Software & systems

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:

• manufacturing systems engineering
• electrical or electronic engineering
• mechanical engineering
• production or manufacturing engineering

If you've got another engineering qualification, you could take a postgraduate master's course in manufacturing systems engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could start by completing a college course before going on to do a higher level engineering qualification or an apprenticeship.

Courses include:

• mechanical engineering
• electrical and electronic engineering
• automation and control engineering
• T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

There are a lot of engineering apprenticeships available and the one you take will depend on your area of interest, for instance Food and Drink Engineer Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

There are also Level 6 Degree Apprenticeships to train as a:

• Manufacturing Engineer
• Robotics Engineer
• Space Systems Engineer
• Science Industry Process and Plant Engineer

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

More information

Further information

You can find more advice about careers in manufacturing systems engineering from:the Institution of Mechanical Engineers; Tomorrow's Engineers; The Institution of Engineering and Technology

View all vacancies in this region

You could work in any branch of manufacturing, like:vehicles; food and drink; pharmaceuticals; electronics; aerospace

With experience, you could become a lead or senior engineer on projects.

You could also work towards incorporated or chartered engineer status with the professional body associated with your branch of engineering.

This would give you industry recognition of your skills and knowledge and open up further opportunities for career development.

You'll find more advice about careers in systems engineering from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Tomorrow's Engineers.