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Manufacturing engineering

Explore the world of manufacturing engineering to streamline processes, turn concepts into reality, and become a key player in driving efficiency and innovation in diverse industries.

What's on this page?

Manufacturing engineering is all about using processes, technology, and resources to bring ideas to life. It goes beyond production lines, developing manufacturing systems, quality control, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies like automation and additive manufacturing.

The career options are varied, from aerospace and automotive to electronics and healthcare. It can lead to roles such as manufacturing engineer, process engineer, or production manager, where you contribute to enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring product quality.

As industries evolve, so do the opportunities within manufacturing engineering, paving the way for leadership positions in research and development, supply chain management, and even entrepreneurial ventures.

The impact you could make
  • Develop sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
  • Get involved in the research and development of new materials and advanced manufacturing processes.
  • Contribute to the development of industries, creating employment opportunities and economic stability in communities.
What you could study
  • Engineering materials and manufacturing technology
  • Automation and robotics
  • Automated manufacturing project
  • Computer aided manufacturing
  • Sustainability and the product lifecycle
  • Design principles for manufacturing

Study options

Options to study in this field include:

Chat to a current manufacturing engineering student

Chat to a current manufacturing engineering student using UniBuddy.

Some conversation starters for you:

  1. Ask which modules they really enjoyed.
  2. Find out how easy it was for them to make friends on their course.
  3. Do they have any tips on your personal statement?
  4. Did they do anything to prep for uni before they went?
  5. Are there books, podcasts or YouTube channels they would recommend?

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  • Sharon

    University of Plymouth
    BEng (Hons) Robotics
    I am an international student living in Qatar but is inherently Indian. I love how I have been exposed to different cultures and lifestyles living in a country that is different from where I'm from. Moving to Plymouth for university has been an exciting journey so far and I hope to make the most out of the years I intend to be here. Aside from academics, I love music, dance, art, watching a bunch of TV shows, movies and reading all kinds of genres!

  • Morgan

    Coventry University
    Motorsport Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons)
    I have loved living and studying in Coventry and it is now a second home to me. I have a passion for F1 and to hopefully have a future career in the industry, I decided to do a course in Motorsport and have really enjoyed learning so far :)

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Example module
"Any module involving CAD or manufacturing such as engineering design, systems and manufacture."
Second year engineering student, University of Central Lancashire
Example project
"One of my favourites is the steam engine, which as a group we had to design the parts and manufacture them. Best part was that it actually worked flawlessly!"
Second year engineering student, Birmingham City University

Subjects it's useful to have studied first

Some manufacturing engineering courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects. Entry requirements vary, so always check with the provider.
Maths
Science
Technology
Engineering
Hard skills you'll develop
  • Material selection knowledge
  • Use of simulation tools
  • Understand code for CNC machines and automation systems
  • Safety protocols in manufacturing environments
Soft skills you'll develop
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management skills

Careers: Where it can take you

Find out more about your career prospects from studying manufacturing engineering. The following information is based on a typical manufacturing engineering professional role.
Available jobs
28,648 vacancies in the past year
1.48% growth over next eight years
Average salary
£25.507
Up to £41,598

Career options

Production

Production managers and directors in manufacturing

Quality assurance and regulatory professionals

Planning, process and production technicians 

Processing and machine operation

Metal machining setters and setter-operators

Chemical and related process operatives

Plant and machine operatives

Engineering

Production and process engineers

Engineering professionals

Research and development

Research and development managers

Engineering technicians

What is a biotechnology manufacturing design engineer?

Are you interested in how biological systems and processes can help us to develop and manufacture new products and drugs, food and beverages, and other consumer products through biomanufacturing? You’d be embarking on a sustainable career to manufacture more efficient products in a renewable way, relying on what nature has to offer instead of synthetic, more expensive solutions.
Find your ideal career
Take our careers quiz to find your ideal job matched to your personality type.

Getting in: Entry requirements

Find out more about what you'll need to study manufacturing engineering at university or as an apprenticeship.

Average requirements for undergraduate degrees

Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from manufacturing engineering applicants.

A levels
ABB
Scottish Highers
ABBB
Vocational
BTEC D*DD
Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or SQCF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative
Engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships
Check out our industry guide to help you decide if an engineering apprenticeship might be the right choice for you.

Let’s talk about engineering apprenticeships

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Listen to our podcast all about degree apprenticeships in engineering. Find out about funding, what day-to-day life is like, making friends, and more from our expert panel.

Other subjects you may be interested in

Considering an apprenticeship?

Applying for an apprenticeship is just like applying for a normal job. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Deadline

    Apprenticeships don't follow the same deadlines as applying to uni, the deadline is down to the employer.

  2. Where to apply

    You apply directly through the employer.

  3. No limits

    You're not restricted to one apprenticeship application; you can do as many as you like.

  4. Apply to university and apprenticeships

    There's nothing stopping you applying to university through UCAS, while also applying for apprenticeship vacancies.

  5. Find out more

    Read our guide to engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship vacancies
Check out live apprenticeship vacancies in manufacturing engineering

Explore further

Go deeper into topics around manufacturing engineering with the following:

  1. Engineering Design Show

    Have a day out at the UK’s biggest show dedicated to mechanical, electronics, and embedded design.

  2. How It’s Made – Discovery UK

    A TV series that puts everyday objects such as trumpets, sinks, pin ball machines, ballet slippers, cowboy boots and buses under the microscope to find out what it takes to manufacture the things we often take for granted.

  3. Keep up-to-date with the latest news

    You'll find all the latest news and research on The Institution of Engineering and Technology website.

Application advice

Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our advice will help you get ahead in your manufacturing engineering journey.
Skills, experiences, and interests to mention
  • Do you love innovation and like to stay up-to-date with technology and the latest advancements?
  • If you have a passion for sustainability, discuss any experiences, coursework, or personal projects related to sustainable manufacturing practices.
  • On the same thread, discuss your understanding of the environmental and social implications of manufacturing processes.
  • If you have a particular interest in a specialised area of manufacturing like additive manufacturing or smart manufacturing, briefly mention it.
  • Talk about your genuine passion for manufacturing engineering and why you find it exciting and meaningful.
Personal statement guide
We asked admissions tutors to share their dos and don’ts for writing a strong and engaging engineering personal statement. Here's what they told us.

Personal statement builder

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