Manufacturing systems engineer

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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

As a manufacturing systems engineer, you could:

• produce design and engineering plans for new installations and equipment
• build models using computer aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) software
• test systems and analyse data to improve production methods
• manage projects, budgets and a team of engineers and technicians
• give progress reports to senior managers

You could work in a factory, in an office or in a laboratory.