A degree in engineering is the obvious basis for a career in the profession, either in the traditional format or including a sandwich year to be spent on industrial placement onsite at a sponsoring company. Nevertheless, a significant number of those entering the profession are also graduates in related subjects, such as physics, chemistry and maths. Most employers will also expect candidates to have strong GCSE and A-level passes (or equivalent) in maths, sciences or technology.

There are three types of registered engineers, namely Chartered and Incorporated Engineers and Engineering Technicians. Chartered Engineers typically need to complete a 4 year MEng degree (for Incorporated Engineers it is one of the 3 year BEng, BSc or BTech courses) and then complete an initial professional development period before achieving full status.