Engineering Science Undergraduate
Engineering Science at Oxford University offers a comprehensive and intellectually rigorous programme, covering topics from microelectronics to large-scale offshore engineering projects. The discipline integrates creative problem-solving, scientific principles, advanced mathematics, and practical application to address complex real-world challenges effectively.
Oxford’s Department of Engineering Science is globally recognized for its research excellence and consistently achieves the highest quality ratings in teaching. Students benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities, expert faculty, and opportunities to engage with pioneering engineering projects that shape the future of technology and industry.
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Course Overview
UCAS Code: See course options
Entrance Requirements: AAA at A-level, with A*s specifically in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, or Physics
Course Duration: 4 years (MEng)
Subject Requirements
- Required Subjects: Mathematics and Physics are essential for admission
- Recommended Subjects: Modules in Mathematics with a focus on Mechanics are strongly encouraged
- Helpful Subjects: Further Mathematics can provide additional preparation and strengthen your application
Other Course Requirements
- Admissions Test: Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) is required as part of the application process
- Written Work: Submission of written work is not required
Admissions Statistics
- Interviewed: 38% of applicants
- Successful Offers Made: 16%
- Annual Intake: Approximately 172 students
- *Based on a 3-year average from 2022–2024
Course Philosophy and Structure
Oxford’s Engineering Science programme is built on the principle that pioneering engineering solutions require both a broad understanding of fundamental concepts and the ability to develop specialised expertise. Consequently, the undergraduate course is structured as a unified curriculum, rather than splitting students into distinct disciplines from the outset.
During the first two years, all students receive rigorous training in the core principles of engineering, covering key topics across multiple branches. This integrated approach ensures that undergraduates develop a comprehensive understanding of how different engineering fields interconnect, providing a coherent and efficient learning experience.
In the third and fourth years, students have the opportunity to specialise in one of six major engineering disciplines:
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Information Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Students benefit from flexibility in selecting their specialisation, with no commitment required until the third year, allowing them time to explore the breadth of engineering before focusing on their chosen field.
Accreditation
The Engineering Science degree at Oxford undergoes a comprehensive review every five years by recognised professional engineering institutions to ensure it meets the highest academic and professional standards. Currently, the programme is accredited by the following bodies:
IChemE – Institution of Chemical Engineers
IET – Institution of Engineering and Technology
IMechE – Institution of Mechanical Engineers
InstMC – Institute of Measurement and Control
JBM – Joint Board of Moderators, representing civil engineering institutions
These accreditations confirm that the course satisfies the academic requirements necessary for registration as a Chartered Engineer under the Engineering Council.
Accreditation from IChemE, IET, IMechE, and InstMC is secured for student intakes up to 2027.
Accreditation from JBM is confirmed up to 2025, with a review for the 2026–2027 intakes scheduled for summer 2025.
This recognition underscores the programme’s rigorous standards, international reputation, and alignment with professional engineering qualifications.
Industrial Experience
Hands-on industry experience is an integral component of the Engineering Science degree, complementing the rigorous academic curriculum. Oxford strongly encourages students to engage with the engineering sector, often facilitated through sponsorships with leading companies.
In some cases, sponsoring organisations may request students to undertake a pre-university gap year placement, providing early exposure to professional environments before commencing their studies. Applicants planning such placements must declare them in their UCAS application and during their Oxford interview.
For additional guidance, students can consult careers advisors or professional engineering institutions, which provide information on sponsorship schemes, industry placements, and relevant opportunities to enhance practical skills and professional development.
Astrophoria Foundation Year
For students aspiring to study Engineering Science at Oxford who may not meet the standard high-grade requirements, the Astrophoria Foundation Year provides a valuable alternative route.
This programme is designed to support applicants whose personal, social, or educational circumstances may have limited their prior academic achievement. The Foundation Year offers an additional year of study before the full degree, allowing students to:
Develop the academic knowledge and skills necessary for success in Engineering Science.
Build confidence in engaging with university-level material.
Receive tailored academic and personal support to facilitate the transition into undergraduate life at Oxford.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year enables students to progress directly into the full Engineering Science degree.
A Typical Week
Studying Engineering Science at Oxford combines lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and project work, providing a comprehensive and in-depth learning experience. While weekly schedules may vary, a typical week includes:
Lectures: Approximately ten lectures per week, delivered by experienced academics who are active researchers and specialists in their fields.
Tutorials and Classes: On average, two tutorials or small-group classes per week. These sessions explore lecture material in detail under tutor guidance. In the first two years, tutorials are college-based with 2–4 students. By the third year, they are department-based with groups of up to four students, while final-year classes vary in size but never exceed 15 students.
Practical Work: During the first and second years, students may spend up to five hours per week in laboratory sessions, supervised by academic and technical staff, to develop problem-solving skills and practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Project Work: From the third year onwards, project work becomes central. Third-year students typically dedicate one day per week to group projects, while fourth-year students spend approximately two and a half days per week on individual research projects.
Teaching is delivered by a mix of academic staff, postgraduate tutors, and postdoctoral researchers, ensuring students benefit from both expert guidance and current research insights.
Course Structure by Year
Year 1
Courses: Mathematics, Electrical & Information Engineering, Structures & Mechanics, Energy, Engineering Practical Work
Assessment: First University Examinations – four written papers; assessment of practical work
Year 2
Courses: Mathematics, Electrical & Information Engineering, Structures, Materials & Dynamics, Energy Systems, Engineering Practical Work
Assessment: Final University Examinations (Part A) – four written papers; assessment of practical work
Year 3
Courses: Five optional Engineering courses, Engineering in Society, Engineering Computation, Engineering Practical Work, Group Design Project
Assessment: Final University Examinations (Part B) – six written papers; assessment of practical work; project reports (computation and group design project)
Year 4 – Research and Specialisation
Research & Specialisation: A major individual research project plus six specialist courses selected from:
Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Mathematics
Information Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Production Engineering
Assessment: Final University Examinations (Part C) – six written papers; project report.
Academic Requirements
Qualifications
A-levels: Applicants are normally expected to achieve AAA, including Mathematics and Physics. Where A* grades are required, they must be attained in Mathematics, Physics, or Further Mathematics.
Advanced Highers (Scotland): Grades of AA or AAB are typically required.
International Baccalaureate (IB): A total score of 40 points, including core points, with 776 at Higher Level, must include 7s in both Mathematics and Physics.
Advanced Diploma in Engineering (Level 3): Accepted if combined with:
An A-level in Physics
Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Engineering
Extended Project
Principal Learning component of the diploma
Offers will specify the required results in each element.
BTEC:
National Extended Diploma with DDD, OR
National Foundation Diploma with D* plus A-level grades A*A in Mathematics and Physics
Other Equivalent Qualifications: Applicants with alternative UK or international qualifications may also be considered. Detailed guidance is available on the University’s official admissions pages.
Contextual Consideration: Oxford reviews academic performance in the context of personal circumstances. Applicants predicted A*AA but affected by illness, bereavement, or educational disruption are still considered. Offers in such cases are usually conditional on achieving AAA.
Subject Requirements
Essential Requirements:
Applicants must have studied Physics and Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent, such as Advanced Highers or IB Higher Level). Mastery of these subjects provides the foundational knowledge necessary for the Engineering Science curriculum.
Helpful (Recommended) Subject:
Taking Further Mathematics is not compulsory but is strongly recommended, as it enhances preparation and provides an advantage in more advanced areas of study.
Practical Science Component:
For science A-levels, candidates are expected to complete and pass all practical components in addition to achieving the required grades. This ensures both theoretical understanding and practical competency, which are critical for success in Engineering Science at Oxford. Get more information about the Oxford University subject.
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate proficiency by meeting the University’s English language requirements.
Foundation Year Option
If your personal or educational background makes it unlikely to achieve the standard entry grades, but you have a strong interest in Engineering Science, you may consider applying for the Engineering Science with Foundation Year programme. This pathway provides an additional year of preparatory study to build the academic knowledge and skills needed for success in the full undergraduate course.
For detailed eligibility criteria and entry requirements, please refer to the official course website.
Applying
All applicants must follow the standard application procedure for Oxford University. Below are the specific requirements for students applying to Engineering Science.
Admissions Test
- Test Name: Physics Admissions Test (PAT)
- Test Dates: 22 & 23 October 2024
- Registration Window: To be confirmed (check the official website for updates)
Taking the PAT is compulsory for all candidates applying to this course.
Test Format and Key Details
- The PAT includes a mixture of mathematics and physics questions arranged in sequence (there are no separate maths and physics sections).
- Formula sheets, tables, or data books are not permitted.
- Calculators are allowed (a change introduced in 2018).
Guidance on how to register for the test and the best ways to prepare is available on the official PAT test page.
Additional Application Information
- Full guidelines for calculator use, details of the PAT syllabus, and links to supporting study materials can be found on the official Physics website.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to review these resources to ensure thorough preparation.
Written Work
Applicants do not need to submit additional written work as part of their application.
Careers
Graduates of Oxford’s Engineering Science programme enjoy versatile career opportunities across diverse industries, reflecting both the breadth of their training and the global prestige of the degree. Key sectors include:
Banking and investment
Consultancy
Accountancy
Information technology and computing
Energy and environmental industries
Many graduates also pursue careers directly within engineering and manufacturing, leveraging their specialised expertise. Others continue their academic journey through doctoral research at Oxford or other leading institutions, further enhancing their professional and research credentials.
Graduate Spotlight
Mark, a Race Strategy Modeller at Ferrari, shares his experience:
“My role involves applying mathematical techniques to solve complex engineering problems related to Formula One cars. A recent project focused on race strategy, determining optimal pit stops and tyre usage for peak performance. The prestige and rigorous training provided by my Oxford Engineering degree were crucial in helping me secure this role in Formula One.”
Fees
For full-time Home Undergraduate students, tuition fees are set in line with the maximum cap established by the UK government. For the 2025/26 academic year, this cap is £9,535, which serves as the indicative annual fee for students starting their studies in 2026. The official fee will be confirmed once the government announces the final tuition levels for that entry year.
Annual Course Fees
- Home students: £9,535
- Overseas students: £62,820
Your fee status (Home or Overseas) determines which fee rate applies to you. Further details about eligibility can be found on the University’s fee status webpage.
Fees are normally subject to annual increases, so it is important to review the University’s guidance on likely fee changes before applying. Additional details are available on the course fees.
Financial Support
Home Students
Eligible Home students (including UK and Irish nationals, and those with UK citizens’ rights*) can access a tuition fee loan from the UK government, covering the full cost of their first undergraduate degree. This ensures that course fees do not need to be paid upfront.
From 2026, Oxford University will continue to provide one of the most generous bursary programmes in the UK. Financial support is available for students from households with an annual income of around £50,000 or less, with enhanced assistance for families earning £32,500 or less. In addition, the UK government offers maintenance loans and grants to help eligible students cover living costs, subject to residence requirements.
*For courses starting on or after 1 August 2021, EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals may qualify for UK student finance if they hold UK citizens’ rights (for example, pre-settled or settled status) or are Irish citizens under the Common Travel Area. The type and level of support depend on residency status.
Further details and guidance are available on the University website.
Islands Students
Students from the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are entitled to different financial support compared with the rest of the UK. Please check the relevant funding agencies for details:
- States of Jersey
- States of Guernsey
- Isle of Man
Overseas Students
Overseas applicants can explore a range of funding and scholarship opportunities through the “Other Scholarships” section on Oxford’s Bursaries and Scholarships page.
Important Notes
Students with a previous undergraduate degree are classified as Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) students and are not eligible for UK government loans or Oxford bursaries. Apart from tuition fees and living costs, there are no compulsory additional expenses for the Engineering Science course. Students can also utilize the University’s Fees, Funding, and Scholarship Search tool to explore all available financial support options.