Engineering

Engineering at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous education designed to develop the next generation of innovative engineers and problem solvers. The program combines a solid foundation in physical sciences and mathematics with practical laboratory work and design projects, equipping students with the skills necessary to tackle complex engineering challenges across various disciplines. Students commence their studies with core modules that cover fundamental subjects such as mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, and electrical circuits, fostering a deep understanding of the principles underpinning engineering systems. As they progress, they have the opportunity to specialise in areas including civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering, among others, through a diverse array of optional modules tailored to individual interests and career goals. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and real-world application, integrating engineering design, project management, and teamwork skills essential for professional success. Practical experience is a key component, with laboratory sessions, design projects, and industry placements providing opportunities to apply learned concepts in hands-on environments. Additionally, students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, workshops, and close collaboration with leading researchers and industry partners, ensuring exposure to the latest technological advances and industry practices. The program fosters innovation, critical thinking, and ethical awareness, preparing graduates to contribute effectively to society and address environmental, economic, and social challenges. Graduates of Cambridge Engineering are highly sought after worldwide, with many pursuing careers in research, development, consulting, manufacturing, and beyond. The university’s vibrant academic community, combined with its rich history of engineering excellence, creates an inspiring environment for students committed to making a positive impact through engineering innovation.

Teaching is provided through a mixture of lectures, practicals, projects and supervisions, and in Year 1 you can typically expect around 22 hours of teaching each week. You’re assessed each year through coursework and written exams.

A few students graduate after three years with the BA (Honours) degree. However, most continue to the fourth year (Part IIB), successful completion of which leads to the BA and MEng degrees. Progression to Part IIB is dependent on achievement in Parts IB and IIA.

Year 1 (Part IA)

The broad foundation of the first two years (Part I) gives you an understanding of the basic principles of a wide range of subjects, together with an appreciation of the external pressures under which these ideas are likely to be applied.

In Year 1, you take four papers and sit a three-hour written exam in each:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Structures and Materials
• Electrical and Information Engineering
• Mathematical Methods

You also undertake several coursework activities and projects, on topics including structural design, product design, presentation skills, drawing, laboratory experiments and computer programming.

Year 2 (Part IB)

You study eight papers on core subjects at a more advanced level:

• Mechanics
• Structures
• Materials
• Thermofluid Mechanics
• Electrical Engineering
• Information Engineering
• Mathematical Methods
• Business Economics

In the third term, you select two topics from seven engineering disciplines plus a language option. These topics emphasise engineering design and introduce the more specialised work of the third year.

Coursework includes laboratory experiments and computing exercises. Several experiments are linked around the common theme of earthquake-resistant structures. A highlight of the year is the compulsory integrated design project where you work in teams to design and build robot vehicles which are then tested against each other.

Year 3 (Part IIA)

Professional specialisation begins in earnest and you study 10 papers from an extensive portfolio, from which a core is associated with one of the following disciplines:

• Aerospace and Aerothermal Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Electrical and Information Sciences
• Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
• Information and Computer Engineering
• Instrumentation and Control
• Mechanical Engineering

Alternatively, you can choose (General) Engineering, in which there are fewer restrictions on paper combinations.

In addition, you take an Extension Activity (selected from several topics, usually relevant to your professional discipline) and, in the final term, choose two from a variety of design and computer-based projects or projects in a foreign language.

Year 4 (Part IIB)

Progression to Part IIB is dependent on achievement in Parts IB and IIA, and successful completion of Part IIB leads to the BA and MEng degrees.

In Part IIB, further specialisation is possible and you select eight papers from nearly 100 options which vary each year. These papers benefit from the Department’s research and are taught by experts in the particular field. As a result, you graduate with a Masters-level appreciation of theory and practice in your chosen area.

A major project occupies about half of your time throughout the final year. Many projects are associated with current Department research and have direct industrial input and application. Recent projects include:

• super-tall timber high-rise design
• nanotubes and graphene for polymer optoelectronics
• a fitness predictor for racing cyclists
• use of thorium in a PRISM reactor
• whole-system design of tidal turbines
• remarkably shaped structures
• preliminary design of a solar electric vehicle
• strategy development for fuel restricted F1 races
• medical imaging and 3D computer graphics
• the aerodynamics of power kites

• All applicants to the University of Cambridge must submit an application to UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by the relevant deadline.
• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• Cambridge English: Advanced – grade A or B.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency – grade A, B or C.
• The pre-interview written assessment for Engineering will be taken on 2 November 2017.

The University of Cambridge offers financing options for students enrolled in its Engineering programmes to support their academic pursuits and reduce financial barriers. Tuition fees vary depending on the specific Engineering course and student status, such as whether the applicant is a UK, EU, or international student. For UK students, the tuition fee for undergraduate Engineering programmes typically ranges from approximately £9,250 per year, which is the standard fee set by the government for home students. International students can expect higher fees, often ranging from £28,000 to over £40,000 per year, depending on the specific Engineering discipline. Postgraduate Engineering programmes have different fee structures, with master's courses generally costing between £20,000 and £40,000 for the entire duration.

The university provides a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and grants to assist eligible students. Undergraduate scholarships may be awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, or a combination of both, and specific bursaries are available to support students from underrepresented backgrounds or regions. For postgraduate students, research funding and departmental scholarships are commonly available, often covering tuition fees and providing living stipends to support research activities and accommodation costs.

In addition to university-specific financial aid, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as government loans, private scholarships, and international aid. UK students may access student loans through the Student Loan Company, which can cover both tuition fees and maintenance costs. Those from other countries should investigate scholarships offered by their governments or international organizations.

Cambridge’s college system also offers financial support, including bursaries and grants that can help with accommodation and living expenses during studies. Many colleges have their own bursary schemes, which students are advised to apply for early to maximize funding opportunities.

For students undertaking research or advanced degrees within Cambridge’s engineering departments, there are often Teaching and Research Assistantship opportunities, allowing students to earn income while contributing to university research projects. These are typically awarded based on academic merit and research potential.

In summary, students at the University of Cambridge Engineering programmes have access to a comprehensive suite of financial support options, including government loans, university scholarships, college bursaries, and external funding sources, all designed to make higher education in engineering more accessible and affordable.

Your living expenses may be higher than for a Home student (eg if you stay in Cambridge/the UK during vacations). The minimum resources needed in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and College fees) are estimated to be approximately £10,080 in 2017-18 and £10,310 in 2018-19, depending on lifestyle (you should allow for increases in future years).