Master of Engineering

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A Master of Engineering (abbreviated MEng, ME, M.E. or M.Eng.) is a professional master's degree in the field of engineering.

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International variations

Australia

In Australia, the Master of Engineering degree is a research degree requiring completion of a thesis. Like the Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.), it is considered a lesser degree than Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). It is not to be confused with Master of Engineering Science, Master of Engineering Studies or Master of Professional Engineering which are coursework master's degrees. Exceptions are Monash University which awards a Master of Engineering Science by either research or coursework, the University of Melbourne which offers a Master of Engineering by coursework, [1] and the University of Tasmania which offer a Master of Engineering Science by research. [2]

Finland

There are two distinct degrees in Finland, a taught university degree ( diplomi-insinööri ) and a polytechnic master's degree's ( insinööri (ylempi AMK) ). [3] While the former is translated as "Master of Science in Technology", the term "Master of Engineering" is predominantly used by Universities of Applied Sciences, which offer master's degree programs to holders of polytechnic bachelor's degrees ( insinööri (amk) ). As European Bologna process directs, in order to get an M. Eng. degree, B.Eng. engineers have to additionally study full-time one or two years and finalize a master's thesis. Most of the M. Eng. degree programs are taught in Finnish, but some Swedish and English language programs also exist. [4]

France

In France there are two distinct kinds of Master of Engineering. A master's degree taught in university and an engineer degree Diplôme d'Ingénieur taught in engineer schools, which is a parallel education system of university, named Grande école. Master of engineering and engineer's degree are both equal in term of level education, and generally leads to the same positions. The engineer's title in France is strictly protected and can be used only after a successful graduation in an Engineer School accredited by state. While a university's master's degree of engineering is a grade which does not give the right to use the Engineer's title, even if position's level and responsibilities are same. For the same reason, Bachelor of Engineering does not allow a graduate to be called "Engineer" or to work as an engineer. To work as an engineer requires 5 years of education in university or Engineer's school and using the title of engineer requires graduation from an engineer school.

Germany

In Germany, the local engineer's degrees (Diplomingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.), a first degree after five years of study at a university and Dipl.-Ing. (FH), the engineering degree offered by Fachhochschulen after four years of study) were abolished in most universities and "Fachhochschulen" in 2010 and were replaced by postgraduate master's degrees (M.Sc. and M.Eng.).

The first Master of Engineering courses were introduced in Germany in 2000 as result of the Bologna process. This type of master's degree is usually offered by Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences) and a few smaller German universities [5] and is typically a two-year program (fachhochschulen and universities) with application-oriented coursework and an applied or research thesis.

The entry requirement is the successful completion of a bachelor's degree or an equivalent from before the Bologna process, with good marks.

The nine leading German technical universities (Group of TU9), like most European universities of technology, prefer awarding the Master of Science degree for completing engineering science studies in a master's program. [6]

India

The Master of Engineering (M.E.) is a postgraduate degree in engineering, typically awarded after two years of advanced study. It offers specializations in fields such as Computer Science and Engineering, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and Structural Engineering. The M.E. is considered a path for in-depth technical expertise and career advancement in the engineering sector. The Eligibility is a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering like B.E./B.Tech/AMIE in an engineering discipline. Admission often requires performance in the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering), though some universities may have their own entrance exams.

An M.E. degree opens doors to advanced roles in industry, academia, or research. Graduates work in sectors like software, telecommunications, automotive, construction, and energy. Many M.E. graduates also pursue a Ph.D. or take up teaching roles. The M.E. degree in India provides engineers with advanced knowledge and expertise, enhancing career opportunities in both technical and managerial roles across various industries.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the Master of Engineering degree is generally a research based degree requiring completion of a thesis in key universities (University of Auckland, University of Canterbury, etc.). [7] [8] Similar to the UK's Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) in engineering or technology, it is considered a lesser degree than Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and a higher degree than a coursework master. It is not to be confused with Master of Engineering Studies which is coursework master's degree.

In Auckland University of Technology (AUT), this degree can be achieved either by completing a thesis (research pathway) or a combination of coursework and research project (coursework pathway). [9]

Slovakia

FIIT STU Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) accreditation [10] for two master's degree study programs: Intelligent Software Systems (combined fields of study Software Engineering – major and Artificial Intelligence – secondary) and Internet Technologies (in the field of study Computing Engineering); three bachelor's degree study programs and two doctoral degree study programs. [11]

FEI STU engineering Institute of Electrical Engineering (IEE) accreditation

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the degree of Master of Engineering (MEng) is the highest award for undergraduate studies in engineering. It is the standard university-level qualification taken by people wishing to become chartered engineers registered with the Engineering Council (EngC). The MEng degree represents the minimum educational standard required to become a chartered engineer, but there are other equally satisfactory ways to demonstrate this standard, such as the completion of a BEng Honours and a subsequent postgraduate diploma, MA or MSc or through experiential learning. The UK MEng (undergraduate degree) is typically equivalent to the European Diplom Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.) and Civilingenjör degrees.

Universities are free to set their own entry requirements. Some universities, such as Oxford, Cambridge and some courses at Imperial only admit students to study for the MEng degree. (Their courses usually allow a student to leave with a bachelor's degree after three years. More information on which courses are accredited by the Engineering Council for registration as a Chartered Engineer or Incorporated Engineer can be found at https://www.engc.org.uk/education-skills/accreditation-of-higher-education-programmes/) Other universities, such as the University of Greenwich, University of Surrey, Coventry University, Brunel University and Swansea University, admit students to read for BEng Honours and MEng courses and allow students to change between the two during the early years of the course. The Open University offers the MEng degree as a postgraduate qualification but requires students to complete its course within four years of completing a BEng Honours degree.

Requirements for professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer [12] or a Chartered Engineer [13] is based on a standard of professional competence and commitment, as set out in the professional standard UK-SPEC. Individuals generally develop these through education and working experience.

History

Since its introduction, the MEng has become the degree of choice for most undergraduate engineers, as was intended. The most common exception to this is international students who, because of the substantially higher fees they are charged, sometimes opt to take the tradition BEng/B.Sc. route where that is available[ citation needed ]. Most of the engineering institutions have now made an MEng the minimum academic standard necessary to become a Chartered Engineer. Students who graduated before the changes in the rules will still be allowed to use their bachelor's degree for this purpose and those who have earned a bachelor's degree since the changes can usually take some additional courses (known as 'further learning') over time to reach an equivalent standard to the MEng Some older universities such as Durham [14] [ failed verification ] allow students to obtain the BEng degree after the third year before continuing on to the fourth year.

United States

In the United States, the Master of Engineering degree is generally a professional degree offered as a coursework-based alternative to the traditional research-based Master of Science. It is typically a one-year program, entered after the completion of a 4-year bachelor's degree and many universities allow students to choose between the Master of Engineering and the Master of Science.

The Master of Engineering degree is offered at many leading universities in the United States on either a full-time and part-time (weekends or evenings) basis [15] and is considered a terminal degree in the field of engineering and is considered as a step forward in one's professional career as an engineer.

Some MEng degree programs require a scholarly project in addition to coursework. They require additional courses beyond those required for Master of Science students in order to better prepare students for professional careers. Some of them highly encourage students to participate in collaborative consulting projects. [16] These courses may include topics such as business fundamentals, management and leadership. [17]

See also

Related Research Articles

A bachelor's degree or baccalaureate is an undergraduate degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to six years. The two most common bachelor's degrees are the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science. In some institutions and educational systems, certain bachelor's degrees can only be taken as graduate or postgraduate educations after a first degree has been completed, although more commonly the successful completion of a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for further courses such as a master's or a doctorate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Master of Science</span> Type of postgraduate qualification

A Master of Science is a master's degree. In contrast to the Master of Arts degree, the Master of Science degree is typically granted for studies in sciences, engineering and medicine and is usually for programs that are more focused on scientific and mathematical subjects; however, different universities have different conventions and may also offer the degree for fields typically considered within the humanities and social sciences. While it ultimately depends upon the specific program, earning a Master of Science degree typically includes writing a thesis.

<i>Fachhochschule</i> Type of vocational educational institution in German-speaking countries

A Fachhochschule, abbreviated FH, is a university of applied sciences (UAS), in other words a German tertiary education institution that provides professional education in many applied sciences and applied arts, such as engineering, technology, business, architecture, design, and industrial design.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Engineering technologist</span> Profession

An engineering technologist is a professional trained in certain aspects of development and implementation of a respective area of technology. An education in engineering technology concentrates more on application and less on theory than does an engineering education. Engineering technologists often assist engineers; but after years of experience, they can also become engineers. Like engineers, areas where engineering technologists can work include product design, fabrication, and testing. Engineering technologists sometimes rise to senior management positions in industry or become entrepreneurs.

A Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE), or Bachelor of Science and Engineering is an undergraduate academic degree awarded to a college graduate majoring in an engineering discipline at a higher education institution.

An engineer's degree is an advanced academic degree in engineering which is conferred in Europe, some countries of Latin America, North Africa and a few institutions in the United States. The degree may require a thesis but always requires a non-abstract project. To obtain an Engineer's degree in Asia, the duration of study typically ranges from 4 to 5 years, depending on the country and university. Additionally, there may be further requirements for certifications or licenses to practice engineering after graduation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal College of Science and Technology</span>

The Royal College of Science and Technology was a higher education college that existed in Glasgow, Scotland between 1887 and 1964. Tracing its history back to the Andersonian Institute, it is the direct predecessor institution of the University of Strathclyde. Its main building on George Street now serves as one of the major academic and administration buildings of the University of Strathclyde.

A Diplom is an academic degree in the German-speaking countries Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and a similarly named degree in some other European countries including Albania, Bulgaria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine and only for engineers in France, Greece, Hungary, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Brazil.

A terminal degree is the highest-level university degree that can be achieved and awarded in an academic discipline or professional field. In other cases, it is a degree that is awarded because a doctoral-level degree is not available or appropriate. The two main types of terminal degrees are academic or professional.

The Doctor of Engineering is a research doctorate in engineering and applied science. An EngD is a terminal degree similar to a PhD in engineering but applicable more in industry rather than in academia. The degree is usually aimed toward working professionals.

The School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. is a technical school which specializes in engineering, technology, communications, and transportation. The school is located on the main campus of the George Washington University and offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.

The Diplôme d'Ingénieur is a postgraduate degree in engineering (see Engineer's Degrees in Europe) usually awarded by the Grandes Écoles in engineering. It is generally obtained after five to seven years of studies after the Baccalauréat.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Engineering education</span> Educational activity of teaching knowledge and principles of engineering

Engineering education is the activity of teaching knowledge and principles to the professional practice of engineering. It includes an initial education and(B.Engg.) or (M.Engg.), and any advanced education and specializations that follow. Engineering education is typically accompanied by additional postgraduate examinations and supervised training as the requirements for a professional engineering license. The length of education, and training to qualify as a basic professional engineer, is typically five years, with 15–20 years for an engineer who takes responsibility for major projects.

Master's degrees in Europe are the second cycle of the Bologna process, following on from undergraduate bachelor's degrees and preceding third cycle doctorates. Master's degrees typically take two years to complete, although the number of years varies between countries, and correspond to 60 – 120 ECTS credits. Within the European Higher Education Area, representing almost all countries in Europe, master's degrees are referenced to the Framework of Qualifications for the European Higher Education Area and national qualifications frameworks.

The Department of Engineering at Durham University is the department engaged in the teaching and research of engineering across a broad range of disciplines. It is the successor department to the UK's first school of engineering, established at Durham in 1837.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bachelor of Science</span> Type of undergraduate qualification

A Bachelor of Science is a bachelor's degree that is awarded for programs that generally last three to five years.

Southeastern Institute of Technology (SIT), Huntsville, Alabama, was a professional school from 1976 to 2004 providing continuing education and granting professional degrees focusing on application.

The Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Dresden – University of Applied Sciences is a university of applied sciences and, after the Technical University Dresden, the second largest university of the city of Dresden (Saxony). It offers 36 study programmes in engineering, design, economics and the environment.

References

  1. ↑ "Melbourne School of Engineering".
  2. ↑ University of Tasmania Engineering Course Guide Accessed 16 September 2009
  3. ↑ Finnish legislation 423/2005 on degrees at Universities of Applied Sciences Accessed: 21 June 2009
  4. ↑ Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Master's degrees Accessed: 21 June 2009
  5. ↑ "Software Engineering for Embedded Systems". www.zfuw.uni-kl.de. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
  6. ↑ "TU9.de - englischsprachige Masterkurse - German Institutes of Technology". Archived from the original on 12 November 2011.
  7. ↑ "Master of Engineering".
  8. ↑ "Master of Engineering - The University of Auckland". www.engineering.auckland.ac.nz.
  9. ↑ "Master of Engineering - AUT University". Archived from the original on 6 February 2014.
  10. ↑ Zuzana Marušincová (15 February 2018). "Slovakia has a university with the same accreditation as Cambridge". fiit.stuba.sk. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  11. ↑ "Accredited study programs". fiit.stuba.sk. 3 May 2018. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  12. ↑ "Engineering Council".
  13. ↑ "Engineering Council".
  14. ↑ "Engineering and Computing Science - Durham University". www.dur.ac.uk.
  15. ↑ "Flexible Schedule - Gordon Institute at Tufts University". tufts.edu.
  16. ↑ "MSEM Curriculum - Gordon Institute". tufts.edu. Archived from the original on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  17. ↑ Master of Engineering, Duke University, http://meng.pratt.duke.edu/
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