• Engineering requires you to have an aptitude for Mathematics and logical thinking
• The field of Engineering is wide-ranging, all of which are rigorous and academically challenging
• You may study Engineering through Foundation of Engineering, Diploma and/or Degree

Engineering is the application of mathematical and scientific knowledge to design, build, maintain and improve structures, machines, electronic devices, systems and processes. In short, it is the use of logic to solve everyday problems.

If you choose to study Engineering, you must have an aptitude for Mathematics and love to solve logical problems. You also have to be prepared for a rigorous and academically challenging course. It does not mean that a Degree in Engineering is dull. On the contrary, you are encouraged to think of creative solutions and innovate the way we do things. Most importantly, you should be motivated to create a better world by solving real-world problems from energy-saving appliances to electric cars.

‘’analytical and logical skills of engineering graduates are also valued by non-engineering industries such as banking and finance, IT and technical consulting, as well as management’’

Training in Engineering will not only give you practical skills but also wide career opportunities in various engineering-related industries such as petroleum, telecommunications and construction companies.

As Engineering is wide ranging, you will be required to specialise in a field.

Fields

• Civil Engineering relates to designing, constructing and maintaining physical and built environment.
• Chemical Engineering studies chemical and raw materials and turn them into valuable format such as oil refinery, etc.
• Electrical Engineering relates to the application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. Nowadays, many students also choose to study Mechatronics Engineering to design automated systems.
• Mechanical Engineering relates to the use of mechanical power to operate machines. Nowadays, many students also choose to study Mechatronics Engineering to design automated systems.

Types of jobs

• Construction engineer
• Geotechnical engineer
• Materials engineer
• Structural engineer
• Site engineer
• Transport engineer
• Biochemical engineer
• Chemical process engineer
• Environmental engineer
• Oil and gas engineer
• Petrochemical / petroleum engineer
• Process engineer
• Safety engineer
• Waste management engineer
• Communication engineer
• Computer engineer
• Control engineer
• Mechatronic engineer
• Power engineer
• Signal processing engineer
• Software engineer
• Telecommunications engineer
• Automotive engineer
• Industrial engineer
• Manufacturing engineer
• Materials engineer
• Project engineer
• Systems engineer

Successful people/ companies

• Roma Agrawal is an Indian structural engineer based in London. She helped design and build The Shard, now a striking landmark in London and an active voice in promoting engineering among women in school events.
• Keki Hormusji Gharda is an Indian chemical engineer, chemist and entrepreneur. He is the Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Gharda Chemicals Limited, a Research and Development-based company focusing on agrochemicals, polymers and high performance pigments.
• Charles Kuen Kao is a Chinese electrical engineer and physicist who developed the use of fiber optics in telecommunications. He was jointly awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering work.
• Kumar Bhattacharyya is an Indian British engineer who founded the Warwick Manufacturing Group, an academic department at the University of Warwick, which provides research, education and knowledge transfer in engineering, manufacturing and technology.

There are several pathways towards an Engineering Degree after your Secondary Education. You can choose to pursue a Pre-University course, a Foundation in Science (or Engineering) in your chosen university or a Diploma. Upon completion of any of those qualification, you will then be eligible to pursue a Degree in Engineering. There are many other fields of Engineering such as Nuclear, Aeronautical, Biomedical, Environmental, Architectural Engineering, etc. depending on the facilities and faculty of your chosen university. Do your research for your desired university as entry requirements of top-tier institutions are usually more competitive.

Types of qualifications

• Foundation in Science
• Diploma in Engineering
• Degree in Engineering

Entry requirement

• Good pass in Secondary Education. Subject prerequisites may apply.
• Minimum 3 credits in Secondary Education. Subject prerequisites may apply.
• Good pass in Secondary Education and a Pre-University course, Diploma or Foundation in Science.*

Duration of courses

• 1 year
• 2 to 3 years
• 4 years

*As a rule of thumb: ‘A’ Level minimum 3 Cs; STPM minimum 3 Cs; Australian Pre-University minimum of ATAR 70.0; CPU minimum average of 70% in 6 subjects; Diploma minimum CGPA of 2.5; Foundation in Science minimum CGPA of 2.5. All qualifications should include Physics and Mathematics.