University of Leicester

What you'll study

This integrated MEng course builds on core engineering fundamentals and progressively introduces design, innovation and business-focused modules. Early years emphasise mathematics, mechanics, electronics and materials alongside laboratory and workshop practice. Later years integrate systems design, advanced engineering analysis, project management and professional skills with specialist modules on entrepreneurship, product development, intellectual property and commercialisation.

• Core engineering modules: engineering mathematics, dynamics and structures, electrical circuits and systems, materials and manufacturing processes.
• Design and practice: CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping, embedded systems, laboratory and workshop-based projects.
• Innovation and entrepreneurship: new product development, business modelling, market analysis, funding and pitching, intellectual property and regulatory considerations.
• Systems and advanced topics: control systems, software for engineers, sustainable engineering, reliability and risk assessment.
• Individual and group projects: a substantial final-year MEng individual project typically focused on an innovation or commercially oriented engineering challenge, supported by multidisciplinary teams and industry supervision where possible.
• Optional placement or industrial experience: students are encouraged to take a sandwich year or shorter placements to gain hands-on experience in industry or with technology start-ups.

The course is delivered through lectures, seminars, laboratory work, design projects and business workshops. Assessment is by a combination of exams, coursework, design reports, presentations and project deliverables.

Entry requirements

Applicants should demonstrate a strong background in mathematics and at least one science or engineering subject. Entry routes include direct entry from school/college, from foundation programmes, or from existing degree programmes for those seeking transfer or advanced entry.

• School/college applicants: typical offers require high achievement in relevant A-levels (or equivalent) with mathematics as a core subject. Applicants are expected to show numeracy and problem-solving ability.
• Undergraduate degree applicants: those applying with a completed bachelor’s degree should normally hold a good honours degree in engineering, physics, maths or a closely related discipline to be considered for advanced standing or direct entry to later years.
• Other qualifications: equivalent international qualifications, recognised vocational qualifications, or relevant industrial experience will be considered. English language proficiency is required from applicants whose first language is not English.

Selection may include review of academic transcripts, a personal statement demonstrating interest in innovation and entrepreneurship, and references. Where applicable, interviews or portfolio reviews may be used.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a broad range of roles that combine technical expertise with commercial awareness. Typical career paths include:

• Product design and development engineer roles in sectors such as electronics, automotive, medical devices and industrial equipment.
• Technical or engineering management positions leading multidisciplinary teams on innovation projects.
• Roles in technology transfer, commercialisation, patent support or consultancy, where understanding both engineering and business is essential.
• Founding or joining technology start-ups, or working in business development and entrepreneurship support within larger organisations.
• Further study and research, including PhD study in engineering, design or innovation management.

The combination of practical engineering training and enterprise skills is valued by employers in both technical and commercial functions, and placements or project collaborations with industry often help graduates move directly into relevant roles.

Why study at University of Leicester

The University of Leicester offers a supportive environment for students who want to combine engineering excellence with practical enterprise skills. The engineering department provides access to modern laboratories, workshops and computing facilities used for design, prototyping and testing. Teaching is research-led, drawing on staff expertise across materials, electronic systems and design engineering.

Students benefit from close links with industry and from the university’s business support and careers services, which offer mentoring, start-up support and links to local and regional companies. Project work is frequently informed by real-world challenges and opportunities to engage with external partners. The campus community provides a compact, well-resourced setting for collaborative study, and the course emphasises professional development, communication and teamwork skills valued by employers and entrepreneurs alike.