What's an accredited course?
To become accredited, a university course has to meet the criteria set out by the Engineering Council UK. Staffing, resources, facilities, student support and course structure and technical depth are assessed.

Does it matter if a course is accredited?
Accredited courses have many benefits. Here are just a few:

• Your career options are widened – some employers recruit students directly from accredited degrees, which they trust to produce high-calibre students.
• You’ll be comfortable knowing your degree is recognised professionally worldwide.
• It’s easier to become a registered engineer in the future.

Professional registration
Registration as a chartered, incorporated engineer or as engineering technician is voluntary. In order to become registered you'll need to demonstrate a high standard of professional competence which you can acquire through education, training and work.

There are four categories of registration:

• Chartered Engineer (CEng)
• Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
• Engineering Technician (EngTech)
• Information and Communications Technology Technician (ICTTech)

How to get chartered status
In order to be eligible to obtain chartered status you’ll need to hold an accredited Bachelors degree with honours in engineering or technology, plus either a Masters degree accredited by a professional engineering institution, or an accredited integrated MEng degree.

You can still become eligible if you do not have these academic qualifications, though it’s not quite so straightforward. 

To register as a chartered engineer, you’ll also need to be a member of a professional engineering institution in the UK.