What engineering course should I choose?

Hello everyone,
I am applying for university this year and want to do engineering. However, I'm still unsure what kind of engineering I want to study. Well, I am leaning towards Mechanical Engineering as I like the design aspect of it ( + Math and Physics are my strongest subjects ). I did some work experience and really enjoyed it, however I don't know much about the other types of engineering so I have no idea whether I'm choosing the right one. I should have done more research considering I'm currently in the process of doing my UCAS application, but I really can't decide and keep jumping around ( i.e from Civil to Electrical, back to Mechanical). Just for extra information, this is a summary of what I got in my exam results over the past 2 years:

- N5 Chemistry A
- N5 Computing Science A
- N5 Geography A
- N5 English A
- N5 Maths A
- N5 Spanish A
- N5 Physics A
- Higher Chemistry A
- Higher Computing Science A
- Higher English A
- Higher Maths A
- Higher Physics A

This year I am doing AH Maths, AH Maths of Mechanics, AH Physics and Level 7 Baccalaureate. I also want to know whether I should apply for MEng or BEng. This is because at one point I thought of doing Finance, and was told I can do Finance with an Engineering degree, but can't do Engineering with a Finance degree. My plan is to do an undergrad course in Engineering to see how it is, and depending on how much I like it either a) continue with engineering and do a post graduate OR b) switch to a post graduate finance course (actuarial science). Anyway, do you think it would be a good idea to just stick with Mechanical Engineering, or should I consider doing Electrical Engineering as my Baccalaureate topic is literally apart of the Year 1 course (unintentional btw) - also MEng or BEng?
Any advice would be appreciated! Many thanks :smile:

Reply 1

mnot

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by kingpin73

Hello everyone,
I am applying for university this year and want to do engineering. However, I'm still unsure what kind of engineering I want to study. Well, I am leaning towards Mechanical Engineering as I like the design aspect of it ( + Math and Physics are my strongest subjects ). I did some work experience and really enjoyed it, however I don't know much about the other types of engineering so I have no idea whether I'm choosing the right one. I should have done more research considering I'm currently in the process of doing my UCAS application, but I really can't decide and keep jumping around ( i.e from Civil to Electrical, back to Mechanical). Just for extra information, this is a summary of what I got in my exam results over the past 2 years:
- N5 Chemistry A
- N5 Computing Science A
- N5 Geography A
- N5 English A
- N5 Maths A
- N5 Spanish A
- N5 Physics A
- Higher Chemistry A
- Higher Computing Science A
- Higher English A
- Higher Maths A
- Higher Physics A
This year I am doing AH Maths, AH Maths of Mechanics, AH Physics and Level 7 Baccalaureate. I also want to know whether I should apply for MEng or BEng. This is because at one point I thought of doing Finance, and was told I can do Finance with an Engineering degree, but can't do Engineering with a Finance degree. My plan is to do an undergrad course in Engineering to see how it is, and depending on how much I like it either a) continue with engineering and do a post graduate OR b) switch to a post graduate finance course (actuarial science). Anyway, do you think it would be a good idea to just stick with Mechanical Engineering, or should I consider doing Electrical Engineering as my Baccalaureate topic is literally apart of the Year 1 course (unintentional btw) - also MEng or BEng?
Any advice would be appreciated! Many thanks :smile:

A good question to ask yourself is what do you want to engineer, and what bits of the science are you interested in.

Reply 2

Teesside University

Official Rep

Original post

by kingpin73

Hello everyone,
I am applying for university this year and want to do engineering. However, I'm still unsure what kind of engineering I want to study. Well, I am leaning towards Mechanical Engineering as I like the design aspect of it ( + Math and Physics are my strongest subjects ). I did some work experience and really enjoyed it, however I don't know much about the other types of engineering so I have no idea whether I'm choosing the right one. I should have done more research considering I'm currently in the process of doing my UCAS application, but I really can't decide and keep jumping around ( i.e from Civil to Electrical, back to Mechanical). Just for extra information, this is a summary of what I got in my exam results over the past 2 years:
- N5 Chemistry A
- N5 Computing Science A
- N5 Geography A
- N5 English A
- N5 Maths A
- N5 Spanish A
- N5 Physics A
- Higher Chemistry A
- Higher Computing Science A
- Higher English A
- Higher Maths A
- Higher Physics A
This year I am doing AH Maths, AH Maths of Mechanics, AH Physics and Level 7 Baccalaureate. I also want to know whether I should apply for MEng or BEng. This is because at one point I thought of doing Finance, and was told I can do Finance with an Engineering degree, but can't do Engineering with a Finance degree. My plan is to do an undergrad course in Engineering to see how it is, and depending on how much I like it either a) continue with engineering and do a post graduate OR b) switch to a post graduate finance course (actuarial science). Anyway, do you think it would be a good idea to just stick with Mechanical Engineering, or should I consider doing Electrical Engineering as my Baccalaureate topic is literally apart of the Year 1 course (unintentional btw) - also MEng or BEng?
Any advice would be appreciated! Many thanks :smile:

Hi there 👋 It’s great to hear that you’re interested in studying Engineering.

We understand that there are many types of Engineering courses and different modes of study for you to choose which can feel exciting but overwhelming.

You’ve mentioned that there are three areas of Engineering, and you keep jumping back to courses such as Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Electrical. Below is a brief overview of these courses if you were to study one of these courses at Teesside.

Mechanical Engineering
You gain knowledge and understanding of mechanical engineering subjects, including mechanics, dynamics, fluids, thermodynamics, materials, digital engineering, computer-aided design, electrical principles, finite element analysis, manufacturing, product development and assembly line modelling.

Find out more here: https://www.tees.ac.uk/undergraduate_courses/engineering_&_construction/beng_(hons)_mechanical_engineering.cfm

Electrical and Electronic Engineering
You gain an understanding and knowledge of electrical and electronic engineering subjects, including analogue and digital electronics, microprocessors, embedded systems, design, modelling, coding, communication systems, electrical machines and power systems.

Watch the video to find out more about studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering: https://youtu.be/o_JKAfKuDzc

Civil Engineering
You develop knowledge and skills in subjects including structures, construction materials, geotechnics, fluid mechanics and construction management.

Find out more here: https://www.tees.ac.uk/undergraduate_courses/engineering_&_construction/beng_(hons)_civil_engineering.cfm

You can find the courses we offer on a website here 👉 https://www.tees.ac.uk/undergraduate_courses/engineering_&_construction/

Regarding your question about studying a BEng (Hons) or an MEng (Hons) course, a BEng is usually three years of undergraduate study, while an MEng is a four-year integrated master's degree that includes postgraduate study.
Hope this helps you, and good luck with your research. The choice is yours, but it’s definitely worth looking at all the options out there!

-J

Reply 3

LSBU

Official Rep

Original post

by kingpin73

Hello everyone,
I am applying for university this year and want to do engineering. However, I'm still unsure what kind of engineering I want to study. Well, I am leaning towards Mechanical Engineering as I like the design aspect of it ( + Math and Physics are my strongest subjects ). I did some work experience and really enjoyed it, however I don't know much about the other types of engineering so I have no idea whether I'm choosing the right one. I should have done more research considering I'm currently in the process of doing my UCAS application, but I really can't decide and keep jumping around ( i.e from Civil to Electrical, back to Mechanical). Just for extra information, this is a summary of what I got in my exam results over the past 2 years:
- N5 Chemistry A
- N5 Computing Science A
- N5 Geography A
- N5 English A
- N5 Maths A
- N5 Spanish A
- N5 Physics A
- Higher Chemistry A
- Higher Computing Science A
- Higher English A
- Higher Maths A
- Higher Physics A
This year I am doing AH Maths, AH Maths of Mechanics, AH Physics and Level 7 Baccalaureate. I also want to know whether I should apply for MEng or BEng. This is because at one point I thought of doing Finance, and was told I can do Finance with an Engineering degree, but can't do Engineering with a Finance degree. My plan is to do an undergrad course in Engineering to see how it is, and depending on how much I like it either a) continue with engineering and do a post graduate OR b) switch to a post graduate finance course (actuarial science). Anyway, do you think it would be a good idea to just stick with Mechanical Engineering, or should I consider doing Electrical Engineering as my Baccalaureate topic is literally apart of the Year 1 course (unintentional btw) - also MEng or BEng?
Any advice would be appreciated! Many thanks :smile:

Hi Kingpin,

Firstly, it’s great that you already have such a strong foundation in Maths and Physics, those subjects are at the heart of all engineering disciplines, so you’re in a fantastic position no matter which path you choose. It’s also completely normal to feel unsure about which area of engineering to specialise in. Many students start off interested in one branch and discover new areas as they learn more about how the disciplines overlap.

At London South Bank University (LSBU), we offer a wide range of accredited engineering degrees, including Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons), Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons), Civil Engineering BEng (Hons), and several related apprenticeship routes. All of these courses are designed with strong input from industry and are accredited by professional bodies such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), meaning they meet the high standards needed for professional registration as a Chartered Engineer.

If you enjoy design, problem-solving, and understanding how machines work, Mechanical Engineering could be the best fit. It blends creativity and science, from designing engines and robotics systems to renewable energy technologies. Electrical and Electronic Engineering focuses more on power systems, circuits, automation, and emerging fields like AI and renewable power, a great choice if you’re interested in how energy and digital systems connect. Civil Engineering, on the other hand, is ideal if you’re fascinated by infrastructure, structures, and sustainable city development.

As for whether to apply for a BEng or MEng, the main difference is the length and depth of study. The BEng (Hons) is a three-year degree (four with a placement year) and qualifies you for professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer. The MEng adds an extra year of advanced study and is the preferred route if you’re aiming to become a Chartered Engineer. Many students start with the BEng and later transfer to the MEng if they decide they want to continue, so you don’t need to decide right away.

One of LSBU’s key strengths is its hands-on, industry-focused teaching. You’ll use state-of-the-art labs, CAD tools, and testing facilities, and have opportunities for placements, apprenticeships, and work-based learning with our strong network of industry partners. LSBU also ranks highly for graduate employability in engineering and is known for producing career-ready engineers.

If you’d like to find out more, I’d encourage you to come along to one of our Open Days on Saturday 15th November. You’ll be able to talk to academics, current students and admissions staff who can help you decide which branch of engineering might suit you best.
👉 You can sign up here: LSBU Open Day.
👉 You can also chat with our students through our Unibuddy platform: Chat with our students.

Whatever you choose, whether it’s mechanical, electrical, or civil, your academic record shows you have the ability and curiosity to succeed. LSBU will support you in developing the technical skills, creativity, and experience to thrive in whichever engineering path you pursue.