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Integrated master's degrees explained

An integrated master’s degree combines both undergraduate-level and master's level study in one degree.

  • The degree typically consists of three years of bachelor’s level study followed by an additional year at master’s level.
  • You have the choice of completing an optional placement year at the end of your second year of study. Part-time options are also available for some courses.
  • The final year typically provides you with a choice of modules, enabling you to graduate with a more specialised qualification that fits with your career aspirations.
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    Year One

    Core knowledge

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    Year Two

    Development

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    Optional Placement Year

    Growth

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    Year Three

    Professional preparation

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    Year Four

    Specialisation

What are the benefits of studying an integrated master’s degree?

  • Studying an accredited integrated master’s provides successful graduates with the most direct route to meeting the academic requirements for future registration as a Chartered Engineer. There are many reasons to become professionally registered; check out the Engineering Council’s website for more information.
  • Professionally registered engineers continue to out-earn their non-registered colleagues and generally have higher employment rates than their undergraduate counterparts.
    (Source: Engineering Council UK 2022)
  • Integrated master’s graduates appeal to employers because they will have gained deeper, more specialist subject expertise and knowledge than their undergraduate counterparts.
  • The total cost of studying an integrated master’s degree is typically less than if you were to complete separate undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in succession. Student Finance will also cover you for the full duration of the degree with one undergraduate loan if you are a UK student, rather than you having to take out separate undergraduate and postgraduate loans and then paying back both simultaneously.
  • International students can apply for a longer VISA than if they were to apply for an undergraduate degree.

I started on the BEng, transitioning onto the MEng after achieving satisfactory grades to do so. I transitioned because it’s the most direct route to chartership. Studying the MEng provided me with that extra bit of knowledge that helped with particularly difficult interview questions. I was able to focus my studies on a preferred technical aspect within motorsport; in my case this was electrical design.I’ve already secured a junior role at Aston Martin Formula 1 as a permanent member of staff.

Ali Haddow, Motorsport Engineering MEng, quoted May 2023
Ali Haddow Motorsport Engineering working on a component with a laptop on the desk in front of him

How do I apply for an integrated master’s degree?

You can apply through UCAS, the same as you would for an undergraduate bachelor’s degree.

FAQs

Open Days

Speak directly to academics and find out more about your integrated master’s options at one of our forthcoming Open Days. You'll also have the opportunity to take a look around our facilities. 

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