University of Manchester: Where engineers better the world

The work of engineers impacts just about every facet of our lives – from how we live and commute, to the medical technologies used to treat individuals in healthcare, among a host of other things that better our lives. Clearly, the work of engineers has a profound effect on society, but most of us are unaware of the true extent of this.

Similarly, if you’re someone who wants to make a positive contribution to the world or would like to be involved in positively changing people’s lives, an engineering degree could make this a reality. Engineers help tackle some of the challenges facing society by applying their skills in various fields, from artificial intelligence and research to medical robots, improving how we live, directly or indirectly. And so it comes as no surprise that engineers are among the world’s in-demand professions. There are many areas for specialisation to suit your interests and strengths if you’re an aspiring engineer. But if you’re wondering about pursuing your undergraduate or postgraduate studies at an institution that also echoes your values on positively impacting society and the world, why not consider the University of Manchester

This public research university is part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities. Ranked 57^th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019, it has cemented its reputation as a world leader in research excellence, what with some 20 Nobel Prize winners among its current and past staff and students.

Research prowess aside, the University of Manchester Faculty of Science and Engineering features nine schools, including the School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science; School of Chemistry, School of Computer Science; School of Earth and Environmental Sciences; School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering; School of Materials; School of Mathematics; School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering; and the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Prospective students can enjoy a wide breadth of study areas at this institution, including a BSc Environmental Science, MPhil Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Advanced Computer Science, which can help lay the foundation for you to develop the necessary skills and knowledge necessary for the realities of work in your chosen field.

Where social responsibility lies at the heart

The University of Manchester promotes social responsibility through engineering, and this can be seen through its teaching, research, public events and a wide range of activities and initiatives. For example, the university has engineered a new form of landmine detection; has improved the environmental sustainability of the campus; represented the most up-to-date research at a Select Committee; and run exciting science activities for primary school children.

Many of these schools have teams who are working towards, or who have already gained Green Impact Awards, demonstrating that they have evaluated their work environments and actively made changes to improve the sustainability of a particular space, be it a lab, an office or an entire building. Staff actively engage in initiatives towards environmental sustainability, so prospective students from their School of Earth and Environmental Sciences can be assured that they will be learning from those who walk the talk.

Paving the way for women to excel in STEMM

While women have been widely reported to be underrepresented in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) fields, Manchester is committed to equality and diversity to ensure it is gender inclusive. They actively encourage women to join them to further their education and careers and are proud of the outstanding work they carry out in their tenures. Within their faculty, several female colleagues have been designated as ‘Women of Wonder’, highlighting and celebrating their work and research and how it impacts communities and the world.

Meanwhile, the University of Manchester’s Athena SWAN Bronze Award, received in 2008, is a testament to their ongoing commitment to the advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. The Charter has been running since 2005, encouraging and recognising commitment to the advancement and promotion of the careers of women in STEMM.

Without a doubt, students who study at the University of Manchester learn in an environment of like-minded individuals who not only care about pushing the boundaries of academia, but also towards becoming more socially-responsible citizens through the research undertaken.

Your success in the field of engineering requires you to gain the necessary knowledge and hands-on training to thrive in the field – and for that to happen, you’ll need to choose the right university. In a similar vein, the University of Manchester’s engineering programmes prepares students for a wide variety of professional engineering careers, as well as for postgraduate study in their chosen specialisation.

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