Why I chose to study Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham

Discover why student Ethan chose to study Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham.

Ethan working in a lab.

I have always been fascinated by how cutting edge technology can make a positive impact on society. From cleaner, greener cars, to life-changing prosthetics, Mechanical Engineering is a field where you can make limitless impact on the world.

Why I chose Engineering at Birmingham

Birmingham, being a research intensive institution is a hub of innovation, where many of my lecturers are actively involved in cutting-edge research projects, and bring their insights from these projects directly into the classroom. What stood out to me about Birmingham was its emphasis on practical engineering. Whether that be through Mechanical Design projects or Multidisciplinary Engineering Projects, I always enjoyed getting to apply my theoretical background to practical projects.

What you can do with a Mechanical Engineering degree

A Mechanical Engineering degree can set you up for a wide range of industries and roles. Over the course of the degree, I’ve developed advanced mathematical and analytical skills, learned to think critically, manage complex projects, and apply first-principles to solve real-world engineering problems.

These qualities, especially system-thinking and quantitative reasoning are transferrable beyond traditional engineering roles into sectors like energy, manufacturing and even finance, which gives me a strong foundation to grow my future career from.

Living in Birmingham

Aside from my time on campus, I’ve really enjoyed exploring Birmingham. The city is a diverse mix of culture and innovation, and getting a chance to experience diverse cultural events, different cuisines and enjoy Birmingham’s vibrant nightlife has been one of the highlights during my time at Birmingham. 

Top tips for prospective students

My top tip for any student considering Engineering at university is to get involved with extracurriculars. This could be anything from hobby projects to student societies. Being a part of various cultural, activity-based, and even engineering specific societies allowed me to be a part of a community of like-minded people, and gave me experiences I’ll remember for life.

Ethan and students working in a lab.

Ethan Simon

Ethan is studying MEng Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham.

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