What are the pros and cons of General Engineering vs one discipline?

[ErrolTheDragon]

I'm trying to understand why a few (good!) unis do General Engineering MEng instead of offering separate EEE, Civil, Mechanical etc. EEE alone seems like a very broad subject nowadays - so, how can a GE course avoid being a bit 'jack of all trades and master of none'? I guess if someone wants to go into some sort of financial or general management type role after graduation it might make sense, but for anyone who wants to end up as an actual engineer I can't see how it could.

(I'm a scientist rather than an engineer myself

[ErrolTheDragon]

Just to update ... the theoretical possibility is now reality, she has offers for EEE at Southampton, Manchester and Sheffield, one more interview to go, and an offer for Gen Eng at Cambridge.

So now she's really trying to work out which to go for! It's a choice of two excellent alternatives, I will be delighted either way but it really is a fork in the road.

[Leedsmum27]

If it helps ....... dropped DS back at Cambridge yesterday - year 2. On the journey there we were discussing his choice. Acknowledged that had made the right choice of course for him as if not would have taken Mech Eng and now doesn't think that's the way he wants to go. (He does want to be an Engineer). He'd applied for a mix of General and Mechanical. Still early days of course.

Errol - congratulations to your DD. A great position to be in and lots of time to consider her offers.

[ErrolTheDragon]

Thanks, Leeds. Can I ask how he's finding the workload/short terms?

[Decorhate]

Well done to your dd Errol! Can I ask you what A Level subjects she did? My ds (Y11) is now considering an engineering degree. Will def do Maths & Physics. (I went through a different system so didn't have to go down to only 3/4 subjects at this stage)

[ErrolTheDragon]

Maths, further maths and physics, plus computer science to AS and an EPQ for which she chose the 'artefact' rather than essay, designed and built a robot. Engineering, physics and (some) maths courses are the exception to the rule you may see on MN and elsewhere that further maths should only be a fourth subject - it's definitely one which is desirable for engineers although not 'required' because not all schools offer it, and should be taken at least to AS. If your DS was interested in chem eng then obviously chemistry, which is also ok alongside physics and maths for other eng, and for some courses electronics or systems&control would also be acceptable - but to keep options open the traditional subjects are a better bet.

[Decorhate]

Thanks Errol. We have a meeting regarding 6th Form this week so hopefully will find out if FM will be done as an extra subject as in previous years or will have to be one of his three choices.

Do you know much about the Design Engineering type of degrees - they are offered at a few unis now & ds is quite good at art so they may appeal to him. But not sure if they are deemed comparable in terms of becoming chartered later?

[ErrolTheDragon]

Hopefully they'll do it as an extra at least up to AS, because just double maths and physics does limit the options if they're not 100% sure what they want to do. And tbh that combination if you're good at maths, isnt the same workload as any other three subjects. Back in the day when I was starting A levels (40 years ago,) my school would only allow us to do 3 unless it was double maths, physics and chemistry.

Sorry I know nothing about Design Engineering courses but maybe someone else will.

[Leedsmum27]

Errol

DS copes well on both counts. There is no question that the workload is heavy but I'm sure must be equally so elsewhere. The shorter terms means it is more intense, no reading weeks for example and there is certaintly an expectation of studying in the holidays - he's done a lot in the long Christmas break. To balance - judging on just how much else he fits into his social life balanced with results at the end of year one its clearly very doable to both work and play hard. There is also an expectation of 8 weeks placement before the end of year two - but lots of opportunities advertised through the Department. He thoroughly enjoyed his placement last summer ......and the money he earnt! All relative but DS says workload for natural sciences is heavier.

[ErrolTheDragon]

Thanks!

[Decorhate]

Thanks Errol!

[voilets]

FM has been invaluable to my DS on an Eng. degree. Was his 3rd A level after dropping another subject at AS which he was actually initially better at.