry on to one of our honours programmes.

We also offer the Foundation Pathways at Birmingham Foundation Academy, which is specially designed for candidates who are motivated to study in the School of Engineering but whose qualifications do not allow their direct entry on to one of our honours programmes and whose first language is not English. Both of these programmes are also attractive to mature students who may need a period of retraining before beginning a degree.

Can I take a gap year?

Yes, if you wish to defer starting your degree and take a year out so you can travel or work, then all you need to do is complete the UCAS application as normal ensuring you have the appropriate start-date. We will treat your application in the same way as all the others we receive.

Can I transfer between BEng and MEng courses?

Yes, since the first two years of our MEng and BEng programmes are the same, it is possible to transfer your registration from the MEng to BEng, and vice versa, at the end of Year 2 but you will need to achieve a Year 2 mark of 55%, or higher in order to remain on the MEng programme.

Are there progression criteria to remain on a particular degree programme?

Yes, in order to remain enrolled on an MEng programme, you will need to achieve a Year 2 mark of 55%, or higher (subject to periodic review).

Is it possible to change my School of Engineering course when I arrive at Birmingham?

Yes, providing you satisfy the entry requirements for the degree programme you wish to transfer on to, the flexible nature of our course structure allows you to change courses when you arrive. We encourage students who are considering changing course to discuss this with their personal tutor and if after this, they still wish to transfer, to do so as early as possible, and definitely before they start their second year of study.

Can I spend time in industry?

Yes, if you are interested in gaining valuable work experience in industry as part of your degree.  Most of our degree programmes in the School of Engineering offer this option.  For Civil Engineering there is also the option of undertaking Civil Engineering with Industrial Experience (H202).

Will I get paid during my year out in industry?

Yes, contact us for typical salaries.

Can I spend time studying abroad?

Yes, if you are interested in spending a year studying abroad as part of your degree, you can do this as part of any of MEng programmes at the end of your 2nd year. Currently, Birmingham has arrangements with many universities.  Where you are able to study will depend on the content of the programme you wish to study on abroad. 

I’m into computers; will I be able to take classes related to Computer Science?

Yes, but this will require you spending a whole year in Computer Science by completing your intercalated year in Computer Science.

Will I do a research project?

Yes, it is a requirement that all students graduating from the University of Birmingham have done an element of project work as part of their degree. Students enrolled on both BEng and MEng degree programmes in the School of Engineering will carry out a research project in their final year.

How much does each year count towards my final degree mark?

This depends on which degree programme you are following. In all cases, however, your first year mark does not count towards your final degree mark, although of course you need to pass this year in order to progress on to Year 2. Year 1 also sets the foundations for your future study and is therefore an important first step. Typically, Year 2 of BEng programmes contributes 25%, and Year 3 - 75%, to your final degree mark, whilst for MEng programmes, Year 2 contributes - 20%, Year 3 - 40% and Year 4 - 40%.

How are the School of Engineering courses structured?

Each year contains 120 credits of taught material, delivered in modules typically worth 10 or 20 credits.

How many hours of teaching will I have in a typical week?

Compared with many subjects, School of Engineering students have lots of contact time with the staff who teach them. Throughout your degree during a normal academic year, depending on module choice, you can expect about 20 hours of contact time per week on average. This consists of approximately 14 hours of lectures and 6 hours of tutorials/labs. As the years go on, students are expected to complete more independent study including project work and contact time tends to reduce.

What forms of assessment do you use?

We assess each module independently, using a wide range of assessment methods to test the various learning outcomes of our courses, including end-of-year examinations, written assignments, oral and poster presentations, computer-based tests, laboratory and project reports. Some modules are completely assessed by coursework.

What feedback will I get?

We place a strong emphasis on providing prompt and informative feedback on all pieces of work that you submit during your studies. Feedback comes in a variety of forms including written feedback on pieces of assessment, class feedback sessions as well as particularly valuable one-on-one discussions with your tutors; however in all cases, the feedback you receive will highlight areas where you are performing well as well as those areas which require more attention. Continual guidance on how to improve further will increase your performance and understanding of the subject as well as your own personal development.

What about teaching quality?

We review our degree programmes annually and are continually seeking to innovate and enhance our courses. One measure of teaching quality is the National Student Survey (NSS).

What happens if I fail a module?

Students take 120 credits of taught material each year and typically need to pass a minimum of 100 credits in order to be allowed to progress on to the next year. Should you not pass a module first time around, then there is usually an opportunity to re-sit the examination for the module in the supplementary assessment period. If you pass second time round, then you gain the credits associated with that particular module.

How will my studies be supported?

To help you transition from School to university, you will be assigned an academic member of staff who will act as your personal tutor, checking in with you throughout your entire time spent with us, which includes making sure you’re settling in well when you first arrive.

Small non-assessed group tutorials of typically no more than seven students are held regularly to help cement key mathematical concepts learned in lectures and to give students the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed and informal environment.

What if I need some non-academic support?

Our School of Engineering Welfare Team is here to support you with any non-academic areas and holds regular drop-in sessions where you can talk confidentially about anything that may be worrying you. They can refer you to additional resources or services to ensure that you are fully equipped with the tools you need to succeed at Birmingham.

What facilities does the School have?

The University have invested £40M in teaching laboratories that is transforming the way in which our staff can provide students with hands-on experience to real life engineering problems. Phase 1, CTL Engineering opened in Sept 2016, providing a £5 million upgrade in the laboratories used by Civil, Electrical and Mechanical engineers. Phase 2 opened in September 2018 and is a £35M state-of-the-art new Collaborative Teaching Laboratory opened to provide an exceptional learning environment, one floor of which is for electronic engineering labs and projects.

In addition, construction work is well underway on a new home for the School of Engineering which we hope will open early 2021.

Do you have a student-run Society?

Yes, we are a very sociable School and have very active student societies. We have our departmental societies Mech Soc, Civ Soc, EESE Soc which are run by students and host events and activities throughout the year, such as the School’s annual black tie ball, various charity events, hosting visiting speakers, and debates. Our 3 departmental societies are also part of the EPS Community, which currently has 39 societies and student groups that cover a huge range interests, projects and charitable causes. Find out more about our societies. 

What types of careers do Birmingham School of Engineering graduates enter after they have graduated?

Birmingham graduates possess excellent core skills in numeracy and literacy, as well as highly-developed problem-solving, team-working, time-management, communication and IT skills. These skills, combined with an in-depth knowledge of the relevant engineering discipline, equip our graduates well for today’s fast-changing job market, and ensure they are highly sought after by a wide range of employers.

Previous graduates have had successful careers in many industries.  Our employability statistics can be found on each of the departmental pages: Civil, Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. 

The employability of our graduates is paramount and employability support is embedded throughout our degree programmes. Working with our Careers Advisers you will develop and hone your employability skills from Year 1 onwards, through courses, workshops and seminars. We maintain close contacts with our Alumni, and graduates who are now in senior roles within industry regularly return to Birmingham to participate in seminars and workshops, as well as informal networking, advising students on how to succeed in the jobs market. Skills training is also embedded throughout the course ensure you develop the skills that employers have said they view as crucial: written and spoken communication skills, presentation skills, team-working, interpersonal skills and problem-solving.

Does the University provide any financial support in the form of bursaries?

Yes, the University of Birmingham is committed to ensuring that fears about financing do not constrain prospective students from considering applying. View information on financial support.

How much are the fees?

View to find information on our tuition fees

Will I pay reduced fees whilst on my year out in industry?

Yes, students pay reduced fees whilst on their year out. Further information of our fees page.

Do I have to pay a laboratory deposit?

No, this is covered by your fees.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes, we are proud to offer a range of high-value scholarships that reward academic excellence and potential.

Do you offer scholarships to International students?

Yes, see the School of Engineering scholarships page for details

Do you offer sports scholarships?

Yes, the University of Birmingham supports athletes across a range of tailored sport scholarship programmes. Our dedicated Scholarships Management team work collectively with the Performance Centre to support and promote dual-career athletes, forming strong links with academic departments, coaches and governing bodies to ensure that these athletes are supported from all angles. Through the promotion and maintenance of a high performance environment, the team facilitates the progress of scholars into senior-international and elite-level sport. Please check the website for further details.

Do you offer music scholarships?

Yes, the University of Birmingham offers approximately 17 hours of musical tuition per year for three years (total cash value of £3,000). These scholarships are open to prospective students performing at a grade 8 standard in an instrument or vocals and have an offer of a place on a full-time undergraduate programme (other than a Music Department programme).  Please check the website for further details.

View full details and eligibility criteria on scholarships

• School of Engineering scholarships
• University scholarships, grants and bursaries