All about MEng

MEng or Master of Engineering is an advanced degree for those who want to be an engineer. Usually, it is offered as a postgraduate degree or a professional degree in Engineering. These are offered in different countries in different forms and serve as an essential degree to work as a Chartered Engineer.

Entry requirements for MEng

Entry requirements for a Masters in Engineering differ from university to university. As some universities offer it as an undergraduate (integrated) degree while some offer it as a postgraduate program.

• Undergraduate MEng: Universities demand an application process similar to an undergraduate program. They require the candidates to secure ‘A’ grades in the subjects in their secondary qualification.
• Postgraduate MEng: Universities offering this course as a postgraduate degree requires candidates to have a recognized bachelor's degree.

MEng in different countries

UK/USA: Here, MEng degrees are offered by a large educational institution or graduate school. Educational institutions that hold specialization in offering professional and technical training rather than those focusing on academic research offer this course. Institutions offering this course are accredited by a legitimate professional body that assesses their work periodically. Apart from this, in many countries, on-job training is required to gain professional accreditation after pursuing MEng.

UK: In the UK, MEng is offered as an integrated degree. Universities offer a four-year undergraduate degree and one-year professional training/ on-job training. So, overall it becomes a five-year degree program. However, the candidates receive a master-level qualification.

USA: USA: MEng is offered as a professional graduate program and is not offered as an integrated degree, so, candidates are required to have a bachelor’s degree for pursuing MEng. Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is the main body that overlooks professional accreditation for Engineering programs in the USA.

Europe: The term 'MEng' is usually used in the UK and the USA. Different countries use different titles for this degree. European countries refer to it as 'Diploma in Engineering’ or a postgraduate Engineering Masters. Universities offering master's degree operates under the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Most of the degrees offering under the EHEA offer usual postgraduate degrees. After a bachelor’s degree, they run for two more years. Most engineering masters are accredited through the European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE). Apart from this, individual European countries also have their own set of standards for giving professional accreditation.

Australian/New Zealand: Masters in Engineering is offered as a postgraduate course in Australia and New Zealand. Universities in both countries offer this as a research-based program, which prepares students for an academic career rather than a professional one. Also, 'Engineers Australia' administer engineering qualifications in Australia. Whereas, Engineering programs in New Zealand are self-regulated, however, the engineering profession is authorized by the Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ).

Asia: Asian countries use the term ‘Master of Technology' or MTech. It is seen as a professional master’s degree in Engineering and Technology.

Also Read

• Job prospects of MEng
• MEng v/s MS: What's the difference?

Study under MEng

MEng or masters of engineering program is quite different from the academic programs. Students are taught individual project assignments and units. However, everything they learn is taught to develop using a specific set of skills, so, they gain the required ability to become a professional engineer.

Subjects awarded under MEng

Masters of engineering courses are specifically designed for specific branches from Chemical to Electrical Engineering and Civil to Chemical Engineering. However, students are taught about units and undertake individual project assignments. Also, the coursework is designed in such a way that students can develop specific skills to become a professional engineer.

Integrated MEng

An integrated MEng will start from the undergraduate level. Here, the candidates won't have an engineering background. Initially, the program covers the basics of all the subjects and gradually the course progresses to advanced course work. From there the course progresses to specialization in different fields. The final year of the program is the master’s level and students directly pursue one-year masters. The final year concludes with a final project where students have to implement what they have learned into practicality by solving an engineering problem.

Advantages of being a Charted Engineer

Chartered Engineers are able to carry out audit works in their field of engineering. They are responsible for approving the projects whereas junior engineers execute those orders. Apart from India, this degree is popular in Germany. After obtaining chartered engineer certification, one becomes a graduate engineer if they were diploma holders earlier.