Engineering Science Undergraduate
About the Course
Engineering Science at Oxford is a wide-ranging and intellectually stimulating programme that spans subjects from microelectronics to large-scale offshore oil platforms. At its core, the discipline combines creative reasoning, scientific knowledge, mathematics, practical experience, and common sense to tackle real-world challenges.
The Department of Engineering Science at Oxford has earned the highest quality assessment rating for teaching and holds an international reputation for research excellence.
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 approach to Engineering Science is based on the belief that innovation in engineering requires both broad foundational knowledge and specialised expertise. For this reason, the undergraduate course is designed as a unified programme, rather than being divided into separate disciplines at the start.
- The first two years are focused on providing all undergraduates with a strong grounding in the core principles of engineering, covering essential topics across multiple branches.
- This integrated teaching ensures students understand the connections between different fields of engineering, leading to a well-structured and efficient learning experience.
In the third and fourth years, students can choose to specialise in one of six major branches of engineering:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Information Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
This choice of specialisation is flexible—students do not need to decide until the third year of study.
Accreditation
The Engineering Science programme is reviewed every five years by professional engineering institutions. At present, it is accredited by:
- 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 bodies)
These accreditations confirm that the course fully meets the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer under the Engineering Council.
- Accreditation by IET, IMechE, InstMC, and IChemE is confirmed for student intakes up to 2027.
- Accreditation by JBM is confirmed up to 2025, with a review for 2026–2027 intakes scheduled for summer 2025.
Industrial Experience
Practical industrial experience is considered an essential complement to academic study. Students are strongly encouraged to gain industry exposure, and many do so through sponsorships with companies.
- In some cases, sponsoring companies may request students to take a pre-university gap year placement to work with them before starting the degree.
- Applicants intending to do this must declare it both in their UCAS application and at their Oxford interview.
Careers teachers and professional engineering institutions can provide additional guidance on sponsorship opportunities.
Astrophoria Foundation Year
For students who aspire to study Engineering Science at Oxford but may not be in a position to achieve the very high grades usually required, the Astrophoria Foundation Year offers a valuable alternative route.
This programme has been specifically designed to support applicants whose personal, social, or educational circumstances may have placed them at a disadvantage during their schooling. The Foundation Year provides an additional year of study before beginning the full degree, giving students the chance to:
- Build the academic knowledge and skills needed to succeed in Engineering Science.
- Gain confidence in working with university-level material.
- Receive tailored academic and personal support to ease the transition into undergraduate life at Oxford.
By successfully completing the Foundation Year, students will be well-prepared to progress directly into the full Engineering Science degree.
A Typical Week
Life as an Engineering Science student at Oxford combines lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and project work, ensuring that your learning experience is both broad and in-depth. While the exact structure may vary, a typical week looks like this:
- Lectures: You can expect around ten lectures per week, delivered by experienced academics who are active in research and specialists in their fields.
- Tutorials and Classes: On average, there are two tutorials or small-group classes per week. These provide opportunities to explore lecture material in detail, guided by your tutor. In the first two years, tutorials are usually held in colleges in groups of 2–4 students. By the third year, tutorials are department-based, with groups of up to 4 students, while final-year classes may vary in size but are never larger than 15 students.
- Practical Work: In the first and second years, you may have up to five hours of laboratory work in some weeks, supervised by academic and technical staff. These sessions develop problem-solving skills and practical application of theory.
- Project Work: From the third year onwards, project work becomes a central part of study. In the third year, students typically spend one day per week on a group project, while in the fourth year, an individual research project takes around two and a half days per week.
Teaching is delivered by a combination of academic staff, postgraduate tutors, and postdoctoral researchers, all of whom bring valuable expertise to the learning environment.
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 & Specialisation: A major research project plus six specialist courses chosen 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: AAA, including Mathematics and Physics. The A* grades must be achieved in Mathematics, Physics, or Further Mathematics.
- Advanced Highers (Scotland): AA or AAB.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Total score of 40 points (including core points), with 776 at Higher Level, which must include 7s in both Mathematics and Physics.
- Advanced Diploma in Engineering (Level 3): Accepted if combined with:
- 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 of these elements.
- 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: See guidance on UK and international qualifications.
📌 Your academic performance is considered in the context of your personal circumstances. For example, if you are predicted A*AA but have faced challenges such as illness, bereavement, or disruption to education, your application will still be considered seriously. In such cases, any offer made would normally be conditional on achieving AAA.
Subject Requirements
- Essential: You must have studied Physics and Mathematics at A-level (or equivalent, such as Advanced Highers or IB Higher Level).
- Helpful (but not compulsory): Further Mathematics can strengthen your preparation for the course.
Science A-levels: If you choose to take science A-levels, you are expected to complete and pass the practical component in addition to meeting the grade requirements.
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 personal or educational circumstances mean that you are unlikely to achieve the required grades, but you have a strong interest in Engineering Science, you may wish to apply for the Engineering Science with Foundation Year programme.
Further details on eligibility and entry requirements for the Foundation Year are available on the 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.
What Tutors Look For
- Tutors seek applicants who demonstrate:
- Strong enthusiasm for engineering.
- High ability in mathematics and physics.
- These qualities are evaluated through:
- Performance at interview.
- Predicted and achieved exam results (with particular focus on Mathematics and Physics).
- PAT score.
📌 Final offers are made based on a holistic assessment of all these factors.
For further details, visit the official Engineering Science website to review the full selection criteria.
Careers
Graduates of Oxford’s Engineering Science programme pursue careers across a wide range of industries, reflecting both the versatility of their training and the prestige of the degree. Common sectors include:
- Banking and investment
- Consultancy
- Accountancy
- Information technology and computing
- Energy and environmental industries
While many graduates branch into these fields, a significant proportion go on to work directly in the engineering and manufacturing sector. Others choose to continue their academic journey, either at Oxford or other leading institutions, by pursuing doctoral research.
Graduate Spotlight
Mark, now a Race Strategy Modeller at Ferrari, describes his role:
My work involves applying mathematical techniques to a variety of engineering problems related to Formula One cars. A recent project focused on race strategy, where we determine the best times to pit and which tyres to use for optimal performance. I believe the reputation of the Oxford engineering degree was a key factor in securing a role in Formula One.
Fees
For full-time Home undergraduate students, tuition charges are set according to the fee cap determined by the UK government. For the 2025/26 academic year, the cap is currently set at £9,535. This figure has been used as the indicative annual fee for students beginning their course in 2026. Please note that this information will be updated once the government confirms the official fee 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 official course fees page.
Living Costs
Living expenses at Oxford are often lower than many expect, as the University’s extensive resources and the support provided by colleges can help reduce overall costs.
For the academic year beginning in 2026, estimated living costs range between £1,405 and £2,105 per month while you are in Oxford. Since the academic year consists of three eight-week terms, most students typically need to budget for just over six months of residence each year.
However, it is recommended that you plan for a nine-month budget. This ensures that you have sufficient funds to cover essential expenses not only during term time, but also throughout the holiday periods when you may still have costs to meet.
Further details, including a breakdown of typical expenses, are available on the University’s official living costs webpage.
Financial Support
Home Students
For eligible Home students (UK, Irish nationals, and those with UK citizens’ rights*), a tuition fee loan is available from the UK government to cover course fees in full for those undertaking their first undergraduate degree. This means you do not need to pay your course fees upfront.
From 2026, Oxford will continue to offer one of the most generous bursary packages in the UK. Support will be available for students with a family income of around £50,000 or less, with additional opportunities for those from households earning £32,500 or less. The UK government also provides living cost support to eligible students who meet residence requirements.
*For courses beginning on or after 1 August 2021, EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals may be eligible for UK student finance if they have UK citizens’ rights (for example, pre-settled or settled status) or are Irish citizens under the Common Travel Area arrangement. The type of support available will depend on residency status.
See further details 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 find funding opportunities listed in the Other Scholarships section of the Oxford Bursaries and Scholarships page.
Important Notes
- Students who have already completed an undergraduate degree will be classified as Equivalent or Lower Qualification students (ELQ). Such students are not eligible for government or Oxford financial support.
- There are no compulsory additional costs for Engineering Science beyond the tuition fees and living costs described earlier.
You can also use the University’s Fees, Funding, and Scholarship Search tool to explore available support.
Contextual Information
Applicants can access Unistats course data from Discover Uni, which provides detailed statistics about this undergraduate course at Oxford. While this data is useful, it only offers part of the picture.
For a broader and more meaningful understanding of what it’s like to study here, we encourage you to also explore the information provided below and make full use of the resources available on our website.
The Oxford Tutorial
At the heart of teaching at Oxford is the college tutorial, a distinctive feature of the University’s learning approach. Tutorials are usually held within your college and led by your academic tutor(s), who not only teach but also actively engage in research. Alongside tutorials, you will also benefit from lectures, classes, laboratory sessions, and sometimes fieldwork, depending on your course.
What makes tutorials unique is the personalised attention they provide. Unlike lectures, tutorials typically involve just one or two students working closely with an expert tutor for about an hour. In these sessions, you will receive detailed feedback on your prepared work, engage in rigorous discussions, and explore topics in considerable depth.
Your tutorial partner(s) will usually be studying the same subject, which creates opportunities for collaborative thinking while still allowing for tailored guidance. The intensity and regularity of this teaching style not only deepen your understanding but also ensure that your progress is closely monitored. This enables tutors to offer targeted academic support whenever needed.
College Life
Oxford’s colleges are at the heart of the University’s global reputation for excellence. They combine the strengths of belonging to a world-leading institution with the close-knit support of a smaller academic community. Every student at Oxford is a member of both a college (or hall) and their subject department, ensuring a balance of personal attention and world-class resources.
Each college is home to academic staff, support teams, and students, creating a safe and welcoming environment where you can focus on your studies, make friends, and explore the many opportunities available across the University.
Although every college has its own unique character, most share similar facilities, which typically include:
- A Porters’ Lodge (staffed reception and entrance)
- A Dining Hall
- A Library (many open 24/7 during term time)
- Student accommodation
- Tutors’ teaching rooms
- A Chapel and/or music rooms
- Laundry facilities
- Green spaces
- A Common room (often called the JCR – Junior Common Room)
All first-year students are guaranteed accommodation, either on the main college site or in a nearby annexe. This means you’ll live alongside other freshers, making it easier to settle into university life. Your accommodation will be arranged before you arrive, so there’s no need to worry about housing logistics.
Most colleges also provide at least one further year of accommodation, and some offer housing for your entire degree. Students can choose to remain in college accommodation or move into private housing later, often with friends from across Oxford.
Colleges don’t just support your academic journey. While your tutors play a central role in your learning, they are also available for broader guidance. In addition, a wide network of college staff – including welfare officers – provide practical and wellbeing support. Many colleges also have informal support systems, such as student “families” or peer supporters trained by the University’s Counselling Service, to help you feel at home.
University-Wide Events and Resources
In addition to departmental activities, students are encouraged to explore Oxford’s outreach event calendar for University-wide events and subject-specific opportunities offered across colleges and faculties.
Further resources to support supercurricular engagement include:
- The Digital Resource Hub
- The Suggested Subject Resources webpage
- Oxplore, Oxford’s online learning platform for 11–18-year-olds
Prospective applicants can also sign up to receive step-by-step guidance on making a successful Oxford application.
👉 Learn more about Oxford’s widening access initiatives and discover the many ways you can connect with us before applying.