What Is General Engineering & Why Should I study It? | UCP

Here's why:

• Innovation: Their broad knowledge makes general engineers uniquely equipped to drive innovation.
• Problem-Solving: A general engineering background facilitates holistic approaches to problem-solving, making you an invaluable team member.
• Versatility: The extensive knowledge base of a general engineer enhances adaptability, making you suitable for a wide range of roles across industries.
• Leadership: Understanding multiple engineering disciplines enhances communication with diverse teams, positioning general engineers well for leadership roles.
• In essence, a degree in general engineering doesn't just open doors—it opens a multitude of opportunities across a spectrum of industries, preparing you for the ever-evolving workplaces of tomorrow.

Overview of Engineering Disciplines:

Engineering is a broad field with several disciplines, each of which can be further specialised. Let's take a glance at a few key branches and their specialisations:

• Civil Engineering: This discipline is about the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Within civil engineering, one could specialise in areas like structural engineering, environmental engineering, or transport engineering.
• Mechanical Engineering: As one of the oldest branches, mechanical engineering involves designing, analysing, manufacturing, and maintaining mechanical systems. It offers specialisations such as automotive, aerospace, and energy engineering.
• Electrical Engineering: This branch deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism, from designing household appliances to managing large-scale power systems. Specialisations within this field include power engineering, control engineering, and telecommunications.

So, while general engineering offers a wide-ranging overview, each discipline provides further opportunities for specialisation, allowing engineers to hone their expertise in chosen fields.

What Sets a General Engineering Degree Apart?

Broad Knowledge Base and Versatility

A general engineering degree doesn't confine you to a single discipline. Instead, it equips you with a comprehensive understanding of multiple engineering fields. This broad knowledge base offers versatility, allowing you to tackle a range of engineering problems and work across various sectors. Enquire about studying an Engineering degree here.

Flexibility in Career Options

With a general engineering degree, your career options are virtually limitless. Whether it's civil, mechanical, electrical, or any other discipline, your broad foundational knowledge can serve as a springboard into a variety of roles, from hands-on engineering jobs to project management or consultancy.

Skills Acquired in General Engineering

Beyond technical knowledge, general engineering nurtures critical soft skills. These include problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. With these, general engineers are well-prepared to contribute effectively to a team and take on leadership roles, making a real difference in the field.

Core Subjects in a General Engineering Degree:

Mathematics and Applied Sciences

At the heart of a general engineering degree lies a solid grounding in mathematics and applied sciences. These subjects form the building blocks, helping you understand the scientific principles that underpin all engineering disciplines.

Design and Problem-Solving

Engineering isn't just about understanding theories—it's about applying them to solve real-world problems. Therefore, design and problem-solving are integral parts of a general engineering curriculum. These modules equip you with the skills to design effective, efficient, and innovative solutions.

Engineering Principles and Concepts

Lastly, a general engineering degree covers fundamental principles and concepts that span across all engineering disciplines—from civil to electrical, mechanical to chemical. This comprehensive coverage sets general engineering apart, providing a broad perspective that's valuable in today's interconnected world.

Benefits of Pursuing a General Engineering Degree:

Adaptability and Interdisciplinary Approach

The versatile skill set acquired from a general engineering degree enables adaptability and an interdisciplinary approach. You'll be well-prepared to handle the ever-evolving technological landscape and solve complex problems spanning multiple disciplines.

Understanding of Various Engineering Principles

A general engineering degree imparts an understanding of a wide range of engineering principles. This broad knowledge base not only aids in problem-solving but also encourages innovative thinking by enabling the combination of principles from different disciplines.

Job Market Advantage

The broad-based knowledge and versatility of a general engineer are highly sought after in the job market. By demonstrating competence across multiple engineering fields, you stand out to employers and increase your chances of landing a rewarding role.

Pursuing Specialisations or Advanced Degrees

After completing a general engineering degree, you're well-positioned to pursue specialisations or advanced degrees in a specific field. The comprehensive foundation laid by the general engineering programme prepares you for deeper study, opening up even more opportunities.

Career Paths for General Engineering Graduates:

Engineering Consulting

Armed with a broad understanding of engineering principles, general engineering graduates are well-positioned for careers in engineering consulting. They can offer expert advice across various disciplines, helping companies troubleshoot problems and improve efficiency.

Project Management

General engineering equips graduates with a wide range of skills, making them effective project managers. They can oversee multidisciplinary projects, coordinating different teams and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

Technical Sales and Marketing

With their wide knowledge base, general engineering graduates can thrive in technical sales and marketing roles. They can understand and explain complex products to clients, helping companies increase their sales and grow their customer base.

Research and Development

The problem-solving skills and innovative thinking nurtured in a general engineering degree are assets in research and development roles. Graduates can help design and develop new technologies, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Entrepreneurship

The versatility and adaptability gained from a general engineering degree are crucial for entrepreneurship. Whether it's starting their own engineering consultancy or developing a game-changing product, general engineering graduates have the tools to become successful entrepreneurs.